Weapons advice needed....

[NYPDNick]

I have to buy my weapon for academy (Northern CAL), which starts in a month… Glocks are cheapest it seams ($550). But I loved the “feel’ of a Sig……. Its just “felt right in my hand” but its $300 more. My boss in NYPD likes the Smith and Wesson 45 caliber SW99 - he says it’s easier to maintain. That’s important to me too.. I don’t want anything that’s going to give me a headache (I’ll have enough to worry about. The price is about the same as a Sig, and I’m more than prepared to pay the extra sum.

Can you guys tell me what you’d recommend if you were in my position……? Another important point to remember is that this will become my personal weapon after academy when my dept will issue me with a weapon (of their choice I guess) so I’d better like i.

Any advice is appreciated

Nick

[jts]

Nick,
So I can better answer your question, I'm a bit confused. If you're currently an officer with NYPD, you are most likely either carrying a Glock, Sig, or Kahr (or a revolver if you have some time on the job). It was also my impression that NYPD officers have to purchase their own guns and as such are able to keep them when/if they leave the dept. My suggestion is to find out what pistol your dept is going to issue you and buy that one for the academy.

[NYPDNick]

I'm an aux officer in NYPD and we dont carry weapons.... My entering Police academy in San Mateo CA is the start of my full-time LE career

[Kahuna5150]

Nick,

Are you going to the academy as a sponsored cadet (meaning you're already hired with an agency and are being put through the academy by them)? Or are you going as an independent (paying your own way without a job set yet)?

Here is why I ask... Obviously if you were sponsored you should be getting your duty weapon issued to you for the academy. Since you need to purchase one, that tells me you are either hired by a department that doesn't issue a weapon, but allows you to carry any personal weapon (of the ones you listed). Or you aren't hired yet...

If you're not hired yet, be careful what type of weapon you buy. You may love a Sig, however end up getting hired by a department that either issues you a Glock or does not allow the Sig. At the same time you may buy a Glock and get hired by a department that doesn't issue or allow them to be carried.

Personally, if I was an independent cadet, I would see if the academy has student guns they will let you use. When I went to the police academy, they had .38 revolvers and nylon holsters they would issue to a student that needed a gun. Fortunately I had a department issued gun. Many students used the .38's. Also remember that you'll be buying a gun *AND* the needed leather and spare mags. It can get *VERY* expensive. A good SSIII holster runs over 100 bucks. Spare mags are going to be upwards of 30 bucks a piece and those are for 10 rounders (here in CA). So even if you get hired where you can carry you purchased gun, you'll have to shell out another $30 x 3 to get the full capacity mags.

If you do decide to purchase a gun, be aware that even if a department lets you carry a Sig, they may only let you carry specific models or in specific calibers. I know of departments that allow the Sig to be carried in .45 or 9mm, but not .40 or .357SIG. So if you buy a 9mm you might be fairly safe, but any other caliber is up to the department. It makes no sense for a department to allow the .45 Sig, but not the .40 Sig yet many don't allow one or the other...

Save your bucks... Don't buy a gun... Use what the academy issues and wait until you find where you're going. You probably won't even have to buy your own duty weapon, and then you can spend that money on a good back-up or off-duty gun.

If you *HAVE* to buy a gun... I would say either Glock or Sig would be a good choice. Both are reliable, very easy to maintain, well proven and respected tactical pistols. I don't think the S&W is any easier to maintain than either a Sig or a Glock. If you love the S&W, get that... Personally I would probably grab a Glock or a Sig. I like the Sig, but I also like the Glock. Probably lean more toward the Glock if I were to be paying it myself....

Good luck!

Kahuna

[LeeRoy]

Hey Nick, you're almost here! I got your message the other day. Sorry I missed the call.

Is your heart set on a new gun? There are always deals on used guns at pawn and gun shops. Remember we have a 15 day waiting period here in CA. Alaso you'll have to take a firearms safety test at the dealer or show proof that you've attended a state approved safety course. Call around a few shops and ask. You'll be surpised on some of the deals you can find. Also check e-bay for leather. Kahuna was right. Leather gear gets expensive but there are some good deals to be had on the net. Since you'll get all new stuff when you're hired no sense buying brand new stuff for training where you'll scuff it up.

