You’d Be Surprised Which Guns Federal Agents Trust With Their Lives

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By Jessica Lynn Published
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You’d Be Surprised Which Guns Federal Agents Trust With Their Lives

© Milos Spasic / iStock via Getty Images

Federal agents come across situations in their line of work that most Americans have only seen in movies. A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officer might find himself in a violent altercation with cartel members while seizing methamphetamines. FBI agents might find themselves in a shootout while chasing down a suspect. When an assassination attempt is made on a politician, such as the attempts made against President Donald Trump, the U.S. Secret Service must jump into action, putting their own lives in danger in the process. As such, having a trusted gun is a must. Guns provide personal protection and support at times when agents may be operating alone, but these weapons also act as a deterrant against attacks. (Many federal agents stop guns from being trafficked, which happens the most in these states.)

But which guns are commonly used by federal agents in the FBI, CIA, Department of Homeland Security, DEA, or U.S. Marshals Service, as well as other intelligence organizations? 24/7 Wall St. identified the firearms used by federal agents by using a range of government documents, media coverage, and private sector press releases. However, this list is not comprehensive, as there are limitations on publically available information. In addition, this list only includes firearms verified to be in use, currently or recently, by certain federal agencies. Listed base prices are estimates only and can vary widely — and several of these weapons are not for sale to the general public.

Why We’re Writing About Federal Firearms

usmarshals / CC BY 2.0 / Flickr

The firearms industry sustains around 400,000 jobs in America, including manufacturing, distribution, and supply. According to the Firearm Industry Trade Association, the firearms industry brought $90.06 billion to the country in 2023. While many gun owners in the US are civilians, the government employs thousands of American men and women across multiple law enforcement and espionage agencies who are often required to carry protection. When you pass federal agents (though hopefully you won’t have to very often), they are packing some serious firepower with their weapons. Gun manufacturers also fiercely compete for contracts with federal agencies because of how financially beneficial these contracts can be. But which guns are economic boons because of their federal connections? You’ll have to wait and see. 

Read on to learn which firearms are used by U.S. federal agents: 

AX AICS Remington 700

  • Firearm type(s): Bolt-action rifle
  • Chambered in: Multiple
  • Est. base price: $2,000
  • Users include: U.S. Secret Service

Glock 23

Glock 23
Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

  • Firearm type(s): Compact semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: .40 S&W
  • Est. base price: $540
  • Users include: FBI (secondary weapon)

Sig Sauer P229

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

  • Firearm type(s): Compact semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: 9mm
  • Est. base price: $1,400
  • Users include: U.S. Secret Service

STI 2011

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

  • Firearm type(s): Full-size and compact semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: 9mm
  • Est. base price: $2,000
  • Users include: U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group

Sig Sauer P320

  • Firearm type(s): Full-size and compact semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: 9mm, 10mm, .45 ACP
  • Est. base price: $735
  • Users include: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Glock 22

Slantsixx / iStock via Getty Images
  • Firearm type(s): Full-size semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: .40 S&W
  • Est. base price: $540
  • Users include: FBI (secondary weapon)

Springfield M1911A1

Yaf / CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED / Wikimedia Commons

  • Firearm type(s): Full-size semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: .45 ACP
  • Est. base price: $725
  • Users include: FBI SWAT

Glock 17

Malachy120 / iStock via Getty Images
  • Firearm type(s): Full-size semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: 9mm
  • Est. base price: $540
  • Users include: FBI

Knight’s Armament Company SR-16 CQB

Ben185 / Getty Images
  • Firearm type(s): Selective-fire rifle
  • Chambered in: 5.56×45mm NATO
  • Est. base price: N/A
  • Users include: U.S. Secret Service

Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) SR-25/MK11 Mod 0

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
  • Firearm type(s): Semi-automatic rifle
  • Chambered in: 7.62x51mm NATO
  • Est. base price: N/A
  • Users include: U.S. Secret Service

Glock 30

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

  • Firearm type(s): Subcompact semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: .45 ACP
  • Est. base price: $550
  • Users include: CIA

Smith & Wesson M&P 9

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

  • Firearm type(s): Subcompact, compact, and full-size semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: 9mm
  • Est. base price: $500
  • Users include: CIA

Glock 27

Leau Bleue / CC BY-SA 2.0 viaFlickr

  • Firearm type(s): Subcompact semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: .40 S&W
  • Est. base price: $560
  • Users include: FBI (secondary weapon)

FN P90

Ruger-57 | File:FN-P90.PNG
Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

  • Firearm type(s): Submachine gun
  • Chambered in: 5.7×28mm
  • Est. base price: $2,000
  • Users include: U.S. Secret Service

Glock 47

DSEI 2021 - Day One
Leon Neal / Getty Images News via Getty Images

  • Firearm type(s): Full-size semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: 9mm
  • Est. base price: $620
  • Users include: U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Sig Sauer P226

Lex0083, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

  • Firearm type(s): Full-size semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: 9mm
  • Est. base price: $1,200
  • Users include: CIA, FBI, SWAT

Colt M4 Carbine

Bulgac / iStock via Getty Images

  • Firearm type(s): Assault rifle
  • Chambered in: 5.56×45mm NATO
  • Est. base price: $1,100
  • Users include: FBI SWAT, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Tactical Units

Rock River Arms LAR-15

Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

  • Firearm type(s): Select-fire assault rifle
  • Chambered in: 5.56×45mm NATO
  • Est. base price: $1,000
  • Users include: FBI SWAT, DEA, U.S. Marshals

Glock 26

  • Firearm type(s): Subcompact semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: 9mm
  • Est. base price: $540
  • Users include: DEA, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

H&K MP5

Hk MP5 SD6
Vudhikrai Sovannakran / iStock via Getty Images

  • Firearm type(s): Submachine gun
  • Chambered in: 9mm
  • Est. base price: $3,000
  • Users include: FBI SWAT, U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group, U.S. Secret Service

Glock 19

sand86 / iStock via Getty Images
  • Firearm type(s): Compact semi-automatic pistol
  • Chambered in: 9mm
  • Est. base price: $510
  • Users include: FBI, CIA, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service

Remington 870

  • Firearm type(s): Pump-action shotgun
  • Chambered in: 12 ga
  • Est. base price: $500
  • Users include: FBI SWAT, DEA, U.S. Marshals, U.S. Secret Service, DHS
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