What Guns Does the Secret Service Use?
The United States Secret Service (USSS) is responsible for providing protection to the President, Vice President, and their families, as well as visiting heads of state and other dignitaries. As part of their protective mission, the USSS employs a range of firearms to ensure the safety of their protectees. In this article, we will explore the types of guns used by the Secret Service.
Handguns
The USSS primarily uses two types of handguns: the Glock 19 and the SIG Sauer P229. Both pistols are widely used by law enforcement agencies across the United States due to their reliability, accuracy, and ease of use.
| Pistol | Caliber | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Glock 19 | 9x19mm | 15+1 |
| SIG Sauer P229 | 9x19mm | 12+1 |
These handguns are typically chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and are equipped with suppressors to reduce the noise and muzzle flash associated with gunfire. The suppressors also help to reduce the recoil, making the pistols easier to handle and accurate to shoot.
Submachine Guns
The USSS also employs submachine guns, specifically the Heckler & Koch MP5. These weapons are used for their compact size, lightweight design, and high rate of fire. The MP5 is a popular choice among law enforcement agencies due to its reliability and accuracy.
| Submachine Gun | Caliber | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Heckler & Koch MP5 | 9x19mm | 30-round |
The MP5 is typically used in close-quarters combat situations, such as when responding to an active shooter or clearing a building.
Rifles
The USSS uses two types of rifles: the Remington 700 and the Sniper’s Hide 308. These rifles are used for their accuracy, range, and reliability.
| Rifle | Caliber | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Remington 700 | 7.62x51mm | 5-round |
| Sniper’s Hide 308 | 7.62x51mm | 10-round |
The Remington 700 is a bolt-action rifle, making it ideal for precision shooting. The Sniper’s Hide 308 is a semi-automatic rifle, making it faster to reload and capable of firing multiple rounds without having to manually chamber each round.
Shotguns
The USSS uses shotguns, specifically the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 590, for their effectiveness in close-quarters combat situations. Shotguns are also used for breaching doors and providing a loud, attention-grabbing noise to deter potential threats.
| Shotgun | Gauge | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Remington 870 | 12-gauge | 6-round |
| Mossberg 590 | 12-gauge | 6-round |
Machine Guns
The USSS has access to machine guns, such as the M249 SAW, for specific situations. These weapons are used for their high rate of fire and ability to suppress multiple targets.
| Machine Gun | Caliber | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| M249 SAW | 5.56x45mm | 100-round |
Machine guns are typically used in rare situations, such as during a large-scale attack or when providing covering fire for a retreat.
Conclusion
The Secret Service uses a range of firearms to ensure the safety of their protectees. From handguns to machine guns, each weapon is carefully selected for its specific use and capabilities. Whether responding to an active shooter, clearing a building, or providing precision fire, the USSS relies on these firearms to protect the lives of those in their care.
Additional Considerations
It’s important to note that the USSS has a range of other firearms and equipment at their disposal, including:
- Pistol-mounted lights: Used to provide additional illumination in low-light situations
- Red dot sights: Used to improve accuracy and speed up target acquisition
- Suppressors: Used to reduce the noise and muzzle flash associated with gunfire
- Tactical vests: Used to carry equipment and provide additional protection
- Ballistic plates: Used to provide additional protection against ballistic threats
The USSS is a highly trained and equipped organization, and their firearms are just one part of their overall protective strategy.