[NYPDNick]

Kahuna…(and Lee) Thanks for the thoughts…..

Yeah I HAVE to buy my own…… I’m non-sponsored (it seemed the most expeditious route). The academy doesn’t provide weapons to anyone

And you’re right Kahuna, this sh’t adds up, I picked up my uniform the other day as well as all the leather stuff……. I think it cost me about 1400 bucks all told. The most tragic part of that is… all my NYPD stuff is useless for west coast, snaps here are black in CA they’re silver, duty belt here is plain leather, in CA it’s braided…….. LOL the list goes on and on…. My flashlight is ‘cool’ though, so that’s good news!

Anyway, after spending so much what’s a little more? I guess the main point of my question is, is the Smith an easier weapon to own? Or shall I just get the Glock and save the money. It seems most recruits get the Glock as its less expensive. I’d really rather not have to own a gun at all actually

Maybe a good plan would be for me to go down to range here in NY, and try the various types and see what feels best?

[Kahuna5150]

I don't think S&W is any easier to own. What it boils down to is what you shoot best though... Even if the S&W cleans itself and is only 100 bucks, if you can't shoot it well, then it's worthless. Especially since this is a life support tool you'll be carrying everyday at work...

I am biased toward Glocks. I like Sigs and currently carry one, but I carry a Glock off-duty. You'll find the Glock is a bit less expensive. They are a popular gun in LE so you can often find used holsters on Ebay (that might save you some money). You can pick up a cheaper thumb snap / top draw holster that would be fine for the academy (but I personally would want a security holster for on the street). Glocks are easy to break down and maintain, they are very reliable (even when fairly dirty). Sig has been (in my own use) a bit more touchy in terms of needing to be clean and oiled.

I would pick up a Glock for a few hundred less than a Sig for the academy. Maybe consider getting the G23 or G19 (compact .40 and 9mm) then you could use it for off-duty as well even if they issue you a full size G22 or G17.

You may want to check with the academy where you're starting. Lots of times the class leaving has a bunch of stuff for sale on the board. You might be able to pick something up a bit cheaper. Many of the people in the academy start with a gun they own, and then try and sell that when they get hired by a department (mid academy) and issued another gun.

Kahuna

[Flatfoot003]

Getting out to the range and trying out the three you posted up about is your best bet. My personal choice would be for the Glock or the S&W. We issue both at my department and the ability to have a weapon-mounted light attached to either of them out of the box puts them ahead of the SIG in my opinion. Just something to think about.


Congrats on the new job and good luck at the academy!

FF

[JSavage]

...I loved the “feel’ of a Sig……. Its just “felt right in my hand” but its $300 more...I’m more than prepared to pay the extra sum.

Nick,

Try them out. If you like the SIG, buy the Sig. If you feel that you like one of the others better or that you shoot better with one, buy it. If money isn't at issue, the only thing that is an issue is how well you perform with it. Forget about maintaining the weapon. All of the firearms you are looking at are easy enough to maintain. One may be a small bit easier to disassemble than the next but, when it comes down to it, Kahuna is right on target;

Even if the S&W cleans itself and is only 100 bucks, if you can't shoot it well, then it's worthless.

Jim

[Eaglearm]

A bit off topic, sorry

Nick,

Why are you getting certification with NYPD and seeking employment in California? :o :o :o

Can't you find a department in California that will hire and train you all the while avoiding the expense. :o :o

[Eaglearm]

You boys in California should be purchasing weapon accessories out of state, its legal now. No more 10 round mags and permission from higher ups. It's a free market.

Before the Clintonites and Brandy's get back into office, blast away and stock pile your weapons. :) :)

[jts]

Nick,
I would still take the suggestion that you find out exactly what pistol you are authorized to carry at your new dept and buy that one. But if I were to choose between a Sig and a Glock for your purposes, I would probably choose the Sig. The Sig IMHO is more akin to a sports car while the Glock is more like a truck. Depending on how much you shoot, the Glock may hold up better with less maintenance. Not saying the Sig won't hold up but you MUST maintain it regularly or it will go down on you. My agency armorer changes out springs on my Sig every 3000-5000 rounds, which for me is pretty often and even this isn't enough to keep our pistols from going down. If you aren't able to maintain a good round count and maintenance schedule on your Sig, I'd go with the Glock. Moreover, the DA/SA trigger on the Sig takes a bit more time and practice to master and most agencies (including mine) due to liabilty won't teach the correct way to shoot a DA/SA pistol. So they send us to outside shooting schools to learn this. The Glock has only one trigger pull and as such is generaly easier to get used to. Good luck on your career! No offense to those in NYPD but good choice on Cali. The weather is great out there and I'll be transfering to that FO when I get a chance. Stay safe.

