What Handguns Do the FBI Use?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is one of the most elite law enforcement agencies in the world, and its agents are trained to use a variety of firearms to carry out their duties. The FBI has a long history of selecting high-quality handguns that are reliable, accurate, and suitable for a wide range of scenarios. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the handguns used by the FBI.
What Handguns Does the FBI Use?
The FBI currently uses several different handguns, depending on the specific needs of the agent and the situation. The agency’s primary handguns are the Sig Sauer P229 and the Glock 17.
Sig Sauer P229
The Sig Sauer P229 is a full-size, double-action/single-action (DA/SA) handgun that is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It is a popular choice among law enforcement agencies and civilians alike due to its reliability, accuracy, and ergonomic design. The P229 is used by many FBI agents, including those in the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG).
Glock 17
The Glock 17 is a full-size, striker-fired handgun that is also chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It is known for its simplicity, reliability, and accuracy, making it a popular choice among law enforcement agencies. The Glock 17 is used by many FBI agents, including those in the SWAT team and other specialized units.
Other Handguns Used by the FBI
In addition to the Sig Sauer P229 and the Glock 17, the FBI also uses other handguns, including:
- Sig Sauer P226: a full-size, DA/SA handgun that is similar to the P229, but with a slightly larger frame.
- Sig Sauer P320: a modular, striker-fired handgun that can be used in various calibers, including 9x19mm Parabellum,.40 S&W, and.357 SIG.
- Heckler & Koch USP: a full-size, DA/SA handgun that is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum or.40 S&W.
Why Do the FBI Choose These Handguns?
The FBI chooses these handguns for several reasons, including:
- Reliability: All of the handguns used by the FBI are known for their reliability and ability to function under a wide range of conditions.
- Accuracy: The FBI requires its handguns to be accurate and able to deliver precise shots in a variety of situations.
- Ergonomics: The handguns used by the FBI are designed to be comfortable to hold and shoot, with ergonomic grips and trigger systems that make them easy to use.
- Modularity: Many of the handguns used by the FBI are modular, allowing agents to quickly change calibers, barrels, and other components to suit their needs.
- Training: The FBI requires its agents to undergo extensive training in firearms use, including marksmanship, tactical shooting, and handgun maintenance.
Specifications of the FBI Handguns
Here are the specifications for the handguns used by the FBI:
| Handgun | Caliber | Action | Barrel Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sig Sauer P229 | 9x19mm Parabellum | DA/SA | 4.4 inches | 33.6 ounces |
| Glock 17 | 9x19mm Parabellum | Striker-fired | 4.5 inches | 24.7 ounces |
| Sig Sauer P226 | 9x19mm Parabellum | DA/SA | 4.4 inches | 36.9 ounces |
| Sig Sauer P320 | 9x19mm Parabellum,.40 S&W,.357 SIG | Striker-fired | 4.7 inches | 29.5 ounces |
| Heckler & Koch USP | 9x19mm Parabellum,.40 S&W | DA/SA | 4.4 inches | 30.6 ounces |
Conclusion
The FBI is one of the most elite law enforcement agencies in the world, and its agents use a variety of high-quality handguns to carry out their duties. The handguns used by the FBI are chosen for their reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, modularity, and training requirements. Whether you’re a law enforcement agent or a civilian, knowing the handguns used by the FBI can help you make an informed decision when choosing your own handgun.
