Few things are more symbolic of a police officer’s authority than the duty pistol he or she carries. From blued-steel wheelguns to modern polymer pistols, the handgun has been an essential law enforcement tool throughout history.
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Here are today’s most popular law enforcement handguns for service and backup duties.
Beretta Px4 Storm
The Beretta Px4 Storm is a thoroughly modern duty pistol that uses a polymer frame and comes in three caliber choices: 9mm, .40 and .45 ACP. The Px4 Storm has interchangeable backstraps, allowing officers to get the best hand-to-gun fit. The Px4’s MSRP is $575.
For more information, visit berettausa.com or call 800-929-2901.
FNS-9
The FNS-9 from FNH USA is a full-sized duty pistol in 9mm. It has a polymer frame and a stainless steel slide. Each magazine holds 17 rounds. This striker-fired gun has a frame-mounted safety and a pair of interchangeable backstraps. Its MSRP starts at $599.
For more information, visit fnhusa.com or call 703-288-3500.
Glock 22 Gen4
The Glock 22 is a full-size pistol that holds 15 rounds of .40 S&W in a magazine. The current G22 pistol has Glock’s Gen4 treatment, which includes an aggressive grip texture, a dual recoil spring assembly and interchangeable backstraps to adjust the grip size to better fit an individual officer’s hand. Its MSRP is $649.
For more information, visit glock.com or call 770-432-1202.
Glock 27 Gen4
The Glock 27 Gen4 is a compact pistol chambered for the .40 S&W. It operates the same as the larger Glock 22 and can even use the larger gun’s magazines. Its standard capacity is nine rounds. While heavier than some other options, the G27 Gen4 makes for an excellent backup gun. Its MSRP starts at $649.
For more information, visit glock.com or call 770-432-1202.
Heckler & Koch USP
The Heckler & Koch USP pistol was designed with law enforcement in mind. The gun uses a polymer frame with an oversized triggerguard for gloved use. USP pistols come in a variety of configurations, including with a frame-mounted safety/decocker. USPs are available in 9mm, .40 and .45 ACP. Its MSRP starts at $952.
For more information, visit hk-usa.com or call 706-568-1906.
Ruger LCR
The Ruger LCR is a compact revolver that uses an ample helping of polymer parts to reduce its overall weight. Chambered in .38 Special, the gun can handle +P loads. The trigger is very smooth in large part due to Ruger’s innovative trigger cam system. The recoil is surprisingly mild compared to similar guns.Its MSRP is $529.
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For more information, visit ruger.com.
Sig Sauer P226
Unlike other modern duty pistols, the Sig Sauer P226 uses a traditional metal frame. The gun is extremely durable and very accurate. Originally developed for the 9mm cartridge, the P226 can be had in .40 S&W and .357 SIG as well. The MSRPs for Sig Sauer P226 pistols start at $1,015.
For more information, visit sigsauer.com or call 603-610-3000.
Smith & Wesson 642
For a backup gun, it is hard to beat the Smith & Wesson Model 642. This .38 Special revolver has an internal hammer to reduce snagging during the draw. The double-action trigger is heavy but smooth, and the revolver can handle +P ammo in its lightweight frame. Its MSRP is $469.
For more information, call 800-331-0852 or visit smith-wesson.com.
Smith & Wesson M&P
Smith & Wesson M&P pistols are polymer-framed handguns that use a stainless steel inner chassis for durability. Interchangeable palm-swell grips are a standard part of the M&P line. The guns are available in 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. The MSRPs for the M&P service pistols start at $569.
For more information, visit smith-wesson.com or call 800-331-0852.
Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380
A recent addition to the M&P line is the new Bodyguard 380, a pistol chambered for the .380 ACP round. It has a double-action-only trigger and a six-round magazine. Very flat, the gun is easy to conceal in an ankle holster or on a vest. Its MSRP is $379.
For more information, visit smith-wesson.com or call 800-331-0852.
Springfield Armory XD-S
The Springfield Armory XD-S is a compact pistol that is available in 9mm or .45 ACP. Single-stack magazines keep the pistol’s grip thin—only 0.9 inches wide. Yet, the guns still hold a potent 7+1 rounds of 9mm or 5+1 rounds of .45 ACP.Its MSRP starts at $599.
For more information, visit springfield-armory.com or call 800-680-6866.
