So What Do Air Marshalls Carry?

[The_Shootist]

Just curious - some Glock / Sig .40 cal flavor? Or do they get an approved list if they want to buy from if they want something a bit more personal?

I don't imagine a Mak is on the list if it exists. Don't know why - its KGB tested and approved.

Although, if ya had to dust a couple of unruly Al-Queda 'jackers on a flight to Vegas, it might generate unusual press

 

[bg226]

Air Marshalls and Secret Service agents are issued a Sig P229 chambered in .357 Sig. I don't believe they have a choice.

 

[nyresq]

no choices... sig 229 w/o the rail in 357....

and for the follow up question- 125gr GDHP from speer in a reduced recoil load...

 

[cslinger]

Actually I belive there are two prevalent arms for the Air Marshalls.

SIG P229 in .357SIG and the HK P2000 or USPC in .357 SIG. (Not sure which HK).

Chris

 

[nyresq]

Sorry Chris, you are incorrect...

the one thing you may be thinking of is the armed pilots (FFDO program) who are issued the HK USP .40, but please do not confuse them with air marshals...

 

[cslinger]

Me incorrect.........nahhh could never happen.

Actually that should read me....correct......nahhh could never happen.

You are right I could be confusing the armed pilot program.

 

[dcm]

From a USA Today article...

"Air marshals carry automatic .357 SIG Sauer pistols with a 12-round cartridge. The bullets are hollow-point and expand on entering a body. "It's one of the most high-powered rounds you can put in a weapon," the second air marshal said."

Now, if we could just get them on more flights.

 

[Vex]

I heard they used Remington Golden Saber, not sure what weight. I'll try to find my source.

 

[AlaskaErik]

Just ask one the next time you fly. They stick out like a muslim at a Baptist convention.

 

[The_Shootist]

Kinda Stout, huh?

I always pictured the .357 SIG round to be pretty heavy duty....must be noisy going off inside an airplane cabin - to say nothing of the hole it would punch in the side

I'm surprised they didn't go with a regular 9mm, maybe a 147 gr load.

 

[stiletto raggio]

People always think about the hole in the plane, but a hole that can be made by a pistol round will not depressurize an airplane cabin. What it may do to an engine, if struck...

 

[Grape Ape]

Just ask one the next time you fly. They stick out like a muslim at a Baptist convention.

Roger that, I sat next to one a few months back and would have liked to ask a few questions, but seemed like rather bad form to blow his "cover". Seems like a halfway decent gig, except for the tedium and having to pass on the free booze (we were in 1st class).

 

[Coronach]

...and having to fly to thrilling destinations like Witchita, Kansas and Des Moines, Iowa every day for the rest of your career. I'm reminded of some old comedy routine about Winnepeg, Canada. In the midst of it the comedian breaks into song, to the tune of "New York, New York"

I want to go to sleep
in the city that won't wake up.
I want to sit in a chair,
Stare straight ahead,
gun in my mouth and I wish I was dead!
These Winnepeg blues...

Think about doing air travel constantly...not as your means of getting to a destination, but as your destination.

No thanks.

Mike