ZeroX
Member
Let's say that you are joining a police force somewhere and they let you choose a handgun instead of being issued a standard sidearm. What would you pick?
Hypothetical: Your police service weapon
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Josey
member
Nothing 40 caliber! In 9MM, the Browning Hi-Power. In 45 ACP, Colt special order with 0 MIM parts M1991A1s. In 44 Magnum, S&W stainless steel 629. In 454 Casull, Ruger Super Redhawks.
larry_minn
Member
It would depend where and if any ammo restrictions. Are you a Deputy who could hope for backup in half hour or so? Or dept with two man squads and backup squad in less then 2 min?
I would look at what others in dept are carrying. If not too far out of line likely go with it.
Myself I planned to carry S&W 66-2 because that was only gun I had retension duty holster for. BUT was going to switch to a G19/23 as soon as I got good retension holster. Course the 10mm might be something I would consider... Likely G19/23 Small enough to not be major bother but fair cap/power .
I would look at what others in dept are carrying. If not too far out of line likely go with it.
Myself I planned to carry S&W 66-2 because that was only gun I had retension duty holster for. BUT was going to switch to a G19/23 as soon as I got good retension holster. Course the 10mm might be something I would consider... Likely G19/23 Small enough to not be major bother but fair cap/power .
Ranald
Member
When faced with choosing a pistol as a member of a small Park Safety squad we were required to have the Ruger P89 in 9mm. WIth a change of admin, we were told to choose our own and we could carry what we could qualify with. I tried the HiPower, the Colt Govt, Witness steel frame in .45, and even the .44 Ruger Redhawk 5.5 inch, and finally settled on the S&W 411 (now called the 410) in .40 S&W. I went with the Smith because I shoot it well, I like the size/weight/ergos, and the .40 gives more punch than the 9mm. (No accuracy problems that some have complained of in the .40). On night shift in the Park back up is at least 30 minutes away, thats IF you get a call thru on radio or cell phone. We also used an 870 with buck and slugs, and I kept a "cheater" SKS around but never needed it. Most of the guys had an hi power rifle handy but we seldom showed them, one officer had a lovely Canadian FAL.
Other officers carried .40s, with a couple of 9's around for those who didnt want to fork over for their own weapons(!). One guy carried a .45 SIG I believe. Back-up guns were usually small .380's or .38's, I used a Makarov 9x18 that has been tricked out a bit for reliability.
This is a LOT more freedom than most departments give, but as I said we were a small rural outfit in a large mountain park. We had many square miles and bear, lion and deer to deal with, not to mention the human animals who sometimes came around.
Other officers carried .40s, with a couple of 9's around for those who didnt want to fork over for their own weapons(!). One guy carried a .45 SIG I believe. Back-up guns were usually small .380's or .38's, I used a Makarov 9x18 that has been tricked out a bit for reliability.
This is a LOT more freedom than most departments give, but as I said we were a small rural outfit in a large mountain park. We had many square miles and bear, lion and deer to deal with, not to mention the human animals who sometimes came around.
RevDisk
Member
If allowed anything? Probably a 1911 and an good old fashion evil black rifle in the trunk. (.308 bolt action if wide open spaces, AR/FAL/AK/CETME/whatever if not)
ChristopherG
Member
In my real life, having nothing to do with law enforcement, I shoot pretty much exclusively wheelguns--including for CCW, IDPA, and 3-gun. I've pondered this question, though--what about if I had to wear the uniform and take that position of responsibility not just for myself and my own? And what if I had to carry a full-size gun all day long, rather than my superlight j-frame jammed in some nook or cranny?
If I'm in some nice little town, a' la Mayberry? S&W 66, or another K or L 357.
In the big, bad city? Glock 20 (or maybe a 37--haven't had a chance to shoot one yet).
If I'm in some nice little town, a' la Mayberry? S&W 66, or another K or L 357.
