Newington, N.H. (October 3, 2018) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is honored to announce the production and presentation of the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Pistols for the U.S. Army’s 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) for the Tomb Guard Sentinels.
The M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols are unique M17 pistols that were created using the same specifications for the U.S. Army’s M17 Modular Handgun System. The ceremonial pistols are 9mm striker-fired pistols with a non-railed aluminum grip module, stainless steel slide, wood grip inserts, a 21-round magazine, and features the same optic cut as specified by the MHS contract, front night sight, removable rear plate, and black controls. The pistols also feature a high polish to withstand the inclement weather while the Tomb Sentinels stand guard.
The unique distinguishing features for the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols include:
• Pistol Names: each of the four pistols bears the name of Silence, Respect, Dignity, or Perseverance and is featured on the dust cover. Dignity and Perseverance represent “The Sentinel’s Creed,” and Silence and Respect represent the request to the public by Arlington National Cemetery when visiting the Tomb of the Unknown, and during the Changing of the Guard;
• Custom Wood Grips: in 1921 the chosen Unknown was transported to the United States of America aboard the USS Olympia. The custom wood grips are made with wood from the USS Olympia and include the crest of the 3rd Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier identification badge inset;
• Cocking Serrations: XXI cocking serrations are engraved on the slide to signify the twenty-one steps it takes for the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknowns and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute;
• Sight Plate: an engraved impression of the Greek Figures featured on the east panel of the Tomb – Peace, Victory, and Valor – are featured on the sight plate;
• Sights: a glass insert made with marble dust from the Tomb of the Unknown fills the sights of the ceremonial pistols;
• Engraved Magazines: the 21-round magazines feature an aluminum base plate engraved with the names of the Greek figures featured on the Tomb of the Unknown – Peace, Victory, and Valor – and include a name plate on the bottom of the magazine engraved with the Tomb Sentinel badge number.
• Serial Numbers: the pistols are serialized with a unique set of serial numbers that incorporate items of significance to the Old Guard: “LS” represents line six of the Sentinels’ Creed, “My standard will remain perfection; “02JUL37” to signify the first 24-hour guard posted at the Tomb of the Unknown on July 3, 1937; “21” to signify the 21 steps it takes the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknown, and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute. The full series of M17 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Pistols serial numbers are LS02JUL37A21 (Silence), LS02JUL37B21 (Respect), LS02JUL37C21 (Dignity), LS02JUL37D21 (Perseverance).
The M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols will be presented to the Old Guard in an official ceremony on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at the Arlington National Cemetery Chapel. The ceremony will begin at 9:00am and include a private presentation ceremony, followed by a Changing of the Guard in which the 3rd Guard soldiers will return to duty with their M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols. The presentation ceremony will conclude at 10:15am with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Silence, one of the four ceremonial pistols to be presented to the U.S. Army’s 3rd Guard will be on display in the SIG SAUER Booth (#3425) at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting, October 8th – 10th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
A full series of photos of the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols are available for viewing here.
Tags: Sig Sauer
I guess that answers my metal grip module question.
Looks good.
Those pistols look magnificent.
Nice firearm and gesture for guys doing magnificent work.
The way I looked at the military, veterans and war all changed Memorial Day 1986. My fascination with playing war as young boys do, was about guns and vanquishing the imaginary foe across the yard. All that changed when a fidgety 10 year whining to go the the Air and Space museum was cuffed on the ear by his grandfather and told to “shut up, watch, listen” the changing of the guard. I don’t remember everything he told me after we had left, but what I do recall has stuck with me and shaped my views on honor, respect, sacrifice and courage. Not sure why I shared that. Beautiful pistol.
That is a nice gesture and beautiful pistol.
Way to go the extra mile, SIG. This goes beyond a gesture, I bet these pistols will become iconic with the sentinels.
These four pistols alone make up for all the silly finishes and designs Sig slapped on the old P series guns.
The amount of attention and thought that went into these is on par with any heritage or memorial weapon I can think of.
Well done SIG.
I have no idea what those cost, and they’re probably a pretty big waste of money, but man… those are really cool!
The wood from the USS Olympia… dude this is beyond attention to detail! Way to go Sig, you guys nailed it. Beautiful tribute to the fallen and to The Old Guard!
Beautiful pistol I was with the old guard in Vietnam 1969-70 so proud
The honoring of the Tomb Sentinels is only surpassed at how the firearm honors those who are interred and for whom they represent, all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. This is a XXI Gun Salute for all. COL (RET) US Army