As an extension of SIG Sauer’s Modular Handgun System program with the U.S. Army, the gunmaker crafted a series of pistols for the Sentinels over the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. While those elite individuals carry an issued M14 rifle, the NCO of the guard carries a sidearm to allow them to inspect the Sentiels’ rifle. This post has been manned for more than a century.

In a salute to those handguns comes the new and striking SIG Custom Works P320-M17 Ceremonial pistol model.

The pistols includes a distinctive high-polish AXG all-steel grip module fitted with custom walnut grip panels from Hogue. The slide includes a matching high-polish optics-ready (DPP footprint) slide that comes with day/night iron sights. Like the regular M17, it’s chambered in 9mm and uses a 4.7-inch barrel.

“The P320-M17 Ceremonial, an acknowledgement of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our country,” SIG says. “A symbol of courage, resilience, and undeniable impact, marking the end of a commendable career of service and beginning of active duty alike.”

FEATURES

• Optic Ready High Polish DLC Slide, Compatible with ROMEO-X PRO, ROMEO2,
• DELTA POINT PRO
• High Polish AXG Carry Grip Module
• Custom Hogue Walnut AXG Grip Panels
• Striker Fired with a Short Tactical Reset
• (1) 17rd & (2) 21rd Steel Magazines

The Army launched the MHS competition in 2011 to find a replacement for the aging 9mm Beretta M9. The pistol had been in service for nearly 30 years, and instead of replacing units and parts, or adopt the latest version of the pistol from Beretta, the M9A3, the Army decided to upgrade and start fresh.

The Army, followed by the rest of the U.S. military, chose the M9 as its service pistol in the mid-1980s to replace the M1911 after 70 years of service for several reasons, primarily because of compatibility and performance.

In 2011, the Modular Handgun System test began and the winner of the trial was the relatively new SIG Sauer P320 pistol, which would become the M17 full-size handgun and the M18 compact handgun, respectively.

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