Summary

A review was made of the management of small arms (handguns, rifles, and shotguns) by civilian agencies throughout the Federal Government.

GAO found that approximately 50,000 employees in more than 40 Federal civil agencies are assigned to carry small arms and ammunition. GAO reviewed how these agencies manage their small arms resources and capability and found that there was no central management guidance for civilian small arms. Also, management decisions were made independently by the agencies. Therefore, the management practices regarding small arms differ widely among agencies with similar missions.