The Private Group Pty Ltd - Security Division - Bodyguards - Reasonable Force - Reasonable Force firearms -

Longarms: Rifles, Shotguns, sub-machineguns (some).

Longarms permit the progression from instinctive shooting to aimed shots over a distance. 

Assault rifles vary between the heavier 7.62NATO weapons such as the SLR, the lighter M16/M4 5.56 NATO, and the short Styer in 5.56, to the AK47/74 in 7.62 short.  These, and similar weapons are used by security personnel in the more warlike area's of the globe where civil unrest, or religious insurgents make life uncomfortable for inhabitants and security alike.

Each weapon has advantages and disadvantages.  Some such as the AK-47 have great relaibility, magazine capacity and ease of use but average accuracy.  Others such as the SLR have great penetration ability, and a real 'crack' to the round when passing over your head.

The M16 is light, you can carry a great deal of ammo but lacks authority as a 'suppressing fire' weapon.  It doesn't have the thump.   Accuracy is on par with, or a little better, than the AK (depending on where the AK was made, and it's condition).  M16's don't have the greatest history with regards reliability in the standard form, as they age.

Steyr's are a very handy weapon, with a safety that has caused a few probelms, through being bumped off.

Longarms give you the ability to provide aimed shots over a greater distance.  They also have greater penertrating power, and with armour piercing and jacketed rounds can defeat light armour.  They also have the potential to overpenetrate, causing uninted casualties.

Suppressing fire over an area may be justified in a war zone, bursts of automatic fire down a suburban street are not. 

Full automatic fire by security staff should be avoided.  Why????? Because the chances of injury to other than the intended target.  You have no defence, generally, for injuries or deaths caused to other than the intended target.  We are PRIVATE SECURITY.

*****************************************************************
As security staff and bodyguards you have no more protection, generally, than any other member of the public in most jurisdictions.  In some jurisdictions that also applies to law enforcement personnel, and the military.  All are subject to the local law.  And for foreigners the local law may be quite different to what they are used to.  Take care.
*****************************************************************

Sub-machineguns are generally in pistol calibres.  They vary from the Glock machine pistol, through scorpions, MP5's, F1's and uzi's, amongst others.  Some are designed to simply provide ease of production and a high rate of close range firepower (e.g.uzi's).  Others are designed to provide accurate fire, and a high rate of fire if so desired (e.g MP5).  Many have attachments such as suppressors (Ingram MAC10), or manuctured variants with suppressors (MP5SD).  Suppressors are especailly effective for pistol ammunition (sub-sonic).

For private security work they still provide high rates of suppressing fire, but I would add the same caveat about hitting unintended targets.  They are more suitable for the lawless area's of our world or in other than urban area's.  They have no place within security work, within the general population of Australia, America, France, England or similar jurisdictions, unless utilised as an accurate weapons system on single shot (MP5 sling system, aimpoint sight).

There is a new class of Personal Defence Weapon (PDW) which is making an impact.  These are weapons such as the FN P90.  They are lightweight rifle cartridges designed to defeat body armour at ranges up to 200m. 

For more on Personal Defence Weapon PDW

*****************************************************************
Shotguns: Single shot, Double Barrel, pump action, semi-auto, magazine fed, rotary etc.

Most people think of the 12gauge, when thinking shotguns.  There are other useful sizes.  The 10G is just too big.  The 16G feels like a smaller 12G.  The 20G is handy and light.  The .410 with solids cannot be disregarded as a short range weapon.

Single barrels aren't useful for security.  The double barrel is handy to carry, simple to use, and effective as a warning, it lacks any magazine capacity.

Pump-action - mechanical feed - reliable, and reasonable magazine capacity.

Semi-automatic - generally excellent reliability, if held correctly during use (my preference, along with the double barrel).

Magazine fed - handy but bulky.

Rotary magazine (South African models) - good firepower until you need to reload, bulky.

For general security work a shotgun is a handy tool.  Unlikely to overpenetrate or travel too far out of sight.  Using 12G OO SG, gives you a number of .32 pellets into the target area in one hit.  SSG can be just as good.  There are reduced recoil loads put out by companies such as Winchester, designed specifically for the urban area use of shotguns. 

A semi-auto or pump action with a tube magazine is easy to keep fed.  There are procedures for speed loading at the shoulder - of course if you, as a security guard, in other than a semi-war zone, have need of speed loading for your shotgun, things are not going well!!!

Shotguns also have that 'awe' factor.  If you, as a security guard, are carrying a shotgun or have one displayed, it is an indication that you are not a soft target.  This is part of the 'presence' factor in use of force.  Have a look at our comments on armed robbery, cash security and risk avoidance.

Security are generally engaged at short range.  A shotgun is suited to this.
*****************************************************************

This is a very short precis, not a definitive work.  There are many good articles, and wise instructors around.  Take what is relevant from each and work at what suites your stature, your preferences and the conditions you work in.

The Director
*******************************************************************

HOME  Security Division  Bodyguards Travel companions Firearms  Holsters and gear