What Handgun Does the FBI Use?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the most recognizable and respected law enforcement agencies in the world. The FBI is responsible for a wide range of duties, including investigating federal crimes, providing training and support to state and local law enforcement agencies, and protecting federal officials and installations. Given the high stakes and often dangerous nature of the FBI’s work, it is no surprise that the agency relies on high-quality weapons to keep its agents and the public safe.
The FBI’s Standard-Issue Handgun:
The FBI’s standard-issue handgun is the HK45C Compact, made by Heckler & Koch (HK). The HK45C is a modern, semi-automatic pistol that is designed to meet the FBI’s demanding requirements. Here are some of its key features:
• Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum
• Barrel length: 4.46 inches
• Length: 7.28 inches
• Width: 1.55 inches
• Height: 5.56 inches
• Weight: 33.83 ounces
The HK45C features a Cold Hammer Forged barrel, which provides exceptional accuracy and reliability. It also has a polished trigger, which offers a smooth, crisp pull.
Why the HK45C?
So why did the FBI choose the HK45C as its standard-issue handgun? The answer lies in the agency’s rigorous testing and evaluation process. In 2010, the FBI launched a competition to select a new standard-issue handgun to replace its previous weapon, the Glock 22.
The competition involved a field test, in which participating handguns were subjected to rigorous testing, including:
- Accuracy: Agents had to hit specific targets from various distances.
- Reliability: Handguns were tested to see if they would malfunction under demanding conditions.
- Safetys: Testers evaluated each handgun’s safety features and whether they were easy to use and understand.
After extensive testing, the HK45C emerged as the top choice. The agency was impressed by its performance, stating that it had fewer malfunctions and better accuracy than other participating handguns.
Other Handguns Used by the FBI
While the HK45C is the FBI’s standard-issue handgun, the agency also employs other handguns, depending on the specific needs of each agent or operation. For example:
• USP Compact: A tactical version of the HK45C, used by specialized units such as SWAT.
• P2000: A more compact pistol, used by agents working in confined spaces.
• Glock 34: A modified version of the popular Glock pistol, used by agents in select units.
Comparison of FBI-Approved Handguns
Here’s a table comparing the features of FBI-approved handguns:
| Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HK45C | 9x19mm | 4.46 inches | 7.28 inches | 33.83 ounces |
| USP Compact | 9x19mm | 3.94 inches | 7.28 inches | 28.12 ounces |
| P2000 | 9x19mm | 3.23 inches | 6.65 inches | 26.98 ounces |
| Glock 34 | 9x19mm | 5.31 inches | 8.27 inches | 24.21 ounces |
As you can see, each handgun has its unique characteristics, depending on its intended use. The HK45C remains the FBI’s standard-issue handgun, due to its exceptional performance and reliability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the FBI uses the Heckler & Koch (HK) HK45C Compact as its standard-issue handgun. After rigorous testing, the HK45C emerged as the top choice, offering a combination of accuracy, reliability, and safeties. While other handguns are also used by the agency, the HK45C remains the go-to weapon for the majority of agents. When it comes to the most elite law enforcement agency in the world, it is no surprise that the highest standards are set – and exceeded – by the HK45C.
