A United States Army soldier in 2009 demonstrates the usage of his Beretta M9 sidearm.
A service pistol is any handgun issued to military personnel.
Typically service pistols are revolvers or semi-automatic pistols issued to officers, non-commissioned officers, and rear-echelon support personnel for self defense, though service pistols may also be issued to special forces as a backup for their primary weapons. Pistols are not typically issued to front-line infantry.
Before firearms were commonplace, officers typically carried swords instead.
History[]
Prior to the introduction of cartridge-loading firearms, there was little standardisation with regards to the handguns carried by military personnel, although it had been important for officers, artillerymen, and other auxiliary troops to have a means of defending themselves, especially as it was not always practical for them to have a full-length rifle or carbine.
Traditionally, soldiers (infantry and cavalry alike) and officers had carried swords for both personal protection and use in combat. The development of firearms in the mid-14th century changed the way battles were fought, and by the late-15th century it was no longer especially practical to close to hand-to-hand combat range to engage one's opponents, owing to the prevalence of pikes and musket-fire (pike and shot) on the battlefield.
Training was also a factor—it took a very long time to train new recruits in the use of longbows and swords—whereas the basic operation of an arquebus could be taught in a comparatively short time. As a result, swords were retained only by officers (who were less likely to be at the front of the pike-and-musket hedge) and by cavalry, for whom early single-shot handguns were of limited use.
The invention of the revolver in 1836 finally made a service pistol practical, as prior to this pistols had largely been single-shot weapons usually of no particular standardized pattern.
Although officers traditionally had been obligated to buy their own weapons, non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and other enlisted personnel were generally issued their weapons (which they were then expected to either pay for or return to the quartermaster if they were promoted). Service pistols, on the other hand, were generally issued to officers, NCO, and others who needed to carry personal weapons as part of their duties. Hence, it was quite common for officers to carry government-issued service pistols in combat.
The first service handguns were revolvers, but the development of Semi-automatic pistols (the first practical example being the Mauser C96 "Broomhandle") gradually led to their replacement by Semi-automatic handguns, such as the well-known German P08 Luger, the first Semi-automatic service pistol to be widely adopted by an industrialised nation. Nowadays, service pistols are almost exclusively self-loading.
The British Army was the last major military service to adopt a Semi-automatic service pistol as a standard sidearm, phasing out their Webley Mk IV, Enfield No 2 Mk I, and Smith & Wesson Victory revolvers in 1969,[1] after which the Browning Hi-Power became the Army's official service pistol.
Modern issue[]
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A rear echelon US Marine with an issued M9 Beretta.
Special operations soldiers often carry a handgun as a secondary weapon to serve in a supplementary capacity to their primary weapon (a rifle, carbine, submachine gun, or shotgun); this practice is not as prevalent among conventional soldiers. Soldiers who do not serve in a direct combat role are often issued a pistol (such as officers, artillery crews, and other rear-echelon personnel), but conventional riflemen are not generally issued a pistol as part of their standard kit. However, drivers are often issued a handgun since while driving, their rifle will be stowed on a rack and thus difficult to make ready quickly in an emergency whereas a handgun is more easily accessible.
The tradition of issuing pistols to officers as a primary weapon is being phased out by many nations. The United States Marine Corps, for example, recently began requiring all enlisted personnel and all officers below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to carry the M4 Carbine as their primary weapon. British officers on combat duty are also normally issued with the standard rifle but are not required to carry it with them at all times, for example while operating as support staff the rifle would be stored in the base armory though this is the same for most support staff.
