What Handguns do the Military Use?
The military has a diverse range of handguns in their arsenals, used for various purposes such as self-defense, marksmanship training, and close-quarters combat. In this article, we will delve into the various handguns used by the military around the world.
What handguns do the military use?
The type of handguns used by the military can vary greatly depending on the country, branch of service, and the specific unit. However, here is a general breakdown of some of the most commonly used handguns by military forces worldwide:
- Pistols:
- M9 Beretta Pistol (USA): The standard-issue sidearm for the US military since 1985, with over 1 million units produced.
- Glock 17 (Austria): Widely used by various militaries, including the Austrian, German, and Danish armed forces.
- SIG Sauer P226 (Germany/Switzerland): Used by the Swiss Army and also adopted by some US Special Forces units.
- CZ-75 (Czech Republic): Used by the Czech Armed Forces and also exported to other countries.
- Revolvers:
- Smith & Wesson Model 10 (USA): Long-serving as the standard-issue revolver for the US military, primarily used by Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force units.
- M49 Revolver (France): Used by the French Foreign Legion and other elite units.
- Assault Pistols:
- Glock 19 (Austria): Designed for concealed carry and popular among special operations forces, including the US Navy SEALs.
- Sig Sauer MCX Virtus (Germany/Switzerland): Used by special operations forces in various countries, including the US.
Military handgun selection criteria
When selecting a handgun for military use, factors such as:
- Reliability: The handgun must be able to withstand harsh environments and continue to function accurately in extreme temperatures, humidity, and adverse conditions.
- Ease of use: The handgun should be simple to operate, with minimal training required for effective use.
- Accuracy: The handgun must be accurate enough to hit targets effectively at extended ranges.
- Mobility: The handgun should be lightweight, compact, and easy to carry on the battlefield or during training exercises.
- Custody and security: The handgun should be able to be easily secured, with features such as safe-action triggers, chambered-round indicators, and detachable magazines.
- Maintenance: The handgun should be easy to maintain and clean, with replaceable parts and minimal components.
Handgun roles in the military
Handguns have various roles within the military, including:
- Personal defense: Handguns are used as a personal defense weapon by soldiers in the field, providing protection against enemy small arms fire and close-range threats.
- Special operations: Handguns are used by special operations forces, such as Navy SEALs and Delta Force, for precision shooting, CQB (Close Quarters Battle) operations, and covert insertion/extraction.
- Training: Handguns are used for marksmanship training, pistol training courses, and weapons familiarization.
- Security duty: Handguns are used for security duty by military police, sentries, and personnel guarding high-value assets or personnel.
Comparison table of military handguns
Here is a comparison table highlighting some key features of various military handguns:
| Pistol | Caliber | Weight (oz) | Barrel Length (in) | Magazine Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M9 Beretta | 9x19mm | 35.9 | 4.13 | 15 |
| Glock 17 | 9x19mm | 25.4 | 4.49 | 17 |
| SIG Sauer P226 | 9x19mm | 38.8 | 4.71 | 15 |
| CZ-75 | 9x19mm | 30.8 | 4.72 | 12 |
Conclusion
The type of handguns used by the military can vary greatly, depending on the country, branch of service, and specific unit requirements. Military handguns must meet strict selection criteria, including reliability, ease of use, accuracy, mobility, custody, and maintenance. Handguns play a critical role in various military functions, including personal defense, special operations, training, and security duty. This article provides an overview of some of the most commonly used military handguns, their features, and roles within the military.
