Last updated July 2026 · By Nick Hall, firearm enthusiast familiar with police-issued sidearms across international agencies
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Pistols play a crucial role in law enforcement, providing officers with a reliable and effective means of defense and law enforcement.
Over the years, various models have risen to prominence, each offering unique features and capabilities that cater to the demanding needs of police work.
Here are some of the best police duty pistols from around the world.
Table of Contents
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun. Where we have not shot a specific variant ourselves, we say so in that section.
1. Glock 17
The Glock 17 is renowned for its reliability, simplicity, and robust design. Widely used by law enforcement agencies worldwide,
it features a high-capacity magazine holding 17 rounds, a lightweight polymer frame, and a safe action system.
Its low recoil and high accuracy are nice, but really this gun is all about dependability and reliability. There’s no manual safety, so there’s nothing to think about. When you draw, it is ready to fire and that makes sense for an officer of the law.
A massive reduction in internal parts and the toughest polymer construction means this simple blocky handgun just works. And that means the police and military have moved to it en masse.
2. Sig Sauer P320
The Sig Sauer P320 won the US military contract and is now the official sidearm of the US troops, as well as Swiss police.
It has had its issues with negligent discharges, which is a big deal. And there have been other problems. Basically, a lot of the customers don’t love this gun and some are scared of it.
But it hasn’t derailed the P320 completely and it is still winning military and Special Forces contracts in the likes of Spain, the Ukraine, Thailand and the US.
By the numbers it’s a success story, then, but behind the scenes the narrative is different.
This sidearm features a striker-fired system with a crisp trigger pull and has been adopted by various law enforcement agencies, as well as the U.S. Army.
The Sig Sauer P226 is another favorite with police forces around the world. That all metal pistol is double the price, which matters if you’re buying in bulk. If it’s just you, then it’s a better gun and you might want to treat yourself. It is heavier though.
3. Beretta 92
The Beretta 92, particularly the 92FS model, has been a long-time favorite of law enforcement, including the U.S. Military (designated as the M9).
Known for its accuracy, reliability, and 15-round magazine capacity, the Beretta 92 has a distinct open-slide design that aids in jam prevention and heat dissipation.
It is an all-metal handgun, but that is less of an issue for a police officer who wears an open carry holster.
The double action/single action mechanism is a little quirky in comparison to the binary Glock or Sig. Conversely, it does give options in terms of carrying cocked and locked, or using the long double action trigger pull as a safety.
Beretta has supplied armed forces and police from the US to the Far East, and everywhere in between.
4. Smith & Wesson M&P
The Smith & Wesson M&P (Military & Police) is designed specifically for law enforcement. It’s built on a reinforced polymer chassis and has been with us in its most basic form since 2005.
Now the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 comes with better ergonomics, ambidextrous controls and a passive trigger safety. You can also order one with a thumb safety and an EZ model with a grip safety.
Its versatility and reliability are standout features in the police firearms market, and law enforcement agencies like the fact they can order pistols and rifles from the same manufacturer for the ultimate bulk discounts.
You can order the same guns, from the low budget S& M&P Shield sub compact pistol for concealed carry through to the full size S&W M&P9. And the metal framed version aimed at competition shooters.
5. Heckler & Koch VP9
The HK VP9 is known for its ergonomics, with customizable grip panels and excellent trigger quality.
It’s a striker-fired pistol with a 15-round magazine capacity and has gained a reputation for its accuracy and ease of use, making it a popular choice among law enforcement officers.
Generally it costs a little more, but the internals of a HK are a world away from the Glock. There’s a lot more polished metal and engineering inside, which is both a pro and a con.
They’re more complicated, not just expensive. Yet Heckler & Koch are known for reliability, as well as tack driver accuracy.
6. CZ 75
The most copied pistol of all time, this is the original Wonder 9 and a gun that is still used worldwide to this day.
Introduced in 1975, the CZ 75 featured a whole host of technical innovations. They included the high capacity magazines with a staggered formation.
A double action/single action mechanism, all metal construction and stunning accuracy and repeatability were CZ 75 hallmarks.
It has spawned a model line that goes all the way up to the Czechmate Parrot competition pistol. But this basic version is still seriously fun to shoot and a great handgun.
7. Norinco GSZ/CF-98
The vast police force in China have relied on the Norinco GSZ since the late 1990s.
It is a recoil operated, locked breech design that is cheap and relatively reliable.
A detachable steel frame that includes the Fire Control Unit sits inside a polymer sleeve. So it’s easy to upgrade and repair the plastics without major gunsmithing.
It can fire standard 9mm ammo or specialist Chinese made 5.8x21mm armor piercing rounds.
We still don’t want one, but it’s interesting.
8. Steyr M9
Designed for the Austrian Police, the Steyr M9 and slightly more compact Steyr S9 have proved popular with the cops that don’t want to carry a Glock.
Now it’s clearly a striker-fired pistol in a nation where Glock is the default choice. So the company has worked hard on the ergonimics to create a much more shapely pistol that largely has the same specs as a G17.
Is it a better gun? It looks it, yes. The bore axis is better, it’s more customisable to your hand with interchangeable backstaps and the grip angle is just different.
The gun is now getting traction in Asia, with certain Malaysian law enforcement agencies signing up to use them. Mostly they are attracted by the deals, but this is an excellent pistol.
