[and103]

Well I am going to be a man in blue. I am leaning to a Glock, but I want some other opinions on what to carry. Of course, this gun wll be my life, and I NEED it to fire. I am allowed a 9mm, a 40, or a 45. I have kind of ruled out the 9mm, but if you have a statement to make about it I am all ears. (please no 9mm 40,45 fights.)

About me. I am 6'5 and have big hands, so I think maybe I need a full size gun. I have shot a Glock before a few years ago and I liked it. My dad has a S&W 40, and I like the gun, but it has a funny trigger that I would not trust with my life. I am going to shoot a couple and see what I like, but I want you guys to give me some ideas on what else to try. Thanks for the help.

[highorder]

What did you use in the academy? What does your prospective department issue?

I'd buy one of those.

[Damon555]

I'd say G21 all the way....You're a big guy and .45's are easy to shoot....My G17 has been 100%. Never one malfunction, it shoots perfectly, even dirty.

I'm not a man in blue but I'd put my life in the hands of a Glock.

My brother has an HK....that gun has been 100% also.

[Teddyb]

Well I am going to be a man in blue. I am leaning to a Glock, but I want some other opinions on what to carry. Of course, this gun wll be my life, and I NEED it to fire. I am allowed a 9mm, a 40, or a 45. I have kind of ruled out the 9mm, but if you have a statement to make about it I am all ears. (please no 9mm 40,45 fights.)

About me. I am 6'5 and have big hands, so I think maybe I need a full size gun. I have shot a Glock before a few years ago and I liked it. My dad has a S&W 40, and I like the gun, but it has a funny trigger that I would not trust with my life. I am going to shoot a couple and see what I like, but I want you guys to give me some ideas on what else to try. Thanks for the help.
The Glock 19 9mm is probably trusted by more Law Enforcement Agencies than any other side arm. The Glock 19 is also the flagship of the Glock line from what I have read. My question is why you have to buy your own service weapon! Every Department I worked for supplied ours.

[slicksleeve]

One thing to consider is a good retention holster. For this you won't have trouble if you go with any Glock or a Sig. Also consider what your co-workers will be carrying while working with you. If you're leaning toward Glock, then chances are high that your partners will have a Glock mod. 22 in .40 cal. Nothing wrong with the 9mm, .45, or maybe a .357 sig, (I have always wanted to carry the .357 sig myself), but you will have the same ammo and magazine compatability with your backup if you carry what most of them carry. My $0.02.

[and103]

Thanks guys. I have not gone through the academy yet, I am signed up for it in March. Our local Sheriff's office does not issue you a gun for some reason. You have to buy your own.

Also, they only gave me the 3 calibers to choose from. I just want to get a gun now so I can practice with it alot before I am on duty.

[highorder]

Our local Sheriff's office does not issue you a gun for some reason. You have to buy your own.

Interesting. Remember to write it off. :)

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Sig 226 in .40S&W.

[Cosmoline]

That's a rare luxury. What are the cartridge choices?

The Glocks are fine workaday pistols but if given the option you might as well kick it up a notch. The Sig P226 would be my choice as well. The USP also has a great rep, but I've never been able to afford one.

[and103]

I will look at the Sig. How about a Springfield XD? How would that compare to a Glock or SIG?

[rfurtkamp]

Assuming large hands, stick with fullsize guns. The G19 doesn't net you anything as a duty-sized gun except a smaller frame.

Are you going to be paying for your own ammo as well, especially practice stuff?

Consider that for caliber.

[and103]

Our department supplies so much ammo for you. However, I want to get a good bit or practicing in with the gun, so I will have to buy my own for that.

[Damon555]

I think the 9mm is underrated with new ammo. 9mm bullets perform well these days.....

[The Lone Haranguer]

When I saw that you have freedom to choose your sidearm and have large hands, the Glock 21 came first to my mind. :) Honorable mention: the S&W M&P, also in .45. It "only" holds 11 rounds topped up vs. the G21's fourteen, but that should still be adequate. ;)

[Archie]

Since this is going to be your duty pistol, you tend to the larger calibers - and - you're a big kid, you might as well get a full sized pistol. There's no point in carrying a hideout gun as a belt gun. Shorter barrels give shorter sight radius and therefore more difficult to shoot accurately, shorter grips are harder to hold properly.

If you are money tight and have to have one gun for both belt carry and off-duty (concealed) use, you'll have to make compromises. I'd still advise going for a full sized gun and dress around it for off duty, rather than purchase for concealment and then have 'half a gun' for duty.

