A question for LE about approved sidearms

[gunnutery]

You'll have to take it out of the holster. Whether or not you have to fire it at someone is the question, but you'll have to clear leather.

Good luck in the academy. Study hard but have fun too.

 

[HexHead]

While I don't see a problem with with using whatever HP ammo you want for SD, there are lawyers and judges that don't know about certain legal matters. A common example would be Congress and the SCOTUS. We've been winning landmark victories by very narrow margines.

It's not that they don't know, it's that they have biases and agendas.

 

[Lawdawg45]

In Indiana, our State academy will give you that information, as will most agencies. It's not a confidential issue as I see it, but you'll find most agencies using Glock or Sig Sauer. You can pose that question on officer.com under the forum section for your state, and they'll be happy to supply that information.

LD

 

[Riomouse911]

Your local agency recruiter/training person will tell you what they approve and/or carry.
First place I worked issued S&W 5906 9mm's. After 3 years the new Chief allowed personal Sig 226 or Beretta 92's if the officer wanted one. (I was there 3.5 years)
Second place I worked issued (still does) 4" M-66 .357 revolvers... No one has an issued gun, every one has their own auto. (Revolver calibers Ok'ed are .357, .44 Spl. .45 Colt) Auto calibers may be 9mm, .40, 10mm or .45. (I was there 13.5 years)
Currently I work where issued are Glock 19's, but one may carry what they want if it is Ok'ed. (Some 1911's, a Taurus .45, 3 or 4 Glock 34's, 1 Xd .45, even a PPK/s on an administrator that I recall). (Been here 7 years)
Good luck!

 

[Jenrick]

Large metro agency, issue is M&P in .40 S&W. We used to have list with probably 200+ different makes and models we could choose from. Uniformed duty you have to carry the M&P. Rest of the time you can carry off the list. Biggest issue is we have a limited number of guns we can qualify with at any given time, so you have to pick and choose what's on your qual card.

-Jenrick

 

[Vartarg]

I don't see a problem with asking....but rest assured they'll let you know in plenty of time before you have to go to the range with your weapon.

Even though you're sold on the XD40, it might be a good idea to just wait and see...might discover that there' s better option.

Good luck in your new career!

 

[texashunter]

the academy might have a weapons list to attend and that list could sure change when you get hired with an agency. i work for a sheriff's department and the approved weapons list includes the xd. there are a few of us that carry 1911's

good luck

 

[postalnut25]

There is no pat answer. I work for a small agency, and we buy our own guns. I am buddies with a guy at a smaller agency, and he got issued a Glock. My ex-wife works for the biggest agency in the state, and she gets to pick off an approved list because she has to provide her own gun.

Your best bet is asking the academy staff what is allowed for training, and asking potential agencies what they allow you to carry.

 

[chrisTx]

Just wait. I don't have a choice. I get issued a Glock 22 whether I like it or not. I bought a G27 to supplement it for off duty and back up. I really don't care much for the .40 either.

 

[IlikeSA]

I would talk to the academy. I used an XDSC as a backup gun and it was approved by my former agency. If the academy approves it, I would use it for the mere purpose of having documented training and a passing score for the firearms qualification. Even if it was not used at whatever future department you are going to, that qualification score will show your competence if you ever get into a situation and need to use it.

 

[sgt127]

I think trying to find out what gun you can carry is the least important thing for you to worry about. Especially since different agencies have different requirements. And you don't know who will hire you.

Go into a review board and start talking about guns, you will be behind the curve for the rest of the interview. I know the whole gun thing is important to you, my advise after about thirty years? Let it go for now.

If somebody issued a gun, that you weren't fond of, would you turn down the job? So, it's kind of a moot point.

 

[Old Dog]

Good points by the previous poster.

Don't even talk about any sort of fondness for firearms prior to being hired. "Tackleberrys" don't get hired these days. "When do we get our guns?" should not be your focus if you are serious about becoming a professional law enforcement officer. Whatever sidearm you're issued -- it's just a tool.

Go to the academy and learn to excel with the pistol you're issued.

The most important thing for a new recruit is to adopt his (her) agency's issue pistol, train with it, become proficient with it, and if it's the only choice he (she) has, make it your new favorite handgun.

I have probably about fifteen or twenty pistols I'd rather carry on duty than the one I'm stuck with. But, to paraphrase the old song, ya gotta love the one yer with ... (not the one ya want but will never have).