Issue by nation[]
Angola[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–present |
Argentina[]
Ballester-Molina
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steyr Mannlicher M1901 | Semi-automatic | 7.65mm Mannlicher | 1905–1916 |
| M1916/M1927 | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1916–present |
| Ballester-Molina | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1938–1985 |
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–1998 |
| Bersa Thunder 9 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1998–present |
Austria[]
Glock 17
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1870/M1870-74/M1882 Gasser | Revolver | 11.25x36R, 11.2×29.5 mm (Montenegrin) | 1870–1898 |
| Gasser-Kropatschek M1876 | Revolver | 9×26R | 1876–1898 |
| M1878 Gasser | Revolver | 9×26R | 1878–1898 |
| Rast-Gasser M1898 | Revolver | 8mm Gasser | 1898–1945 |
| Roth Steyr M1907 | Semi-automatic | 8mm Roth-Steyr | 1907–1945 |
| Steyr M1912 | Semi-automatic | 9mm Steyr, 9×19mm Parabellum | 1912–1945 |
| Dienstpistole 11,43mm (M1911 pistol) | Semi-automatic | 11,43mm Dienstpistole (.45 ACP) | 1950-? |
| Walther P38 / Walther P1 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1938–1995 |
| Pistole 80 (Glock 17) | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1980–present |
Bangladesh[]
Type 54 pistol
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–present |
| Type 54 pistol | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1970–present[2] |
| Bangladesh Ordnance Factories Type 92 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2008–present[3] |
Belgium[]
Browning Hi-Power
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagant M1895 | Double-action revolver | 7.62x38mmR | 1895–1945 |
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–present |
| FN Five-seveN | Semi-automatic | 5.7×28mm | 2000–present |
Bermuda[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–present |
Brazil[]
Taurus PT92
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistola Parabellum | Semi-automatic | 7.65×21mm Parabellum | 1908–1937 |
| M1911 | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1937–1984 |
| S&W M1917 | Double-action revolver | .45 ACP | 1937–1984 |
| Taurus PT92 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1984–present |
Cambodia[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| TT-33 | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1950s-Present |
| Type 54 | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1967–Present |
| Makarov pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1967–Present |
| Colt M1911 | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1950s-1975 |
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1967–Present |
| QSZ-92 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2005–Present |
Canada[]
Inglis Hi-Power
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colt Model 1878 | Revolver | .45 Colt | 1885–1902 |
| Colt New Service | Revolver | .455 Webley | 1900–1928 |
| Colt Model 1911 | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1914–1945 |
| Smith & Wesson 2nd Model "Hand Ejector" | Revolver | .455 Webley | 1915–1951 |
| Enfield No. 2 Mk I | Revolver | .38/200 | 1937-1964 |
| Smith & Wesson "Military & Police" | Revolver | .38/200 | 1939–1964 |
| Inglis Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1944–present |
| SIG Sauer P225 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1991–present |
Chile[]
SIG P226
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steyr M1912 | Semi-automatic | 9×23mm Steyr | 1912–1948 |
| Walther P38 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1938-1980s |
| SIG Sauer P226 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1980s-Present |
Croatia[]
HS2000
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zastava M57 | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1957–92 |
| HS2000 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum .40 S&W .45 ACP |
1999–present |
| Springfield XDM | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2006–present |
People's Republic of China[]
Type 92
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauser C96 "Broomhandle" | Semi-automatic | 7.63×25mm Mauser .45 ACP |
1927–1953 |
| TT pistol | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1930s–present |
| Type 51/54 | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25 Tokarev | 1951–present |
| Type 77 | Semi-automatic | 7.65×17mm | 1981–present |
| QSZ92-9 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1996–present |
| QSZ92-5.8 | Semi-automatic | 5.8×21mm DAP92 | 1996–present |
| QSW-06 | Semi-automatic | 5.8×21mm DCV05 | 2006–present |
Republic of China (Taiwan)[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauser C96 | Semi-automatic | 7.63×25mm Mauser .45 ACP |
1911-1950s |
| Luger P08 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1911-1950s |
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–Present |
| M1911 pistol | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1941–Present |
| T75 pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1941–Present |
Czech Republic[]
CZ 75
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vz. 52 | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1952-1982 |
| Vz. 82 | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1983-1993 |
| CZ 75 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | ?-Present |
Denmark[]
Pistol M/49
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omdrejningspistol M1861 | Pinfire revolver | 11mm Lefaucheux | 1861-1881 |
| Omdrejningspistol M1880 | Double-action revolver | 9mm Danish Army | 1880-1946 |
| Pistol M1910 | Semi-automatic | 9×23mm Largo | 1910-1946 |
| Pistol M/46 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1946-2000 |
| Pistol M/49 Neuhausen | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1949–present |
Egypt[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helwan Brigadier | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1955–Present |
| Maadi 920 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | ~1990–Present |
Estonia[]
Heckler & Koch USP
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makarov pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1951–Present |
| Heckler & Koch USP | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2007–Present |
Finland[]
Browning BDA
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistol M/19 | Semi-automatic | .32 ACP | 1919–1971 |
