Common CQB Weapons
Law enforcement agencies use a variety of weapons for close quarter battle (CQB) to ensure effectiveness in confined spaces. These weapons are complemented by tactical gear such as body armor, helmets, night-vision devices, and communication systems to enhance operational effectiveness.
Here are some commonly used weapons.
Handguns: Compact or subcompact pistols with a high-capacity magazine and reliable performance are ideal for CQB self-defense. They are lightweight, easy to conceal, and can be quickly deployed in close quarters.
Shotguns: Shotguns can be highly effective in close quarters due to their stopping power and widespread, making them a popular choice for home defense. However, they can be heavy and bulky, making them less maneuverable in tight spaces.
Submachine Guns (SMGs): SMGs are compact, lightweight firearms that fire pistol-caliber ammunition. They are highly maneuverable and have a high rate of fire, making them ideal for CQB situations.
Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs): SBRs are standard rifles with shorter barrels, making them more maneuverable in tight spaces. They offer better accuracy and range compared to SMGs since they use rifle-caliber ammunition.
Carbines: Carbines are like rifles but are generally shorter and lighter, making them more suitable for close-quarters engagements.
Specialized Breaching Tools: These include battering rams and explosive charges, which are used to enter fortified positions. Non-lethal tools like tasers, bean bag rounds, and flashbangs are also used to incapacitate suspects without lethal force.
How To Select a Weapon
Choosing between a Submachine Gun (SMG) and a Short-Barreled Rifle (SBR) for Close Quarters Battle (CQB) depends on several factors.
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Expected Threats: The type of threats you expect to face can influence your choice. For instance, SMGs can be effective at room distance and are easy to control, making them suitable for certain tactical problems.
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Over-Penetration Concerns: SMGs, which fire pistol-caliber ammunition, are less likely to over-penetrate targets. This is crucial for hostage rescue work, where you don’t want a round to pass through a threat and hit a hostage.
Control and Maneuverability: SMGs are generally easier to control in full-auto mode at room distances, which can be advantageous in certain CQB scenarios. However, SBRs, being rifle-caliber weapons, offer better ballistic performance and can be more effective at longer ranges.
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Concealment Needs: If concealment is a priority, such as for undercover or personal security detail (PSD) work, an SMG might be the better choice. SMGs are typically more compact and easier to conceal than SBRs.
Legal and Regulatory Factors: Depending on your location, there may be legal restrictions on owning or carrying certain types of firearms, including SBRs and SMGs.
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Personal Preference and Training: Ultimately, the choice between an SMG and an SBR can also come down to personal preference and the level of training and familiarity with the weapon.
