Glock Talk banner

New duty gun; caliber, manufacturer

2K views 31 replies 19 participants last post by  Ofc.JL 
#1 ·
Our secretary will be applying for a grant in a few weeks for department duty handguns. Currently, we don't issue....it's provide your own. Small department; 7 full-time, 5 part-time.

First up; caliber.
I'm partial to the .45, but I've heard some departments are returning to the 9mm. I never cared for the .40, but we'll see what the officers have to say. We are having a meeting on Monday.

Second; manufacturer
I'm partial to Sig, especially the P220. Sig came out with the P227 which I think the PA State Police decided to use. There is also the P320. There is also the P226 or P229 if we go with something other than .45 caliber.

Glock has several models to fit the calibers.

S&W MP is the other choice.
 
#2 ·
Personally I went from the 45 to the 9 recently and don't regret it. Both are very good handgun calibers, if good modern ammunition is used. My choice was based partly on capacity, though.

I chose a Glock 17, mainly because of the cost and fact I can carry a weapon light on it. But I'll admit, the trigger on the Sig P320 is perhaps the best I've ever tried on a production handgun. Plus, it's a Sig, you know they're good.

I'm envious your department is going to be issuing handguns (mine has stated they never will), but I don't envy going through this process. I'm sure you'll make a great choice for your officers. Keep us posted!
 
#3 ·
Give people as much input as possible. Whenever we have switched guns it has been pretty much at the whim of the chief or person in charge of firearms. It has led to some problems.
 
  • Like
Reactions: EMTCOP
#4 ·
One size does not fit all. We have one gun across the board, for every Officer, Detective, Admin. I don't see the logic, as everyone has different size bodies, hands, etc. Those that make the BIG decisions state that one gun is safer, as we can exchange magazines during an incident, if needed. If you're going through 36 rounds, per Officer, at some scene, then something went drastically wrong...
 
#10 ·
Our secretary will be applying for a grant in a few weeks for department duty handguns...
Might want to factor in other costs...new holsters, mags, mag pouches, and training to name a few.

While our training officer prefers we all carry the same caliber, it doesn't happen. This increases (slightly) the cost of carry, training and re-qual ammo due to smaller purchase lots in some calibers.

Good luck in your decision.
 
#11 ·
Purchasing for a small agency offers more flexibility than the larger departments...so, I would agree to allow as much officer input as possible and not worry about uniformity...But you do need to choose platforms with a Proven performance record in LE use...not just commercial sales
 
#12 ·
If you took an informal poll of your brothers and sisters, would the majority state a preference for full-size or mid-size sidearms? That will be the biggest hurdle I can think of.

Also, even if departmental sidearms are issued would officers retain the option of carrying their own choice of weapon as long as it meets guidelines?
 
#13 ·
Is there a particular department you do in-service with or piggyback with for classes? If there is I can see a lot of benefit to keep things simple on the firing line and during training.
 
#15 · (Edited)
I recently purchased a P320 in 9mm.

I'm still trying to decide how I feel about it. Trigger is amazing. Got the large frame. That feels amazing in my hands.

But I'm use to glocks. So shooting it feels different. I'm sure if I had the time to go through about 1k rounds over a few days I'd be good.

I bring that up only to say if it is possible see if everyone can get a chance to shoot the guns the department is choosing from. A gun feels very different while you are firing it versus just holding it. Not news to many of us but sometimes it's the obvious things that we over look.
 
#17 ·
I tried really hard to resist the p320 when work bought a pair to Test out as possible replacements for our ancient P226's.

But when I was given a case of free ammo and asked to "give her hell" I wasn't passing that up. By the end of the day I was loving it. When work decided to buy new P226's instead I bought my own P320 is .45

The .45 shoots just as nicely as the 9mm IMO.

I have a lot of respect for the P320 now. I literally ran them until too hot to handle and they chugged along with zero malfunctions. I still haven't cleaned my .45 since buying it and it keeps on going also with only a little oil on the rails before each outing.

With me being on a bike now I was hoping for the P320 to save a little weight over the P226.
 
