Sidearm

A Sidearm is a small personal weapon that is typically worn on the body in a holster[?] in such a way to permit immediate access and use. Although this term can apply to swords and other melee weapons, the modern use of it usually pertains to pistols and similar firearms.

A sidearm is typically required equipment for law enforcement personnel and military officers[?]. Usually, uniformed personnel of these services wear their weapon openly, while plainclothes personnel typically keep them under their outer clothes. However in some military situations, military officers prefer not have such a weapon visible as it can identify them as a priority target for snipers.