Weapons

Alot of people ask about duty weapons...what brand, calibre, grain loads, bullet types, etc. We all ask the readers to please use the "search" function regarding this topic...there are literally dozens of articles pertaining to this subject matter.

Like anything else though, make sure that whatever you decide on is LEGAL in whatever area you will work in....not just your own backyard, but wherever your case may lead you.

For example: sub-sonic, JHP, Sabot, teflon coated types of ammunition may be banned by both Federal and local jurisdictions. Another misnomer, the theory that "if LE can use it, I can to"...not true.

So stick to the basic calibres:.380 (backup) .38, 9mm, .40, .45.
Magazines: Check for regulations regarding Hi-caps. They are not legal everywhere.
Bullet types: Stick with standard ball, or use a low grain JHP. The issue here is "shoot throughs".You don't need your bullet entering your target, only to pass completely through him/her and into an innocent bystander...especially a child.
This leads us to grain loads: Stick to factory loads, and not specially hand loaded "hot rounds". These kinds of loads will void most weapon manufacturers warranties as well as put you at risk for blowing your weapon and causing injury to yourself and others near you.

Remember: When it comes to a shooting investigation, EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU WILL BE MICROSCOPICALLY EXAMINED not just by the cops, but by ambulance chasing attorneys looking to cash in, literally, on the case. Everything from your training to the weapon itself, the ammunition, the mags, grain loads, bullet types, etc. And if you are way outside the normal structure, well your going to have an even tougher time proving your case.

Also remember that in a shooting investigation all of your equipment will be confiscated....weapon, mags, ammo, etc. the police will tell you it's all evidence. Depending on the outcome of your case, you may or may not get your equipment back.

Which leads me to the next decision: what brand of weapon ?...Most people will tell you it's a matter of personal preference. I take that a step further...it's also a matter of replaceability....

Say you decide to carry a $1,200.00 kimber tactical .45 You want the best right ? Well look at it this way..."what if" ?
a) Your weapon is siezed by the cops for whatever reason
b) Your weapon gets lost...foot chase, fight w/defendant, trailing someone through the woods, etc.
c) Your weapon gets stolen...from your car, off your person (Yes, I have known police officers to literally have thier weapons removed from thier holsters unknowingly), out of your office, home, etc.

My point is that you can find several good, used, quality sidearms for around the $300-$500 mark depending on where you live and the current market trends. If anything happens to that weapon, you aren't out alot of money when compared to the upper scaled models.

1 thing though: I strongly advise everyone to stay away from the Hi-Point brand of sidearms. They are notorious for stovepiping, jamming, and mags that literally fall out of them, esp. thier .380's and 9mm's. Also, because these weapons are so cheap, they are the preferred weapon of choice amongst gangbangers, thugs, and other street vermin. I refuse to go out with anyone or have anyone backing me up carrying 1 of these weapons while on duty with me.They're just useless chunks of plastic and metal.

_________________
River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

RWB ~ you forgot ~ SuperSoakers and Rocks.

_________________


Do not consider anything for your interest which makes you break your word, quit your modesty, or inclines you to any practice which will not bear the light, or look the world in the face .... Marcus Antonius

I AM Some Folks "KARMA" and A MODERATOR @ FRN

ROF-LMAO,

_________________
Domestic Security Investigations
P.O. Box 4462
Rockville, MD 20849
Tel: 1-800-387-0787
Anti-Moral Majority Club President
"Fear not the unknown, Fear the person who controls the unknown" Gene 7:14

_________________
River City Associates
Decatur, Al. 35601

_________________
R&R
Professional Skip Trace Service
_________________________

I've noticed that LE will sometimes react differently to different brands of otherwise
very similar weapons. Although I run the forum for a different brand of weapon, I
carry the same weapon that most local LE carries - Glock. I've also owned Smith &
Wesson, Ruger, Kel-Tec, and others. I would much rather an officer see me with the
same weapon they carry then with one of my less expensive weapons, which they
may see as a "saturday night special".

Another thought on weapons -
Before purchasing and carrying a weapon, think long and hard about how you can
avoid ever using it, and try to get some training. Personally, I never leave the house
with a weapon without also bringing pepper spray, and the pepper spray is within
easier reach. When the stuff hits the fan I want to be ready with options other than
a gun, reserving the gun for when nothing else will do. Remember too that one
important option is to get the heck out of there. If a jury sitting calmly in a courtroom
two years later decides that you could have backed down or run away rather than
use your gun you're screwed. So if you're too macho to run away, don't carry a gun.

I have a few different guns, but I also have a Hi Point 9mm and I have never had any problems with anything. Believe it or not my Glock .40 has jammed more than my Hi Point. I probably have put around 700+ rounds thru it and has never jammed or anything. They also have a lifetime warranty so if anything breaks or anything they will fix it for free or send you a new one with a free mag. Geeze I sound like a Hi Point salesman But if having a Hi Point is all you can afford starting out with, then thats better than nothing at all.

OR... Supersoakers are good but chainsaws are better HAHA

One Sock + $10 roll of quarters = Naptime.

_________________
There is something to be learned from a rainstorm. When meeting with a sudden shower, you try not to get wet and run quickly along the road. But doing such things as passing under the eaves of houses, you still get wet. When you are resolved from the beginning, you will not be perplexed, though you still get the same soaking. This understanding extends to everything. - From the Hagakure

Well I now carry a S&W .40 but if it gets really dangerous I normally shout out bad names at the skips to make them cry