| Pistol M/23 | Semi-automatic | 7.65mm Parabellum | 1922–1980 |
| Lahti L-35 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–1980 |
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–present |
| 9.00 PIST 80-91 (FN HP-DA) | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1980–present |
| 9.00 PIST 2003 (Walther P99) | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2003–present |
| 9.00 PIST 2008 (Glock 17) | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2008–present |
France[]
PAMAS G1
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lefaucheux M1858 | Revolver | 12mm pinfire cartridge | 1858 - 1873? |
| Chamelot Delvigne French 1873 | Revolver | 11mm | 1873–1892 |
| Lebel M1892 | Revolver | 8mm Lebel | 1892–1945 |
| MAB D | Semi-automatic | .32 ACP | 1923–1984 |
| Modele 1935 | Semi-automatic | 7.65×20mm Longue | 1935–1950 |
| MAC 50 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1950–1988 |
| Manurhin MR 73 | Revolver | .357 Magnum | 1973–present |
| PAMAS G1s | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1984–present |
| Glock 17 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1992–present |
| SIG Sauer SP-2022 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2003–present |
Germany[]
Heckler & Koch P8
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1879 Reichsrevolver | Revolver | 10,6 dt. Ordonnanz (10,6×25) | 1879–1918 |
| Luger P08 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1904–1945 |
| Mauser C96 "Broomhandle" | Semi-automatic | 7.63×25mm Mauser 9×19mm Parabellum |
1914–1945 |
| Mauser 1914/1934 | Semi-automatic | .32 ACP | 1914–1945 |
| Walther PP/PPK | Semi-automatic | .32 ACP, .380 ACP, 9×19mm Parabellum | 1929–1970s |
| Walther P38 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1938–1960s |
| Mauser HSc | Semi-automatic | .32 ACP | 1939–1945 |
| Walther P1 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1957–1993 |
| Heckler & Koch P7 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | ?-present (Used by Military Police) |
| Makarov pistol (East Germany) | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1951–1991 |
| Heckler & Koch P8 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1993–present |
Hungary[]
FEG PA-63
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frommer Stop | Semi-automatic | .32 ACP | 1919–1948 |
| M48 Tokarev | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1948–1963 |
| FEG PA-63 | Semi-automatic | 9mm Makarov | 1963–1996 |
| FÉG Model P9RC | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1996–present |
| Heckler & Koch USP | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2004–present |
Italy[]
Beretta 92FS
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodeo M1889 | Revolver | 10.35mm | 1889-1945 (?) |
| Glisenti M1910 | Semi-automatic | 9mm Glisenti | 1910-1945 (?) |
| Beretta M1923 | Semi-automatic | 9mm Glisenti | 1923-1945 (?) |
| Beretta M1934 | Semi-automatic | .380 ACP | 1934–1951 |
| Beretta M1951 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1951–1981 |
| Beretta 92FS | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1981–present |
| Beretta 90two | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2011–present (limited)[4] |
Iran[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIG P226 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1990s-Present |
Iraq[]
CZ 99
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariq pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1979-2003 |
| CZ 99 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2008–present |
| M9 pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2003–present |
| Glock 19 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2003–present |
Israel[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jericho 941 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1990s-Present |
Japan[]
Nambu Type 94 pistol
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meiji Type 26 | Revolver | 9mm Meiji | 1893–1945 |
| Nambu Type 14 | Semi-automatic | 8mm Nambu | 1915–1945 |
| Nambu Type 94 | Semi-automatic | 8mm Nambu | 1934–1961 |
| Nambu Model 60 | Revolver | .38 Special | 1961–Present |
| Minebea P9 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1985–present |
Jordan[]
Viper Jaws pistol
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helwan Brigadier | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 19??- |
| Beretta 92 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 19??-present |
| Viper Jaws pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2005–present |
Democratic People's Republic of Korea[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 68 | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1960s-present |
Republic of Korea[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1911A1 | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1945–1989 |
| Daewoo Precision Industries K5 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1989–Present |
Kuwait[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helwan Brigadier | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 19??- |
Lebanon[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helwan Brigadier | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 19??- |
Libya[]
TT-33
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helwan Brigadier | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 19??- |
| TT pistol | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 19??- |
Netherlands[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Adams NM.73 | Revolver | .450 Adams | 1873–1940 |
| Browning M25 no.1 | Semi-automatic | .32 ACP | 1925-19?? |
| Browning M25 no.2 | Semi-automatic | .380 ACP | 1933-19?? |
| Glock 17 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1994–present |
Norway[]
Kongsberg Colt
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lefaucheux M1864 | Revolver | 11mm Lefaucheux | 1864–1931 |
| Nagant M1883 | Revolver | 9mm Nagant | 1883–1931 |
| Nagant M1893 | Revolver | 7.5mm Swedish Nagant | 1893–1940 |
| Kongsberg M1914 | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1914–1991 |
| Luger P08 | Semi-automatic | 9x19mm Parabellum | 1945-1987 |
| Walther P38 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1945–1987 |
| Glock P80 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1985–present |
Panama[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–present |
Peru[]
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JO.LO.AR.
