You can reach Chris at his First Security Services website.

 For a security guard, having the proper gear to stay safe on duty and to be able to protect the people and places they are hired to protect is the most important aspect of the job. Whether you’re an unarmed security guard who needs a radio, a good knife and a little self-defense training or you’re an armed guard who must carry a gun, having the best gear on hand can mean the difference between life and death.

Unless you work for a large corporation, most armed security professionals must supply their own gun for work. (source: FirstSecurityServices.com) This means that knowledge of the best handguns is important to know. if you’re just getting started as an armed guard or you want to have a quality handgun to use for personal protection, here are six great guns for security guards that many civilians choose to carry as well.

Glock 19

With an overall length of under 8 inches and weighing only 23 ounces, the Glock 19 has long been a popular gun with security professionals and law enforcement nationwide. Introduced in the 1980’s, this handgun is made of plastic, which initially turned many die-hard gun owners off because they were afraid the gun just wasn’t rugged enough to withstand rapid fire. It didn’t take long however for people to realize what a great gun this was, and still is today. The Glock 19 is very reliable and is an easy to use semi-automatic gun.

Quick Specs:

 Caliber: 9×19

Magazine Capacity: 15/17/19/24/31/33

Width: 1.26 inches

Smith and Wesson M&P Shield

The Smith and Wesson M&P Shield is a very lightweight handgun that is easy to conceal, will fit in the palm of your hand and is easy to handle. It is comfortable to fire and is great for self-defense. This gun is a preferred gun for many armed security guards and civilians who want to be able to protect themselves but enjoy being able to do so in an easy, simple to use fashion.

Quick Specs: 

Caliber: 9mm

Magazine Capacity: 7+8, 8+1

Length: 6.1 inches

Taurus Judge

First, the Taurus Judge is a beautifully crafted weapon that can hold both .410 shotgun shells and .45 Colt ammo and has been one of the more popular guns since it was introduced in 2006. This is a great gun for short distance targets when using shotgun shells or long-distance targets when using .45 Colt ammo. The Taurus Judge features a rubber grip for comfort and handling, the Taurus security system that lets gun owners use a key to disable the gun and a transfer bar the prevents firing unless the handler pulls the trigger all the way back.

Quick Specs:

Caliber: 410 gauge (3-inch chamber) or 45 Colt ammo

Magazine Capacity: 5

Barrel Length: 3 inches

Weight: 36.8 oz.

Ruger GP100

Pictured: The Ruger GP100, Model 1764

 The Ruger GP100 is an action revolver that offers a comfortable shooting experience for those who handle the gun. The gun is available in 27 models and capacity ranges from 5 to 7 rounds depending on the one used. This is a double action revolver that makes target shooting fun but is perfect for armed security guards to carry or for civilians to use for personal protection. Each style is easy to assemble and maintain and all offer unprecedented security to prevent discharging the gun accidentally.

Quick Specs:

 Caliber: 44 Special, 357, 10mm Auto, 327 Federal Mag, 22 LR (Varies)

Models: For a complete list of models and to compare features, be sure to visit the Ruger website at: https://ruger.com/products/gp100/models.html

Sig Sauer P226

The SIG P226 is a powerful, full size service weapon that is available in several models and depending on the model can fire 22 LR, 9mm, 357 SIG or 40 S&W ammunition. The gun resembles the SIG P220 but holds a higher capacity magazine instead of a single column magazine. The SIG P226 has long been a popular gun for law enforcement and security personnel as well as civilians who want tough, yet easy to handle personal protection.

Quick Specs:

For a complete listing of models and specs, be sure to visit the Sig Sauer Website at this link: https://www.sigsauer.com/products/firearms/pistols/p226/.

CZ 75-B

The CZ 75-B is an all steel handgun used by military, law enforcement and security patrol from all around the world. Manufactured in the Czech Republic, this gun offers a 3-dot sight system, double and single action and ergonomic grips for better handling and control as well as comfort when firing. The is marked with a “B” to alert those who handle the gun that it comes with a firing pin block safety system to prevent accidental firing. The CZ 75-B is a great gun for armed security patrol and offers a powerful punch in an easy to handle handgun.

Quick Specs:

 Caliber: 9mm

Capacity: 16

Weight: 35.2 oz.

Length: 8.1 inches

Whether you are searching for a gun to carry during security patrols or you want something to keep on hand for personal safety, it is very important to remember that guns are weapons and it is wise to take a gun safety training class to learn to operate the gun safely. You should also check your local laws to see what type of gun you can legally possess, how to obtain a permit to carry and how many guns you can legally own.