An evolution of the battle-proven M9 pistol, the M9A3 is a combat-ready handgun that is designed to meet the needs of virtually any soldier or SWAT cop. This pistol is equipped with a threaded barrel for a sound suppressor, night sights and an accessory rail. Beretta uses 17-round, sand-resistant magazines in the M9A3 and finishes the gun in a Flat Dark Earth Cerakote. For more information, visit beretta.com.
Described by CZ as the king “King of Capacity,” the suppressor-ready P-09 puts 19+1 rounds of 9mm in the hands of any operator going into harm’s way. CZ equips this polymer-framed pistol with the popular Omega trigger, a very smooth DA/SA system. Adaptable to shooters of various hand sizes through the use of interchangeable backstraps, these handguns are ready for any duty assignment thrown at them. For more information, visit cz-usa.com or call 800-955-4486.
The FNX-45 Tactical is a perfect example of why FN America is relied on by so many military and law enforcement organizations. Chambered in the hard-hitting .45 ACP, this pistol was developed to withstand harsh combat conditions. In addition to being fitted with a threaded, 5.3-inch, cold-hammer-forged barrel, the pistol is equipped with both high-rise night sights and a slide that is cut for red-dot optics. Two mounting bases are included to accept multiple styles of red-dot sights. For more information, visit fnhusa.com or call 703-288-3500.
Suited for any difficult operation, the suppressor-ready Glock 17 TB features the rugged reliability for which the company is known. A 5.04-inch, threaded barrel and high-profile sights make this gun the top choice for many teams needing suppressed pistols. Glock also offers threaded-barrel versions for the Gen3 G19 and G23 as well as G21 SF.
For more information, visit glock.com or call 770-432-1202.
With a proud history of arming militaries and police agencies throughout the free world, it is no surprise to see Heckler & Koch making a top-tier combat pistol designed for suppressed operation. The HK45 Tactical is chambered for the .45 ACP and carries 10 rounds in its magazine. Available in black, tan or green, the polymer frame has an integral Picatinny rail for adding lights, lasers and other accessories. Interchangeable grip
panels make it easy for shooters to configure the grip to fit their hands best. Also note the long, ambidextrous slide release. For more information, visit hk-usa.com or call 706-568-1906.
Kimber 1911 pistols are carried by some of the top SWAT and military units in the world. The Custom TLE/RL II (TFS) has a match-grade, 5.5-inch barrel that is threaded for the easy attachment of a sound suppressor. A light, crisp trigger, combined with Meprolight night sights, helps to make this a precise shooter. For more information, visit kimberamerica.com or call 888-243-4522.
Chambered in 9mm, these hammer-fired pistols take standard Glock magazines and come ready for a sound suppressor on their 3.5-inch, threaded barrels. MasterPiece Arms offers the MPA930DMG with a variety of Cerakote finishes, including black, Flat Dark Earth and Burnt Bronze. Adjustable sights are standard, as is the accessory rail for adding a fast-targeting reflex sight. For more information, visit masterpiecearms.com or call 770-832-9430.
Ready for a lifetime of service, the Nighthawk Custom AAC Recon is a high-quality 1911 with all of the features needed for a suppressed pistol. The match-grade barrel is threaded and is matched with a set of Heinie Ledge Straight Eight Suppressor sights that will clear even the largest suppressors. The forged frame and slide are precisely machined to produce a gun that looks as good as it runs. More of the AAC Recon’s features include front and rear slide serrations, a Picatinny accessory rail, a high-swept beavertail, a match-grade trigger and ultra-thin, checkered Aluma-Grips.
For more information, call 877-268-4867
or visit nighthawkcustom.com.
Para is known for making 1911 pistols with double-column magazines, and that is exactly what you get with the Black Ops Combat, which holds 14+1 rounds of .45 ACP ammo. This, combined with its threaded barrel, makes the pistol ideal for tactical operators engaged in high-stakes missions. High-profile sights, VZ Operator G10 grips and an accessory rail are just some of the features these guns offer. For more information, visit para-usa.com or call 888-999-9386.
Remington offers this threaded-barrel 1911 as part of its R1 Enhanced line. The gun includes tall sights for aiming over a large suppressor. The stainless steel, threaded barrel comes with a thread protector, and the left-side-mounted thumb safety is wider than normal for easier manipulations. The gun also includes front and rear slide serrations, wood laminate grips, a serrated, skeletonized trigger and a pair of eight-round magazines with bumper pads. For
more information, visit remington.com or call 877-801-1911.
Few arms are as battle tested as the P226 from Sig Sauer, serving everyone from Navy SEALs to street cops. The P226 Combat TB adds a hard-chromed, threaded barrel for suppressed work. Additionally, Sig Sauer finishes the frame in Flat Dark Earth and phosphate treats all of the internal components for extreme corrosion resistance. SIGLITE night sights, a Picatinny accessory rail and classic good looks are all standard on this pistol. For more information, visit sigsauer.com or call 603-610-3000.
Perfect for SWAT officers and others whose duties can frequently change, Smith & Wesson offers the M&P9 with its Threaded Barrel Kit. Included are a standard 4.25-inch duty barrel and a threaded 4.75-inch barrel. With a quick field-stripping, the gun, with its 17-round magazine, can be converted from standard duty use to suppressed operation in seconds. Smith & Wesson also offers its Threaded Barrel Kit for the M&P45. For more information, visit smith-wesson.com or call 800-331-0852.
Designed to fill multiple roles, the Sphinx SDP Compact Alpha with a threaded barrel is small enough to be carried covertly, yet still large enough to be used in tactical missions. The pistol features a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system; a hand-fitted slide that rides on rails within the frame; a large, squared triggerguard; a Picatinny rail for accessories; interchangeable polymer grips; snag-free sights; and ambidextrous controls. For more information, visit sphinxarms.com or call 855-574-7787.
John Browning’s original 1911 served U.S. combat troops well for decades, and the STI Tactical SS 4.0 TR aims to do the same. This pistol is suppressor ready with a threaded bull barrel, and adds an accessory rail and night sights to enhance the operator’s ability to get the job done. The slide and frame are finished in black Cerakote, and an extended magazine well and ambidextrous safety are standard. For more information visit stiguns.com or call 512-819-0656.
With a focus on pistol ergonomics, Walther designed the PPQ M2 SD to be a very reliable and accurate suppressed pistol. The gun is extremely resistant to corrosion, and the polymer frame has proven to be very durable. Both 15- and 17-round magazines are available for this gun, giving it an ample supply of on-board ammunition. For more information, visit waltherarms.com or call 479-242-8500.
Sound suppressors provide military and tactical operators a means for applying deadly force while remaining in a covert, low-profile mode. As a result, they can move in on a target and strike unseen and unheard.
And, while there is a wide range of suppressors designed for shoulder-fired weapons, there is an obvious role for suppressors mounted on handguns for the ultimate in close-range, covert strikes.
Today, more than a dozen handgun manufacturers offer pistols that are suppressor-ready right out of the box. What constitutes suppressor-ready varies from company to company, but at the very least it means the barrels are threaded for the attachment of a sound suppressor.
“There is an obvious role for suppressors mounted on handguns for the ultimate in close-range, covert strikes.”
Some companies go the distance and offer the pistols with taller sights, accessory rails and special corrosion-resistant finishes to make true tactical guns.
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Here is a look at 15 different suppressor-ready pistols currently on the market today.
