Tomb of the Unknowns Guards Begin Use of Custom M17 Pistols

SoldierSystemsDaily ^ | 13 Oct 2018

[shove_it]

Yesterday, Tomb Guards from the US Army’s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) were presented with 4 ceremonial M17 pistols at Arlington National Cemetery. These works of art were created by SIG SAUER specifically for use by the Guards.

This ceremony marks the first use of the M17, which will accompany the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers as they stand guard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

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).

[PROCON]

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[Blood of Tyrants]

Very nice and very fitting.

[smokingfrog]

Wow. Pretty cool!

[Big Red Badger]

“Disposable” ??

Civilians model is M1A,,,
Quite the Battle Rifle.

[dis.kevin]

Amazing

[archy]

I was first trained by the US Army on the .45 caliber M1911A1 in 1963, then again in Armor AIT [Tank Crew Training] 1n 1966. I've carried a M1911 or its equivalent, a Colt Commander, or an Argentine M1927 or HAFDASA, or a Star PD pretty much continuously since then. I've carried one every time I've voted as a US Citizen adult, and most every day of this century since 09/11/2001. I do not intend to change that which has worked so well for me for almost 60 years, just as it did for my dad, and his father, my grandfather before him.

That said: The new full-dress SIG M17 is a class act. For full-dress and formal occasions it may well become my new first my choice for such use, as soon as I can obtain one. I intend to.

[archy]

Our FRiend Shove_it is quite correct. The identification feature, not immediately visible in the comparison pic he posted, is the flip-up buttplate of the M14, meant to provide better recoil control when firing full-auto off the bipod. he M1 Garand, being neither full-auto nor fitted with a bipod lacked these features, though the BAR had them.

Happily, the M1 Garand remains in ceremonial service as the standard rifle for the USMC's Silent Drill Team. It could not be in bettrer hands, and of course, the crossed rifles on the USMC Expert Rifleman's Badge are Garands as well:

[TomBe]

I was a member of the 3rd Infantry, “The Old Guard” from 1970-1972 and am quite upset with this news. You see, after my Military Service I spent 40 yrs. working for Remington Arms, in Ilion, NY. Ilion is where “America’s oldest gunmaker” was founded 1816. I do not know how Sig sauer was selected to make these sidearms (donated, bid, etc.) and as beautiful as they are, I would have much preferred that they were produced by Remington, who was founded in America not much longer after our Nations birth! I am hoping Remington did not drop the ball!

[TomBe]

I was a member of the 3rd Infantry, “The Old Guard” from 1970-1972 and am quite upset with this news. You see, after my Military Service I spent 40 yrs. working for Remington Arms, in Ilion, NY. Ilion is where “America’s oldest gunmaker” was founded 1816. I do not know how Sig sauer was selected to make these sidearms (donated, bid, etc.) and as beautiful as they are, I would have much preferred that they were produced by Remington, who was founded in America not much longer after our Nations birth! I am hoping Remington did not drop the ball!

[shove_it]

Good point. May I suggest you contact Remington for the answer to your concern "... I am hoping Remington did not drop the ball!"

From the article, I assumed that Sig Sauer presented the pistols to TOG at their own initiative as a gift without request nor remuneration from the US Army.

Welcome aboard Free Republic!! Are you also a member of TOGA?