A small arms survey from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates the U.S makes up 4.4% of the world population and accounts for 42% of civilian gun ownership. Suffice to say these types of stats can keep law enforcement and Security Guards up at night.
Present day there are hundreds of different gun models to choose from and multiple arms manufacturers. There is no shortage of gun options to fit an Armed Security Guard’s needs and requirements. But which gun is the best?
We scoured countless gun articles, reviews and Security Guard forums and found there are varying opinions and debates on which guns are best but there are some models that stand out from others. Below are some of the well-known flagship models used today.
Glock G17 Gen 4 9×19
Notable Benefits:
- Semi-Auto pistol, striker fired
- Polymer frame, metal barrel and slide
- Trigger safety, firing pin safety, drop safety (Glock Safe Action System)
- Every trigger pull is the same
- Fixed polymer combat style sights (1 dot in front, rectangle shape in rear)
- Interchangeable back straps
- Accessory rail
- Standard magazine- holds 17 rounds (9mm)
- Cost-effective
Other popular models: Glock G19
Consensus: The G17 or “Glock block” as some people say, is not known to be pretty but Glock owners are overwhelmingly satisfied by how the gun was made right out of the case. Light polymer, rugged, reliable, safe, large magazine size and cost effective, the Glock series of guns are still top of the list.
Click to read more on the Glock 17
Sig Sauer P229
Notable Benefits:
- Semi-Auto Pistol, hammer fired
- Steel frame and steel slide design
- Automatic Firing pin block safety, safety intercept notch, hammer bar disconnector safety, decocking lever safety (Sig 4 Point Safety System)
- SIGLITE Night Sights
- Double Action/Single Action Trigger pull
- Picatinny-style rail to attach accessories
- Standard magazine size 10,12 or 15 round depending on chambering
- Chambering options for 9mm Luger, .40 S&W and .357SIG
Other popular models: P226
Consensus: The Sig Sauer P229 costs more than other competitors but it is known for being a very accurate, customizable, and a solid design as a steel framed gun. The steel frame design is heavier but gun enthusiasts notice a reduction in muzzle rise with each shot compared to polymer improving accuracy. The Sig Sauer also has unique SIGLITE Night Sights where the traditional 3 dot white sights will glow green at night.
Click to read more on the P229
Smith & Wesson M&P 9
Notable Benefits:
- Semi-Auto pistol, striker fired
- Polymer frame, steel chassis, barrel and slide
- Trigger safety with options for additional safeties
- 3 dot sights
- Picatinny-style rail
- Interchangeable backstraps
- Double Action Only Trigger pull
- Standard magazine size 17 rounds
Other Popular models: M&P 2.0
Consensus: A strong contender in the polymer market. Offering a lightweight polymer frame design and customizable features. With interchangeable backstraps, reversible magazine release and ambidextrous slide release, the M&P is great for both right and left-hand shooters.
Click to read more on the M&P 9
Springfield XD 4″ 9mm
Notable Benefits:
- Semi-Auto pistol, striker fired
- Polymer frame, steel barrel and slide
- Trigger safety, grip safety and firing pin block safety
- 3 dot sights
- Loaded chamber and striker status indicators
- Superb ergonomic grip
- Accessory rail
- Magazine size 16 rounds
Other Popular models: Springfield XDS
Consensus: The Springfield XD is praised by many for its very comfortable grip, lightweight and simple ergonomic design. The gun is easy to pick up and find your target quickly even for a novice.
CZ-75B
Notable Benefits:
- Semi-Auto pistol, hammer fired
- All steel frame and steel slide
- Manual safety, pin block safety, hammer block safety
- Comfortable ergonomic design
- 3 dot sights
- Double Action/Single Action Trigger system, can be carried “cocked and locked”
- Standard magazine size 16 rounds
- Chambering options for 9mm Luger and .40 S&W
Other Popular models: CZ-75 SP-01 Phantom
Consensus: The all steel frame and slide can put more weight in the shooters hand but the ergonomic design and solid accurate shooting will make the weight forgettable. Due to the design and smooth Double Action/ Single Action trigger system, the CZ75 is the 2nd most copied gun design in the world next to the Colt 1911.
Click to read more on the CZ-75B
Classic Contenders
If budget is a concern there are many options for discontinued and older models of guns that can be found at much lower prices.
Ruger created the Ruger P series pistols up until 2013 with over 13 different models. The series models boast many different combinations of chambering, magazine size, design, etc leaving many attractive options for a used gun purchase that fits each person’s need. Though Ruger continues to make great guns outside of the “P” series, there are plenty of Ruger fans who still love their P89 or P90 as examples.
The Colt 1911 had set the standard for semi-auto pistols today and its design has been copied by more gun manufacturers than any other design. It shouldn’t be hard to find a great gun at a lower price modeled after the historic Colt 1911.
Some Security Guards and even off-duty Police Officers still look to revolvers as an option for protection. Revolvers have the wheel chambered design limiting chances of jamming and are very easy to learn and operate. They shouldn’t be counted out for more simple Security Guard details.
One thing everyone agrees on when it comes to guns is that you will ultimately decide what is good for you. Try heading to a gun range and testing out different types while keeping in mind your state laws and Security Company requirements for allowed guns. Once you find your perfect weapon, jump into a Security Guard forum and share your experience with others.
Protection in the Form of a Policy
Armed Security Guards are trained to face danger but all the training in the world cannot fully protect them. Having a Security Guard Insurance Policy increases that protection for themselves and their employer. Visit our Application Center today for your quote.