I've carried a Glock as the deparmental issue gun for nearly five years. Up front, mine never blew up (it was a 9x19) and it worked reliably. It is better than a baseball bat for general use, but I could never warm up to it. Departments and individuals like them as they are very inexpensive and they are 'minimum training required' pistols.

If you have a background as a handgun shooter - your question here leads me to believe you are not - go with what you know. For simplicity of use, I would suggest a 'double action only' design pistol. Smith & Wesson and Heckler & Koch both make such pistols. The H&K is a full price pistol, but a sidearm is no place to go cheap. I have used both the USP and the P1000 pistols by H&K and find them both excellent pistols. The USP has a larger (wider) grip, by the way. I personally do not like striker fired handguns.

Read the excellent essay on holster requirements by David E in the "Holsters and Accessories" forum. His observations are spot on about what to seek in a holster.

[Norinco982lover]

I recommend Springfield XD 45 fullsize grip with the tactical 5" barrel

I carry a Springfield XD45C daily and love it.

The Glock would be my second choice.

[MillCreek]

Do you have any idea what is most commonly carried by your future colleagues?

[The Lone Haranguer]

I had not considered off-duty carry. That would depend on your department's policy. If you are required to carry a sidearm and are expected to exercise full police power off duty, consider a Glock 19 or 23. These are still very shootable but are much more compact and concealable in street clothes.

[mrjohnston]

In this case my vote goes g21 or xd45 which ever one feels best to you.

[and103]

Thanks for the replies everbody. I think I am leaning to a Glock 22, as the most popular caliber is 40 in my area. Off duty cary I am not worried about, I will probably pick up a Glock 357 for that.

I will test fire the Glock, SIG, and XD in .40 and .45 and see what I like the most.

[BullfrogKen]

Whatever you choose, if it's going to be for work, make sure you have someone nearby geographically who can service it.


From duty belt gear, to parts and maintenance, to magazines . . . it's no fun to have to constantly send the gun away any time it needs repair and maintenance. Remember - night sights get replaced every 7 years, so you WILL be doing it.

And ordering gear that you can't find locally sucks. If you have to buy your own duty sidearm, then I'm betting you'll be on your own to choose duty gear, too. It's nice to be able to make sure you like the holster before you buy it. Mail order doesn't lend itself well that way.


Were I you, with your level of gun knowledge and situation, I'd be more concerned about those factors than any other thing. Period.

[Rexster]

I have to buy my own weapons; for that I am GRATEFUL. In 1997, the authorized choices narrowed down to certain DA .40 pistols made by SIG, Beretta, and S&W, with certain pistols by Glock and SA, Inc., added later.

Originally, I opted to "grandfather" my 1911 pistols, because only new-hires HAD to carry the DA forties, but for reasons I won't get into here, decided to switch to the G22 in 2002. Glocks are good pistols, if they fit, and work the way one's hands work. The G22 did neither very well for me. I now use P229 pistols, and they, too, are good pistols, which both fit, and work well. FWIW, my hands are very skinny, and Glocks sit so low in my hand that my trigger finger rubs the frame. OTOH, one of my co-workers is a BIG guy, and a Glock's slide "bites" his hand, so he, too, uses P229s. (Yes, we both own multiples of our duty guns.)

I won't pretend this is a definitive answer to anyone's quest for a duty pistol, but it is stuff I can personally attest is the truth for two very differently-built police officers.

[sheepdog]

...I'd go with a Sig .45 with a DAO trigger...it'll last you until they come out with death rays...

[Big Bill]

I'd go with the Glock 21 or 22. I think the .45 would be best and the .40 would be second best. No other handgun in the world has the track record of reliability as does Glock.

US Marshals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwae2foHXfQ&feature=related

[atlanticfire]

If it was my life on the line I'd have a 45. I work for a city government here and they carry 40 Sig Pro. I'd like a P220 myself!

[pharmer]

I'd go with what "everybody" else is carrying. Their mags will fit your gun, should the need arise. Joe

[HexHead]

Interesting. Remember to write it off. :)



You can only write it off as an non-reimbursed employee expense if you have more deductions than the standard deduction.

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

I am going to college working on my criminal justice degree before i join the police academy, if the department I join lets you pick your own sidearm, I will probably pick either a Sig or a HK ( although i love 1911's and its going to be tough not use one)

[PAPACHUCK]

Springfield Armory XD45 in a Safariland ALS holster (6360/6365 series).