In the big, bad city? Glock 20 (or maybe a 37--haven't had a chance to shoot one yet).
only1asterisk
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Once upon a time, I thought the ideal police weapon was a brain. I have noticed that over the years they seem to have been phased out in favor of easier to use devices.
David
David
nero45acp
Member
SIG P225
nero
nero
Zach S
Member
What are the requirements? Minimal trigger pull, FPS, action, ect.
If anything goes, I'd like to have a BUL M5 with a light rail (since I'm a night person, I'd most likely be working at night and could probably use a lighted sidearm). Since there's not a BUL M5 with an integral rail or an add-on rail available, I'd probably go with the Wilson KZ45 or Para P14 for added capacity over the original single-stack (the para feels too big but I could get used to it. Haven't held a KZ since they were pretty new and under a grand). Trunk gun would be either an AR15 variant (16" with a surefire handguard, collapsable stock, a low-power scope, ambi safety, possibly the norgon mag release) or a pump shotty (w/ surefire forend). Hell, I'll take both.
I live in suburbia, but if I'm going to be working a rural route, I'd probably go with a scoped AR10 or BAR 10 since they're higher powered and simular to the AR15. [Whichever] would be a fixed-stock A3 with the weaver gas block and the RRA extended rail (if it'll fit), and probably a trijicon Acc-U-Point scope.
The trijicon scope is about the only one I've handled recently and I like it. Dont like the price tag though, since I dont have the money... The reasoning behind the RRA rail is that the rifle that had the trijicon on it was an AR15, and the scope has too much eye relief for an AR IMO, especially with my nose to the charging handle, which is probably the same way I'd shoot an AR/BAR10, I dont know how long the upper is on a .308, and the extended rail would allow me to get the scope just right and still provide me with iron sights. Being cross-eye dominate and having to shoot rifles southpaw makes the bushmaster a little more tempting.
If anything goes, I'd like to have a BUL M5 with a light rail (since I'm a night person, I'd most likely be working at night and could probably use a lighted sidearm). Since there's not a BUL M5 with an integral rail or an add-on rail available, I'd probably go with the Wilson KZ45 or Para P14 for added capacity over the original single-stack (the para feels too big but I could get used to it. Haven't held a KZ since they were pretty new and under a grand). Trunk gun would be either an AR15 variant (16" with a surefire handguard, collapsable stock, a low-power scope, ambi safety, possibly the norgon mag release) or a pump shotty (w/ surefire forend). Hell, I'll take both.
I live in suburbia, but if I'm going to be working a rural route, I'd probably go with a scoped AR10 or BAR 10 since they're higher powered and simular to the AR15. [Whichever] would be a fixed-stock A3 with the weaver gas block and the RRA extended rail (if it'll fit), and probably a trijicon Acc-U-Point scope.
The trijicon scope is about the only one I've handled recently and I like it. Dont like the price tag though, since I dont have the money... The reasoning behind the RRA rail is that the rifle that had the trijicon on it was an AR15, and the scope has too much eye relief for an AR IMO, especially with my nose to the charging handle, which is probably the same way I'd shoot an AR/BAR10, I dont know how long the upper is on a .308, and the extended rail would allow me to get the scope just right and still provide me with iron sights. Being cross-eye dominate and having to shoot rifles southpaw makes the bushmaster a little more tempting.
ChristopherG
Member
I'm sorry, only1*, but I don't understand what you're trying to add to the thread when you say:
Are you suggesting the choice of handgun is simply unimportant compared to other aspects of LE service; or that it's 'brainless' to imagine such a hypothetical choice; or that LE officers shouldn't carry handguns at all? (which would be the straightest reading of your post--but which I doubt you would actually maintain)
Are you suggesting the choice of handgun is simply unimportant compared to other aspects of LE service; or that it's 'brainless' to imagine such a hypothetical choice; or that LE officers shouldn't carry handguns at all? (which would be the straightest reading of your post--but which I doubt you would actually maintain)
Zach S
Member
I read it as if the brain was the weapon, and the sidearm is a tool, until I read the socond line, which to me says "cops are idiots."
