Would you want a sidearm at all times?

[Pikache]

A friend and I had a discussion about issuing a sidearm to combat unit soldiers.

He argues that there are times when sidearms do come in handy, such as close quarters, during stoppage when pressed by the enemy hard, when changing mag would mean enemy would be on top of you, when weapon fails completely, etc.

I argued that the use of sidearm in combat would be very limited in usefulness considering range, types of situation and how frequent those situations come up for the odds of effective use of a sidearm be of any good, therefore not very useful for combat soldiers to lug around.

So, what‘s your opinion? Should a pistol be issued to every soldier in combat units? Would you like to lug a pistol around?

For the sake of keeping on subject and as little as useless comments possible, only current CF and ex CF members reply please.

Thanks.

 

[WINDWOLF]

I always carried a sidearm. You never know when it will come in handy.The only problem i had with it was ammo.I carried a c3 & had to lug 2 types of ammo around.The weapon of my choice was a 38 s&w,light weight & idiot proof c/w speed loads.
Most other guys carried 9mm but i found that they tend to jam @ high rate firing.You carry what you are comfortable with & half a$$ good with. To each his own. :sniper:

 

[Danjanou]

During WW2 everyone in the 101st Airborne were issued a pistol in addition to their regular wpn. The idea was it gave you a personal protection wpn during drops. Probably more a psychological thing than a pratical one. The Rhodesian‘s also issued their paratroopers pistols or at least turned a blind eye to those who caried one.

For certain postions in makes sense, ie crew served wpns. etc and for some HQ andd logistic types a pistol would be a more practical wpn than a rifle.

 

[Redneck052]

Having side arms as a general issue?

Yes, for all CBT arm trades/ front line support elements. The use of a side arm, in addition to the troops personal weapon, regardless whether it is a C7, C8, C9, C6 or what ever else you may have straped to your back. The issue of side arms would further enhance our ability to fight in all situations and conitions.

Whether you are climbing a pole, ladder, stairs, walls, rock or whatever else, having a side arm would allow a free hand for support (or balance), or a weapon that is readily available (no trying to get it from over your shoulder on your back because you are climbing) to react to a situation or enemy.

During operations at a VCP, you have your number one to do the inspection with a side arm. This is so that you can have him get in and around things while being armed.

I have never understood what was the problem with junior ranks having a side arm. All personnel should have a side arm issued, and be theirs until they retire.

But then again... look how long it took for the army to get Goretex let alone a cam patern uniforms.

You would think that commonsense in Ottawa was a fleeing gesture.


Good Day to all!

 

[keener]

I‘m swearing into the infantry on Wednesday so please accept my inclusion in this disscussion.. i understand why it is questionably profitable to issue a handgun to all combat soldiers.. mostly because of the reasons you already listed.. ie why use a handgun when you are equipped with a C7.. but i do agree with recce soldiers being armed with one.. as well as with a bayonette. i understand that JTF2 mostly carry 9mm‘s, some 45‘s.. i like the 9mm because it is lighter and faster.. the usefullness of a handgun is dependant upon the terrain.. i would definately want to "lug one around" if i were in the streets of a dangerous city peacekeeping.. but then again both hands would be on my rifle.. but i would definately want it for a backup.. esp when entering buildings like i saw the British soldiers doing on CNN.. in the streets of Bahgdad.. ps.. what soldiers are currently issued handguns? isn‘t it only the leaders?

 

[Fader]

As far as I know, officers and senior NCM‘s are normally issued sidearms. But not being in a combat trade, I don‘t even know why anyone (in a support trade) would want more than one weapon. A nice sharp rope knife, an FMP, even a pair of gloves is more useful in most situations than a second weapon. Besides, alot of times, a rifle gets in the way when you‘re doing things like setting up mod, cam, and tents; and takes up alot of space when you‘re doing a 6 hour radio shift. My logic is, if you really need something, take it with you. If you don‘t, leave it at home. That being said, guys who go around fighting may have more of a need for a side arm than guys that don‘t, but that‘s up to them really.

 

[Deleted member 585]

I vote for the carrying a sidearm, especially due to it‘s one-handed operation.

On the lighter side, I‘ve heard a pistol referred to as, "something used to fight your way back to your rifle".

Cheers.

P.S. If anyone else‘s weapons are "getting in the way", report to WINDWOLF for assistance with your perspective.

 

[WINDWOLF]

" Something used to fight your way back to your rifle". I have never heard that one before St.Onge.it is very accurate.The one one i like is " You don,t have to be good with it,you just have to keep their heads down". Sgt White small arms instructor.

 

[combat_medic]

In addition to officers and NCMs, machine gunners and other support weapons are supposed to carry one, and medics are supposed to carry one. As a medic, I can definitely see the relevance. If I were trying to treat someone in a combat scenario, it would be far easier to defend myself with a pistol than with a rifle. But I always remember what my Dad (a policeman) told me about them:

"A bad day with a rifle is still FAR better than a good day with a pistol."

 

[WINDWOLF]

Lui,Lui,Lui:

What ever am i going to do with you,boy.

For some reason my system missed your post,so i only now found out what you said after i posted.

No weapon is a burded if you depend on it.
"leave it @ home if you don,t think you will need it." Ah, no no NO. It,s when you need it & don,t have it, that you miss it the most.And knives,few
if any person really knows how to use one in combat.Knife fighting requires one to know that
you will be cut/stabbed in the process & most don,t like that idea.

combat medic:

The medic with my unit always carried a 9MM & on
one occasion used it to defend a civy that got caught in a shootout in Cyprus. Saved the kid & only got winged. The 9 did what it was suppose to do.He swore never to leave the Palace without it again.Bravest man i ever knew.

:sniper: