Sidearm (weapon)

The term historically referred to swords, daggers, and similar small weapons kept at one's side in a sheath, and in modern combat dominated by guns, sidearms are often defined as handguns that are similarly kept in a holster.

[1] A sidearm is typically required equipment for military officers and may be carried by law enforcement personnel.

In many contemporary armies, the issue of a sidearm in the form of a service pistol is a clear sign of authority and is the mark of a commissioned officer or senior NCO.

An important purpose of the sidearm is to be used if the primary weapon is not available (damaged or lost), if it has run out of ammunition, or if it malfunctions.

Personal defense weapons are often issued as personal sidearms to combat personnel who operate in cramped spaces in which a rifle or carbine would be impractical, such as truck drivers, helicopter pilots, and vehicle crews.