First lieutenants Vince Paikowski and Alastair Keys, from the 75th Ranger Regiment, received the U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition M17 Trophy Pistols created by SIG Sauer for winning the 2021 Best Ranger Competition this month. It was the 37th annual competition, which is held at Fort Benning, GA, although last year’s match was canceled due to the pandemic.

The U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition is a grueling match that identifies the best two-man U.S. Army Ranger buddy team on a course that is designed to place extreme demand on their physical, mental, technical and tactical skills. The competition is open to all Ranger-coded positions within the U.S. Army and each year competitors from across the globe come to compete with the hopes of earning the prestigious Best Ranger title. This year 52 teams vied for the title.

“The Best Ranger Competition is the ultimate physical challenge that puts any operational and traditional skills to test, under extreme circumstances, for sixty straight hours of punishing, non-stop, endurance competition,” said Jason St. John, Director, Government Products, SIG Sauer and SFC (Retired), U.S. Army Ranger. “It’s an incredible honor for SIG Sauer to be afforded this opportunity to present this custom M17 pistol as the official trophy pistol of this prestigious competition to recognize the elite Ranger competitors and their sacrifice.”

Distinguishing features of the SIG Custom Works U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition M17 Trophy Pistols include a gold trigger and custom black nitron engraved slide with black AXG metal grip. Engraving on the slide reads “Best Ranger Competition” on the right side, with “Rangers Lead The Way” on the left.

The sight plate is engraved with the Best Ranger competition logo and Ranger tab medallions are inset in the grips. The U.S. Army Best Ranger Competition M17 Trophy Pistols were presented to the winners on April 19, the first time they served as the official trophy pistol.

Article by Guy J. Sagi