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Surplus 101st Airborne M17: Differences Between Army and Civilian SIGs
🕑 Added 2023-04-12 12:00:05 +0000 UTCToday we are looking at one of the surplus US Army M17 pistols that SGI put on the commercial market about 3 years ago. These were some of the very first M17s issued to Army units, and they were turned back in to SIG and replace in late 2019. The obvious difference between these and their replacements was the change from tan to black controls. Apparently those tan controls worn more quickly than the black, and the Army opted to change to black. Whether there were any internal modifications made after the first few thousand guns were issued us open to speculation. It would not be surprising to me if there were (this sort of thing almost always happens when a new design is first put into mass circulation), but neither SIG nor the Army has said anything to that effect.
Beyond the control colors, the Army-issued M17s have several differences from the civilian-sale P320s and M17 commemorative editions. Specifically, the Army guns have:
- Heavier slides
- Heavier recoil springs (they are intended for a long service life of all +P ammunition)
- Two extra recoil lug holes in the red dot mounting plate
- Unified rear sight and red dot cover plate
- Different slide and barrel markings
The availability of genuine surplussed Army firearms is really a rarity these days. The value of these M17s has already increased 3-4x from when they were originally released, and I have no doubt they will continue to climb.
Comments
Reed Gregory
Them are nice but I think the hammer fired guns are better for military use
Paul Beck
You do realize the coffee mug that they are selling makes it look like you're trying to Flash us your boob?!?
Paul Beck
Are you aware that the commemorative mug makes it look like you're flashing us your boob?!? 😳
Guido Schriewer
frankly. I hate glocks. but with that many allies adopting it... as with m16/m4 mags.. stanag? they better would have had adopted a sig in 85. a 226.
Phil Steinschneider
It's so appropriate that you posted this video. Several months ago, you did an interview with Leonardo M. Antaris talking about these. Because of that video, I started looking for an M17 surplus pistol, which I eventually purchased. After doing a FOIA, I discovered the one I have went to the 101st Airborne, 506th Infantry, 1st Battalion, Alpha Company. This unit is known as the Red Currahee, and has a storied past, just like the unit to which the pistol you're offering was issued. These are the coolest thing ever.
Bedfordtec
They also have the M17 overrun too
Forgotten Weapons
I actually have a video on an overrun M18 coming later this month...
Bedfordtec
Ian, SIG has released M17 and M18 “Overruns “ which are available to Active Duty/Retired military, law enforcement and first responders. They have black controls and comes in brown cardboard box. While no military provenance, these are the real deal. Sig Sauer LE/Mil SIG P320 POW M18 9MM The SIG P320 M18 POW is built with the exact same parts, black controls, built on the same productions line, range tested to the same production standards and packaged the same as an MHS M17/M18 firearm. This model is the serial number prefix of "TC". The M18 was recently issued to all branches of the U.S. Military and was chosen as the official sidearm of the U.S. Marine Corp. The P320-M18 is the commercial version that brings the same unprecedented accuracy, extreme reliability and unmatched durability the military demands. The P320-M18 comes standard with SIGLITE night sights and a removable night sight rear plate. The slide is optic ready and directly compatible with the ROMEO1 PRO and Deltapoint Pro Optics. The slide and grip module are the same coyote tan as the military version, and it includes (1) 17 round magazine & (2) 21 round magazines. * Built with the exact same parts as the MHS M17 / M18 – black controls * Built on the same production line as the MHS M17 / M18 * Range tested to the same production standards as the MHS M17 / M18 * Packaging is 99% same a MHS M17 / M18 * SIG add in commercial packing item, chamber flag and commercial P320 – M17 owner’s manual * Ambidextrous Manual Safety * Striker Fired w a Shot Tactile Reset SIG SIGP320M18 Availability: In Stock Manufacturer LE/Mil Program Pricing - Purchaser Must Provide Proof of Eligibility * Description * Specifications * Eligibility Information * The P320-M18 comes standard with SIGLITE night sights and a removable night sight rear plate. * The slide is optic ready and directly compatible with the ROMEO1 PRO and Deltapoint Pro Optics. * The slide and grip module are the same coyote tan as the military version, * Includes (1) 17 round magazine & (2) 21 round magazines. Order Details * Not available where prohibited by law * Proof of eligibility is required and we will keep a copy of the eligibility on file. * Offer not available in all states * All web sales must go through a Federal Firearms Licensee * Your order confirmation will contain information on how to submit your qualification credentials and FFLs information
Thomas Batha
Another terrific presentation. I recall that the US domestic arms makers lobbied the Nixon administration to curtail military firearms sales to the civilian market to eliminate competition. This had followed the 1968 CGA which prohibited importation of all military firearms.
