A Brief History
Last year, on May 23, 2014, we ran a list of 10 Favorite Guns of The Gangsters. This year, we offer the counterpart, and list some of the most popular weapons of Law Enforcement officials. A few decades ago, the list would have prominently featured revolvers such as the S&W Model 10 and the S&W Model 36, but time and fashion have changed things a bit. Most police agencies frown on rimfire calibers as less reliable than center fire, and calibers less than .32 ACP are just too anemic for anything other than last ditch panic weapons. Usually, police weapons are those of .38 caliber or more, such as .380 ACP, 9mm, or .38 Special and up.
Digging Deeper
10. S&W Model 10.
If you do find a revolver in a cop’s holster, odds are quite good this will be the one. Chambered in .38 S&W Special, these venerable guns are often relegated to use by security guards. Of course, the .357 Magnum chambered guns (such as the Model 19, Model 686, and Ruger GP 100) among revolver fans in police work police are also somewhat common.
9. S&W Model 36/60, Taurus 85, Ruger LCR, Colt Detective Special.
Not as common as previously, there are still a ton of .38 Special and .357 Magnum snub nosed revolvers used by detectives, undercover and off duty police officers. The simplicity of use and familiarity makes these guns sentimental favorites. The stopping power of the .38 Special is normally superior (with quality ammo) to that of .380 ACP or .32 caliber compact pistols, another major factor in choice of backup or concealed hand gun.
8. Compact Semi-Auto Pistol.
Usually in 9mm, the smallest varieties are in .380 ACP and the larger ones in .40 S&W or .45 ACP. These medium, compact, or subcompact guns have taken over the market for detectives from the snub nosed .38’s of yesterday. So many models and brands are available, it is hard to keep track. Once upon a time there were the “pocket pistols’ in .380 ACP and .32 ACP, and then there was the famous Walther PPK in .380 ACP carried by super spy, James Bond (that is, .380 in the movies, but .32 ACP in the books). Now, nearly all major manufacturers market pistols appropriate for detectives, undercover, and off duty police officers with reasonable firepower and a high level of conceivability. Little .380’s such as the S&W Bodyguard and Ruger LCP are great back-up guns, and the only slightly larger 9mm models can also be used as main duty weapons for plain clothes police. The flat shape offers superior conceivability to revolvers, and the rapid change magazines offer higher fire power than the old snub nosed revolvers. The larger compacts may even have double stack high capacity magazines.
7. Heckler and Koch MP5.
A 9mm submachine gun (.40 S&W and 10mm available) is the sub gun you are most likely to find equipping your local SWAT team. Used all over the world by military and police agencies, this has been a standard submachine gun since 1966. Not really a concealed carry weapon, this is normally a full sized submachine gun weighing at least 4.4 pounds (with 4.5 inch barrel, the shortest available), and pumps out 800 rounds per minute from 30 round magazines. For special purposes, a 100 round magazine is available. These guns are neither simple, nor cheap. Expect to pay $10,000 to $20,000 for a full automatic version, or $2000-$4000 for a semi-automatic version. There are plenty of cheaper, easier to care for subguns available, but the MP5 is a premium weapon. (Look for the newest model to replace the MP5, the H&K MP7 PDW firing a new 4.6mm high velocity cartridge.)
6. Colt M1911A1.
Although just as likely to be found manufactured by any number of other makes, the 1911 style .45 ACP semi-automatic just will not go away. In fact, it is more popular now than before. As with the fat-handled double stack magazine autos, some females and small stature men have a hard time handling “Old Slabsides.” The reliability and power recommend this 100+ year old hand gun, as does the intimidation factor. Modern versions can easily be dressed up with the latest in sights, lights, and lasers. Even high capacity models are available. Detectives and off duty cops can carry the compact versions so as to maintain muscle memory advantages from regular training.
5. M-4 Carbine.
Many departments have replaced or augmented the 12 gauge shotgun with a patrol rifle, usually in the original 5.56mm caliber. Able to provide much more precise fire out to 200 or more yards, and able to penetrate bullet resistant vests that sophisticated bad guys might wear, the “Son of the M-16” is a pretty handy weapon for dire situations. Some departments use semi-automatic only versions, while others, especially SWAT teams, use full automatic capable models. Colt had the corner on the market, but Smith & Wesson and others are encroaching.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P 9.
Carried by the LAPD, for example, this gun is the spiritual successor to the ubiquitous Model 10. Although the trend toward heavier calibers is cutting into 9mm sales, the 9mm still seems to be the most prevalent of Police calibers. The M&P is not to be confused with S&W’s older attempts at “wonder 9” pistols, and this line is simpler to operate, disassemble, and is more military in nature. With many officers and departments desiring to stay with American built guns from American companies, the Smith and Wesson is an obvious choice.
3. Beretta Model 92.
The 9mm that appears in the military as the M9, American cops love the idea of using a military weapon. Especially one as reliable and ergonomically useful as the Model 92. I carried one for my entire law enforcement career (and in the Marine Corps Reserve) and found the pistol to be an absolutely wonderful handgun, although I would lean toward a heavier caliber. Still, the 9mm is at least the match of the .38 Special, so that is apparently good enough for most needs.
2. Glock Semi-Automatic (Models 17/19, 21, 22).
Chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP respectively, this family of full size duty guns are probably the most common police side arms in the entire world. Simple to operate with every trigger pull the same (unlike the double action/single action revolvers and autos), these guns are inexpensive (extremely important whether on a department budget of individual officer’s budget) and ultra-reliable. Other Glock compact models are commonly used by detectives and undercover police.
1. 12 Gauge Pump Shotgun.
Sometimes a pistol is not enough, and something heavier is called for. Although semi-automatics have made serious inroads into police armories, the shell shucker is still king, usually blasting out 00 Buckshot or #4 Buckshot, with Slugs in reserve for heavy (anti-barricade) work. Specialty rounds abound, such as tear gas, flares, door breaching (powdered lead) and less lethal types (rubber slug, rubber buckshot, bean bag, etc). I have personally seen a subject’s legs turn to water when confronted with the confident sound of a 12 Gauge shell being chambered. Usual manufacturers include Remington (Model 870 family), Winchester (Model 12 family) and Mossberg (Model 500 family), with the Benelli semi-auto increasing in numbers. Today’s police shotgun may well be found with special features such as pistol grip, ghost ring or rifle sights, collapsing stock, optics, lights or lasers. Some may even have extended magazines.
Question for students (and subscribers) to ponder: What are your favorite “cop” guns?
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Ruselowski Jr., Stanley J. and Robert A. Sadowski. Book of Glock: A Comprehensive Guide to America’s Most Popular Handgun. Skyhorse Publishing, 2018.
