Gun Stories Presented by MidwayUSA Season 11 Episode 9 The M17 Protecting The Tomb of the Unknown

Gun Stories Presented by MidwayUSA is a popular television show that explores the history, design, and impact of various firearms from throughout history. In season 11 episode 9, titled "The M17 Protecting The Tomb of the Unknown," the show focuses on the M17 pistol and its use in the ceremonial duties of the United States Army.

The episode opens with host Joe Mantegna offering some background on the M17, which is the military designation for the SIG Sauer P320, a popular handgun among law enforcement and military personnel. He notes that the M17 has been in use by the US Army since 2017 and has quickly become a trusted sidearm among soldiers.

From there, the show delves into the history and significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial located at Arlington National Cemetery that honors all American soldiers who have died without their remains being identified. Mantegna explains that the tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as the Old Guard.

The Old Guard is made up of some of the most elite soldiers in the U.S. Army, and their ceremonial duties include the Changing of the Guard, a solemn ritual where a new guard is posted at the tomb every hour on the hour, rain or shine. Mantegna notes that the M17 has become the standard issue sidearm for the guardsmen, replacing the M9 which had been in use since the early 1990s.

The show then takes viewers behind the scenes of the training that Old Guard soldiers undergo, including an intense firearms training program that prepares them for any situation they may face while guarding the tomb. This includes simulations of ambushes and other potential threats, as well as extensive live fire exercises to test their accuracy and speed with the M17.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an up-close look at the M17 pistol, with detailed explanations of its features and design. Mantegna notes that one of the key advantages of the M17 is its modularity, allowing soldiers to easily switch out components and customize the gun to their specific needs.

The show also explores the wider impact of the M17 beyond its ceremonial use by the Old Guard. Mantegna notes that the gun has quickly become popular among law enforcement agencies across the country, thanks in large part to its reliability and ease of use. He also highlights the M17's performance in military tests, where it has repeatedly outperformed other pistols in areas such as accuracy and durability.

Overall, "The M17 Protecting The Tomb of the Unknown" is a fascinating look at the intersection of military service and ceremonial duty, and how the M17 pistol has become a key part of that tradition. With its mix of historical context and in-depth analysis of the M17's design and capabilities, this episode is sure to be a hit with fans of firearms and military history alike.