What pistol do cops use most?
Asked by: Lilla Crist | Last update: February 12, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (11 votes)
The most common police pistols are the Glock 19 and Glock 17, known for reliability and simplicity, alongside the highly modular SIG Sauer P320 and the customizable Smith & Wesson M&P series, with most agencies favoring 9mm striker-fired polymer-framed models for their balance of capacity, manageable recoil, and cost-effectiveness, though major departments like LAPD are adopting newer models like the FN 509.
What handgun do most police carry?
Today, most law enforcement officers carry full-size or compact semi-automatic pistols chambered in 9mm. Leading models include the Glock 17, Glock 19, Sig Sauer P320, and Smith & Wesson M&P series—selected for their reliability, capacity, and compatibility with duty lights and optics.
Why do police prefer glocks?
GLOCK is a trusted partner of law enforcement, known for reputation, reliability, and support. GLOCK pistols are purpose-built for safety, reliability, and uncompromising performance—ensuring that those who serve are protected.
Why do Mexicans like .38 super?
Apart from its popularity in shooting sports, the . 38 Super +P is one of the most popular pistol cartridges in Latin America due to local restrictions on civilian ownership of firearms chambered for military cartridges, such as 9mm Parabellum and . 45 ACP.
Why is the Glock 17 banned?
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1127 on Oct. 10, banning new sales of semi-automatic handguns that can be “easily converted” into fully automatic weapons using a simple switch. Lawmakers say Glock pistols with a “cruciform trigger bar” fall under that category.
What Pistols Do Police Officers Use?
Is the Glock 47 basically a Glock 17?
No, the Glock 47 and Glock 17 are not the same, but they are very similar full-size 9mm pistols, with the main difference being the G47's modular design, featuring a shorter dust cover for compatibility with Glock 19 slides and usually an MOS (optics-ready) cut, making it a versatile crossover model the G17 lacks. They share the same frame, magazines, and internal components, offering similar capacity and handling, but the G47's design allows for quick slide swaps to create different configurations like a Glock 45 (G47 frame + G19 slide) or a Glock 49 (G19 frame + G17/G47 slide).
What pistol do Navy SEALs carry in 2025?
While the iconic SIG Sauer P226 MK25 remains a trusted sidearm, Navy SEALs in 2025 likely carry a mix of highly reliable, durable 9mm pistols, including the P226, Glock 19s, and potentially newer models like the SIG Sauer P320https://www.reddit.com/r/SEALTeam/comments/1hvax4d/did_devgru_really_only_carry_factory_glock_19s/ (M17/M18 family), with Glocks favored for saltwater environments and P226s for their proven combat record, allowing operators to choose based on mission needs.
What's better, a 1911 or a Glock?
Neither a 1911 nor a Glock is inherently "better"; they excel in different areas, with Glocks typically favored for high capacity, lighter weight, and modern simplicity (fewer manual safeties), while 1911s are known for their classic design, excellent triggers, and extensive customization, though they often have lower capacity and are heavier. The best choice depends on your priorities for reliability, ergonomics, capacity, and intended use, with Glocks often better for beginners or high-stress carry, and 1911s preferred by enthusiasts for their feel and precision.
Is 38 Super more powerful than 45 ACP?
The .38 Super is generally considered stronger in terms of velocity, energy, and barrier penetration, while the .45 ACP is known for greater "stopping power" due to its larger, heavier bullet, making them strong in different ways. The .38 Super achieves its power with higher pressure and speed, allowing it to pierce barriers better, whereas the .45 ACP relies on the mass of its bigger bullet for impact on soft targets, notes Berry's Bullets and AmmoForSale.com.
What gun is known for jamming?
Guns known for jamming often include early versions of the M16/AR-15 (especially in wet/dirty conditions), the M60 machine gun (due to extraction/latch issues), some cheap .22 caliber pistols like the Zip22 (dubbed the "Jam-O-Matic"), and certain handguns like the Walther P22, often due to ammunition, maintenance, or design flaws. While some classic designs like the 1911 can jam, it's often linked to maintenance or weak ammo, whereas unreliable budget guns suffer more frequent issues.
What is the #1 concealed carry gun?