[and103]

One thing I was told today that I never thought about it a 40 will carry 15 rounds in the magazine, and a 45 will only carry 9. Is this true? If so I may lean to a 40 for the saftey of having those shots on tap.

[jem375]

Not really, the Springfield XD 45ACP has a 13 round mag...

[Ankeny]

If you look at the XD, also take a hard look at the XDm. As for the Glock, if you like the gun and the ergonomics, go for it. If you aren't in a hurry, you might consider waiting for the 2010 Glocks with the interchangeable back straps.

[84B20]

Whatever you decide on buy two of them. Also if you have a BUG buy two also. If one is in the shop for some reason you don't want to be caught short handed and miss work. I know it is expensive to lay out that much cash but what is your life worth to you? When I was a news photographer I always had spare cameras for backup as well as saving time changing lenses and Nikons aren't any less expensive the firearms.

And if you do buy two each be sure to practice with both or all four. Just because they are the same make doesn't mean they shoot the same.

[ReadyontheRight]

Be sure to look around for shops that have LEO deals. A local shop here near Minneapolis offers their Glocks and Glock accessories only to LEOs because Glock gives them a great deal for doing so (can't remember the details, I just know I can't buy Glock stuff there).

Nothing wrong with a Glock. I personally like the XD45 just a little better because I like the grip safety. Some view this as more mechanical things to go wrong...to each his own.

It sounds like you want to learn to shoot better. As I have said here many times, if you spend $350-$500 on a Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mark III, a magazine loader and a few thousands of rounds of .22lr ammo. And then go shoot it. You will be a better pistol marksman than 99% of the population. You will also get to know what you like (trigger, trigger, trigger), and you will probably see some interesting options that other shooters will let you try at the range.

[sheepdog]

...should carry 4 clips at all times on duty, plainclothes or uniform...in YOUR caliber...don't go with what others chose, choose what YOU feel is the best caliber...chance of borrowing/sharing in a gunfight are so slim as to make it not a deciding factor...big agencies mandate same caliber more for economic reasons than sharing....

[DeepSouth]

I would carry the XD 45 and CT laser grips would be a must.

[ahpd1992]

I have carried a Glock for 18 years and although there are prettier guns on the market, nothing beats a Glock.

If 45 is an option forget the 40, people have short memories and forger the 40s&w was mainly a marketing coup by Smith and Wesson during the 10mm trials in the late 80's early 90's. I will confess I am no fan of the 40, if I wanted a weak ass 10mm I would shoot FBI loads. I am digressing here.

Your a big man like me, you will find the G21 plenty comfortable. I also recommend the Springfield XD 5" tactical in 45ACP. Its a Glock w/ some extra safeties.

Good luck young man, I hope you enjoy law enforcement as much as I do. BTW my PD also makes you buy your weapon, in the end the gun is better taken care of if its yours. Also its your personal property so they cant really tell you what to do w/ it as in when or if you can carry it, its yours.

One more thing, you will find a lot of disgruntled veterans who always seem to be looking to recruit a new guy into their din of misery. I know Im a union rep and I hafta work with them all of the time. Dont get sucked in, its good to be excited and show it at work. In the long run you will have a much more fun and exciting time of it if you approach your job w/ great enthusiasm

Once again good luck in your new career

Tom

[weisse52]

Big man needs big gun, Glock 21 all the way. .45 is a proven round. You are already shooting a Glock, so a G21 would be more of the same.

I like the 1911, but for law enforcement a Glock is a great choice. (Support, common platform, etc.)

[and103]

I have carried a Glock for 18 years and although there are prettier guns on the market, nothing beats a Glock.

If 45 is an option forget the 40, people have short memories and forger the 40s&w was mainly a marketing coup by Smith and Wesson during the 10mm trials in the late 80's early 90's. I will confess I am no fan of the 40, if I wanted a weak ass 10mm I would shoot FBI loads. I am digressing here.

Your a big man like me, you will find the G21 plenty comfortable. I also recommend the Springfield XD 5" tactical in 45ACP. Its a Glock w/ some extra safeties.

Good luck young man, I hope you enjoy law enforcement as much as I do. BTW my PD also makes you buy your weapon, in the end the gun is better taken care of if its yours. Also its your personal property so they cant really tell you what to do w/ it as in when or if you can carry it, its yours.

