IDF Handguns

[andres3300]

Hello,

I've tried to look in several sites and books but I am not able to find the complete answer. Perhaps the IDF experts can help me with these two questions.

1. What are the current pistols in service with the IDF?.

The information I have been able to collect is as folows:

Glocks (17 and 19) are used mainly by several Sayerets or recon brigades. YAMAM seems to use P228. The police use IMI Jerichos.
What about the rest of the IDF?. I know that in the past IDF used to have Hi-Powers and Berettas and .38 S&W's, but what about today? Is my beloved P226 in service?

2. What about holsters? I've seen mainly two arrangements, leg holsters and holsters integrated in the tactical vest. Is this correct?


Thanks for your help and kind regards to all

[RP]

Rest of the IDF doesn't use handguns, only SF has them.

I know Duvdevan (CT unit) is using Sig-Sauer

[CFD Ambos]

Don't officers from regular units have pistols ?

[RP]

Very few non-SF low rank officers carrys handguns.


IDF as a whole doesn't belive in handguns.
Even in SF units, such as the brigades recon units (Such as "sayeret nahal/golany), only special squads who specialize in CT uses and carry handguns.

[andres3300]

Well there's a logic to it. Instead of loading with a pistol and two or three mags its better to have that weight in CAR15/M4 mags. Again one practical lesson from the masters of land warfare.

Thanks

[kutter]

The Barak is suppose to replace the Jericho in service. Heres a good site to check out if your interested in Israeli weapons:
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/small_arms/barak/Barak_arms.html

[andres3300]

Yes, but at least to me it seemed that the Jericho was not in favor of anybody in the army and that is why the few users have Glocks and Sig-Sauers

[CMEPTb]

When I went to visit in '98, I remember folks carrying their own pistols (privately purchased) in what ever holster they could afford. One guy had a S&W stainless 357 on his hip.

[Glock]

There is no standert handgun in the IDF. But you main Find Glocks now ( 17 ,17C .19 and 19C) Many SF Units Use also Sig Sauer P226 and P228. But you still can find some FN HPMK3 in the IDF.

And many officers have there own wepon manly a Glock or a Sig.

The Police use Jericho but you can also find some Glock's. YAMAM is the only Police unit wich use Glock on evry man. The Shabak is also using the Glock manly 19C.

Leo

[simXa]

'till 4 or so years ago Israeli officers serving in non-combat units weren't ordered to carry any personal weapon whatsoever, if any of them wanted to he could do it by purchasing his own handgun in a civilian arms store (being IDF 1st lieutenant at least is one of the conditions of being able to get a license for carrying a handgun in Israel).

When 4 or so years ago an IDF Chief of Staff ordered all male officers and ensigns to carry a personal weapon it gave them two choices: to get one from each one's unit's armory (all IDF units have an armory, even non-combat units), mostly UZIs, less often GALILs and M16A1 (only "luckiest" ones could get their hands on M4) or to buy their own handguns (like me). There were no limitations (known to me anyway) on a kind of a gun one could buy, as long as one finds it in an arms store (MP5K is out of a question then :)) or a caliber. I own IMI Jeriho (short), other guys bought Glocks, Walters, Berettas, CZ's. Many prefer more "economical" way though - the one from the armory and to hang out with a "paddle" or UZI (and to visit their units armories every month for weapon's examination).

Last update: recently (two weaks or so ago) IDF Chief of Staff decided to allow male IDF officers and ensigns not to carry a personal weapon again.