I dont mean to put words in your mouth David, its just how I read it.
I dont mean to put words in your mouth David, its just how I read it.
Primary open carry: SW 686 4" .357 Mag
CCW backup: SW M640 .357 Mag
(You see, I am a notorius wheelgunner)
Patrol rifle: AKM-semi 7,62x39
Patrol shotgun: Remi 870 whith ghost ring sight
Non-lethal option: Makarich (Makarov with rubber-bullet/tear gas only barrel). - sorry, the Air Taser is only single-shot.
CCW backup: SW M640 .357 Mag
(You see, I am a notorius wheelgunner)
Patrol rifle: AKM-semi 7,62x39
Patrol shotgun: Remi 870 whith ghost ring sight
Non-lethal option: Makarich (Makarov with rubber-bullet/tear gas only barrel). - sorry, the Air Taser is only single-shot.
U
Universal
Guest
I was a police officer and worked for a department that let us carry pretty much anything we wanted, I chose the GLOCK model 22. It was an easy transition from a revolver, which I had carried before, and it was very light. It is also one of the most used police sidearms in my area, so it made sense to me. I went through basic, FI school, patrol rifle instructor school and a bunch of in-house firearms training with the same weapon. I sold it a while back and really regret it now. I also had a model 27 for off-duty and undercover assignments.
I do want to add that when using a GLOCK for a duty weapon, I really suggest getting some type of steel sights. I had night sights on both my weapons.
I do want to add that when using a GLOCK for a duty weapon, I really suggest getting some type of steel sights. I had night sights on both my weapons.
armoredman
Member
Believe it or not, I am going to buck history, trends, and common sense, and try to get my Dept to at least look at switching from the Glock 19 to the CZ PO1....we got a HUGE budget increase, maybe they'll at leasrt buy a few for evaluation....
Yes, I DO believe it's a better gun.....
Yes, I DO believe it's a better gun.....
U
Universal
Guest
I was a police officer and worked for a department that let us carry pretty much anything we wanted, I chose the GLOCK model 22. It was an easy transition from a revolver, which I had carried before, and it was very light. It is also one of the most used police sidearms in my area, so it made sense to me. I went through basic, FI school, patrol rifle instructor school and a bunch of in-house firearms training with the same weapon. I sold it a while back and really regret it now. I also had a model 27 for off-duty and undercover assignments.
BluesBear
member
I'd choose to carry either a blued Series 80 Colt Government in .45ACP or a blued Smith & Wesson Model 57 in .41 Magnum.
etided fro speeling
etided fro speeling
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Mikul
Member
Smith and Wesson 396: 44 Special Revolver.
Some cops get carried away when they have the need to shoot. Fifteen rounds of 9mm is not in the best interest of society. With six rounds, they need to shoot carefully. With a .44 Special, they can be assured that if they do their part, the bullet will do its part.
Quality training is paramount.
Some cops get carried away when they have the need to shoot. Fifteen rounds of 9mm is not in the best interest of society. With six rounds, they need to shoot carefully. With a .44 Special, they can be assured that if they do their part, the bullet will do its part.
Quality training is paramount.
H&K USP45
For open carry in a duty holster I'd probably pick the H&K USP45 with 12-round mags loaded with 230 grain Hydrashoks or equivalent. I have one of these, and think it would be a good police duty gun because:
1. Absolutely reliable gun, in my experience.
2. Good caliber for stopping a threat.
3. Manual safety - if it is on and my gun is snatched, it might confuse the criminal long enough to allow me to respond before getting shot with my own gun.
4. DA first shot with 12 lb. trigger pull - a little insurance against accidental discharge if I get overly excited upon drawing the gun.
