Two-tone Sig Sauer M17 / M18

[AlexanderA]

The M17 (top one in this picture) started life as an all-black "Bravo" version (now discontinued). But I didn't like that the two shades of black clashed, so I got a Coyote grip module and substituted it.

The M18 comes only in Coyote. But again, I didn't like how the two shades of Coyote clashed. I decided to use the leftover black grip module from the M17.

They look good, no?

If you want to replicate this, factory grip modules are available in black or Coyote from Sig Sauer or other vendors. Some are intended for the P320, without the manual safety. But don't let that deter you. The non-manual-safety grip modules are marked on the outside, showing exactly where the opening for the manual safety should go. You can easily make the cut with a rotary bit in a Dremel tool, or with small hand files.

 

[bannockburn]

AlexanderA

Like the top one (M17), with the black slide and the Coyote Tan grip module. Not so crazy about the bottom one though; guess I just like the two colors to be dark on the slide and lighter on the frame. I actually prefer the all Coyote Tan coloring of the M18 just the way it comes from the factory.

 

[SwampWolf]

I didn't like how the two shades of Coyote clashed.

I don't see it as "clashing; I see it as contrasting. Clashing is mating very light and dark colors together. As I see it...

 

[Riomouse911]

The M17 (top one in this picture) started life as an all-black "Bravo" version (now discontinued). But I didn't like that the two shades of black clashed, so I got a Coyote grip module and substituted it.

The M18 comes only in Coyote. But again, I didn't like how the two shades of Coyote clashed. I decided to use the leftover black grip module from the M17.

They look good, no?

If you want to replicate this, factory grip modules are available in black or Coyote from Sig Sauer or other vendors. Some are intended for the P320, without the manual safety. But don't let that deter you. The non-manual-safety grip modules are marked on the inside, showing exactly where the opening for the manual safety should go. You can easily make the cut with a rotary bit in a Dremel tool.

View attachment 1122719

Both look good to me, I like the uncommon combos like you put together, nice job .

Stay safe.

 

[AlexanderA]

Like the top one (M17), with the black slide and the Coyote Tan grip module.

To build that, your first problem would be that Sig Sauer no longer sells an all-black M17 or M18. You'd have to get a Coyote M17 or M18, and then a black P320 slide. This is doable, because the manual safety is entirely contained within the Firing Control Unit, the core of the gun that's housed in the grip module. The manual safety blocks the trigger, but has no interplay at all with the slide. The slide would not have the M17 / M18 marking.

Grip modules are very affordable, but complete slide assemblies tend to run $300-$400.

The color rendition in your picture is way too pink (compared to the real-life colors). Actually, I've noticed that the black slide, placed next to the Coyote grip module, appears to be a dark brown. And the Coyote slide, placed next to the black grip module, appears to be a light brown. Maybe these are optical illusions.

I don't see it as "clashing; I see it as contrasting. Clashing is mating very light and dark colors together. As I see it...

What I meant to say by "clashing" is two shades of the same color. Two completely different colors, like Coyote and black (in whatever combination), are less jarring to me than different shades of the same color, in close proximity.

Another factor is the color of the holster. I'm using Israeli IMI retention holsters in olive green. The three colors together make a nice camo scheme. I'll try to post pictures.

 

[AlexanderA]

Upgraded the grip module on the M17 to the full length, as opposed to the "carry" size. This involved cutting the notches for the manual safety. Notice the enlarged "window" for the serial number, so that the miniature QR code is fully visible. (The military uses the "carry" grip module on the M17 for interchangeability with the M18.)

 

[halfmoonclip]

Happy enough with the OEM colors of the M18, which I prefer to the M17. Wonder why the Army wanted the longer slide?
Moon

 

[jmr40]

I like the M18 better too but bought a M17 because they became available 1st. I bought a M18 when they became available and added a 2nd one when one showed up used at a price I couldn't walk away from.

I have to admit I do like the tan frame with black slide a little better than factory. But not enough to spend money to go that way. I can live with them the way they came from the factory.

 

[Gordon]

The Wilson Combat grip module at $65 is a steal IMHO and a great up grade :

 

[AlexanderA]

I have to admit I do like the tan frame with black slide a little better than factory. But not enough to spend money to go that way. I can live with them the way they came from the factory.

The all-black M17 / M18 has been discontinued by Sig. Now, if you want a two-tone gun, you have to get all-tan one and substitute a black grip module. All told, this adds about $40 to the price tag.

This rage for tan (or FDE, or coyote) guns is due to our latest wars being fought in the desert. There's no guarantee that the next wars will be as well.

 

[halfmoonclip]

AlexanderA, I keep seeing white pistols...not the least bit sure what that means.
Moon
ETA- Haven't tried the Wilson gripframe on the the larger SIG, but the one for the P365 feels good. It does add some bulk.
M

 

[AlexanderA]

Grip modules for the Sig P320 used to be available in white. (It looks like they've been discontinued.) The idea, I guess, was winter camouflage.

The grip modules are theoretically available in small, medium, and large (this refers to the grip circumference). Given, though, that the "medium" is supposed to fit 90% of users, the "small" and "large" are difficult to find.

 

[once0217]

20230105_160845

• once0217
• Jan 5, 2023

The Wilson Combat grip module at $65 is a steal IMHO and a great up grade :
View attachment 1124570

I picked one of these up for 50 bucks during their sales. World's better than the factory M18 module, but if you want FDE the Wilson Combat has too much green in it.

 

[AlexanderA]

Whether or not by design, Sig was not able to match the shades of the slide and the grip, on either the coyote version or the black version. Maybe this was because the slide is steel with a coating, and the grip is a homogeneous polymer. Anyway, on the currently-available all-coyote guns, the slide is actually a light brown and the grip is a medium tan. Black is the natural complement to each of these.

I like the 3-color camouflage scheme provided by adding the IMI retention holster in olive green:

 

[once0217]

Whether or not by design, Sig was not able to match the shades of the slide and the grip, on either the coyote version or the black version. Maybe this was because the slide is steel with a coating, and the grip is a homogeneous polymer. Anyway, on the currently-available all-coyote guns, the slide is actually a light brown and the grip is a medium tan. Black is the natural complement to each of these.

I like the 3-color camouflage scheme provided by adding the IMI retention holster in olive green:

View attachment 1125560

I think they did that by design because they have M18 and M17 commemorative editions and they are color matched almost perfectly.