Arm the NoDak Highway Patrol

[Country Boy]

The North Dakota Highway Patol is looking at getting new handguns. They currently have S&W 4506's. Needs/wants are:
DA or DAO semi-automatic
.40 or .45 caliber
adjustable grip styles (e.g. change mainspring housings or grips to fit individual hands)
night sights
prefer larger capacity magazines

I figured if I posted here, I'd get a few ideas "outside the box".

 

[LeonCarr]

Sounds like they have a good handgun already . Do they have any openings?

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[tlhelmer]

Handguns wear out!

Sounds like they need to narrow down their specs a little.

 

[mete]

HK P2000 , 9mm or 40, DAO, has 4 interchangable backstraps,polymer frame.

 

[Devonai]

Go to either the 4006, 4043 or 4046. You get your increased mag capacity and there's less re-familiarization time for your troopers.

 

[lyricsdad]

wow where are they going to be trading in the old guns to? wouldnt mind taking a trip up to NOdak to take a looksy.

 

[para.2]

Sorry to be so conventional, but how about the SIG 220, .45 ACP? Fits many hands surprisingly well for a largish gun. It is only single stack, however.

 

[Bronco45]

Sig P 220. As the rest of the Police world is finding out 45 still works best.

Second choice Glock. Glock 30 double stack 45 Auto for large hands and Glock 36 single stack for small hands.

One weapons system, one caliber two different magazines. Having outfitted a state agency I worked for in95 highly recommend a single method action system no matter who the manufacturer. Same sight picture and sighting systems/ One holster system for both weapons.

Simplifies the drill for instructors and students. A glock is a glock no matter whether single stack or double.

Could do the same with Sig 239 40 and Sig 226 in 40. But 45 is better stopper and ammo cheaper.

 

[12-34hom]

H&k

H&K usp in Variant #1.- Chambered in 45acp - Full sized or compact model.

My first duty weapon, [full sized model] excellent overall package.

12-34hom.

 

[dakotasin]

sig 229.

 

[natedog]

USP40C or 45C...I would normally go for a fullsize, as it fits me, but the C grip would fit a wider variety of officers.

 

[orangeninja]

Sig 226 in .40 S&W.

Sig 229 in .40 S&W for your plain clothes. We're issued them, no complaints here.

Texas DPS uses the 226 in .357 Sig, but I'm still wondering about the cost vs. benefits of that round for a Dept.

 

[patentmike]

Maybe this is too outside the box, but how about asking the highway patrolmen? From what you describe, this sounds about right,

http://www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293609&item=831453&sw_activeTab=1

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Walther P99 .40 S&W. Adjustable backstraps, 12+1 capacity(I think). I beleive that Walther has night sights available.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

The NDHP is a pretty conservative operation. I suspect they'll go with an American-made, metal-framed autoloader. I could see them getting something like a P90 or P94.

 

[Dienekes]

As a career (and retired) LEO/firearms trainer, I ought to care, but frankly lost interest in the Great Search For The Perfect Gun somewhere along the way. Assuming that the agency tries to hire competent (i.e., trainable) people to begin with, things like training, mindset, procedures, and body armor are far more to the point. What is needed is a reliable bullet launcher that suits the operator fairly well. Truth be told, we had that in the M19/M66 S&W .357.

Having been raised up in that country and made numerous trips back up over the years, I have a pretty fair idea of what is needed. (A block heater for the truck, Cabela's best parka, a Cenex gas credit card, and a 357 will take you wherever you have to go.)

 

[Dave Williams]

Country Boy,

Are there problems with the 4506?

Awesome duty gun.

Dave Williams

 

[The Reverend]

Why on earth!!!

The 4506 is probably one of the finest duty guns available!!! I love mine and has only recently taken second place to a SW1911.

In any case, the qualities you list severely limit the choices. How about this... allow each officer select and qualify with his or her choice??? That would solve a bunch of problems instead of solving the non-existant problem.

But, within your limitations the SW99 in .40 or .45 would be the obvoius choice. Same gun, different grip options.

Bottom line... Stick with the 4506!

God bless

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

One of my son's best friends from childhood is now a ND Highway Patrolman, and he's definitely skilled and well-trained. At my son's wedding last summer he told me that their Smiths have been in service a long time and are getting worn out.

 

[Dave Williams]

Worn Out 4506s?

Having been issued a Smith 45, I'm VERY skeptical that they are worn out.

I bet they just need a little PM and some new springs.

Not meaning to be argumentative,

Dave Williams

 

[brickboy240]

Sig 220 45s or Sig 226 40s, Springfield XD-40s, HK USPs maybe?

No more S&W autos. They make great revolvers, but their autos really leave alot to be desired.

_brickboy240

 

[Z_Infidel]

IMO, the only thing my S&W semi-autos left to be desired when I bought them was a set of Hogue rubber grips. Other than that, they've been great.

 

[only1asterisk]

SIG 226 DAK

David

 

[cxm]

S&W

The S&W 4566 would be an excellent choice or it's alloy frame brother the 4563.

Absolutely top quality and I believe their existing mags and equipment would be usable with the new guns.

FWIW

Chuck

 

[Whatsit]

Another vote for H&K P2000's