[Kahuna5150]

You boys in California should be purchasing weapon accessories out of state, its legal now. No more 10 round mags and permission from higher ups. It's a free market.

It's against CA State law to bring into the state any over 10 round magazines. Although you could easily go to another state and purchase a normal capacity (10+ rounder), as soon as you cross into CA you are breaking the law...

You can't even transfer the "pre-ban" mags between people here in the state (outside LE). So buying a gun from one owner to another is fine (through an FFL), but you can't get the full cap mags with it legally. The AWB Sunset was good news for many people in many states, however here in CA our state law is more restrictive than the AWB was, so no matter....

Just like the .50 caliber rifle. You can buy on in AZ or NV no problem... Can't in CA anymore...

Kahuna

[nwohsy]

Go with a used glock. They are very easy to find for less than $500. You can always buy the Sig later on once you graduate, and start making some overtime.

[Flatfoot003]

FWI, the Sigs are now available with a integral rail.


Well, I guess technology has once again surpassed my ability to keep up with it. :D No surprise there. Thanks for the insight Jose.

[10-8 911 Force]

HEy boss seems like the dilema i faced between a springfield and a glock.. here at the academy in Ca we used leather basket weave but your department can dictate what you can wear out here.. i use nylon it is a little cheaper and if you want to get through the academy try galls they have the basic package for leather gear at 189 bucks.. and people are right go try guns out and see for yourself.. im from Ny and i lived here went to the academy on my own Dollar and i'm having a hard time getting picked up .. look at all your options im thinking of coming back to be a NYC cop i have to finish processing in june .. hey good luck


10-8

[bkc2a]

Hello, CDNN sells the new Sig 226 for $550.00 you can get a factory refurbished 226 for $375.00. CDNN sell new Glocks and S&W for around 425.00. You can buy from them online and have the weapon sent to your local FFL holder for around $25.00. No sales tax. Good luck.

[krellum]

this sh’t adds up, I picked up my uniform the other day as well as all the leather stuff……. I think it cost me about 1400 bucks all told. The most tragic part of that is… all my NYPD stuff is useless for west coast, snaps here are black in CA they’re silver, duty belt here is plain leather, in CA it’s braided…….. LOL the list goes on and on…. My flashlight is ‘cool’ though, so that’s good news!

This is how we start learning to write things off on our taxes, Nick! Also, whenver people who've worked for multiple agencies say "I've got a closetful of holsters, mag pouches, leather gear" etc., this is why. You'll be able to start your own LE supply store before long.

k

[FPS/SFI]

...I’d really rather not have to own a gun at all actually...

Um. Are you certain that you want to do this sort of work? Would it be to intrusive of me to ask why you are averse to owning a gun?

Maybe a good plan would be for me to go down to range here in NY, and try the various types and see what feels best?

I think this would be wise.

[NYPDNick]

Um. Are you certain that you want to do this sort of work? Would it be to intrusive of me to ask why you are averse to owning a gun?

Fair question, and me clarify......

I am NOT AT ALL averse to owning a gun, it was just the "moment" at the gun place that the academy sent me to, where I realized that this weapon would be MINE..... and I was struck with the ENORMOUS responsibility that that entails.

It was just another step in the process ……..

And one thing I can say regarding the first part of the question, I’ve never been more certain that I’m doing the “right thing” in my life.

[Flatfoot003]

Um. Are you certain that you want to do this sort of work?


A large number of the officers in my department can't stand having to handle firearms. It's fairly common in law enforcement today I think. It's no wonder that these are the ones who dread going to yearly qualification and even then barely qual if at all.

[sigy]

NYPDNick, Personally I'd buy a Glock. It's cheap, easy to use, and easy to maintain. Also, a majority of departments here use them, so it only makes sense. When you get hired on eventually, you'll be issued a firearm, so you can either keep or sell this one. :)