#20 ·
I'm going to describe my own agency as I feel it is very common sense. Glock 17 with a weapon light for patrol. For investigators a choice of Glock 17 with weapon light or Glock 19 with no weapon light. If an officer wants he can carry any gun in any caliber on duty or off duty if...
1. He gets it approved by one of the firearms guys.
2. He provides an appropriate holster.
3. He provides his own ammo if it isn't 9mm.
4. He qualifies it.
Mods to the issued weapons are not allowed. Your own gun you can do what you want as long as it is deemed safe still. My current duty is my own gen3 17C with HiViz fiber optic sights, vickers mag release, vickers slide stop, vickers floorplates on some mags and Recover Tactical on others. Wolff guide rod and recoil spring because I also use it while I instruct so it's been seeing some heavy use. It will be replaced in the next month I hope by my 20SF.

Glock puts on armorer classes everywhere it seems. I'd suggest you look at the expense/hassle of getting your firearms guy armorer certified by another brand if you are going that route. If that is something your agency plans to do.

Also the cost of holsters. Safariland suede lined for the 17/19 can be had dirt cheap. Extra mags dirt cheap. I am not a fan of gen4 but they fit all our officers.
 
#21 ·
Mods to the issued weapons are not allowed. Your own gun you can do what you want as long as it is deemed safe still. My current duty is my own gen3 17C with HiViz fiber optic sights, vickers mag release, vickers slide stop, vickers floorplates on some mags and Recover Tactical on others. Wolff guide rod and recoil spring because I also use it while I instruct so it's been seeing some heavy use. It will be replaced in the next month I hope by my 20SF.
Regarding the 17C, some have expressed concerns that the ports could blow hot gasses and partials back at the user in a close combat situation. What are your thoughts on that?
 
#22 ·
Regarding the 17C, some have expressed concerns that the ports could blow hot gasses and partials back at the user in a close combat situation. What are your thoughts on that?
I see it as possible but the natural grip for me with the gun that close is angled away from my body. It is a legitimate concern but I went with the 17C for a few reasons over a regular 17...
1. I found a great deal on one. I mean near steal on one that was as new.
2. I've had Glock ported guns in the past and know with their v style ports it has zero effect on my night vision in low light shooting.
3. Resale is higher. :D

That said I wouldn't recommend it for general issue. In the 9mm guns we use +P+ ammo. Even with that I only feel it tracking slightly better.
 
#24 ·
Thanks for the reply. I ask because I'm considering moving to a 23C for carry. I've done low / no light shooting with mine and the flash was negligible versus a standard 23. I've also witness very little reduction in velocity, while gaining noticeable reduction in recoil / muzzle flip. My only outstanding concern at this point was the possibility of the expelled gasses to which I inquired.
 
#23 ·
15 year old 226's are not necessarily worn out, depending on the amount of rounds run thru them and the Armorer's care. If they have been shot alot and no care, then yes, it may be time for replacement. And the amount of FWT they have been subjected to.
And 9mm is just fine, provided that the carry load is decent.
Best of luck.
 
#31 ·
Technically yes, the Sig P226 should last 15 years. However, they are notoriously not lubricated by the troops and running them dry really beats them up, plus they are .40 and the recoil springs are not replaced according to schedule (read never). Some of the frame rails on guns I observed were in pitiful shape. You can always tell the guys that used grease, used oil, or nothing at all just by looking at the rails.

Why the guys refuse to properly lube their Sigs is a mystery to me. I always ran mine with a very adequate coat of grease on the rails and around the barrel. Never had a problem with mine at all.
 
#25 ·
Our secretary will be applying for a grant in a few weeks for department duty handguns. Currently, we don't issue....it's provide your own. Small department; 7 full-time, 5 part-time.

First up; caliber.
I'm partial to the .45, but I've heard some departments are returning to the 9mm. I never cared for the .40, but we'll see what the officers have to say. We are having a meeting on Monday.

Second; manufacturer
I'm partial to Sig, especially the P220. Sig came out with the P227 which I think the PA State Police decided to use. There is also the P320. There is also the P226 or P229 if we go with something other than .45 caliber.

Glock has several models to fit the calibers.

S&W MP is the other choice.
Really ought to consider the HK VP9 or VP40.
 
#32 ·
Collim, you are right. 15 year old 226's in .40 w/o any care and they are indeed "shot". Lack of care with high quality firearms always chaps my a**. I went too many years w/o being able to afford just the basic Glock or 1911, and to this day, I really get upset w/ this casual attitude some "Troops" get in using their issued Safety Equipment.
Good Luck w/ your new handguns. Get Admin to assign an Armorer and require periodic inspection, then upkeep for the Dept. issue weapons can be better maintained.
 
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top