One more thing, you will find a lot of disgruntled veterans who always seem to be looking to recruit a new guy into their din of misery. I know Im a union rep and I hafta work with them all of the time. Dont get sucked in, its good to be excited and show it at work. In the long run you will have a much more fun and exciting time of it if you approach your job w/ great enthusiasm

Once again good luck in your new career

Tom
Thanks alot! I am very happy that I am going to be a LEO. I have wanted to be one since I saw the show cops when I was a baby. I want to make a difference in our country, and hope to one day be a federal officer when I can carry a 357. Ha.

As far as shooting, I am a pretty decent shot believe it or not. I just know very little about guns.

Thank you all for the help, it looks like 45 might be the way to go. I am going to test fire a few guns on Monday and see what I like the best.

[SiRed91]

HK
M&P
Glock

all in 45

In that order in my opinion

[TRowe81]

I've also worked for a sheriff's department that required deputies to supply their own handguns. We had a guy that carried a S&W .357 revolver, one who carried a Beretta 9mm, several XDs and lots of Glock 22s. I carried an XDM 40 with an LCP on my left ankle.
Shortly before transferring to my current position at my local police department, I had a discussion with a state trooper about the convenience of being able to use another officer's magazines in the event he/she goes down, or you run out of ammo. Kind of made me re-think things a little bit.

Currently, my department issues Glock 22s with Streamlight laser/light combos. Took a little bit of getting used to, but with practice, you can become proficient with just about any weapon.

On a side note, once you hit the streets, you'll (hopefully) notice your sidearm is the least used tool on your belt. Keep your eyes open, your wits about you, and always be kind to your dispatchers; they're your lifeline. Treat people with the respect you'd give your own friends, even the dirtbags, and it'll pay off in the end.

Good luck.

[NG VI]

Check out the FNP, .40 if you want or the .45 if that's the way you are leaning. You're easily big enough that the slightly bigger .45 won't give you any trouble. The FNP has a very nice trigger for a DA/SA service pistol, it is very smooth, the sights on the FNP just jump right out at you but are still very low profile, and they are tough, not too heavy, and the .45 comes with three magazines, giving a combined capacity of 44 all loaded up (14+14+15+1). And I've never heard of an unreliable FNP. I have the FNP-9M, compact 9mm, it is a fantastic pistol.

Oh and they have interchangeable backstraps that are secured with a screw, very low-tech and strong way to keep it together.

[GRIZ22]

The Glock 19 is also the flagship of the Glock line from what I have read.

The G19 is probably the best all around size Glock 9mm. One gun can serve both uniform and off duty functions well. There is nothing wrong with the 9mm if you can shoot well. If you want a 40 you can get the Glock in the same size as the 19.

should carry 4 clips at all times on duty, plainclothes or uniform

I was a LEO for 31 years and worked in many places that many people on this forum said they would never go no matter how well they were armed (Harlem, the South Bronx, South florida during the Cocaine Wars, etc). I think to say to have 4 magazines (60 rds with a G19) is kind of excessive unless you are an embedded LEO in Iraq. One reload is a must but rather than all that weight in ammo I'd suggest carrying a BUG. Fastest reload in the world and reduces the chances of your gun breaking down by at least 100%. If you think this is what you want I'd suggest a G17 and 26 if you want 9mm or the equivalent 40.

Personally I have no use for a 40, don't care to own one and have carried 9mm and 45 ACP autos.

[JEB]

if you get the glock 22, you should consider also picking up a glock 27. it will make a great back up/off duty weapon and if your main weapon should fail for any reason, you can still use the larger mags in the 27. this ability, along with personal preferences, is why i ended up owning a glock 22 and a glock 27

[KaintGetwright]

I've carried a Glock 17 for 6 years now. Been shooting it for 12. The only malfunctions I've ever had have been related to a bad mag. There are lots of other excellent pistols out right now though.

So, not being a LEO, and always carrying concealed, I care little about a manual safety. So I propose this as a question. Should someone in a daily situation where retention is a constant concern prefer a weapon with a manual safety? I don't know the answer but had not seen this brought up in the thread. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[ArchAngelCD]

If it were me I would pick one of the SIG 220 pistols (http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProduct.aspx?categoryid=6) in 45 ACP.

If you want to go with something less expensive the S&W M&P45 or the Springfield XDM are both good choices.

Something not many mention is also IMO a very good choice. The FN FNP-45 (http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/family.asp?fid=FNF020&gid=FNG001) is a extremely reliable handgun that you just might like. It's worth a good look IMO.

