Every few years, since I started writing this column, I like to cover what current handguns I feel best fit the mission of the bodyguard. The general parameters remain the same: reliability, accuracy, ease of concealment, ease of maintenance while traveling, stopping power and magazine capacity. The introduction of new pistols does, however, sometimes change my view on which models best fit the close protection mission. For example, the current trend towards incorporating an accessory rail in the frame of the pistol is highly desirable for those in close protection. For the most part, there is no downside to pistols with rails. Moreover, when members of a close protection team stay at the residence, a carriage house or other dormitory at the residence or when they travel with the principal, they must remain ready to respond to a threat even when off duty and/or asleep. The ability to slip a compact light or laser onto the weapon in case of an alert at night enhances an operative's response efficiency. As a result, many of the weapons I will discuss incorporate this feature.
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