Sidearm

A firearm carried on a person, typically on the side of the body, accessible for immediate use. This contrasts with long arms like rifles or shotguns. The term 'sidearm' usually refers to handguns such as pistols and revolvers, and is a crucial piece of equipment in various fields, including law enforcement, military operations, and civilian self-defense. Its design emphasizes portability and rapid deployment. The effectiveness of a sidearm hinges on factors like ammunition type, user training, and the context of its application, making practice and proficiency critical.

Sidearm meaning with examples

• The detective reached for his sidearm, a Glock 19, as he confronted the suspect. He had been trained at the academy and knew all about his weapon. The officer quickly assessed the situation and decided if using his sidearm would be necessary, or if he could subdue the suspect without.
• Soldiers are issued a sidearm for close-quarters combat and self-protection. His sidearm was a SIG Sauer M17, a pistol favored for its reliability. He often practiced tactical drills with his sidearm, maintaining his proficiency for battlefield situations where the use of it was required.
• The civilian took their concealed-carry sidearm, a compact revolver, when venturing into the high-crime area. Before this purchase, they had taken training classes. While it was their preferred method of protection, they hoped to never have to use it, preferring to avoid conflict whenever possible.
• During the Wild West era, cowboys and lawmen commonly carried sidearms, typically single-action revolvers. These were the primary means of defense and often became symbols of their owners. These arms were both status symbols and vital tools for survival in a harsh landscape.
• The competitive shooter carefully selected his competition sidearm, a custom-built pistol optimized for accuracy and speed. They spent hours practicing, becoming very familiar with the feel of the grip, the trigger pull, and the ballistics of the sidearm.