In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the importance of close quarters combat (CQC) weapons cannot be overstated. These specialized firearms are designed to provide soldiers, law enforcement personnel, and special operations forces with the tactical edge they need to prevail in confined, high-intensity engagements. From innovative recoil-mitigating mechanisms to cutting-edge ammunition, the world’s leading weapons manufacturers have pushed the boundaries of CQC firearm technology to deliver unparalleled performance and lethality.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the top 10 Best Close Quaters Combat Weapons in the World 2024. By exploring the unique features, capabilities, and combat histories of these firearms, we aim to provide you with a deeper understanding of the tools that are shaping the future of CQC operations worldwide.
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1. KRISS Vector
The KRISS Vector series is a revolutionary family of weapons that has redefined the concept of close quarters combat. Developed by KRISS USA, formerly known as Transformational Defense Industries (TDI), the Vector’s innovative design centers around the KRISS Super V System (KSVS), an articulated mechanism that allows the bolt and an inertia block to move downward into a recess behind the magazine well. This unique system is designed to reduce perceived recoil and muzzle climb, enabling faster and more accurate follow-up shots.
Chambered in a variety of calibers, including .22 LR, .40 S&W, and 9mm Parabellum, the Vector series offers versatility to suit a wide range of operational requirements. The weapon’s in-line design and barrel axis alignment with the shooter’s shoulder further contribute to its exceptional handling characteristics, making it a formidable choice for close-quarters engagements.
2. FN P90
The FN P90 is a personal defense weapon (PDW) that has gained widespread acclaim for its unique design and capabilities. Developed by FN Herstal in Belgium in response to NATO’s call for a replacement for 9mm Parabellum firearms, the P90 was conceived as a compact yet powerful firearm for vehicle crews, support personnel, and special forces.
Featuring a distinctive bullpup configuration and an integrated reflex sight, the P90 incorporates several innovative features, including a top-mounted magazine and FN’s proprietary 5.7x28mm ammunition. This unconventional approach allows the P90 to maintain a compact footprint while delivering impressive ballistic performance, making it a versatile choice for close-range encounters.
With over 40 nations currently employing the P90, it has proven its worth in a variety of military and law enforcement applications, cementing its status as a formidable CQC weapon.
3. Heckler & Koch MP7
The Heckler & Koch MP7 is a German-engineered Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) designed to address the growing threat of body armor. Chambered for the HK 4.6x30mm cartridge, the MP7 was developed in response to NATO’s requirement for a firearm that could effectively penetrate modern protective equipment while maintaining a compact and maneuverable profile.
Featuring an ambidextrous design and a folding stock, the MP7 offers versatility and adaptability to suit a wide range of close-quarters scenarios. Its ability to accept various magazine configurations, ranging from 20 to 40 rounds, further enhances its operational flexibility.
The MP7’s compact size, light weight, and armor-piercing capabilities have made it a popular choice among military and law enforcement personnel, solidifying its reputation as a formidable contender in the realm of CQC weapons.
4. LWRC M6 PSD
The LWRC M6 PSD (Personal Security Device) is a specialized carbine that builds upon the proven M4 platform, offering a range of enhancements tailored for close quarters combat. Designed and manufactured by LWRC International, the M6 PSD features a proprietary short-stroke self-regulating gas piston system, which helps to reduce internal heating and carbon fouling, thereby improving reliability and ease of maintenance.
With a compact 8-inch barrel and a Magpul CTR stock, the M6 PSD is optimized for maneuvering in confined spaces while maintaining impressive ballistic performance. Available in both 5.56mm NATO and 6.8mm Remington SPC chamberings, the M6 PSD offers users the flexibility to choose the ammunition that best suits their operational requirements.
The combination of its proven piston-driven action, short-barrel configuration, and modular design make the LWRC M6 PSD a formidable choice for close-quarters engagements.
5. PP-90
The PP-90 is a Russian 9mm folding submachine gun developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau for use by special units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). Designed with a strong emphasis on safety and reliability, the PP-90 incorporates several innovative features to enhance its performance in close-quarters combat.
One of the standout features of the PP-90 is its inability to discharge the firearm when in the folded position or when the stock is not fully deployed, ensuring safe handling in dynamic environments. Additionally, the weapon’s manual safety and fire selector, along with its drop safety mechanism, further contribute to its overall operational security.
Feeding from a 30-round detachable box magazine, the PP-90 is optimized for rapid deployment and accurate fire, making it a valuable asset for special operations and law enforcement personnel engaged in CQC scenarios.
6. CornerShot
The CornerShot is a unique weapon accessory designed to provide operators with the ability to engage targets while minimizing their own exposure. Invented by Lt. Col. Amos Golan of the Israeli Defense Forces, the CornerShot system allows users to both see and attack an armed target without putting themselves in the line of fire.
Capable of accommodating a variety of pistol platforms, including the Beretta 92F, Glock, SIG Sauer, and CZ, the CornerShot can be equipped with a range of accessories, such as detachable cameras, audio/video transmission kits, lasers, and tactical flashlights. This versatility makes the CornerShot a valuable tool for SWAT teams, special forces, and other law enforcement personnel engaged in high-risk, close-quarters operations.
With an effective range of up to 100 meters for 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP pistols, and up to 200 meters for the 5.7x28mm cartridge, the CornerShot system offers a unique and innovative solution for CQC scenarios where minimizing exposure is a critical priority.
