Putin Has Coup-Proofed His Regime

This statement relies on those with guns being more loyal to the leader than to, say, cash, continued life of themselves and their family and no internal religious, ethical or nationalistic motive that might get in the way.

It also relies that those issuing the reliability certifications are they themselves reliable. It also forgets that there's all sorts of "action at a distance" weapons and tools that can be used far more precisely that an pistol.