Duty Weapon Opinions

[bb21]

I have begun the process of applying for various Law Enforcement positions. Some of the agencies issue a specific weapon and others give a very wide range of approved weapons. I am interested in opinions and suggestions as to what would be the "ideal" duty weapon, let me add that after all the suggestions and opinions I will make sure that the handgun fits my hand. That being said I can say Glocks in general don't fit my hand, I wish they did because I believe they are great weapons and would definitely give me more options. The one department I am most likely to get hired by has a wide array of approved weapons and allow 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. With that being said I currently own an XD45 compact, a Baby Eagle 9mm, and Taurus Mill Pro in 9mm. I really like steel, but for a duty weapon I am open to polymer and alloy. 1911's don't fit my hand real great, but with slim grips they might work for me. Include suggestions on price, magazine availability, holster availability, manual of arms and of course reliability and anything else you would like to add. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

 

[Docgmt]

OK first off I was Fire Dept not LE, did train with them on their range and have a Colt lawman .357 which was the city issue long ago. My son-in-law has a S&W Sigma .40 as a service pistol and for all the bad press it has been very reliable and accurate. Most of my friends like the M&P .40 (which I also have) and they have been very reliable. I think that the felt recoil on the M&P is less than the Colt and I can shoot it with more accuracy. The .40 also give you more stopping power than a 9mm. Mags come in 10 and 15 round so here is wishing that you never need the 15. The polymer frame makes it the lightest pistol I own and when you are dragging it around all day in a holster it makes a difference. What ever you pick the M&P is a good one to consider.

 

[obiwan1]

Use your XD.

 

[8830]

If you're good with the XD then use it. I was a cop for 12 years here in TX and in that time I carried a S&W M10, S&W 1006, Glock 20,22,17, Sig P220 and a S&W M610. I like steel handguns but when you wear a gun belt for 8-12hrs a day it gets real heavy and your back lets you know it. Use your XD and get a good holster for it and your back will thank you years from now.

 

[.357 magnum]

Tough question.

Congrats on a wonderful career choice! I would go with the SW-MP .40 The two main reasons are mag capacity and the .40 is made to penetrate common barrier's esp. auto glass, and some steel. I am ex-LE and it is really amazing how mag capacity really means nothing, until the first time you are engaged in a gun fight or even just trying to stop a perp. The mag capacity of a the .40 is really nice. The .40 is made to penetrate a lot of the more common barriers. Most LE use the .40 for these two reasons. That being said, the XD .45 with a mag cap of 13 is a winner! Heck if you use 230 grain loads, such as the Winchester SXT you will not have a problem with auto glass etc. I like the grip on the MP .40 better, but you can decide which is easier to live with. I wish you the best in your career! Hope you never have to use your weapon.

The best to You and Yours!

Frank

 

[Jim Watson]

Those are not usual duty guns, best check on the availability of uniform holsters.

The S&W Plastic M&P is the leading contender versus Glock. I'd get a 9mm because I do not want a .45 other than a 1911; and I do not want a .40 at all.

 

[doc2rn]

+1 use the XD!

 

[Ford]

I agree. Pick up some extra 13 round mags if you dont have them already and use the XD.

 

[CWL]

You should wait until you hear back from a particular PD or agency. No point going over sidearms if it may not be your choice.

Focus now on the entrance qualifications.

 

[possum]

use the xd i agree, i have two and i love them both it will serve you well.

 

[TimboKhan]

You should wait until you hear back from a particular PD or agency. No point going over sidearms if it may not be your choice

I gotta say, I am right there with this one. Chances are you will be able to use your XD, but it may not be your choice. Thats a bridge you can cross when you get to it.