[MarkDozier]

First, Big Bill is wrong about the reliability staement.
More Impotantly. Since you "Must" buy your own gun when you go to the academy the weapon and ammo you buy for training or duty carry becomes a professional expense and is deductable on taxes.
I shoot the XD in 40 and I could not jam it and firing 300 round of dirty crappy reloads in 45 minutes did not bother the gun at all. It is a great gun. But my H&K 30 is 5 oz lighter i with 12+1. Also love the 45

[Victor1Echo]

A big guy like you should have no problem with the Glock 21. Mine looks like one that was in a holster. I love mine and I am an average sized dude. In all honesty, go shoot these guns and decide on which feels the best, and gives you a good performance on the range.

[ahpd1992]

Oh and for disclosure I started off w/ a G17 as 9mm was all that was allowed. A new chief came in and allowed a whole different range of calibers.

I bought a G35 (40 w/ a 5" barrel) and put a KKM 357sig barrel in it. We use Winchester Ranger ammo and I get near 1500fps out of the gun on a chrono. I love 357sig, its a blast to shoot, and since its the PD buyin the ammo cost isnt a consideration. I rationalized my decision figuring as a traffic enforcement officer my shooting situation would likely be into or through a car. 357 sig was built for that.

Given your choices however I would go for the 45acp its the best of choices your PD has given you INMO. Nobody is or should feel undergunned w/ a 45

I think it was Col. Jeff Cooper who said "A 9mm is fine for killing Europeans, but for truly dangerous people you need a 45 acp"

Once again, good luck

[Black Knight]

While the Glock is a high quality firearm there is one aspect that I have heard and read of that does concern me. In order to remove the slide for cleaning you have to pull the trigger (gun empty of course). On another forum there is a story from a few days ago where a young corrections officer drops the mag, and pulls the trigger. He forgot to empty the chamber. Yeah the gun did what it was designed to do, it went off. The tragedy is he had the barrel pointed at his chest. He died. It makes no difference where the barrel is pointed, not clearing the chamber can have disasterous results. While this type of accident can happen with any gun I'm a bit leary of one that requires you to pull the trigger in order to clean it. Granted I don't have a Glock, I do know others that do and they love them. Maybe it is something I could get used to the way I did carrying a 1911 cocked and locked. If you choose the Glock please check the chamber at least three times before you pull the trigger for cleaning.

[ichiban]

Large hands? Check out the FNP-45. FNs are great guns that often get overlooked. I have the 9mm and love it. Accurate, trouble free, and totally reliable.

[Tamren]

I'd recommend a Glock over an XD. I had a full size 5" XD .45, but even after over 1000 rounds I could never get use to how "squishy" the trigger was. At 7 yards I had a hard time keeping my hits on paper. I don't own a Glock, but the ones I've shot have a much nicer trigger then my XD.

Really, the best general advice you can get would be to rent or borrow a Glock, an XD, a Sig, a HK, and whatever else you might want to buy and take them out to the range and buy the one that you shoot the best.

[sheephearder]

The best advice you have received is to go to a range where you can rent the different guns and see what works best for you. In the end it is the shooter not the gun that makes the difference. I am not an LE but training and practice with a gun that you are comfortable with and trust is more important than the make/brand/caliber. When I was shooting a lot of trap I bought a number of shotguns only to find out that the one that fit me best were the best to use, and practice was even more important. Good luck with your job : Bill :)

[Dr.Mall Ninja]

Model 29 smith and wesson, so you can blow the bad guys head's clean off...

[Full Metal Jacket]

glock or m&p.

[NG VI]

While the Glock is a high quality firearm there is one aspect that I have heard and read of that does concern me. In order to remove the slide for cleaning you have to pull the trigger (gun empty of course). On another forum there is a story from a few days ago where a young corrections officer drops the mag, and pulls the trigger. He forgot to empty the chamber. Yeah the gun did what it was designed to do, it went off. The tragedy is he had the barrel pointed at his chest. He died. It makes no difference where the barrel is pointed, not clearing the chamber can have disasterous results. While this type of accident can happen with any gun I'm a bit leary of one that requires you to pull the trigger in order to clean it. Granted I don't have a Glock, I do know others that do and they love them. Maybe it is something I could get used to the way I did carrying a 1911 cocked and locked. If you choose the Glock please check the chamber at least three times before you pull the trigger for cleaning.



