When special forces and police elites go out on a mission, everything from their uniforms to their munitions is selected with precision—and that goes for their sidearms too. To these units, a handgun is not merely a secondary option, but rather a final resort, and sometimes the distinction between life and death. The pistols that special forces have faith in are not only robust, precise, and reliable under pressure. These are five who’ve made history as the go-to options for the best operators in the world.
5. SIG-Sauer P226 – Precision When It Counts
The SIG-Sauer P226 has been a perennial favorite of the U.S. Navy SEALs and numerous law enforcement departments. It was initially designed to be an entrant in the U.S. military’s XM9 trials for pistols, and lost primarily on account of expense to the Beretta 92, but established its own legendary reputation in the special operations community soon after.
Conceived in tough durability and superior accuracy, the P226 is for cases where tension is off the charts and accuracy counts. Decades later, it has come in various calibers and innumerable configurations, with the latter able to provide a consistent tool for professionals who need that assurance.
4. Beretta 92 (M9) – A Standard-Bearer of the U.S. Military
Implemented in the mid-1980s, the Beretta 92, familiar in U.S. service as the M9, served as the standard U.S. sidearm for decades. Its double-stack magazine capacity, rugged build, and double-action/single-action trigger system made it a reliable workhorse for combat. The profile of the M9 is unmistakable, and although others find it slightly bulky in today’s standards, its reputation is unbreakable. Aside from the military, police officers worldwide also had faith in this pistol, making it one of the most iconic handguns in the world.
3. CZ 75 – Europe’s Quiet Heavyweight
The CZ 75 is not as well-known in the U.S. as other pistols, but in Europe, it is considered a classic. This steel handgun is renowned for its excellent ergonomics, smooth trigger pull, and balance, which is why it is a favorite of special police and military forces.
Its impact is widespread, as well—most contemporary pistols derive design cues directly from the CZ 75. With several variations on offer for various missions, it is one of the most versatile and universally respected pistols in circulation.
2. Makarov PM – Simple, Durable, and Trusted
Throughout most of the Cold War, the Makarov PM was the standard-issue sidearm throughout the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc countries. It is compact, reliable, and simple to maintain, and it was said to be almost impossible to destroy.
Due to its blowback mechanism and robust steel construction, the Makarov could be relied upon even in poor conditions that could render more complicated pistols useless. It remains in service today, especially among Russian special forces such as the Spetsnaz, testifying to the fact that the simplest designs tend to last the longest.
1. Glock 19 – The World’s Favorite
When it comes to contemporary handguns, the Glock 19 is hard to surpass. Powerful in a compact package, it has been embraced by special forces worldwide, such as the U.S. Army Special Forces, the Navy SEALs, and the British SAS.
Complimented for its simplicity, reliability, and modular nature, the Glock 19 finds the optimal balance between concealment and firepower. Operators have no problem adding lights, optics, and extra magazines, and this only made it more popular. That its core design has remained the same for more than 40 years speaks volumes about how well it was originally constructed.
Final Thoughts
All of these pistols have earned their place the hard way—through actual service in some of the worst possible environments. Whether it’s the legendary Beretta, the battle-hardened Makarov, or the inexhaustible Glock 19, these sidearms are trusted because they function when all else fails. Reliability is not a luxury in the high-stakes arena of special operations—it’s living. And these five handguns have demonstrated it over and over.