What Guns Do Law Enforcement Use?
As law enforcement agencies continue to evolve and adapt to the changing threats they face, the choice of firearms they use has become a topic of increasing interest and importance. Law enforcement officers are armed with a variety of guns, ranging from pistols and revolvers to rifles and shotguns, each with its own unique characteristics, advantages, and purposes.
Pistols
The Most Common Pistol Used by Law Enforcement: The Glock 17/22 series is one of the most widely used pistols among law enforcement agencies across the United States. With over 75% of the 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the country using the Glock 17 or Glock 22, it is clear why this pistol is so popular.
Feature | Glock 17 | Glock 22 |
---|---|---|
Caliber | 9x19mm | .40 S&W |
Magazine Capacity | 17 rounds | 15 rounds |
Trigger Pull | 5.5 pounds | 4.4 pounds |
Barrel Length | 4.64 inches | 4.49 inches |
Why the Glock is Popular:
• Durability: The Glock 17 is known for its rugged reliability and ability to withstand heavy use and harsh environments.
• Concealability: The compact size and smooth lines of the Glock make it easy to conceal under clothing or in a vehicle.
• Interchangeable Parts: Glock parts can be easily replaced or repaired, reducing maintenance costs.
Rifles
Assault Rifles: Assault rifles are a staple of law enforcement teams, used for precision shooting, close quarters battle, and entry scenarios. Popular models include:
• AR-15/M4 Carbine
• M1A
• M24 Sniper Rifle
Feature | AR-15 | M1A | M24 Sniper Rifle |
---|---|---|---|
Caliber | 5.56x45mm | 7.62x51mm | 7.62x51mm |
Barrel Length | 16 inches | 22 inches | 26 inches |
Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds | 10 rounds | 10 rounds |
Shotguns
Less Than Lethal Options: Shotguns are often used by law enforcement for riot control, SWAT operations, and apprehension of fugitives. Some popular models include:
• Remington 870
• Mossberg 500
• Winchester 1200
Feature | Remington 870 | Mossberg 500 | Winchester 1200 |
---|---|---|---|
Gauge | 12-gauge | 12-gauge | 12-gauge |
Magazine Capacity | 5+1 rounds | 4+1 rounds | 4+1 rounds |
Less Lethal Options: Some law enforcement agencies have also adopted less lethal options for crowd control, such as:
• Rubber bullets (Hornady CX)
• Bean bag rounds (Rubber Round 12ga)
• Flash-bangs (FN40X, MK13)
• TASER (Axon)