Many people rely on Glock pistols to meet their self-defense and sport shooting needs. Glock has a reputation for being easy to use, reliable, and durable. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that law enforcement professionals, including the FBI, rely on Glock handguns as well. There are numerous Glock models available, and some of the most popular include the Glock 17 and a Glock 19. What Glock do FBI professionals use? Why is this the case, and do law enforcement professionals get a say in what firearm they use?

The FBI Relies on Glock Gen 5 Handguns

Like many other law enforcement agencies, the FBI relies on the fifth generation of Glock handguns, including the Glock 19 Gen 5 and a Glock 17 Gen 5. These are 9 mm models. In the past, some FBI service members used .40 S&W caliber handguns; however, in recent years, the FBI has made the transition back to 9 mm handguns.

When the FBI announced they would make the switch several years ago, they received a lot of questions from countless state and local agencies. Many local police departments and sheriff's departments still use the .40 S&W models. What are some of the reasons why the FBI decided to make the switch?

Why Did the FBI Decide To Make the Switch?

There are several reasons why the FBI decided to make the switch to a slightly smaller caliber bullet. These include:

• The FBI believes that the vast majority of bullets will have plenty of stopping power for human targets.
• The FBI believes that high-caliber weapons are more likely to fail the law enforcement officer in the event of a shootout. Therefore, a smaller caliber handgun is more effective.
• The FBI also believes that smaller caliber bullets are more accurate. High-caliber weapons are more likely to miss the target when fired.
• 9 mm rounds will still penetrate the target sufficiently to wound human targets and end a shootout.
• Smaller caliber bullets are less expensive, have less recoil, and offer higher magazine capacities.

For all of these reasons, the FBI decided to transition from a larger caliber firearm to a 9mm handgun.

Do Law Enforcement Officers get a Say in the Handgun They Carry?

Yes, law enforcement professionals, including those who work for the FBI, do get a say in the handgun they carry; however, they can't choose from anything available. They have to select from several options. Furthermore, officers with more experience have more say over the handgun they carry. When a rookie with the FBI, they are usually only allowed to select from one or two guns. Still, the vast majority of FBI professionals continue to go with a 9 mm, 5th generation Glock pistol.

Do FBI Officers Carry a Second Handgun?

Some FBI officers do carry a second sidearm. If they believe they are going into a particularly dangerous encounter, they may have a secondary pistol or sidearm if they run out of ammunition on the first one. There are several secondary sidearms that FBI professionals might use. Some FBI agents decide to use a Glock 22 or Glock 23; however, this might be too large as a secondary sidearm for some people. For example, some agents decide to go with Glock 27, one of the smallest handguns on the market. That way, it is relatively easy to hide somewhere else on the body, such as strapped to the ankle.

Sometimes, FBI agents want to make modifications to their weapons. If they want to modify, they need to ask for permission. Then, they might be required to go through training on the new, modified weapon and the original one.

We Can Help with Your Glock Pistol Modifications!

Because countless law enforcement professionals rely on Glock pistols, it should come as no surprise that the average citizen finds them reliable as well. If you want to get the most out of your Glock pistol, you should consider making a few modifications as well. For example, you might be interested in swapping out the trigger spring to change the pull weight. Or, you might want to change the trigger connector. Customize your Glock pistol to meet your needs. That way, you know it will respond well when you need it most. 

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