Swat Handguns
Exotic tactical weapons can’t replace the humble pistol as the weapon of choice in close-quarters, urban combat.
With the news and entertainment media featuring Special Weapons Teams, the general public has long since accepted the image of an elite group of men, clad in BDUs and body armor, carrying exotic weapons as they deal with a criminal or terrorist. Yet, that same public — and the vast majority of the shooters as well — is largely unaware that in spite of the presence of ultra-accurate precision (counter-sniper) rifles, submachine guns, gas launchers and stun grenades, the simple handgun is often the primary weapon of the men who deal “up close and personal” with violent suspects.
True, there are definitely occasions where a precision rifleman will bring the problem to a conclusion from a distance. And, without question, the submachine gun is utilized with ever-increasing frequency, especially by assault and entry less of what assigned weapon each team member carries, the entire team carries handguns.
Why? In the theoretical sense for the same reasons that handguns are used by military personnel in combat zones extra security in case of unforeseen emergencies. In the practical sense, smart SWAT commanders realize that a good handgun in skilled hands is often an excellent primary weapon, capable of dealing with many of the situations commonly encountered in SWAT operations.
Tight Quarters And Haunted Houses
Although the submachine gun is a fine choice for generalized indoor “haunted house” scenarios, the option of having several men armed with handguns is worth examination. Entry teams equipped with handguns can function well within a wider variety of circumstances.
For example, if particularly tight quarters are encountered — and make no mistake, they often are — the handgun-armed team member can take over and the submachine gun-armed members can cover him from a distance. This tactic makes sense in scenarios occurring in stairways, attics and window entries, to name but a few. In addition, the use of an unattached flashlight is better accomplished with a handgun, especially when a good Harries flashlight technique is utilized.
Though perhaps less well known, another reason for arming certain team members with handguns involves the delivery of diversionary munitions — so-called “stun grenades.” SWAT team members often tend to handle and deliver stun grenades with considerable trepidation. On many occasions, they’re so glad to get rid of the device that they get themselves tangled up in the shoulder sling of a shotgun or submachine gun.