Duty Weapon
- Thread starter Jenrick
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Mastrogiacomo
Member
Well, I'm sure your department might have some imput on calibers allowed, but I'd go with the Beretta. I have five, they're reliable and I love them for their reliability and accuracy - but that's me. I'd use the standard 92FS as a duty gun and the Glock 26 for a BUG.
Laura
Laura
bachman1961
Member
I'm newer to guns but I'd have to say the research I did (1997), put the SIG, HK and Glock brands most mentioned in terms of no hiccups for feeding rounds. (Lots of government testing for some of the elite LE groups)
As many others say, fit, feel and shooting accurate should help close the deal on gun, model and cal. I ended up with a SIG P-239 .40 based on size for cc purposes. It may be a great choice for a back up weapon if you are in the 'zone' with the Sigs. Many 239'ers are pleased with it's accuracy for a shorter frame.
Haycreek
Member
My personal choices are: S&W 4566 and Glock 21. HK's and Sigs just don't do anything for me, although, they are reliable and please many.So far as 9mm's , the Glock 17 rules. My choice backup is The S&W 3953.
Jenrick
Member
Well after doing a lot of shooting and trying different weapons I reached a couple of conclusions. With my current skill set a light pistol in a .40 or .45 is a no-no. I found my G22 is not even close to as accurate as I CAN shoot when I'm not worried about recoil. A heavy solid pistol built around a particular round is a joy to shoot. I'll own a 1911 one of these days, but I can't carry one for work.
With that in mind I've decided to go with a Glock in 9mm, a G34 in particular. I like a lighter weight pistol in general, and the Glock IMO makes the best one out there out of the options I have to work with. Secondly it's not particularly expensive (compared to USP's, P7's, Sig's etc.). Third I'm already familary with the manual of arms and I can maintain all portions of the weapon myself. Last and most importantly, it shoots like a dream for me.
I borrowed a friends and thought I had died and gone to shooting heaven. I know a lot of people say/will say a 9mm is too small for policing. For me however knowing I can put 5 shoots exactly where I want them as fast as I can on a target at range is far better then knowing I'm pretty much SOL over 15yds with a bigger round.
Thanks to everyone who provided input and advice. I wouldn't have even given the S&W offerings a second look w/o some peoples comments, and I found them to be good guns at great prices.
-Jenrick
BTW If anyone is looking to get rid of G34 in third gen frame, I can provide a good home...
With that in mind I've decided to go with a Glock in 9mm, a G34 in particular. I like a lighter weight pistol in general, and the Glock IMO makes the best one out there out of the options I have to work with. Secondly it's not particularly expensive (compared to USP's, P7's, Sig's etc.). Third I'm already familary with the manual of arms and I can maintain all portions of the weapon myself. Last and most importantly, it shoots like a dream for me.
I borrowed a friends and thought I had died and gone to shooting heaven. I know a lot of people say/will say a 9mm is too small for policing. For me however knowing I can put 5 shoots exactly where I want them as fast as I can on a target at range is far better then knowing I'm pretty much SOL over 15yds with a bigger round.
Thanks to everyone who provided input and advice. I wouldn't have even given the S&W offerings a second look w/o some peoples comments, and I found them to be good guns at great prices.
-Jenrick
BTW If anyone is looking to get rid of G34 in third gen frame, I can provide a good home...
orangeninja
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I wouldn't worry about the 9mm as a defensive round....it does just fine for probably a 1/3 of America's police Depts. NYPD still uses 9mm as does many many others. Just pick a solid round. My suggestions:
Remington Golden Saber 125 gr. or 147 gr. Depending upon the weather. The larger grain is better penetration through heavier clothing in those cold January months.
Speer Gold Dot 125gr. or 147gr.
Winchester Ranger 125gr. to 147gr. with emphasis on the 125gr. +P. Though the +P increases recoil.
That's about it. Good shooting.
Remington Golden Saber 125 gr. or 147 gr. Depending upon the weather. The larger grain is better penetration through heavier clothing in those cold January months.
Speer Gold Dot 125gr. or 147gr.
Winchester Ranger 125gr. to 147gr. with emphasis on the 125gr. +P. Though the +P increases recoil.
That's about it. Good shooting.
Jenrick
Member
We don't get a choice on our carry ammo, but I'm perfectly happy with the issue 9mm round. Honestly it's exactly what I'd carry for HD.
-Jenrick
-Jenrick
Sounds like you've made some choices but let me add a few things. First, find out what caliber is most carried in your area and dept. and go with that. You can learn to handle almost anything but "common caliber" is not something to be tossed out lightly. Around here, .40 is KING, so anyone needing extra ammo with a 9mm is going to be out of luck!
A note on the Glocks, I'm not conversant with all the reasons for the KB's (and from what I've seen, neither is the factory) but it is something to take into account especially since, if you want to stay safe, you'll need to put in a lot of range time with one outside of qualifications. I used to be interested in having one until a friend a another PD had a Glock KB. He's still having surgeries on that hand. Many carry and shoot them for years without problems. Your call.
