What Pistol Do Cops Use Most?
When it comes to choosing a sidearm, law enforcement agencies often look for reliability, accuracy, and effectiveness. The Glock 22 is widely considered the most popular police service pistol in the United States, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of law enforcement firearms and explore the top choices for police officers.
Glock 22: The Most Popular Police Service Pistol
The Glock 22 is a full-sized pistol that fires the potent 40 S&W cartridge. Its reliability and simplicity make it a favorite among law enforcement officers. The Glock 22 holds more rounds for its size and weight than most other full-sized handguns in its class, making it an excellent choice for duty use.
Other Popular Options
While the Glock 22 is the most popular choice, other brands have also gained traction among law enforcement agencies. Sig Sauer and Beretta are two other well-known brands that have made significant inroads in the police market. The Glock 17 and 19 are also popular choices, with the 9mm cartridge being a favorite among many officers.
CIA and FBI Choices
But what about the CIA and FBI? What pistols do they use? The CIA has been known to use the Glock 19, while the FBI has switched back to the 9mm cartridge with the Glock 19M. The CIA also uses the Sig Sauer P228, which is a popular choice among special operations personnel.
Why 9mm?
So, why has the FBI switched back to the 9mm cartridge? For 30 years, bullet engineers have been working toward creating a cartridge that meets the FBI’s benchmark for terminal performance. Today, many loads for police duty cartridges meet that benchmark, offering more capacity and ease of use. The 9mm cartridge is also more affordable and has a wider range of available ammunition options.
Key Features of Popular Police Pistols
Here are some key features of popular police pistols:
| Pistol | Caliber | Capacity | Weight | Height | Width | Barrel Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 22 | 40 S&W | 15+1 | 32.5 oz | 5.5 in | 1.2 in | 4.6 in |
| Glock 17 | 9mm | 17+1 | 31.2 oz | 5.5 in | 1.2 in | 4.6 in |
| Glock 19 | 9mm | 15+1 | 23.6 oz | 4.9 in | 1.1 in | 4 in |
| Sig Sauer P228 | 9mm | 15+1 | 35.6 oz | 5.5 in | 1.4 in | 4.4 in |
| Beretta 92FS | 9mm | 15+1 | 39.8 oz | 5.9 in | 1.4 in | 4.9 in |
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a pistol for duty use, law enforcement agencies have a range of options to consider. The Glock 22 is widely considered the most popular police service pistol, but other brands like Sig Sauer and Beretta also have a strong following. The 9mm cartridge is a popular choice among many officers, and the FBI has switched back to this caliber with the Glock 19M. Ultimately, the choice of pistol will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the agency.