What Gun Does Police Use: A Comprehensive Guide To Law Enforcement Firearms

Police officers in the United States typically use semi-automatic pistols as their primary sidearm, with Glock models being the most common. However, the specific firearms used by law enforcement can vary widely depending on the department, location, and role of the officer. This post explains the diverse world of police firearms, from standard-issue handguns to specialized weapons used in tactical situations.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Police Firearms

The guns police use have changed dramatically over the years. From the iconic revolvers of the early 20th century to today’s high-capacity semi-automatic pistols, law enforcement firearms have evolved to meet the changing needs of officers on the street.

The Evolution of Police Guns

In the past, revolvers ruled supreme in police holsters. The .38 Special was the go-to caliber for decades. But as criminals began using more powerful weapons, police departments started looking for alternatives. The switch to semi-automatic pistols began in the 1980s and accelerated through the 1990s.

Today, most cops carry semi-auto pistols. These guns offer higher ammo capacity, faster reloads, and improved accuracy. The shift wasn’t just about firepower – it was about giving officers the tools they need to protect themselves and the public effectively.

Importance of Choosing the Right Police Weapon

Picking the right gun for police work is crucial. Officers need a reliable weapon that works every time they pull the trigger. It must be accurate, easy to use under stress, and powerful enough to stop threats quickly. The wrong choice could have serious consequences in life-or-death situations.

Most Common Handguns Used by Police

While many brands and models are used across the country, a few stand out as favorites among law enforcement agencies.

Glock: The Dominant Force in Law Enforcement

Glock pistols are by far the most popular choice for police departments in the U.S. The Glock 22, chambered in .40 S&W, has been a longtime favorite. However, many agencies are now switching to 9mm models like the Glock 17 and Glock 19.

What makes Glocks so popular with police?

Reliability: They’re famous for working in all conditions
Simplicity: Easy to use and maintain
Capacity: Hold more rounds than many competitors
Customization: Lots of aftermarket parts available

Smith & Wesson M&P Series: American-Made Reliability

The M&P (Military & Police) line from Smith & Wesson has gained a strong following in law enforcement circles. These pistols offer similar features to Glocks but with a more ergonomic grip that many officers prefer.

Popular M&P models in police service include:

M&P9 M2.0: Full-size 9mm pistol
M&P40: .40 S&W version
M&P Shield: Compact model for plainclothes and off-duty carry

SIG Sauer: Precision and Performance

SIG Sauer has a long history with law enforcement, particularly with their P226 and P229 models. More recently, the P320 has gained traction, especially after being chosen as the U.S. military’s new standard sidearm.

Key features of SIG pistols include:

Excellent accuracy
Modular design (P320)
Options for manual safeties

Beretta: Italian Craftsmanship in Police Service

While not as common as they once were, Beretta pistols still serve with many police departments. The Beretta 92 series (similar to the military M9) was a popular choice in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, some agencies use updated models like the APX.

Specialized Firearms for Law Enforcement

While handguns are the primary weapon for most officers, police departments also use a variety of long guns for specific situations.

Shotguns in Police Work

Shotguns have been a staple in police cruisers for decades. They offer versatility with different ammunition types:

Buckshot: For close-range threats
Slugs: When more accuracy is needed
Less-lethal rounds: Beanbags or rubber bullets for crowd control

Common police shotguns include:

Remington 870
Mossberg 500/590
Benelli M4

Rifles for Special Operations and Patrol

Many departments now issue rifles to patrol officers or keep them in vehicles. These give police more range and accuracy than handguns or shotguns. The AR-15 platform is most common, often in the form of:

Colt M4 Carbine
Smith & Wesson M&P15
Sig Sauer M400

Some agencies also use specialized rifles for their SWAT teams or marksmen.

Less-Lethal Options in Police Arsenal

While not firearms in the traditional sense, less-lethal weapons are an important part of police equipment. These include:

Tasers
Pepper spray
Bean bag rounds
Rubber bullets

These options give officers alternatives to lethal force in certain situations.

Factors Influencing Police Gun Selection

Choosing firearms for a police department involves balancing several factors.

Caliber Considerations: 9mm vs .40 S&W vs .45 ACP

The debate over the “best” police caliber has raged for years. Each has pros and cons:

9mm: Higher capacity, less recoil, cheaper ammo
.40 S&W: Good balance of power and capacity
.45 ACP: Big, powerful round, but fewer rounds per magazine

Recently, many departments have been moving back to 9mm due to improvements in ammunition technology.