9. Caracal F
Produced in the MIddle East, these guns are standard issue for the armed forces and LEOs in the UAE.
The pistol made its debut in 2007 after a long combined effort with Europe’s best designers.
Now it has a deal to import them into Italy through respected manufacturer Tanfoglio and it’s clear this is a really good gun. Caracal USA launched in 2018, but seems to have gone quiet since the launch of the Caracal Enhanced F.
The grip angle is more 1911 than Glock, and the grip texture is much more solid. Bore axis is a big deal for the company
10. Colt 1911
Most military and tactical police units have gone over to the striker fired side of the fence with the Glock 17 and G19 now, but individual officers can and do still carry a 1911.
It’s a big, heavy lump of metal and a Colt 45 only carries 7+1 rounds, 8 if you’re lucky.
But the 1911 is tried and trusted technology, and many officers simply refuse to abandon their old iron and 230gr hollow points.
A tactical 1911 is still a work of art, too, and a pleasure to hold in your hand. So don’t discount the old school Colt 1911. Because the police haven’t…
11. Makarov PM
- Price: N/A
The Russian military has officially just ditched this gun, but the Russian police persevere with the Makarov.
Chambered in 9x18mm ammo, this is a blowback steel frame pistol with a single stack magazine.
It has been in service since 1951 and has been blown into the weeds by the other guns on this list.
Unfortunately it costs a lot to phase this gun out and replace it for the entire Russian police force, and the country has spent a lot in the Ukraine lately. So the police can expect to run the Makarovs for a little while longer.
With strict restrictions on importing Russian firearms and the funky caliber, it really doesn’t have much of a market here. Except maybe as a curiosity for collectors.
FAQ: Police Duty Pistols
What makes the Glock 17 a preferred pistol for police use?
The Glock 17 is favored for its reliability, simplicity, and high-capacity magazine. Its lightweight design and minimal recoil make it suitable for officers of varying experience levels, and its durable construction ensures it functions well in different environments.
How does the Beretta 92 stand out in law enforcement use?
The Beretta 92, particularly the 92FS model, is known for its open-slide design, which helps prevent jams. Its accuracy, reliability, and 15-round magazine capacity make it a trusted sidearm for law enforcement and military personnel.
Why is the Sig Sauer P320 becoming popular among police forces?
The Sig Sauer P320 is gaining popularity due to its modular design, allowing officers to customize the grip, barrel length, and caliber. Its striker-fired system provides a consistent and smooth trigger pull, enhancing accuracy.
What advantages does the Heckler & Koch VP9 offer to law enforcement officers?
The HK VP9 is lauded for its ergonomic design, customizable grip, and excellent trigger quality. These features, combined with its accuracy and reliability, make it a favorable choice for officers needing a comfortable and effective duty pistol.
Are older pistol designs like the Colt 1911 still effective for police use?
– Yes, older designs like the Colt 1911 are still effective in certain law enforcement roles. The 1911’s powerful .45 ACP cartridge, accuracy, and reliability make it a capable firearm, particularly in close-quarter scenarios where its stopping power is advantageous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gun do most American police carry?
The Glock 17 and Glock 19 are the most common police duty pistols in America, used by roughly 65% of law enforcement agencies. The Sig Sauer P320 (M17/M18) is gaining ground, especially after the US military adopted it. Smith & Wesson M&P is the third most popular choice.
Why do police use 9mm?
The FBI switched back to 9mm in 2015 after concluding that modern 9mm defensive ammunition matches .40 S&W and .45 ACP in terminal performance while offering higher capacity, less recoil, and faster follow-up shots. Most US police agencies followed suit.
What gun do British police carry?
Most British police officers are unarmed. Authorized Firearms Officers (AFOs) carry the Glock 17 as their primary sidearm. Specialist units may use the Sig P226, HK MP5, or HK G36 depending on the role. The Metropolitan Police adopted the Glock 17 Gen 4 in 2016.
Do police still use revolvers?
Very few police agencies still issue revolvers as primary duty weapons. Most transitioned to semi-auto pistols in the 1980s and 1990s. Some officers carry small revolvers (S&W 642, Ruger LCR) as backup guns. A handful of smaller agencies and some international forces still use revolvers.
What pistols do police use?
Most American police carry striker-fired 9mm pistols, with Glock the dominant choice, followed by the Sig Sauer P320 and the Smith & Wesson M&P. Around the world, agencies issue everything from the Glock 17 to the Walther and Beretta. The common thread is a reliable, high-capacity 9mm duty gun.
What is the most common police duty pistol?
The Glock, particularly the Glock 17 and 22, is the most widely issued police pistol in the United States and many other countries, prized for reliability, simplicity and capacity. The Sig P320, adopted by the US military as the M17 and M18, has gained ground as agencies modernize.
Do all police carry the same gun?
No, issued sidearms vary by agency, country and era, though 9mm striker-fired pistols dominate. Some departments mandate a single model, others let officers choose from an approved list, and specialized units carry different gear. The trend worldwide is toward standardized, reliable 9mm duty pistols.
What revolvers did police carry historically?
For most of the 20th century American police carried .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers, especially the Smith & Wesson Model 10 and the Colt Official Police, before the shift to high-capacity semi-autos in the 1980s and 1990s. Those six-shooters defined the police sidearm for generations until the wonder-nine era arrived.
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