Armed security guards play a critical role in protecting people and property specially in high risk areas. Their duties demand that they have firearms, not any kind of firearm. The selection of a weapon is dictated by the strict regulations, training needs, and practical factors of reliability, safety, and necessity to use.
Popular Weapons of Armed Security
Handguns are used by most armed security professionals because they are easy to carry, easy to handle and legally acceptable as far as licensing is concerned. Which gun to use is usually determined by the employer, the assignment, and the state laws.
Standard-Issue Sidearms
The firearms issued by security companies and agencies are usually a compromise between the stopping power, accuracy, and ease of use. The most frequent sidearms are:
- Glock 17 and Glock 19: Reliable, simple and easy to maintain. They are common with law enforcement and non-law enforcement security.
- Sig Sauer P320: The modular design with good performance; agencies that have high standards in firearm quality also use it.
- Smith & Wesson M&P series: Designed for professional use with ergonomic features that suit long usage.
- Beretta 92: A long-time favorite, heavily used in institutional security or government contracts.
These guns are usually in 9mm, though some security officers may use .40 S&W or .45 ACP if the situation is calls for it.
Read about: Ruger Security 9
Situational and Specialized Use
Although the use of handguns is common, armed guards are in some rare instances, e.g. armored car services or in high-threat areas, permitted to carry long guns, e.g. shotguns or carbines. They are strictly controlled and are normally used only in high risk scenarios or tactical response teams.
In any case, security officers should be trained and certified by the state and have appropriate licenses to every type of gun that they operate. To maintain safety and skill, regular requalification is often necessary.
Final Thoughts
Armed security guards are trained to carry weapons lawfully. Their guns are selected not only because they are effective but also safe, law-compliant and trusted by people. It could be a Glock, a Sig Sauer, or any other good sidearm, but these are just a part of a bigger duty to serve and protect in a professional way. What guns do armed security use is a question that can not be answered generally as different states often have different regulations and laws.