What Pistol Does the British Army Use?
The British Army has a long history of using a variety of pistols, dating back to the 19th century. Today, the British Army uses several different types of pistols for various purposes. In this article, we will explore the different pistols used by the British Army and highlight the most significant ones.
Current Issue Pistols
The British Army has recently standardized on two pistols as its primary sidearm:
- L103A2 Glock 17: The Glock 17 is a 9x19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol developed by Austrian company Glock Ges.m.b.H. It has been in service with the British Army since the early 1990s. The L103A2 is the British military version of the Glock 17, which has been modified to meet British military standards. The Glock 17 is known for its reliability, durability, and high magazine capacity.
- L105A1 Glock 19: The Glock 19 is another 9x19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol developed by Glock. It is a smaller and lighter version of the Glock 17, with a shorter barrel and grip. The L105A1 is the British military version of the Glock 19 and is used by personnel who require a more compact pistol.
Historical Pistols
The British Army has used a range of pistols throughout its history, including:
- Enfield No. 2: The Enfield No. 2 is a.38/200 semi-automatic pistol developed in the 1930s. It was used by the British Army during World War II and was known for its reliability and durability.
- Webley Mk IV: The Webley Mk IV is a.38/200 revolver developed in the 1920s. It was used by the British Army during World War I and was known for its reliability and accuracy.
- L9A1 Browning Hi-Power: The Browning Hi-Power is a 9x19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol developed in the 1930s. It was used by the British Army during World War II and was known for its reliability and durability.
Special Forces Pistols
The British Army’s Special Forces, including the Special Air Service (SAS) and the Special Boat Service (SBS), use a range of pistols, including:
- Heckler & Koch USP: The Heckler & Koch USP is a 9x19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol developed in the 1990s. It is known for its reliability and durability and is used by special forces personnel.
- Glock 21: The Glock 21 is a.45 GAP semi-automatic pistol developed in the 1990s. It is known for its reliability and durability and is used by special forces personnel.
Table of British Army Pistols
Here is a table of the pistols used by the British Army:
| Pistol | Calibre | Type | First Issue | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 17 (L103A2) | 9x19mm | Semi-automatic | 1990s | Standard issue |
| Glock 19 (L105A1) | 9x19mm | Semi-automatic | 2000s | Compact version |
| Enfield No. 2 | .38/200 | Semi-automatic | 1930s | Historic pistol |
| Webley Mk IV | .38/200 | Revolver | 1920s | Historic pistol |
| Browning Hi-Power (L9A1) | 9x19mm | Semi-automatic | 1940s | Historic pistol |
| Heckler & Koch USP | 9x19mm | Semi-automatic | 1990s | Special forces use |
| Glock 21 | .45 GAP | Semi-automatic | 2000s | Special forces use |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the British Army uses a range of pistols for various purposes. The standard issue pistols are the Glock 17 (L103A2) and the Glock 19 (L105A1), which are known for their reliability and durability. The British Army has used a range of pistols throughout its history, including historical pistols such as the Enfield No. 2 and the Webley Mk IV. Special forces personnel use a range of pistols, including the Heckler & Koch USP and the Glock 21.
Key Points
• The British Army uses two primary pistols: the Glock 17 (L103A2) and the Glock 19 (L105A1).
• The Glock 17 (L103A2) is known for its reliability, durability, and high magazine capacity.
• Special forces personnel use a range of pistols, including the Heckler & Koch USP and the Glock 21.
• The British Army has used a range of pistols throughout its history, including historical pistols such as the Enfield No. 2 and the Webley Mk IV.
