DAO
My former agency would not authorize any pistol with a safety.
So I carried a GLOCK 17 or 19 and for a short time I carried a SIG 226. Then we went to the BERETTA 96D Brigadier as a standard pistol. Now we carry the H&K P2000.
These are the safety free guns that I have used and can recommend in order of MY preference. I strongly suggest you try before you buy.
1. WALTHER P-99 QA. A WALTHER P-99 with a GLOCK like action.
I shoot the standard WALTER P-99 and love it. It does not have a safety, but does have a decocker that I never use. It is almost as light as the GLOCK and quite accurate with a grip that is much nicer in my hand than the GLOCK.
I have not found any negatives. You may not like the magazine release lever as it is like the H&K (see below).
2. From a shooting preference, I would choose the BERETTA 92D in either the Brigadier or Centurion models. Both are easy to shoot, absolutely reliable and very accurate. They are also less expensive than the other pistols l have listed, except the GLOCK.
I use the BERETTA as a house gun and occasionally carry it.
The negatives are the size. They are big pistols and heavier than the plastic framed guns.
3. I love carrying the GLOCK 19 because it is so light and has a 15 round magazine capacity. Reliability is always perfect, as good as the BERETTA unless you limp wrist when you shoot.
It makes a great carry gun and can fill in fine for a house or car gun. It is also the most reasonably priced.
The negatives are that the grip may not be that comfortable and accuracy is below the level of the BERETTA, H&K, SIG and WALTHER.
4. SIG 226, 228 and 229. The SIG has a more complicated manual of arms as you fire double action, then single action. You also have to lower the hammer at the end of shooting.
The double action only SIG'S with the DAK trigger are terrific and very accurate.
The negatives are that they are heavier than the GLOCK'S and much more costly than the BERETTA or GLOCK.
5. The H&K P2000 with the LEM trigger is a terrific gun. It offers compact size, reliability, accuracy and a simple trigger. Also, the .40 caliber version kicks like a 9m.m.
The only negative here is price. It can be even more expensive than the GLOCK! Also, some of the officers I work with hate the magazine release. It it a horizontal lever on either side of the trigger guard instead of a button like the BERETTA, GLOCK and SIG.
6. BERETTA 8000d model. I have one of the police trade in 8000d model's in 9m.m. It is accurate and reliable. It can also be found at a lower cost than the 92 modles.
The negatives are weight compared to the plastic framed guns and size. The 15 round magazine makes for a gun that is just as tall as the model 92. Accuracy when compared to the model 92d, SIG, H&K or WALTHER. The model 8000 is accurate, just not as good as the 92d in my experience.
If you can find either a BERETTA 92D, BERETTA 8000 or SIG dao police trade in at a good price, it may be perfect for you.
Good luck and remember to try before you buy.
Jim