Millions of Glock owners a year don't shoot themselves or anyone else, because they are more careful. That's an awful story, but it is also extremely rare. Who doesn't clear their pistol before disassembling it anyway? And most striker fired pistols require the striker to be deactivated, which generally means dry firing the gun. M&Ps have that little lever to decock it, but that just seems like an unneccessary add-on to me.

[Full Metal Jacket]

M&Ps have that little lever to decock it, but that just seems like an unneccessary add-on to me.

you actually don't have to use that lever to disassemble. i never do.

[blue_ridge]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Sig 226 in .40S&W.

The Glocks are fine workaday pistols but if given the option you might as well kick it up a notch. The Sig P226 would be my choice as well.

I now use P229 pistols

...I'd go with a Sig .45 with a DAO trigger...it'll last you until they come out with death rays...

I'd like a P220 myself!

If it were me I would pick one of the SIG 220 pistols in 45 ACP.

I 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th that motion for Sig. I've owned several Glocks, fired XD's and many others. But Sig is the best IMHO. For larger hands and full size duty pistol, P220 could not make for a more solid choice. P226 and P229's are incredible too. Go pick one or two up and see how they feel in your hands. You won't be disappointed.

[RockyMtnTactical]

Glock 17

[NG VI]

Quote:
M&Ps have that little lever to decock it, but that just seems like an unneccessary add-on to me.

you actually don't have to use that lever to disassemble. i never do.

The fact that it is unneccessary just makes it even more of an unneccessary add-on. If I had an M&P I would never use it either.

[rcmodel]

is 40 in my area. Off duty cary I am not worried about, I will probably pick up a Glock 357 for that. It would make much better sense to buy both guns in the same caliber.

Commonality of calibers at least wouldn't find you on duty with a .40 pistol and a magazine full of .357 SIG. Or off duty with a mag of .40 for your .357.

Murphy's Law being in full force all the time, it is bound to happen when you need a gun in the very worst way.

You could also carry a larger capacity spare duty mag that would work in your BUG for a back-up reload.

rc

[Full Metal Jacket]

The fact that it is unneccessary just makes it even more of an unneccessary add-on. If I had an M&P I would never use it either

i hear ya, i think their lawyers added it on lol.

however, it can be removed if it bothers you. not sure why anyone would want to remove it though, never heard of one breaking.

[goodtime]

Glock 21 for duty, and Glock 36 with Pearce grip extension for off-duty.

[ArchAngelCD]

Am I the only one here who likes the FNP-45 I mentioned in Post #45?

[ahpd1992]

No I also really like the FNP, but I already have my duty weapon and am not going to switch for the sake of switching. I think its and extremely well built gun that fits my hand very well.

BTW for those of you that are squaking about sharing magazines...our SWAT guys laugh at that, if your out of ammo, get out of the fight. Me givin you my ammo only makes me more vulnerable. Its kinda like the liberal (oh sorry progressives) argument of "shared sacrifice". If Im out of ammo, Im just a meat sack and need to un-ass the area. Anyway thats what the SWAT guys say. Remember were talking about patrol duty, your probably going to engage someone, if ever, quickly and all alone. The fight is generally over before you can get on the air for help. Long term engagements are the stuff of SWAT units, 99.9% of the time. They come equipped for war, no street guy is going to have all of that gear with them. It would be entirely unpractical and quite frankly unnecessary.

My two partners in traffic both carry a different gun than me in different calibers. I dont lose a wink of sleep over it, just not something I ever deemed very important.

Tom

[NG VI]

Am I the only one here who likes the FNP-45 I mentioned in Post #45?


No, I mentioned the FNP (all calibers, especially .40 and .45 given his size) on the last page. I love my -9M, and want more FNPs to go with it. I think they are the most underrated pistols out there, I think if more people tried them out then the plastic Sig and HK lineups would be dead in the water, and the 226-229 would be in serious trouble.

[Wedgester]

XD45 reasons--Its light and you will love that when u carry all day or night,Its reliable mine has never jammed and I shoot whats ever in stk at the store,You can shoot plus p ammo, has a lifetime warranty. Its also very accurate and mine came with night sites from Springfield. I read here were someone couldnt hit the paper. I can cover a qrtr size hole at 25 yards and im no expert marksman. Good luck with the carrier. I wouldnt recommend something to you when your life depends on it but this pistol is that good.

