The P320-M17 Ceremonial
As we’ve previously reported, SIG’s Modular Handgun System program with the Army led to a short run of ceremonial handguns for the Sentinels over the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. While the elite Sentinels carry an Army-issue M14, the NCO of the guard carries a sidearm to allow them to properly inspect the Sentinel’s rifle, a post that has been manned for over a century.
M17 MHS Tomb SIG (Photo: Sig)
SIG is now marketing a more toned-down salute to that gun, the P320-M17 Ceremonial. It uses a distinctive high-polish AXG all-metal grip module fitted with custom Hogue walnut grip panels. With a matching high-polish optics-ready (DPP footprint) slide that includes front and rear day/night sights, it is chambered in 9mm and uses a 4.7-inch carbon steel barrel.
Other features include an M1913 accessory rail, and both a 17+1 round flush-fit magazine and a 21+1 extended magazine. (Photo: SIG)
Of note, the model is night and day different from the General Officer’s model M18 as supplied to the Army, although I would expect that the new $2K Ceremonial M17 will be a hit for retirement ceremonies among the top brass.