Handguns for Peace Officers

G

gdeal

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I guess some departments make the decision for you but if they had their choice, what do most peace officers go with? Revolvers or Semi-Auto's?
Would you say 50/50 or does semi-auto dominate in this demographic?
 
I saw one old officer still carrying a smith 27. He was allowed to carry since it was first service pistol. But now it looks like even departments that allow personals make it an auto in 9/40/45.
 
I carried a revolver (Smith Model 28). If I was to go back into LE I'd take my Model 28 4" 357, the dept gave me when I retired.

Real cops carry revolvers.
 
I was issued a DA revolver when I started, and would have no complaints if that were still the case...so long as I could pick the make and model.
 
Semi-autos have been the most prevalent type for a good 20 years or so now. The last cop I saw carrying a revolver (S&W 686) was an Indianapolis Metro Police officer a few years ago, but that gentleman looked to be in his late 60's or early 70's and I suspect that he was grandfathered in. It seems to me that revolvers are more common in small departments which allow or require individual officers to purchase their own handgun rather than large departments that provide one.
 
In July of 1974 my department issued me a S&W M-19 and with the exception of a 2 1/2" M-66 I carried that until 200,1 when I retired. If I were to go back on the job today, and thank goodness I don't have to, I would again want my M-19 or my M- 586. Auto-loaders have their place, but not for this old man.
 
Shortwave: That's an easy one to answer as well....for my gig, which is Uniformed Patrol, I'd pick the gun I carry off-duty: 4" Ruger GP-100, stainless steel finish, with 125 grain JHPs. For BUG, I'd use exactly what I use now, a Ruger SP101, .357, loaded with 110 grain JHPs.
 
I know one officer with a Taurus 66 ,iirc, with a 6" barrel. I know of another who sometimes carries his Taurus Judge. Another who likes to sport a model 57 with a 4" tube. Or a 19 if the mood strikes him right. Lastly, my Chief Deputy was carrying a 4" nickel Python, until he had to use it. He's going to retire it, in hopes it never has to perform it's duty again.

Yep, all those work where you have to buy your own. Me? I carry a SAR K-2 .45acp. I like 14+1 of the big stuff, lol.

A bit OT, but here's something ironic about the above mentioned Python. Approximately 20 years ago it was taken off the father of the individual that forced the issue with Chief. Full circle?
 
Shortwave...

I began my career carrying a S&W 4" Model 10 loaded with 158gr swc. ammo.
25 years later I ended my career with the same model 10 in my holster though stoked with 158gr +P Swc nyclads.

When the department transitioned to auto pistols I opted to train, and be authorized to carry one... I maintained my training and authorization with my service revolver as well.

Today I perform some security tasks on a part time basis. I still carry a model 10. Loaded with 147 gr +p JHP's

If ever I was returned to duty of some sort I'd want my model 10 with me. I am infinately confident in it's ability to help me defend myself.

I have helped to quell riots,
Face down angry mobs alone,
search homes, apartments, commercial spaces... sometimes alone
Chased all manner of bad guys from murderers to pettit thieves,
Apprehended active shooters, (2)
engaged in shootings,
walked mean streats, and housing projects (alone)
engaged in fisticuffs
answered thousands of call's for assistance

As have most of the retired police types on the forum.

I've never felt under gunned, or at risk because I was armed with a .38 revolver.

Glenn D.
 
Single Six and Glenn Dee,

Wouldn't feel under gunned with any of the three you guys have mentioned.

Also, Thank You and the rest of the LEO's posting for your service.
 
I would say that a new officer is more likely to choose a semi-auto pistol. It is most likely what they were initially trained with. When I started as an armed security officer back in 1978 I started out with a revolver. When I became a cop in 1994 I was first issued a S&W model 64HB. A few years later we switched to Beretta 92FS (M9) pistols. While I can use either I would feel very comfortable with my 4" S&W 686 on my side. Too bad holster companies are making less and less duty holsters for revolvers now.
 
I have not seen cop carry revolvers since the 70's! most of them either carry the glock or the S&W.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what the rules are for our local PD. My Dad is a deputy marshal, and they all have the same S&W M&P 9mm, but he said the PD can carry whatever they qualify with. I don't know if that's the case across the board for the department, or only for officers of a certain rank, or what, but I do know a higher ranking officer that carries a wheel gun in .357 magnum with ivory grips with a picture of the grim reaper on them! I'm wanting to say it's a Colt Python, but it's been too long since I've seen it for me to remember for sure. It could be a S&W. I know another higher ranking officer (now retired) that carried a custom 1911. Pretty much everyone else I've ever seen on that dept carries a G17.

Jason
 
I have to buy my own. Usually carry a 1911 on duty but I stay qualified with my 586 L-Comp and will carry it from time to time.

SDC10756.JPG
 
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