SIG Sauer to Present Ceremonial M17s to the Old Guard

by
posted on October 5, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
sig2-1edce44c-823f-4d65-855a-455050b66eb3_600x400.jpg

The Old Guard (U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Regiment) will soon be receiving quite a gift. In a ceremony at the hallowed Arlington National Cemetery Chapel, SIG Sauer will present the Old Guard with four ceremonial M17 pistolsbuilt on the same specifications for the U.S. Army’s M17 Modular Handgun System—each engraved with a different name, reflective either of a core tenet of the Sentinel’s Creed (Dignity and Perseverance), or the solemn request to the public when they visit Arlington (Silence and Respect).

    
Dignity, Perseverance, Silence and Respect will all be customized with wood grip inserts made from the wood of the USS Olympia, a high polish to withstand the elements during the sentinels’ tireless watch, and 21 round extended magazines, representative of both the 21 steps it takes for Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknown, and the honor of the 21 Gun Salute. In the way of further engravings, these ornate pistols will feature XXI rear cocking serrations, an impression of the Greek figures found on the East panel of the Tomb, and still another etching of the names of those same Greek figures (Peace, Victory and Valor). The intricacies of the gun do not stop there however. A glass insert, filled with marble dust from the Tomb of the Unknown, is inlaid into the sights, while even the serial numbers will incorporate items of significance, such as lines from the Sentinel’s Creed, or the date the first guard was posted. 

AUSA members will have an opportunity to see “Silence” a little closer up, as it will be on display in the SIG Sauer Booth at the Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting, from Oct. 8-10, 2018 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, in Washington D.C. The presentation ceremony itself is private, and will take place at 9 a.m. Oct. 11, 2018, at the chapel. A Changing of the Guard, during which the 3rd Guard will return to duty bearing their new pistols, will follow the ceremony. The events of the day will then conclude with a wreath laying at the Tomb, at 10:15 a.m.

See more images of the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols.

Latest

bluing with torch
bluing with torch

Tips & Techniques: DIY Fire Bluing

Is there anything prettier than fire bluing? This bright, “peacock” blue color is one of the world’s oldest firearm finishes and can be found on guns dating back as early as the 16th century and is still used on some of today’s high-end custom arms.

Rifleman Q&A: Eddystone Bayonets

"I recently started collecting World War I U.S. military firearms. I want to obtain a Model 1917 rifle made by each contractor—Winchester, Remington and Eddystone—along with bayonets for each. However, I can only locate bayonets made by Winchester and Remington. Why are bayonets made by Eddystone so hard to find?"

NRA Youth Education Summit 2025 Provides Scholarships, Leadership Lessons

The 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) brought together 32 exceptional high school students from across the United States.

Unfair Advantage: The Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

The latest “Pro” model in this famous German maker’s line of U.S.-assembled pistols leverages more than 100 years of experience in building service-size semi-automatics. And the results are better than even most experienced shooters should expect.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 8, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Terminal Ballistics 101: What You Must Know As A Rifleman

It is easy to take a box of bullets for granted, but as a rifleman, it is important to understand all variables at play when it comes to terminal ballistics. This guide, from NRA Firearms Sourcebook, will help drill down on what is important.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.