Do Most Soldiers Carry Pistols? It Depends on the Mission

As an avid military gamer, this is a question I get asked a lot when advising new players on loadout strategies. The short answer is no – most enlisted combat troops do not carry pistols as their primary weapon. However, many non-frontline soldiers are issued sidearms based on their duties and likelihood of needing personal defense.

The Majority of Enlisted Soldiers Use Rifles

The standard issue weapon for most frontline units is the M4/M4A1 5.56mm carbine rifle, which replaced the longer M16A2 in recent years. Compared to earlier conflicts, over 70% of deployed soldiers now carry a carbine as their primary armament according to 2022 defense reports.

The M4 provides greater portability and maneuverability in close quarters than a full-length rifle. It also packs more ammunition than most pistols at standard capacity of 30 rounds per magazine. This makes it better suited for offensive assaults where high fire volume is key.

When Are Pistols Issued?

However, there are certain military roles more likely to carry pistols:

• Officers – As command hierarchy dictates, officers are issued sidearms both for self-defense and authority. Generals often carry unique pistols to denote rank.
• Military Police – MPs need pistols for law enforcement duties when guarding bases, prisoners, etc.
• Special Ops – Operators frequently carry a pistol as a secondary weapon for stealth missions. Elite groups like the Navy SEALs use Glock 19s and SIG P226s.
• Support Personnel – Non combat troops like medics, engineers, artillery crews also receive pistols.

This list covers over 30% of personnel when combined across the military branches. So while not an outright majority, a substantial portion of soldiers do utilize pistols based on occupational demands.

Pistol Advantages and Disadvantages in Combat

Let‘s analyze why combat troops emphasize rifles over pistols:

Pistol Pros

• Easier to handle in tight spaces
• Quicker draw time
• Lighter weight than rifles
• More maneuverable and concealable

Pistol Cons

• Short effective range
• Harder to aim precisely
• Lower ammunition capacity – typically 8-17 rounds depending on model
• Not as powerful or intimidating

As you can see, while pistols provide vital backup firepower on the hip, they lack the accuracy and stopping power desired for main infantry weapons.

This chart shows key capability differences:

Final Analysis

At the end of the day, military weapon selections come down to mission-specific needs. For frontline combat units seeking offensive firepower, rifles like M4 carbines are decidedly better suited for the job of subduing enemies. But pistols have their place as reliable last line of defense for specialist troops. Consider these tradeoffs while strategizing your loadouts. A balanced pairing is optimal.

Hope this gives you some key insights on why pistols aren‘t as prolific among troops! Let me know if you have any other military gaming questions.

Game on, friends.