There's no single "#1" concealed carry pistol, but top contenders consistently include the Sig Sauer P365 (especially X-Macro) for its high capacity in a small size, the Glock 19 for its legendary reliability and balance, and the Springfield Armory Hellcat for its extremely compact, high-capacity design, with the Smith & Wesson Shield Plus also highly favored for ease of use. The best choice depends on your hand size, comfort, and priorities (capacity, size, ease of use).
Why is the Glock 43X illegal?
Before you buy: The Glock 43X is not legal everywhere, so check with your local government before you buy. There has been legislation in states like California where it may be currently banned as there is no microstamper on the firing pin to identify the gun owner.
Do Chinese police carry guns?
Their police forces commonly adopt a philosophy of policing by consent. In China, police also do not carry guns on standard patrol. A survey conducted in Great Britain in 2004 found that 47% of citizens supported arming all police while 48% were opposed to the idea.
Is the Tec 9 still illegal?
TEC-9s are not universally illegal but are banned by name or feature in several states (like CA, NY, NJ, MD) and were covered by the expired 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban, making them heavily restricted, with modern legality depending on specific state laws and if the firearm was registered before past bans took effect. Production ceased in 2001, but pre-existing models might be legal if registered, while newer variants (AB-10) were made to bypass the federal ban but are still often restricted.
What sidearm do US marshals carry?
The primary handgun for all current deputy marshals is the Glock 17 in 9mm. Prior to that deputies were issued the Glock 22 in .40 S&W. Deputy Marshals may also carry a backup gun, but it must meet certain requirements.
Why do 1911s jam so much?
1911s jam due to a combination of tight tolerances, ammunition issues, and user error, often linked to the pistol's design needing a solid grip, quality magazines, and proper maintenance; common causes are "limp wristing," poor magazine feeding (especially hollow points), extractor/ejector problems, dirty chambers, or rough feed ramps, but good quality parts, ammo, and a firm hold significantly reduce malfunctions, as many jams stem from wear or poor-quality aftermarket components rather than inherent flaws in a well-tuned gun.
Should I buy a Glock 19 or 45?
The Glock 45 can be better for those with larger hands. The extra rounds are doubtlessly appreciated by uniformed law enforcement officers, and the reduced slide length can be a boon to sitting in a patrol car all day. On the other hand, the Glock 19 is the darling of the concealed carry world.
Do Navy SEALs use 1911?
While the Colt M1911 has historical ties and some special operators used modified versions (like the M45A1 for Marine Raiders), the Navy SEALs primarily moved away from the 1911 to Glock and SIG Sauer P226 models, though some older 1911s might linger in storage or specific non-deployable roles, they are largely obsolete for active SEAL duty.
What is the 3 foot rule Navy SEALs?
The Navy SEAL "3-foot rule" (or "three-foot world") is a mindset focusing on controlling only what's within immediate reach (your actions, attitude, effort, and immediate tasks) to manage stress, stay focused, and perform effectively, rather than worrying about overwhelming external factors or distant outcomes, stemming from rock climbing and military training to maintain clarity under pressure. It's about breaking down big problems into manageable, controllable steps to prevent paralysis and achieve success, a principle popularized by figures like Mark Owen in his book No Hero.
Do SEALs prefer Glock or SIG?
The Glock 19 is largely preferred and celebrated by Navy SEALs, in large measure because it performs much better in salt water. The Navy SEALs regularly operate in such environments, and a more durable sidearm greatly enhances the operational capacity and range of missions.
What gun is replacing the Glock 17?
The Glock 47 MOS is the same size overall as the Glock 17. In fact, it looks like the same gun, except for a small modification at the front, bottom portion of the slide that acts as a spacer for the recoil spring. This isn't new, as they did the same thing with the Glock 48 model.
Should I buy a Glock 17 or 47?
Neither the Glock 47 nor 17 is definitively "better," as the G47 offers modularity and compatibility with G19 parts (like using a G19 slide on a G47 frame), while the G17 is the iconic, proven original with slightly softer recoil and potentially better long-range accuracy due to its slightly longer barrel, though the G47 is often preferred for its versatility and quicker slide reset, making the choice dependent on user preference for features like red dot optics (G47 MOS is standard) or traditional iron sights.
Is a Glock 17 too big to carry?
It is possible to conceal carry a Glock 17, but there are several considerations if attempting to do so. The Glock 17 is a full-sized 9mm handgun, which means its physical dimensions (length, height, and width) are larger than those of compact or subcompact handguns.