Ergonomics and Customization Options

A gun needs to fit an officer’s hand comfortably and be easy to shoot accurately. Features like interchangeable backstraps and ambidextrous controls are important. The ability to add lights, lasers, and red dot sights is also a consideration.

Reliability and Durability in the Field

Police guns take a beating. They’re exposed to weather, sweat, and dirt. They might be fired rarely but must work flawlessly when needed. Durability and consistent performance are non-negotiable.

Budget Constraints and Department Policies

Cost is always a factor for government agencies. Some departments let officers choose from an approved list of guns, while others issue a standard weapon to everyone. These decisions often come down to budget and logistics.

Training and Qualification with Police Firearms

Having the right gun is only part of the equation. Officers need thorough training to use their weapons effectively and safely.

Basic Firearm Training for Officers

Police academy firearms training covers:

Safety rules
Marksmanship fundamentals
Drawing from a holster
Shooting on the move
Decision-making scenarios

Advanced Tactical Shooting Courses

Many departments offer additional training in areas like:

Low-light shooting
Close-quarters combat
Active shooter response
Weapon retention

Regular Qualifications and Skill Maintenance

Officers typically must qualify with their firearms several times a year. This ensures they maintain proficiency and can meet department accuracy standards.

Trends in Police Firearm Technology

The world of police firearms is constantly evolving. New technologies are changing how officers carry and use their weapons.

Red Dot Sights on Duty Pistols

More agencies are adopting red dot sights for duty pistols. These small electronic sights can help officers shoot more accurately, especially under stress.

Weapon-Mounted Lights and Lasers

Many police guns now have rails for attaching accessories. Weapon lights are especially common, allowing officers to illuminate potential threats while keeping both hands on their gun.

Smart Guns and Biometric Safety Features

While not widely adopted yet, some companies are developing “smart guns” with features like:

Fingerprint recognition
RFID chips that only allow authorized users to fire the weapon
Tracking technology

These technologies aim to prevent unauthorized use and improve gun safety.

Controversies and Debates Surrounding Police Guns

The topic of police firearms often sparks heated debates.

Militarization of Police Equipment

Some argue that police are becoming too “militarized” with the adoption of AR-15 style rifles and other tactical gear. Others say this equipment is necessary for officer and public safety.

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry for Officers

While most uniformed officers openly carry their firearms, there’s debate about whether plainclothes and off-duty officers should conceal their weapons or display them openly.

Non-Lethal Alternatives to Firearms

There’s ongoing discussion about increasing the use of less-lethal weapons to reduce fatal police shootings. However, these tools have limitations and can’t always replace firearms in dangerous situations.

International Perspectives on Police Firearms

Police gun policies vary widely around the world.

Unarmed Police Forces Around the World

In some countries, like the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland), Norway, and New Zealand, most police officers don’t carry firearms on regular patrol. They rely more on less-lethal weapons and specialized armed units for high-risk situations.

Comparison of US Police Guns to Other Countries

American police tend to be more heavily armed than their counterparts in many other developed nations. This reflects differences in gun laws, crime rates, and policing philosophies.

The Future of Police Firearms

As technology advances and policing strategies evolve, so too will the firearms used by law enforcement.

Emerging Technologies in Law Enforcement Weapons

Future police guns might include features like:

Integrated cameras that activate when the gun is drawn
“Smart” sights that help with target identification
Non-lethal modes built into traditional firearms

Potential Changes in Gun Policies for Police

Ongoing debates about police use of force could lead to changes in what guns officers carry and how they use them. This might include:

More emphasis on de-escalation training
Stricter policies on when firearms can be used
Greater adoption of less-lethal alternatives

Conclusion: The Ongoing Evolution of Police Firearms

The guns police use are more than just tools – they’re a reflection of the challenges officers face and society’s expectations for law enforcement. From the simple revolvers of the past to today’s high-tech pistols and rifles, police firearms continue to evolve.

As we’ve seen, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to “what gun does police use.” Departments choose weapons based on a complex mix of factors including performance, officer preference, and community needs.

Looking ahead, the focus will likely be on finding the right balance between giving officers the tools they need to do their jobs safely and addressing concerns about police use of force. Whatever changes come, the goal remains the same: keeping both officers and the communities they serve safe.