5. Plenty of capacity (13 rounds) if I get into an extended fight with more than one person.
6. Polymer frame is lightweight for easier all-day carry, and resists dings and scratches well.
7. Intimidating appearance - Bulky slide with large barrel opening looks fairly scary - maybe if I have to draw on a criminal he will give up without a fight.
For open carry in a duty holster I'd probably pick the H&K USP45 with 12-round mags loaded with 230 grain Hydrashoks or equivalent. I have one of these, and think it would be a good police duty gun because:
1. Absolutely reliable gun, in my experience.
2. Good caliber for stopping a threat.
3. Manual safety - if it is on and my gun is snatched, it might confuse the criminal long enough to allow me to respond before getting shot with my own gun.
4. DA first shot with 12 lb. trigger pull - a little insurance against accidental discharge if I get overly excited upon drawing the gun.
5. Plenty of capacity (13 rounds) if I get into an extended fight with more than one person.
6. Polymer frame is lightweight for easier all-day carry, and resists dings and scratches well.
7. Intimidating appearance - Bulky slide with large barrel opening looks fairly scary - maybe if I have to draw on a criminal he will give up without a fight.
bradvanhorn
Member
I think there are too many questions still unanswered. How large is my training budget and how much time do I have to train? What is my operating environment, big city, highway, country? What are my backup options, shotgun, rifle, another officer?
If I had my own little perfect world, I'd probably opt for something like an STI Tactical built in 10mm.
Also, while I wholeheartedly concur that quality training is critical, I for one would not handicap anyone by forcing them into a low capacity weapon.
If I had my own little perfect world, I'd probably opt for something like an STI Tactical built in 10mm.
Also, while I wholeheartedly concur that quality training is critical, I for one would not handicap anyone by forcing them into a low capacity weapon.
SouthpawShootr
Member
Glock 20. If you need anything more than that, you need a rifle.
Landric
Member
I think people are reading a little too much into this. The question is "What would you choose for yourself, not what would you choose for a department". If I was going to choose for a department, my answer woudl be: an issued S&W L-Frame .357 Magnum. I would rather the fixed sight 681, but it is out of production, so maybe a Ruger GP-100 with a 3" or 4" barrel and fixed sights. .357 Magnum ammuniton, either one of the 125 grain flavors or the 145 grain Silvertip. All officers would have the option of purchasing a semi-auto or revolver in .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .41 Magnum, .44 Magnum, 9x19mm, 357SIG, .40S&W, 10mm Automatic, or .45ACP. They would be required to consistantly shoot a 85% with a personally owned handgun in order to carry it over the issued .357 Magnum.
If I was choosing for myself. That is pretty easy, either a Glock 21 or HK USP .45 Compact. Both are accurate, reliable, good quality guns. I would never choose the Glock 21 as a general issue because of its grip size, but for me it works.
If I was choosing for myself. That is pretty easy, either a Glock 21 or HK USP .45 Compact. Both are accurate, reliable, good quality guns. I would never choose the Glock 21 as a general issue because of its grip size, but for me it works.
Black Snowman
Member
Sidearm? Probably HK USP 45. couple mags of decent hollowpoints and a mag of .45 Super FMJ in case I find something hard that requires addtional deturring until I get to my long gun. CZ RAMI 2075 40 S&W as a BUG.
If I wasn't allowed a long gun, Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Cassul loaded with mean jacketed hollowpoints. CZ RAMI 2075 40 S&W as a BUG.
If a long gun was always handy I'd prefer a CZ 75B in .40 S&W and a CZ RAMI 2075 RAMI in .40 S&W as a BUG.
If I wasn't allowed a long gun, Ruger Super Redhawk in .454 Cassul loaded with mean jacketed hollowpoints. CZ RAMI 2075 40 S&W as a BUG.
If a long gun was always handy I'd prefer a CZ 75B in .40 S&W and a CZ RAMI 2075 RAMI in .40 S&W as a BUG.
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