Weapons
When the team was founded, HRT operators used the 9mm FN-Browning Hi-Power Mk 2 pistol, which was later supplemented by the 9mm SIG P226 pistol. In 1995, 250 .45 ACP Les Baer SRP Bureau pistols, built on a high-capacity Para-Ordnance frame, were acquired for use. After an official FBI Request for Proposal (RFP) in 1997, the HRT demanded their duty pistol meet additional, more stringent standards. The only pistol to meet the FBI's standards was Springfield Armory's 1911 pistol. Springfield's FBI contract pistol, known as "The Professional Model" is available to civilians at a cost close to $2595.00. As a form of quality control, the gunsmith building the pistol does not know if the firearm is going to be issued to an FBI agent or a private citizen.
HRT armories are stocked with specially modified Heckler & Koch MP5 series submachine guns (primarily the MP5/10A3 10mm and MP5SD6 9mm models) that have been outfitted with laser aiming devices, SureFire tactical lights, and forward pistol grips. Several models have either an Aimpoint red dot sight or a holographic weapon sight attached.
The rifles in use by the team are the Colt M16A2, Colt CAR-15A2 Model 777, M4/M4A1 5.56mm carbines, M14 7.62mm, and Heckler & Koch HK33 5.56mm assault rifles. The sniper rifles are Remington M40A1 .308 sniper rifles customized to HRT standards and generally outfitted with Unertl scopes. As necessary, HRT has access to Barrett M82A1 .50 caliber anti-materiel rifles and 7.62×51mm Heckler & Koch PSG1 sniper rifles.
In addition, the HRT may use a modified Remington 870 12-gauge shotguns.
Less-than-lethal munitions include single and multi-shot 37mm gas launchers, M79 40mm grenade launchers, Tasers, and flashbang diversionary/distraction devices.
Read more about this topic: Hostage Rescue Team
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—Stendhal [Marie Henri Beyle] (1783–1842)