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| JO.LO.AR. | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1924–1935 |
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–Present |
Poland[]
WIST-94
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistolet Vis wz. 35 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935-1947 |
| Pw wz. 33 | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1947-1964 |
| P-64 | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1964–1983 |
| P-83 Wanad | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1983–2000 |
| WIST-94 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1999–Present |
Portugal[]
SIG P228
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pistola m/1908 | Semi-automatic | 7.65×21mm Parabellum | 1908–1961 |
| FN P35 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–present |
| Pistola m/943 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1941–1961 |
| Walther P38 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1961–present |
| SIG P228 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 199?-present |
| HK USP | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 200?-present |
| Glock 19 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2009–present |
Russia / Soviet Union[]
MP-443 Grach
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 | Revolver | .44 Russian | 1873–1895 |
| Nagant M1895 | Revolver | 7.62×38mmR | 1895–1950 |
| Mauser C96 | Semi-automatic | 7.63×25mm Mauser | 1917-19?? |
| TT pistol | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1933–present |
| Makarov pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1951–present |
| Stechkin automatic pistol | Selective-fire | 9×18mm Makarov | 1951–present |
| Yarygin pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2003–present |
South Africa[]
Vektor SP1
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 19?? |
| Star Model BM | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 19??-1988 |
| Vektor Z88 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1988–present |
| Vektor SP1/SP2 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1992–Present |
Spain[]
Llama M82
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lefaucheux M1858 | Double-Action Revolver | 12mm | 1858-?? |
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 | Revolver | .44 Russian | 1874-?? |
| Merwin Hulbert Model 1888 | Revolver | 11mm | 1888-?? |
| Bergmann 1903 | Semi-automatic | 9×23mm Largo | 1905–1914 |
| Campogiro 1913/1916 | Semi-automatic | 9×23mm Largo | 1916–1921 |
| Astra 400 Model 1921 | Semi-automatic | 9×23mm Largo | 1921–1946 |
| Star Super A | Semi-automatic | 9×23mm Largo | 1946–1986 |
| Star B Super | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1970–1986 |
| Llama M82 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1984–present |
| Heckler & Koch USP | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2004–present |
Sweden[]
Pistole 88B
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolver m/1887 | Revolver | 7.5mm Swedish Nagant | 1887–1945 |
| Pistol m/07 | Semi-automatic | 9mm Browning Long | 1916–1988 |
| Pistol m/39 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1939-19?? |
| Pistol m/40 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1940–1993 |
| Pistol 88 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1988–present |
| Pistol 88B | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1988–present |
Switzerland[]
SIG P220
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordonnanzrevolver 1872 | Revolver | 10.4mm Swiss rimfire | 1872–1878 |
| Ordonnanzrevolver 1878 | Revolver | 10.4mm Swiss centrefire | 1878–1882 |
| Schmidt M1882 | Revolver | 7.5mm Swiss | 1882–1946 |
| Luger pistol | Semi-automatic | 7.65×21mm Parabellum | 1900–1949 |
| SIG P210 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1949–present |
| Walther PPK | Semi-automatic | .32 ACP | 1965-19?? |
| SIG P220 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1975–present |
| SIG Pistole 03 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2003–present |
Thailand[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| FN M1900 | Semi-automatic | .32 ACP | 1901–1945 |
| Nambu Type A | Semi-automatic | 8×22mm Nambu | 1920s–? |
| M1911 pistol | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1943–present |
| HK USP | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 2003–present |
Turkey[]
Walther PP
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mauser C96 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1896–1945 |
| Smith & Wesson Model 10 | Revolver | .38 Special | 1950-1995 |
| FN Model 1903 | Semi-automatic | 7.65×17mm SR Browning | 1912–1955 |
