Close Quarters Combat (CQC) refers to the physical confrontation between several combatants at a very short range. In law enforcement and military operations, mastering CQC weapons is crucial for survival and mission success. Here’s a look at the top weapons designed for effectiveness in tight spaces, offering a blend of power, precision, and agility.
1. Benelli M4 Tactical Shotgun
- Price: $1,914.99
- Barrel: 18 inch
- Weight: 8lb
Shotguns are devastating at close range, and the Benelli M4 Tactical stands out for its reliability and power. With a semi-automatic action, it delivers rapid, controlled shots in tight scenarios.
Go for the military grade Benelli M1014 with the collapsible stock if you want even more options when it comes to weapons handling. There are shorter shotguns, but this one is the cream of the crop and the US military, law enforcement and official agencies all round the world have endorsed the Benelli shotgun’s Auto Regulating Gas Operated system as the best in the world.
If you want the safe bet, the surest thing, it kind of has to be the Benelli. Especially if you’re not the world’s best shooter. Shotgun stopping power means you really just have to ge your shot placement in the general area. And while a 9mm takes an average of 1.8 hits to take someone down, a 12 gauge shotgun just needs one.
Even the sight of a shotgun, or a wayward warning blast, can massively swing the odds in your favor. Smart people just run at that point…
2. AR-15 Pistol or SBR (Short Barrel Rifle)
- Price Range: $500-$2000
- Barrel: 4-11.5
- Weight: 4-7lb
The AR-15 SBR, with its shortened barrel, offers maneuverability in confined spaces without sacrificing the firepower of its standard counterpart.
It’s a versatile platform, customizable with various attachments to suit different CQB scenarios, and you can run a 300 Blackout version with a suppressor to save your ears. That can be a big deal, as it can be tricky to find your ear protection during a home invasion. Of course you could opt for an AK-47 pistol, because who needs functioning eyes and ears?
The ATF recently tried to reclassify AR pistols as SBRs, complete with more paperwork and registrations. California and other States have banned them and you should check you local laws before you order an AR-15 pistol. Joe Biden has declared war on them, claiming they are assault weapons. He’s wrong, but he’s definitely got these guns in his sights.
As of now, though, they are legal in most States. And if you can have one, you absolutely should.
Prices vary wildly, as does the barrel length, weight and fit and finish on your AR pistol. It depends if you’re on the market for a Palmetto State Armory low budget pistol, or a top tier pistol like the Patriot Ordnance Factory Edge piston driven pistol. Monolithic AR pistols with an internal buffer that can do without a brace if the rules change are also getting more popular.
3. Glock 19
- Price: $539.99
- Barrel: 4.03 inch
- Weight: 1.48lb
A compact version of the iconic Glock 17, the Glock 19 is a favorite among law enforcement and civilians alike. Its balanced size and firepower make it ideal for concealed carry and rapid deployment. It holds 17 rounds, has no external safety and you can rapid fire with that striker-fired action.
If you only have one gun in the house, it should probably be a Glock 19, especially if you can carry in your State. Word to the wise, it is a little big and blocky for CCW and we’d recommend a Glock 43x to make up the twin set.
Do that and you can even go for the G19 MOS model with a red dot sight on the optics plate for home defense, and maybe just upgrade the G43x with proper fiber optic night sights. Or you could invest a little more and go for one of these custom Glocks.
4. Pistol Caliber Carbine
- Price: $600-$2,300
Close Quarters Combat is often indoors, with innocent people too close for comfort. That’s why lots of people prefer to use a 9mm PCC for home defense, because there’s much less chance of overpenetration with a 9mm Luger round.
9mm has also become the default defensive round in recent decades, and that means vast amounts of R&D have gone in to making sure it goes into the body, expands like a flower petal and then rattles around your body causing all kinds of damage. In short it has been optimized perfectly for the task at hand. At close distances, 5.56 NATO can easily icepick through, while a 9mm round does exactly what you want to a nearby attacker.
Again we have done a whole post on 9mm Pistol Caliber Carbine handguns and there is one to suit your budget and maybe taste.
They come with relatively short barrels. The Sig Sauer Copperhead has a 3.5 inch barrel length and most of them are under 7.5 inches. That gives you a compact weapon that you can almost use as a concealed carry. If you take value for money into account, though, our favorite 9mm PCC is still the CZ Scorpion Evo 3.
For Close Quarters Combat, though, the Masterpiece Arms Defender is like a tribute to the Mac-10. In fact it’s even more compact, and you should buy one.
5. FN PS90
- Barrel length: 16.04 inch
- Price: $1,499.99
- Weight: 6.28llb
The FN PS90’s unique design and high-capacity magazine (50 rounds) make it ideal for CQC. Its compact size and low recoil allow for excellent maneuverability and rapid target acquisition. You get 5.7x28mm high velocity ammo, too, which is useful if your assailant is wearing light body armor.
These high speed bullets can punch through lower levels of body armor, and they’re also better than 9mm when it comes to stopping power.
FN’s iconic rifle is an odd shape, but you can also use the butt of the gun as a club if things get physical.
8. Mossberg 590 Shockwave
- Price: $509.99
- Barrel Length: 14 inch
- Weight: 5lb
This pump-action shotgun offers reliability and flexibility with various ammunition types, making it a versatile choice for CQC. Its intuitive design allows for quick operation in high-stress situations.
You can go for the Mossberg 590M Shockwave, too, which is a box magazine fed shotgun. That comes loaded with 10 rounds, and you can get a ro-round mag if you’re feeling extravagant.
The Remington 870 TAC-14 is a similar idea, but that is a semi automatic shotgun.
9. Karambit Knife
- Price: $18.00-$79.99
In extreme close quarters where firearms are not viable, the Karambit knife offers an edge. Its curved blade, designed for hooking and ripping, is a formidable tool close up. It’s harder than you think to make the most of these weapons, though. So if you are going to carry a knife then you need to train with one.
Conclusion
In the realm of close quarters combat, the right weapon can mean the difference between success and failure. From compact rifles and submachine guns to tactical shotguns and even combat knives, each weapon on this list has been designed with close-range engagements in mind. They balance power, precision, and maneuverability to ensure that, when the distance closes in, you have the upper hand.
Remember, training and familiarity with your chosen CQB weapon are as important as the weapon itself. Mastery of close quarters combat requires not just the right tools, but the skill and strategy to use them effectively. Stay safe, stay prepared, and ensure you are trained and certified to handle these powerful tools responsibly.