[ArchAngelCD]

ahpd1992 and NG VI,
It's so nice not to be alone... :D

[Franco]

Sig p229 in 40S&W. Trusted by navy seals, homeland security and law enforcement around the country. I own two (p229 for home and p239 for car/carry) and have never had a misfire, jam, any problem in thousands of rounds of all types of ammo. Do some research and I think you'll find that the 40S&W is a much more potent cartridge than the 9MM. If my life were at stake, I'd want the 40 over the 9 any day. Good luck and thanks for joining the ranks of protectors.

[TexasBill]

Another vote for the FN. I bought an FNP-9 instead of a SIG. Great price, sweet shooter, smooth trigger and three magazines included. Safariland makes a good duty holster for the FNP-9 or .40 as well as the FNP-45.

[easyg]

While the Glock is a high quality firearm there is one aspect that I have heard and read of that does concern me. In order to remove the slide for cleaning you have to pull the trigger (gun empty of course).
Not a problem at all.
Drop magazine.
Rack slide and visually inspect the chamber.
Release slide.
Point in a safe direction and pull the trigger.
Disassemble weapon.

On another forum there is a story from a few days ago where a young corrections officer drops the mag, and pulls the trigger. He forgot to empty the chamber. Yeah the gun did what it was designed to do, it went off. The tragedy is he had the barrel pointed at his chest. He died.
It sounds to me like the guy was just committing suicide and wanted it to look like an accident so his wife would still get the insurance money.
NOBODY points pistol at his own chest and pulls the trigger by accident.


As for the original question:

Get a Glock G22. ;)

[NG VI]

ahpd1992 and NG VI,
It's so nice not to be alone...

Looks like we've got TexasBill too!


Quote:
On another forum there is a story from a few days ago where a young corrections officer drops the mag, and pulls the trigger. He forgot to empty the chamber. Yeah the gun did what it was designed to do, it went off. The tragedy is he had the barrel pointed at his chest. He died.

It sounds to me like the guy was just committing suicide and wanted it to look like an accident so his wife would still get the insurance money.
NOBODY points pistol at his own chest and pulls the trigger by accident.

Sounds like what happened to me too.

[TexasBill]

Absolutely! Those folks definitely know their automatic weapons. One of my first autoloaders was a Browning High-Power, another fine FN product.

If I was still patrolling a beat, I wouldn't hesitate to have an FNP-9 in my duty holster. These days, though, I might go to an FNP-40 simply because everybody and their dog is packing a .40 S&W now.

[Ala Dan]

SIG-SAUER/SIGARMS P220A in .45 ACP~! :D

I carried a West German model for many year's; with excellent results~! ;)

[NMGonzo]

Open carry?

Glock 35

[Arkansas Paul]

Springfield XDM in 9mm. You have 19 rounds at your disposal if I remember correctly. That's some serious firepower.

[and103]

Today I got to the gun store just before they closed. I held a Glock 21, 22 and 23. I like the 21 the most, they fit my big hands better than the compact model.

Then he showed me the XD model. I really liked this gun, and I think I might like it more than the Glock. The only draw back to this gun to me is it has alot of bells and whistles, and I just look at it as more stuff to go wrong.

Thursday I am going to go back when we have some time, and fire a few rounds through a Glock 21,22 and an XD in 45.

[scoutsabout]

LEO's seem to have a need for high round counts these days.

I prefer a 1911 in .45 ACP, but there is that ammo limitation....

Now, if you're gonna consider something chunky like the Glock... have you considered a double stack 1911?

One of the shops in our area issues Glock or a 1911, officer's choice... and I've seen plenty officers running around here with that single stack 1911. That being said, if you can wield a double stack 1911 with a polymer frame for duty... do it.

.

[and103]

Thanks for the help everyone. Just got back from picking up my gun. I went with a Glock 21!

[GlockFan]

I got my first gun when i turned 21...back in 1994..it was a Glock 22. I still have it and do not think I have ever once had a problem with it firing, feeding or ejecting. I today still trust that gun over anything new.
Like others I would also check to see what your partners are carrying.

[ArchAngelCD]

Thanks for the help everyone. Just got back from picking up my gun. I went with a Glock 21!
I'm glad you found something you like, good luck with it. BTW, were you able to look at the FNP-45?

[NG VI]

Congratulations, shoot it as much as possible and best of luck with your career!




And please don't refer to non-police officers as "civilians", it is ridiculous and infuriating. Police are not Soldiers, they are not Marines, they are not Airmen, they are not even Seamen. They are civilians just like everyone else who isn't in the military.

