one of my friend that was in the force recon carried a 1911 in combat. But when he came back home and wanted to buy a new gun for everyday carry he bought a glock 19. Not saying one is better than the other, but he just said that the .45 caliber had more stopping power and he and his team wanted that over a 9mm.
Why does't the U.S. Special forces/Navy Seals
- Thread starter gmh1013
- Start date
- Status
I once had a conversation with Jeff Gonzales about this. He told me that the Glock was DQ'd by the SEALs because water can carry sand and small stones into the space between magazine & gun grip and cause the magazine to jam inside the pistol. Not something you want to happen far from home and in the middle of a firefight.
earlthegoat2
Member
Im not saying you are wrong because I have heard this as well through some unofficial grapevine but....
After many several years in the Air Force working directly with and around a vast number of different pilots I never saw them with a Glock 19 or any Glock for that matter. I saw M9s and Sig 228s.
As to the military Special Ops using or not using Glocks I would bet that most of them have at least tried them at one time or another. There are too many foreign militaries out there who use them.
As to that unofficial grapevine: I think the rumors started back in the Gulf War when apparently an entire squadron of pilots were either issued or bought their own Glocks for deployment. This is the earliest I have ever heard of Americans having Glocks in a combat zone.
Last edited:
REAPER4206969
Member
CAG, amongst others, are using 22's.
More pics of Glocks in the hands of US Military, especially SF - Glock Talk
http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1199301
Also:
Cosmoline
Member
I've never heard of an actual "operator" who gives a flying fig about these topics. The fixation on special forces gear and weapons seems to be more of a marketing or recruitment ploy than any real point of interest from the men themselves. You're more likely to encounter these guys talking about cross training and fitness issues than gun stuff.
KodiakBeer
member
Because they're experts and have a choice?
Well, I've never been in combat (yet), but just my .02......
As I understand it, if you're using a pistol in combat instead of a rifle, that probably means you're already in deep ****. If you're wounded and bleeding out, running on little to no sleep, I wouldn't want a pistol that's easy (or even easyish) to limpwrist.
Also, If I've been trained to use an M9, a 1911, or a Sig, I'd be nice not to have to switch to a different grip angle.
As I understand it, if you're using a pistol in combat instead of a rifle, that probably means you're already in deep ****. If you're wounded and bleeding out, running on little to no sleep, I wouldn't want a pistol that's easy (or even easyish) to limpwrist.
Also, If I've been trained to use an M9, a 1911, or a Sig, I'd be nice not to have to switch to a different grip angle.
danez71
Member
CAG, amongst others, are using 22's.
(edited out pics to save band width)
I clicked on the link you provided. I think you forgot to include this post:
and this which is the reply to the quote above
So I guess they do use Glocks but are the minority due to reliability issues and geographic locations as evident by the link REAPER so graciously provided.
snooperman
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2009
- Messages
- 2,143
usmc1371, I personally knew men in the Army in VietNam...
who had their pump shotguns sent to them to fight with as well as small caliber 22 revolvers that they used as tunnel rats. Have you ever tried to shoot a 1911 issued 45 in a tunnel. This is done. Several of this Army special forces staff seargent's friends came to shoot at a range on the farm and they all had their own weapons that they were using before they were to ship out from Iraq to Afghanistan. They ride around on Donkeys and dress like the nomads that live there and speak that language fluently. I have seen the pictures. Not every soldier carries issue weapons in this elite group.
who had their pump shotguns sent to them to fight with as well as small caliber 22 revolvers that they used as tunnel rats. Have you ever tried to shoot a 1911 issued 45 in a tunnel. This is done. Several of this Army special forces staff seargent's friends came to shoot at a range on the farm and they all had their own weapons that they were using before they were to ship out from Iraq to Afghanistan. They ride around on Donkeys and dress like the nomads that live there and speak that language fluently. I have seen the pictures. Not every soldier carries issue weapons in this elite group.
jaysouth
Member
Most Special Forces??
ALL Special Forces are members of the United States Army subject to the Uniform code of military justice. They keep their stripes, long tabs, and security clearances by carrying what their unit issues them and nothing else. They do not buy their own weapons. The vast majority of SF units are still issued Berettas. Not to say some units don't buy others, just most do not. A handgun is not a hot priority with commanders. The only reason they would switch is; all their berettas were worn out, and they could get something better cheaper than new berettas.
Navy seals and Delta(if it exists) are not member of Special Forces.
The oldest 'quite professional' that I know has 18 years on an SFODA team and has never seen a MK 23 on a hip or in the arms room in his battalion at Smoke Bomb Hill.
APIT50
Member
Group 6 guys I talked to carried an assortment. They were told to blend with civilian contractors and carried in various semiconcealed rigs. I saw Sig, Glock, and yes M9's
glocks at first were rejected by the military because the austrian army didnt want the magazines to fall out when the release was pushed, but the US military did want the magazines to fall away. glock had to redesign the pistol, and actually set up a plant in the US to manufacture the weapons to get military contracts. and no they did not have to manufacture the guns here, they did it to prevent austrian spec guns being sent to the US military and vice versa.
mljdeckard
Member
The 19th Group guys I know, who were allowed to carry what they wanted in-country, preferred 1911s.
earlthegoat2
Member
Yes, I have seen that source as well and I have also seen the 17s in armory. Just not in the possession of pilots. I dont really know where Glock got that info but if some USAF pilots had them I suppose they would have heard about it. It seems like a strange claim otherwise. One of those things that is outrageous enough to be true.
If you tromped around Lackland, Pope, and Fairchild enough maybe we crossed paths.
REAPER4206969
Member
Where did I claim anything more? The light "problem" has been fixed with updated magazines.
IMTHDUKE
Member
One great line here..."well, it's only a 9mm...but...
when I put two rounds through your heart and one through you head...you wont know the difference."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQzkjXBYrqs
when I put two rounds through your heart and one through you head...you wont know the difference."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQzkjXBYrqs
IMTHDUKE
Member
Back in the dark ages in Vietnam in the summers of 67,68....as a young Marine LT platoon commander....I got me a grease gun...45 type...we were in the bush embedded with the South Vietnam troops and ROK Marines...HQ found out about all the "unauthorized weapons" we were sporting and word came down .....loose them. I was back to the jamamatic M16s. Those were the good ole days when...the rules of engagment we made up on the way to a search and destroy mission.
leadcounsel
member
Why does't the U.S. Special forces/Navy Seals carry Glock?
They do - rather they can.
They do - rather they can.
mljdeckard
Member
WC145-
The question wasn't about personally owned weapons.
The question wasn't about personally owned weapons.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
