well I did it lol

J

JackWagin229

Inactive
I managed to qualify on both the 9mm and .38 revolver for my Armed Security license never having fired a gun in my life, and I was Top Shot in the class!!! So now I come to you asking for advice!!! I know some people gave me some insight on my last post but now im going to break it down.

In qualifying for the 9mm we shot a Glock 17.... HATED IT!!! Couldnt get a comfortable grip, but I liked the way it shot. The store at the range suggested the Glock 19, which felt comfortable, but how close to the Glock 17 does it shoot?

Or what would you recommend for someone to carry on duty and use for personal defense? It has to have a 4 inch barrel (which broke my heart because evidently the P229 Sig is just shy and Ive held one before and it was like sex in my hands) It has to be a 9mm, and I dont want anything too complicated as my first firearm. I would prefer it to have a safety even though I dont trust them, just gives my wife peace of mind.

Also I would like to make sure it has a rail because I would like to get some sort of tactical flashlight just in case im forced to draw down in the dark for whatever reason. What kinda tactical lights do you recommend? I dont want a laser sight because I dont want to become dependent on them, so just a flashlight type deal.

Im also wondering if yall have some suggestions for a 38 revolver. Im not sure what kind I was shooting today but it was very bulky to me. So any suggestions would be awesome!

I appreciate your help and look forward to learning from all of you!
 
For a decent 9mm, take a look at the Smith & Wesson M&P9. Very good ergonomics. S&W also makes excellent 38spl revolvers; try the Model 10 or Model 64.
 
Does your state allow you to carry a .357 revolver with .38 ammo loaded (like here in FL)?

If so, that gives you considerably more options. Though a model 10 or 64 would be great places to start.
 
Yes Crazy88 I actually live in Jacksonville FL lol. So I can carry either or. Ive hear the S&W M&P9 is a good hand gun, but im really trying to look into the Glocks because I get them at Law Enforcement prices with my Armed license. Now down the road once I can afford whatever I want then Ill be looking into all of these, I should have stated that in my original post.

Im not sure what the S&W's run, but if its around $425 then thats about what im lookin at payin for a Glock.

As for the revolver ill look into the K frame. Ive heard Ruger Speed Six's are hard to find.

Any thoughts on the rail light system?
 
Try an XD , grips are different and more comfortable for some people, and those that don't like the XD grips, like the glocks.

PX4-SC or full PX4 Beretta.... good quality very reliable, decocker safety on it. It was used by LEO's for some years before it was available to the public. Very comfortable to carry.

On a revolver, I carry a 7-shot .357 at times, and like the fact there are 7 shots there instead of 6. You can get different length barrels. The S&W 686 "plus" or +1, is a 7 shot.
 
The XD or XDM might be a good option. Also the FNP or FNX is an excellent pistol for the price and you get 3 mags and 4 interchangeable back straps.

Lots of good lights out there for $100-200. I use a TLR-1 and it's very bright and sturdy, it goes for about $100 maybe a little less.
 
Congradulations Jack.

Welcome to the world of armed security. I commend you for taking the time and doing your own research instead of running out and buying one of the usual suspects.

Speaking of the usual suspects. The Glock 17 is fine for armed security work. It's IMO reliable, has more than adiquate capacity, is fairly simple to maintain, has plenty of accessories available, at law enforcement prices it's comparitively inexpensive. The Glock 19 has all the same qualities plus the added benifit of being a lot more concealable, and can do double duty as a personal protection firearm. I my opinion the Glock 19 is better balanced, and more comfortable in my hand.(once you get used to the Glock grip angle)

There are other semi-auto pistols that IMO are as good or better than the Glocks. But they all cost more. The S&W m&p's do impress me. The Springfields?... Totally great guns. H&K's can sometimes be a little finiky, but with proper care and maintenance there are none better. Sig?... you couldnt do any better. One sleeper thats usually overlooked is the Styer M9 pistol. In my opinion it's Glock perfected. As far as M9's the Baretta's are awsome as service pistols.

In considering a revolver your choice is probably somewhat limited. The used market is probably your best bet. A ruger service six in .38spl is a great choice if you can find one. A Colt official police might be an expensive, but reliable choice. Or you can go with the standard thats been caried by military, police, and security for a hundred years and still carried today. The S&W model 10 aka the M&P..... (the real m&p). There is no shortage of these guns. And they are usually reasonably priced. Although I'd recomend you stick with the heavy barrel, aka the bull barrel. They are found in 4", and 3" lengths. I'm somewhat a revolver guy, and choose to carry a revolver. I buy used revolvers for work, personal protection, and recreation. There is a sticky on this forum about buying used revolvers. It is probably the most comprehensive and detailed and correct guide I have seen in 35 years of shooting. Take some time to read it before buying any used revolver. In fact I'm also guided by it when I buy a new gun as well. When choosing a service revolver I'd strongly advise you to stay from aluminum frame guns. While they may be more comfortable to carry... They dont stand up well to the rigors and stress's a service gun may see.