Not that you are guilty of this, but I'm on another forum right now in a discussion with a guy who thinks civilian law enforcement are not civilians. It's a nasty habit to get into, and you don't want to be that guy.


Does your 21 have stock sights on it or night sights of some type? How does it shoot?

[Glockman17366]

Personally, I'd recommend a GLOCK 17, but I am a devout 9 mm guy.
Whichever weapon/caliber you choose, your back up gun (if you can carry one) should be the same caliber. The selection of small 9 mm guns is pretty extensive.

[searcher451]

Choose the gun that's right for you, not the gun that everyone and their brother owns, or recommends, or shouts out on the favorite gun board. Choose the gun that best fits your hand and eye, that you can shoot accurately and effectively all of the time, that feels comfortable day and night. Rather than think of a manufacturer, think of yourself and your needs, and then go from there. The very best thing you can do is to try out a number of guns from a number of manufacturers in a number of effective calibers until you find the one that's exactly right for you.

[Glockman17366]

searcher451 wrote:
Choose the gun that's right for you, not the gun that everyone and their brother owns, or recommends, or shouts out...

Actually, the OP asked for recommendations...although he does need to make that final decision (which he did).

[Rexster]

Congratulations on your Glock! If the slide bites your hand, there is a gadget available from Brownells that will make the pistol sit a bit higher, to clear the web of your hand. Don't get this gadget unless you NEED it, because there are advantages to your weapon sitting lower in your hand.

"Slide bite" is when the motion of the slide wears grooves in the skin of the web of your hand.

Good luck on your quest to become a peace officer! Do be careful out there.

[KenW.]

When I signed up with my agency they issued your choice of either the Browning hi-power or H&K P7 M13. Once we switched to the HK USP40, they've outlawed the 9mm.
Now we're switching to the glock for issued weapon:cuss:. someone important sipped the kool-aid.

Fortunately we have an AWESOME alternate weapon policy; I and many others make use of it. They made me qualify with the issue guns, but I have ALWAYS carried a 1911. We can carry any quality brand manufacture in 9mm, 40SW, or 45ACP.
In plain clothes now and I don't feel under ammo'd with only 9 rounds in the gun and one spare 8-round mag. I keep two spares in my raid vest.

[tkkr]

A Llama 1911 .45 with the 40rd drum mag, with predator style 3-dot lasers, suppressed. As for backup, have another 40rd mag.

[PALMERJ]

Find out what they train with at the acadamy and do yourself a favor and buy that gun. It never hurts to have more anyway and chances are your agency will also have that gun on their approved list. Most acadamy firearms instructors teach around a specific pistal and you'll have an eiser time in class if you use their prefered pistal. A Glock 22 is issued by more agencies then any other.

[PALMERJ]

I would shy away from the XD. My acadamy class was told not to buy them or bring them to the range because the mags are to fragile when doing reload drills, when the mags hit the ground the feed lips break.

[AJChenMPH]

Congrats on your choice! I'm by no means a Glock fanboy, although I do have a G19 for general concealed carry, but they are great handguns for the money.

13+1 rounds of .45 should have the bad guys ducking for cover. :) Good luck, and be safe out there.

And please don't refer to non-police officers as "civilians", it is ridiculous and infuriating. Police are not Soldiers, they are not Marines, they are not Airmen, they are not even Seamen. They are civilians just like everyone else who isn't in the military.
First off, I'm an active duty commissioned officer, so take that FWIW. However, I've never considered LEOs, FFs and EMS personnel as "civilians", and apparently Merriam-Webster doesn't either: "one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force".

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civilian

My $0.02...

[thub]

Undoubtedly a Model 20 Glock.

[jw johnson]

A hunk of advice. Now that you own the big Glock, think about saving some cash and buying its twin in the compact version in the same caliber. The big mags fits the little gun

I currently have a Glock 31 (357 sig) as a duty weapon with a rail light. I work mostly plain clothes assignments have to CC my hangun. For that I have a Glock 33 (357 sig) and for the extra magazine I pack one from my Glock 31. A few extra rounds in the big mag if need them to get back to the car where I have an M4 commando. Remember the north Hollywood bank shootings?

Other advice. A GOOD holster with retention and know how to draw and re-holster from ANY position. In the dark, on the ground, laying on it, off hand and in the car seated etc without looking or thinking about it.

Welcome to the field fellow sheepdog.