SWAT officer gives his take on best offensive weapons, what makes them good, differences with defensive handguns. Posted on 07/10/2018 10:07:43 AM PDT by w1n1
SWAT officer gives his take on best offensive weapons, what makes them good, differences with defensive handguns.
The M1911A1 carried by U.S. troops from World War I up until the mid-1980s had some severe limitations. With a seven round magazine and fixed sights, the weapon lacked firepower and modularity.
Compare this to a modern handgun with a 15-round magazine, red dot optic, and rails for lights and lasers. You’ve come a long way, baby…The modern handgun opens up a whole new world of options in terms of what kinds of missions it can be used for. No longer limited to being a last-ditch weapon useful only at very close ranges, the modern handgun can take the fight to the enemy.
In certain situations, its compactness makes it superior to a long gun. Now, the mission and the user’s necessities define what role a handgun will play.
In modern times, how a handgun is carried, what type of handgun is carried, and its usage spells out what kind of handgun it is.
Handguns that are carried by military operators, SWAT cops and other tactical types will fall into two categories: defensive handguns and offensive handguns.
DEFENSIVE HANDGUNS ARE generally used for just that, self-defense. As previously mentioned, in the military they are carried by support troops who operate in less-hostile environments, as well as operators of crew-served weapons. They are there for when a primary weapon goes down and the handgun is the only option left.
OFFENSIVE HANDGUNS ARE used for actual tactical operations, such as building-clearing and close-quarters battle (CQB) scenarios. They are used in conjunction with heavier weapons such as assault rifles.
Operators will use handguns when clearing tight spaces such as ships or aircraft where their small size is optimal when compared to long guns. As a SWAT operator, I would often switch between my handgun and long gun during an operation. Read the rest of this Handguns not for Self-Defense here.
Gee, I suppose I’ve got to go throw my 1911 in the trash now.
I mean, American Shooting Journal says it had severe limitations...
Oh, the despair... I’m an anachronism, stuck in the last century.
Keep it. Not an “Assault Pistol.”
I CCW my Full Size Sig P320 RX, IWB @ 5 o'clock. 17 rds. w 2 mags for back up.
So it is both Offensive/Defensive
unholstered while driving
Fixed sights, even...
I’m just crestfallen... In fact I don’t think I’m feeling well...
I prefer 45 caliber - slower and heavier round. Love SIG and XDM.
Pick your own poison and practice with the exact ammo you intend to use. Hammer guns like the SIG tend to fire everything, while striker fire handguns like the XDM may have certain types of ammo they don't like.
Note: my SIG P220 Elite-Extreme is a hammer fire in .45.
I am in deep stuff, my prefered carry gun is a ruger bisley blackhawk, .44 special, .44mag handloads. Follow up shots are not required. I hate wasting ammo.
I would need a backpack (or a Sancho Panza) to carry that around.
Do laser installs account for range and gravity?
***I suppose I’ve got to go throw my 1911 in the trash now.***
The ..45ACP was designed to romp and stomp crazed moslem Juramentados. If you toss yours NOW, you will need it tomorrow when the only Juramentado within 100 miles will come for you.
A pistol is good to fight to your rifle.
Well there goes my snubnose .38.
Yet another if you ain’t a Glockster you ain’t **it thread. Elmer Keith would have some choice words for this bunch, lol.
Range and gravity? Unless you’re shooting out beyond about 40 yards, they’re irrelevant on 9mm at least.
My .38 special with Buffalo Bore 158gr. soft cast LSWHP-GC (850fps standard pressure/ low flash) is now my all time favorite gun for home defense.
I don’t think anyone would suggests a 1911 has severe limitations after seeing me use a series 70 combat commander. This guy can go pound sand.
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