New Guns For The Secret Service

by
posted on May 4, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
shopping.jpeg

In mid-March 2016, the Secret Service started shopping for a firearm to replace or supplement its fleet of H&K MP5s (below) and FNP90s (top, image by author).
Here’s the civilian-legal FN PS90.H&K MP5

I’ve met and known a few of the agents, and to the person they’re hard working, dedicated and decent—so I’m glad an upgrade is in the works. Of course, not everyone will agree it’s going to be an improvement. I’ll let you decide.  

"A March 14 Solicitation Request posted on FedBizOpps.gov announced specifications for the new gun. Those submitted for consideration must meet the following dimensional requirements: maximum height 8.5" (without accessories), 10"- to 12" barrel with a 1:7" RH rifling (5.56 NATO), weight of 7.5 lbs. or less, overall length (extended) of no more than 34", direct-gas-impingement or short-stroke piston operation and ambidextrous fire-controls that select from safe, semi-automatic and fully automatic. Firearms with a “burst limiter” will not be considered for the 10,000-rifle contract.

While the debate rages whether going to a gun that appears to have a lot of M-4 in its bloodline is best, there’s little dissension on the other point. The Secret Service deserves the best system available today.

The MP5s currently in use by the division are chambered in 9 mm, which present a challenge when it comes to neutralizing a threat in body armor. The bullpup-style P90s are chambered in 5.7x28 mm, and according to the mainstream media, it’s more effective in the aforementioned situation.

Latest

Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto
Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Review: Ruger LC Carbine In 10 mm Auto

Following the success of its .45 ACP-chambered LC Carbine, Ruger realized that this platform would go a long way toward making the 10 mm Auto more controllable and fun to shoot, and a new 10 mm version was released in 2024.

The Armed Citizen® July 14, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Favorite Firearms: A Little Stevens From Chicago

"Over the next five or six years, and before I went off to college, I fired hundreds and hundreds of rounds of .22 BB Caps, CB Caps, Shorts and Longs through this rifle."

Preview: Strike Industries T-Bone Charging Handle

The T-Bone from Strike Industries is an ideal fit for suppressed applications, as it can be configured by the user to redirect gas blowback entirely to either side ...

New For 2025: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP 2.0 & Alpine ST Rifles

Weatherby's Model 307 bolt-action rifle opens up a world of aftermarket components to consumers, thanks to its Model 700 receiver footprint, and the company now has two new models for hunters and sport shooters.

Preview: Thunderbolt To The Rebels | The United States Sharpshooters In The Civil War

Author Darin Wipperman provides a tantalizing glimpse into the world of Berdan’s sharpshooters during the American Civil War.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.