In any event, welcome to the family. Remember to learn EVERYTHING you can from the older cops in your area, wear your vest ALWAYS when on duty and while being friendly to everyone, don't trust them too far.
HTH,
Mike
A note on the Glocks, I'm not conversant with all the reasons for the KB's (and from what I've seen, neither is the factory) but it is something to take into account especially since, if you want to stay safe, you'll need to put in a lot of range time with one outside of qualifications. I used to be interested in having one until a friend a another PD had a Glock KB. He's still having surgeries on that hand. Many carry and shoot them for years without problems. Your call.
In any event, welcome to the family. Remember to learn EVERYTHING you can from the older cops in your area, wear your vest ALWAYS when on duty and while being friendly to everyone, don't trust them too far.
HTH,
Mike
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Powderman
Member
m39fan said:
Hey, Mike...
I think that .40 is king all over--it seems like almost every department I know of has either gone to the .40 or are going to the .40, in different platforms.
Our Department just made the shift from the Beretta 92F to Combat Tupperware (G22) as the issue gun. However, they allow you to carry anything you want--as long as it's .38 or larger and you qualify with it.
(I carry a Colt Enhanced .45
)As far as the G27 for backup, yeah--it DOES bark! But a grip addition will go a long way in alleviating it. I carry one--but would not feel undergunned with the G26 either.
To the original poster--what is your issue duty ammo? Ours is RA40T, and RA45T (Winchester Ranger).
Jenrick
Member
Speer Gold Dot 147gr I believe for 9mm (sorry don't have the listing handy).
-Jenrick
-Jenrick
U
Universal
Guest
My last duty weapon was a GLOCK 19 loaded with the 147 grain Gold Dots and it worked fine. I would think that with the longer barrel of the 34 you have a pretty good combo. I think you made a very good choice. Any thoughts on your duty holster?
Jenrick
Member
Well I picked up a Safariland 6270 for my G22 (if nothing else it'll be a good backup setup incase my G34 goes down for some reason). I like it now that I'm starting to get it broken in. Man was it hard to get out at first. I added a Sentry to it as well, and I like how it works and feels. Looked at the 6070's and I have to say I hate the middle finger release. I want all of my fingers around the butt of my pistol, not flailing around trying to hit a release tab.
One thing I'm considering for the G34 would be going with a Safariland 6280 w/ a sentry. This would give me a touch faster draw then the 6270. I'm hoping the G34 will fit in the G270 I got (it's the same frame after all, just longer barrel), I'm however betting it probably wont.
-Jenrick
One thing I'm considering for the G34 would be going with a Safariland 6280 w/ a sentry. This would give me a touch faster draw then the 6270. I'm hoping the G34 will fit in the G270 I got (it's the same frame after all, just longer barrel), I'm however betting it probably wont.
-Jenrick
U
Universal
Guest
I would think that the holster for your 22 will fit your 34. The barrel might just stick out a little. When I went through basic the 6280 had just come out and I went up against someone in weapons retention drills with one. Unless you know how it works, they are pretty hard to defeat. I just checked and it does look like there is a version of the 6280 made for the 34.
Jenrick
Member
Yeah I figure the it should work,it'd just be my luck it doesn't.
Heck I had a hard enoug time getting my weapon out of it even when I knew how it worked. Now that it's starting to get broken it, it's a bit better.
-Jenrick
Heck I had a hard enoug time getting my weapon out of it even when I knew how it worked. Now that it's starting to get broken it, it's a bit better.
-Jenrick
U
Universal
Guest
Once you get to basic you will get your holster broken in, trust me. I have a feeling that you will have a lot of firearms training and any good FI will have to draw A LOT. It is never to early to start practicing your draw at home with an unloaded gun. The things to keep in mind is that you never reholster two handed and work on not looking at the holster when you draw and/or reholster. I know it sounds like a no-brainer but I saw this a lot when I was a FI at the state academy. Also, get in the habit of pushing down on the gun with your thumb before you snap you holster. With a newer holster the slide on your gun sometimes gets pushed back when you reholster.
Feel free to PM me if you have specific law enforcement questions. I had a short career but got to do a lot while it lasted.
Feel free to PM me if you have specific law enforcement questions. I had a short career but got to do a lot while it lasted.
Jenrick
Member
Oh I believe that I'll get plenty of practice with my draw, they actually issue red guns specifically for that purpose.
I've been practicing without looking on the draw and the reholster. Another thing I've been working on is engaging the security features on the holster from hands off, simulating getting attacked while going hands on. Sure ideally I'd have the weapon secured before I was in contact range, but I'd prefer to have it down just in case.
One thing I've found that helps alot is practicing in front of a mirror, since I can watch myself and study my motion without getting into the habit of looking at my holster.
