Why don’t tactical trainers incorporate the Hondo roll into their training? It’s clearly an effective technique ever since the original Hondo incorporated it into his SWAT training package. SWAT is an interesting television show and it was the first police show to ever focus on the Special Weapons and Tactics teams pioneered by the LAPD. The leader of the unit Dan ‘Hondo’ Harrelson, helped inspire not only the use of modern weapons by police but helped create the entire 1980s tactical look.
Who doesn’t remember an all-black outfit, complete with a vest covered in pockets and a patrol cap, and what appeared to be jump boots? It really helped inspire the look of the 1970s, 80s, and 90s operators. Hondo as a character has been replicated three times. The original from the 1975 show SWAT, the 2003 version from the film SWAT, and the latest version of SWAT from 2017, which is now in its sixth season.
What’s always captured me about these fictional SWAT officers is that they’ve also done a great job of representing the gear and tactics of that era. Watch any of the three Hondos and look at the year that portion of media was created. The guns, accessories, and gear all match the era from the 1970s origins to the 2003 early GWOT to the current crop of high-speed rifles, optics, and gadgets. Today, we are going to examine the weapons of Hondo and see how they reflect the era they originated in.
The O.G. SWAT Hondo – M16
In 1975, the M16 was a rather revolutionary rifle. It was the first time a ‘black’ rifle was issued that matched what the military carried. The entire SWAT team in the 1975 series carried M16 rifles, complete with slap-side uppers and carry handles. At the time, most cops were still packing revolvers, and if they were lucky, a pump shotgun rode in the cruiser.
Detectives in the NYPD were still carrying double-barrel shotguns in 1975. In an era defined by S&W revolvers and Ithaca shotguns, the M16 offered a capable and versatile platform. It was lightweight, easy to shoot, accurate, and compared to most rifles of the era, it was compact. We are spoiled as a generation with our carbines. Hondo and his men did it with 20-round magazines, carry handles, and web slings.
Sam Jackson’s Hondo – MP5A2
In the 2003 film SWAT, the M16 has become the M4, but most of the officers are carrying a mixture of M4s and MP5A2 submachine guns. Hondo rocks an MPA2, which features the fixed stock and Navy trigger group. Since it was 2003, the officers are packing Surefire integrated forend lights to get that proper PID. What’s not present is any optics, at least on the MP5s.
2003 was before the big push to shorter, lighter 5.56 carbines. The Mk 18 was still more or less a special ops weapon, and the MP5 series was the defacto SMG of most modern police forces and of the LAPD SWAT team. It was light, short, low recoiling, easy to handle, and well-suited for close-quarters work. You know, the kind you expect in a city.
The Modern Hondo – HK 416D
The 2017 series leans heavily into the modern world of police work and SWAT units. The guys and gals of this SWAT team are geared up with the latest and greatest. Hondo now carries an HK 416D with a 10-inch barrel. It perfectly encapsulates the carbines that have made SMGs a little less relevant these days. This is the first time we see Hondo’s rifle decked out with accessories as well.
Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS
Hondo uses a Magpul CTR stock, a Magpul PMAG, a Trijicon ACOG, a DBAL D2 Laser, what appears to be a Surefire light, and a Magpul AFG. It’s decked out to the extreme and is quite modern. Although some may comment the ACOG is a bit old school, it’s still a viable optic.
Hondo’s Handgun – the M1911
Throughout the 1975 series, the new series, and the 2003 film, the character of Hondo has used an M1911 pistol or M1911-based pistol. Over time these guns have evolved and changed, and in each series, the gun evolves and changes. The M1911 in various formats has remained a staple of LAPD SWAT in real life. All three series have captured the M1911 in its era well.
The original Hondo used a fairly plane M1911A1. Nothing fancy. He carried it in a shoulder holster, which was all the rage in that era. This gun had no light, no big sights, or 10-round magazines. It was all GI, and all Hondo needed.
2003 Hondo – Kimber Custom TLE II
Much like the actual SWAT of the era, the characters carry Kimber TLE II handguns. This is a more modern variant of the classic M1911. These guns had numerous improvements over the standard M1911. This includes big, easy-to-see sights, an extended beavertail, a massive ejection port, and very aggressive grip texturing. In SWAT 2022, Hondo and crew carry the guns with Surefire 310R weapon lights.
The New Hondo
In the first few seasons of the 2017 series, we saw Hondo and the crew carrying the newer Kimber TLE/RL II. This is another modern M1911 that’s actually used by LAPD SWAT. The main difference between this Kimber and the model from 2003 is the presence of a rail. This allows Hondo to mount a Surefire X300U to his handgun.
In 2018 the LAPD approved SWAT to carry the STI 2011 designs, aka the Stacatto pistols. The show quickly swapped Hondo’s Kimber for an STI 2011, specifically a Taran Tactical touched-up model. Hondo’s still sues a Surefire X300U on the rail. The increase in capacity over the standard M1911. Hondo also has a high viz green front sight, the TTI grip texturing, and magazine extensions to add a few extra rounds to the pot. This is likely the most modern example of an M1911 handgun out there.
His Other Handgun – The Glock 43
It also bears mentioning that Hondo has a Glock 43 for off-duty carry and seemingly any plain clothes or undercover work. This micro-sized Glock is easy to conceal and works well in casual clothes. The little Glock 43 doesn’t make too many appearances, but it bears mentioning.
SWAT As a BioDome
SWAT acts almost like a window in the gear and guns used by modern gunfighters of the era. Each incarnation does a good job of outfitting its officers with the latest and greatest while also mimicking what the actual LAPD SWAT team utilizes. I think that’s why SWAT is such a multigenerational series and why it’s enjoyable to this day.
