I have always wondered if the rifles were loaded at the Tomb of Unknowns. Given the manner the change inspection is conducted, I think not, but I then wonder if the sentinel carries ammo . . .
The Old Guard deserves the best. Personally, I think an Elite version of the hammer-fired Sig Sauer Classic Line, P220, P229, or P226 would have been a better choice...but that's just my opinion. Guess that makes me a dinosaur. Next thing you know, I'll be extolling on the virtues of S&W revolvers.
I might be tempted to buy an aluminum alloy framed version of the new Sig M17 military pistol, the poly framed version... not unless they cut the price in half.