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7. Uzi
The Uzi is a legendary family of Israeli open-bolt, blowback-operated submachine guns that have been widely used in close quarters combat operations worldwide. Designed by Major Uziel Gal in the late 1940s, the Uzi’s telescoping bolt design allowed for a shorter overall length, making it a popular choice for rear-echelon troops, officers, and elite light infantry forces.
Featuring a high rate of fire and a compact profile, the Uzi has been exported to over 90 countries and has seen extensive use in a variety of military, law enforcement, and security applications. From the 1960s through the 1980s, the Uzi was one of the most widely sold submachine guns, cementing its status as a renowned CQC weapon.
While newer designs have since emerged, the Uzi’s iconic legacy and proven performance in close-range engagements continue to make it a respected and sought-after firearm in the world of close quarters combat.
8. Heckler & Koch G36C
The Heckler & Koch G36C is a variant of the renowned G36 assault rifle, designed specifically for special tactical applications by police and military special forces. Chambered in the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge, the G36C incorporates several features that make it well-suited for close quarters combat.
With its compact size, lightweight construction, and gas-operated, closed-bolt design, the G36C offers enhanced maneuverability and control in confined spaces. The weapon’s ability to feed from both 30-round detachable box magazines and 100-round C-Mag drum magazines further expands its operational versatility.
Developed in the early 1990s as a replacement for the 7.62mm G3 battle rifle, the G36C has been accepted into service with the Bundeswehr and has gained recognition among elite units for its reliability and effectiveness in CQC scenarios.
9. FERFRANS SOAR
The FERFRANS SOAR (Special Operations Assault Rifle) is a selective-fire 5.56x45mm NATO assault rifle that builds upon the proven M4 carbine platform. Designed by FERFRANS, the SOAR incorporates several innovative features to enhance its performance in close quarters combat.
One of the SOAR’s standout characteristics is its patented Delayed Sear Activation System, which reduces the weapon’s cyclic rate of fire in full-automatic mode to between 550 and 680 rounds per minute. This reduction in rate of fire helps to mitigate muzzle climb and improve controllability during sustained fire, a crucial factor in CQC engagements.
Additionally, the SOAR utilizes a heavy machine gun barrel for increased reliability during prolonged firing, and is available in both direct impingement (SOAR) and short-stroke piston (SOAR-P) variants to suit user preferences.
The FERFRANS SOAR’s combination of improved control, reliability, and versatility make it a compelling choice for special operations and law enforcement personnel operating in close-quarters environments.
10. Knight’s Armament Company PDW
The Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) 6x35mm PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) is an experimental firearm designed to bridge the gap between submachine guns and combat rifles in close quarters combat. Chambered in a proprietary 6mm cartridge optimized for short-barrel performance, the KAC PDW aims to provide users with a compact and lightweight platform that offers greater range and lethality than traditional PDWs.
Featuring a completely side-folding stock and a shortened M16 rifle lower receiver, the KAC PDW is over 10 inches shorter and more than 1 pound lighter than the currently issued M4 carbine. Its unique gas piston system, with dual pistons located on the top left and right sides of the bolt carrier, contributes to the weapon’s compact design and enhanced reliability.
While the KAC PDW remains an experimental platform, its innovative approach to close quarters combat firepower has generated significant interest among military and law enforcement personnel seeking a versatile and effective CQC solution.
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Conclusion
The weapons discussed in this article represent the pinnacle of close quarters combat firearms, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities to meet the diverse operational requirements of modern warfare and law enforcement. From the recoil-mitigating KRISS Vector to the armor-piercing Heckler & Koch MP7, these CQC weapons have been meticulously engineered to provide users with the tactical edge they need to prevail in the most demanding and high-intensity engagements.
As technology continues to evolve and the nature of close-range combat adapts, the firearms industry will undoubtedly push the boundaries of what is possible, delivering even more advanced and capable CQC weapons to the operators who rely on them. By staying informed about the latest developments in this field, defense and law enforcement professionals can ensure they are equipped with the tools necessary to succeed in the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of close quarters combat.
FAQs
1. Which weapon is used in CQB?
Shotguns are adaptable firearms that perform well in close-quarters combat, particularly when loaded with specialized ammunition such as buckshot or breaching rounds (e.g., ENTRY I or II). They are commonly employed for door breaching, short-range confrontations, and non-lethal crowd management.
2. What gun is best for CQB?
Submachine guns (SMGs) are recognized for their rapid rate of fire, which makes them highly effective in close-quarters combat where fast shooting is essential. Their capability to deliver multiple rounds quickly can be critical for neutralizing threats in CQB situations.
3. What are the 5 pillars of CQB?
The five key elements for effective close-quarters combat are: (1) gaining access, (2) making entry, (3) securing the area, (4) moving to adjacent spaces, and (5) commanding and controlling the team and their actions. Training for these elements is structured in three layers.
4. What are CQB tactics?
Close Quarters Battle (CQB), or Close Quarters Combat (CQC), refers to intense, short-duration fights between multiple combatants at very close range, usually within 100 meters. This type of combat involves the use of either ranged or melee weapons.
5. What weapon do Navy Seals use in CQB?
The M4A1 is highly effective in Close Quarters Battle and Counterterrorist missions. It fires a fast-moving 5.56mm round, making it ideal for engaging terrorists with body armor or bulletproof vests. Additionally, this rifle can be swiftly and effortlessly modified to function as a grenade launcher or shotgun.
