Some I'm looking to get into law enforcement when I graduate...

[Platypus357]

And I'm looking for a pistol to practice with for the next year. I only currently have a Ruger SR9, with a 1911 possibly coming in the next few months. But I'm more interested in something I'd be using on a daily basis.

I'm looking for something in .40 S&W, preferably not a Glock (I have access to a Glock 22 if I want to use that, and those are the issue weapons of the majority of the agencies I'm looking at). I'm considering a Sig p229 or Sig p226, as well as a Smith and Wesson M&P, and a couple other choices.

Any insight onto what would be a good choice? Any advantage of the Sig p226 over the p229?

Depending on the police agency, this might end up being my duty weapon. I know a few of the local police agencies allow their officers to carry personal weapons, as long as they fit a certain list, and I'm hoping this gun would qualify.

Edit: Sorry about the title! Should be "So"

 

[kedearian]

I think your best bet would be to get comfortable with the Glock. I know in the county I live in your options are A. Carry a glock 22 completly stock, or B. dont carry. That is the policy of our county's Sheriff Dept.

If you are looking for something other than that, goto a store/range hold a few, see how the feel to you, get the one you feel most comfortable with ( this is the same advice I was given, and it makes good sense to me). Best of luck with the Academy.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

I may be confused as to exactly what you're looking for. Are you wanting a new toy that may or may not get to be a duty weapon? If you really are considering something for duty, I'd research your top 3 (or whatever) department choices and see what makes/models they will let you carry other than what they give you. Doesn't make sense to waste money on a 'maybe' otherwise.

Of course if it's just a new toy, it doesn't matter. Go play with some at a shop and see what feels good.

 

[Platypus357]

Thanks! The Glock 22 does seem to be my best bet, I'll talk to a few cops at the local departments and see what they carry. For the campus police at least, I've noticed they carry everything from Glocks to 1911's. The city cops also seem to have a variety, but Glocks seem to be the most common I've seen.

Yeah I'm going to talk to the police departments and see what they are allowed to carry, and then make a final decision. The main purpose is to get comfortable with the caliber. I have not fired .40 S&W's all that much, mainly just .45's and 9mm's, occasionally revolvers.

 

[REAPER4206969]

Glock 22/23.

 

[GLOOB]

There's a saying about chickens and hatching and stuff that I think applies here.

Also, I'm not an accountant. But you might have to wait till you are hired before you actually buy your duty gun, if you want it to write it off as an expense! I'm also guessing that some employers might offer some reimbursement, if you need to buy stuff for the job. And that might require a receipt from after the date of hire.

 

[birdshot8's]

i recommend you carry an issued weapon. you don't really want to put your personal weapons through the abuse a cop's weapon gets on a daily basis. i have never seen a department that issues junk. also most departments will not allow a single action weapon for duty carry. good luck with your vocational choice.