| Walther PP | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum, .32 ACP | 1945–2000 |
| ZIGANA T, C45 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum, .45 ACP | 2000–Present |
Tuvalu[]
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–present |
Ukraine[]
Fort-12
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagant M1895 | Double Action Revolver | 7.62×38mmR | 1895–1952 |
| TT pistol | Semi-automatic | 7.62×25mm Tokarev | 1930s-1951 |
| Makarov pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1951–present |
| Fort-12 | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1997–present |
| Fort-15 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2006–present |
United Arab Emirates[]
Caracal F
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1971–2007 |
| Caracal F | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2007–present |
United Kingdom[]
Enfield No.2 Mk I*
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaumont-Adams | Revolver | .450 Adams | 1853–1880 |
| Enfield Mk I & Mk II | Revolver | .476 Enfield | 1880–1887 |
| Webley Mk I-VI | Revolver | .455 Webley | 1887–1947 |
| Webley Self-Loading .455 Royal Navy and RFC |
Self-loading pistol | .455 Webley | 1912- |
| Colt Government Model | Semi-automatic | .455 Webley | 1914-1918 |
| Enfield No 2 Mk I | Revolver | .38/200 | 1932–1963 |
| Webley Mk IV | Revolver | .38/200 | 1932–1963 |
| Smith & Wesson M&P or Victory Model | Revolver | .38/200 | 1940–1963 |
| Browning Hi-Power | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1940–present |
| Colt M1911A1 | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1942-1945 |
| SIG P226 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1995–present |
| Glock 17 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 2013–present |
United States[]
Colt M1911A1 (left) and Beretta M9 (right) service pistols
SIG P229
Heckler & Koch Mark 23
| Firearm | Type | Caliber | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harpers Ferry Model 1805 | Flintlock | .58 | 1805-? |
| Colt M1851 Navy | Cap and ball revolver, single-action | .36 | 1851–1873 |
| Colt Army Model 1860 | Cap and ball revolver, single-action | .44 | 1860–1873 |
| Remington Model 1858 | Cap and ball revolver, single-action | .36, .44 | 1862–1875 |
| Colt Single Action Army | Single-action cartridge revolver | .45 Colt | 1873–1892 |
| Colt M1892 | Double-action revolver | .38 Long Colt | 1892–1911 |
| M1909 | Double-action revolver | .45 Colt | 1898-1946 |
| M1911 | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1911–present |
| M1917 | Revolver | .45 ACP | 1917–1953 |
| Smith & Wesson Model 10 | Revolver | .38 Special | 1935–1976 |
| Browning HP | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1935–present |
| Sig Sauer P226 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1985–present |
| SIG Sauer P220 | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 1985–present |
| SIG Sauer P228 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1988–present |
| SIG Sauer P229 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1989–present |
| Beretta M9 | Semi-automatic | 9×19mm Parabellum | 1990–present |
| Heckler & Koch Mark 23 Mod 0 | Semi-Automatic | .45 ACP | 1996–present (Used by United States Special Operations Command) |
| SIG P229 DAK | Semi-automatic | .40 S&W | 2006–present (Used by United States Coast Guard) |
| Heckler & Koch HK45C | Semi-automatic | .45 ACP | 2010–present (Select use by United States Naval Special Warfare Command) |
Vietnam[]
Makarov pistol
| Firearm | Type | Calibre | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makarov pistol | Semi-automatic | 9×18mm Makarov | 1951–present |
See also[]
Notes[]
- ↑ Stamps, Mark, and Ian Skennerton, .380 Enfield Revolver No. 2, page 118
- ↑ Type 54 pistol on Bangladesh Military Forces website. Retrieved on April 16, 2010.
- ↑ Type 92 pistol on Bangladesh Military Forces website. Retrieved on April 16, 2010.
- ↑ Italian Air Force official website. First batch of Beretta 90TWO pistols delivered to the "16° Stormo Protezione delle Forze" air riflemen platoon on 05/12/2011. Retrieved on December 9, 2011.
References[]
- Howdah To High Power (2002) Maze, Robert J, Excalibur Publications, Tucson AZ (USA) ISBN 1-880677-17-2
- Small Arms Identification Series No. 9: .455 Pistol, Revolver No 1 Mk VI (1997) Skennerton, Ian, Arms & Militaria Press, Gold Coast QLD (Australia), ISBN 0-949749-30-3
- .380 Enfield Revolver No 2 (1993) Stamps, Mark and Skennerton, Ian, Greenhill Books, London (UK) ISBN 1-85367-139-8
- 1942 Basic Manual of Military Small Arms (Facsimile Edition), Smith, W.H.B, Stackpole Books, Harrisburg PA (USA), ISBN 0-8117-1699-6
The original article can be found at Service pistol and the edit history here.