Customs Inspectors off duty carry.

[CanineCop]

It would be nice if USCS would allow the carry of personally owned weapons off duty. Since it seems unlikely that this will happen anytime soon, I can live with the G17. That said I would like to use an IWB holster. There aren't any IWB holsters on the approved list I saw earlier. Who determines what's approved and is there any point in negotiating with them for approval of additional holsters?

[ssween2]

Im going to be using the Aker XR-12, what are you guys going to use, or are currently using? Also does anyone have any feedback on the XR-12?

[Blacksheep]

After concealed carry class, It looks Aker Flatsider XR-12 for me as well.

[Blacksheep]

Would be nice to even be able to carry a smaller model even if we can't carry personal. By the way who make those regulations with regard to approved firearms, gear etc... ?? Is that internal
(ie Customs) or is it Treasury wide?

[Bow-n-Arrow]

I don't carry the issued gun off duty. I carry my own on a state permit. I know that if I get in a shoot, I am on my own. But I think you would be on your own anyway! The Firearm gurus at Ft. Benning are the ones that determine the equipment

[CanineCop]

I think I'll probably use the XR12 also. I currently carry a Sig P220 in a nylon belt slide or several other holsters depending on my mood and how I'm dressed. May go the permit route and just carry my own hardware but this is not an option in some areas. If I carry on a permit I'll probably get a smaller Glock just to keep things simple for my muscle memory.
I doubt Customs will volunteer to buy us any more hardware than they think we absolutely need. The conditions at ports of entry probably don't justify the issue of G26 backups to several thousand inspectors, at least in the mind of the guy who has to pay for several thousand G26s.

[Tuck_TKE]

I agree with BowCop, I carry my own on my state CCW permit, It's a lot less hassle, and like he said, in a shooting situation, you'll probably be on your own anyway, so might as well carry something you're comfortable with. I hate the slim pickin's of approved holsters, and the 17 isn't fun to conceal unless you wear a jacket all the time. My firearms instructors at FLETC even would tell you, skip the hassle, carry your own stuff on your state permit. No Fuss.

[Blacksheep]

CanineCop-I'm guessing the Sig is your personal hardware? Must have set you back some not too cheap from what I hear.


-Sheep

[ssween2]

I think some inspectors/ceo's were grandfathered in a few years ago when Customs switched to the glock, and they are still allowed to carry a Sig. Or is it a S&W?

[JimSpoor]

Prior to the Glock the Customs issue weapon for Inspectors was a 9mm S&W. I'm not sure on the model. I also don't believe they are "grandfathering" anyone. It is possible that some Inspectors have not transitioned yet though.

[CanineCop]

Sheep, yes the Sig is mine, it's a twenty year old gun that was carried by another po-po before I got it. It's pretty beat up and worn but still shoots Like a dream. I traded a Glock 21 for it. My Dept. will make a .38 revolver available to you for work but if you want to carry off duty or don't want a wheel gun you can get your own. Your personal weapon must be inspected by the armorer and must be chambered for .38, 9mm, or .45 (no .40s). I traded my Glock 22 in on a G21 and discovered that the 21 just didn't fit my hand as well as I wanted so I traded that on the Sig. My job also mandates non expanding ammo for duty use (you can carry HPs off duty), everyone knows it's stupid but management just won't budge. Given that, I decided the .45 was the way to go.
Congrats on your assignment with USCS by the way, I'm jealous.
K9