I'll probably shoot you a PM after I start the academy, since I'm sure I'll have quiet a few questions once I get into it.
-Jenrick
I've been practicing without looking on the draw and the reholster. Another thing I've been working on is engaging the security features on the holster from hands off, simulating getting attacked while going hands on. Sure ideally I'd have the weapon secured before I was in contact range, but I'd prefer to have it down just in case.
One thing I've found that helps alot is practicing in front of a mirror, since I can watch myself and study my motion without getting into the habit of looking at my holster.
I'll probably shoot you a PM after I start the academy, since I'm sure I'll have quiet a few questions once I get into it.
-Jenrick
orangeninja
Member
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2003
- Messages
- 3,117
Good luck with the Safariland...it's what we're issued, personally I hate the stuff. I've had much better luck, service and durability from my Don Hume stuff....Bianchi also makes some good nylon gear if you're allowed to use it.
Zen21Tao
Member
Of the Guns on your list I currently own an HK USP .45 and a .40 S&W Sig P239 and have owned a Beretta 92FS in 9mm. The Beretta was a nice gun but it just felt to big and bulky to me for a 9mm. If I am going to have something that big and bulky on my side it is going to be my USP. I must admit I have a deep bias towards the USP. It is a great gun, fires extremely well, has very manageable recoil and an accessory rail that could prove valuable if you make in onto a special teams. As for my Sig P239, I love this gun. It is a great IWB concealed carry gun that, thanks to its single stack design and compact size, is extremely confortable to wear. It also is very accurate. However, I think that its limited 7 round capacity makes it less than desirable as an OWB duty weapon. Many people don’t like to mix and match gun brands and bullet rounds but I personally am happy with the .45 USP as my OWB weapon and my .40 S&W Sig P239 as my IWB weapon.
Powderman Quote:
I just hate contrary people. Don't you? However here in Western Idaho most of the agencies have gone to 45. My department is on the way to issuing the Glock 21, but we old cops will be grandfathered in with our pieces if we wish. I'll stick with my Sigs (220 & 245).
As a firearms instructer I've had the privilege of working with many of our new hires. I have found that most of them are new to handguns and do their best shooting with 9mm. Once they get some experience and their skill level has gone up they do fine with the 45.
It's good advice to make sure your backup works the same as your primary carry piece. The G17/19 and the G26 are perfect together. The G19 is a good off-duty carry gun if you need to wait a little while before getting a BUG. I know that you said money isn't an option, but buying two Glocks at the same time will be somewhere between $800 - $1,000. In my world that would be an issue real quick. However you might have a trust fund.
Pay attention in the academy, try not to get cocky, listen to the older officers, ask questions, but don't talk too much. Nothing gets the older officers more irritated then a new hire with lots of opinions. You might be right, but that isn't the point.You're unknown when you're new and cops can be very clannish. Get a couple of years in and then you too can voice your opinions loudly and everyone will tell you you're full of it over coffee.
After you have some time in you'll be able to spread your wings and the other officers will find your character quirks to be amusing. I'm known as a "gun-guy" and a "history-guru". After five years my knowledge is valued and trusted. And yes my arm is broken from patting myself on the back. When I was brand new I kept my knowledge to myself. Once I made the mistake of saying too much and was branded as a know-it-all. Took awhile to get past that tag.
Have fun. You'll love it.
I just hate contrary people. Don't you? However here in Western Idaho most of the agencies have gone to 45. My department is on the way to issuing the Glock 21, but we old cops will be grandfathered in with our pieces if we wish. I'll stick with my Sigs (220 & 245).
As a firearms instructer I've had the privilege of working with many of our new hires. I have found that most of them are new to handguns and do their best shooting with 9mm. Once they get some experience and their skill level has gone up they do fine with the 45.
It's good advice to make sure your backup works the same as your primary carry piece. The G17/19 and the G26 are perfect together. The G19 is a good off-duty carry gun if you need to wait a little while before getting a BUG. I know that you said money isn't an option, but buying two Glocks at the same time will be somewhere between $800 - $1,000. In my world that would be an issue real quick. However you might have a trust fund.
Pay attention in the academy, try not to get cocky, listen to the older officers, ask questions, but don't talk too much. Nothing gets the older officers more irritated then a new hire with lots of opinions. You might be right, but that isn't the point.You're unknown when you're new and cops can be very clannish. Get a couple of years in and then you too can voice your opinions loudly and everyone will tell you you're full of it over coffee.
After you have some time in you'll be able to spread your wings and the other officers will find your character quirks to be amusing. I'm known as a "gun-guy" and a "history-guru". After five years my knowledge is valued and trusted. And yes my arm is broken from patting myself on the back. When I was brand new I kept my knowledge to myself. Once I made the mistake of saying too much and was branded as a know-it-all. Took awhile to get past that tag.
Have fun. You'll love it.
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