Lastly... when choosing a service pistol/revolver you may want to consider the availability of accessories, and gear. I suggest doing some research there before making a final choice. Also there are at least two threads about pistol mounted flashlights. You may want to read them.

Remember that you are betting your life on the choice you make. I'd stay away from (how can I put this delicately..) firearms with questionable reputation, poor quality control, non-existant track records. Also if possible I'd suggest that when you can afford it. Get a small gun you can use as a back-up. Something that hides well, and has decent stopping power.

Glenn D.
 
X2 on an FNX, with a TLR-1 or TLR-3

DSCN0484.jpg
 
x3 on the FN, only mine is the FNP-9. Very light, decocker, two backstraps, and 16+1 capacity, it's a winner.

The G19, like Glenn put it above, is a well balanced shooter. Although the departments I have worked for issue the G22, so I carry a G23, the same applies. The G19/23 are better balanced, easier to conceal and are just as duty accurate as their slightly bigger brothers. I did have to customize my G23 grips a bit, I find all Glocks tend to bite my middle finger with the trigger guard after 100rds or so. YMMV.

Taurus PT92/Beretta 92 series of pistols. For some, large grip, but very reliable in most cases. I've not heard one person I know who owns one complain about anything except overall grip size.

The S&W M&P pistols are next on my to buy polymer list, lol. Just shot one Thursday, great shooting .40 cal. Trigger was pretty damn decent for a polymer gun, and with the interchangeable backstrap, can be made to fit in your hand.

The xD. I'm one of those who hates it's grip, way too small IMHO. That said, it's a good polymer pistol for those who hands it fits, never heard anyone who owned one dislike it.

As too revolvers, I only have one in the 3" or shorter range. It's a Sp101 in .327. Love it to death, once I put Hogue boot grips on it. With a good holster/belt, IWB with it was easy enough, but probably won't work for you as it's not .38/.357. I'm still looking for a pocket snubbie myself, lol. So I hav no more opinion here, lol!
 
I will not disagree with the words so far in this thread, but suggest also that you look at the Stoeger Cougar. They sell for around the price you mentioned.

They are made in Turkey by a Beretta company, and are just as good as the Beretta made ones. Mine is in 9mm and fits my hand quite nicely. The trigger, sear, hammer etc parts are just like the very successful Beretta 92 series (which is the basis of the US M9).

And the Cougar uses the rotating barrel concept also used by the PX4. This tends to reduce the felt recoil and the muzzle-flip, in my opinion.

Hey, don't forget the 3rd Generation all-metal pistols that S&W used to make. They made a lot of them in various sizes, and you can find them almost unused many sometimes. I just got another .45 in that series. Those are tough and easy to shoot guns, with aluminum alloy frame models as well as all steel pistols.

And nobody has mentioned the CZ-75 series and its offshoot models. The CZ-75, by the way, is also copied by another Turkish company and sold under the Armalite brand. The prices are reasonable for both the CZ and the Armalite versions.

So have fun shopping! I would. Heck, I do have fun ;)

Bart Noir
 
Be careful don’t get all raped around the axle on your choice. A Glock 17 is a fine firearm, the XD equivalent is fine too. The 9mm is one of the most inexpensive cartridges, this will let you practice more. A flashlight in your pistol will add more weight and bulk it may seem trivial now but living with that thing marred to your side all day will be a pain in the a_s real fast. Night sights will probably better serve you than stuff attached to your rail. Remember the K.I.S.S. principle. Start competing in USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge.
 
Or what would you recommend for someone to carry on duty and use for personal defense? It has to have a 4 inch barrel (which broke my heart because evidently the P229 Sig is just shy and Ive held one before and it was like sex in my hands) It has to be a 9mm, and I dont want anything too complicated as my first firearm.
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Try the SIG Sauer P226. Very similar to the P229, but with a longer barrel (4.4" versus 3.9"), a higher magazine capacity (15 rounds versus 13 rounds), and a slightly longer grip to make room for those two extra rounds (5.5" versus 5.4").

SIG Sauer P226 information
 
Just my opinion, but

I'd go with a Glock 19 for my primary. Get yourself an LCR or Bodyguard .38 at some point to carry as a Backup. The Glock 26 would also be an excellent choice for a BUG.
 
[/QUOTE]This is what I would use. My buddy who is a LEO uses one. I have used one at the range and really like how it feels in my hand, it aims and points naturaly. Plus they are ultra reliable. This one is a S&W M&P 9mm 17 round with rail. They offer it in other configurations as well if you want safety, no safety, ambi safety, etc. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...ducts_id/37125
This is what I would do also as I really like the M&P grip better than the Glock.JMO
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