Good handgun choices for security work?

Question

Hello!
I'm considering taking a job as an armed security guard to scrape together enough cash to go back to school. I'm familiar with firearms, the different actions, and calibers. However, I wanted some more imput from everyone out there. What would you choose as your preferred sidearm as a security guard? I've ruled out the .50AE Desert Eagle due to weight and over-penetration issues so don't go there. Here is what I have given serious consideration to:
Ruger GP 101 .357 Magnum
Berestta 92f (9mm) OR 96f (.40 S&W)
Glock 17 (9mm) or 22 (.40 S&W)
some 1911-style

I thought of the wheel gun because of it's reliability and simplicity of usage, though I've shot all of the other guns mentioned here.
I'm somewhat concerned with the 9mm round though. Do you think that this is still an effective man-stopper, or should I concentrate on a .40 S&W on up? Any other suggestions welcomed. Later!

Answer 1

First and foremost don' listen to rick s; he doesn't know what he is talking about.

1. Overpenetration is real which is why I wouldn't recommend a Desert Eagle. Plus, it is heavy and not very well balanced and if you are trying to scrape together cash for school then $1000 plus for even a used DE plus the ridiculously high price for regular practice ammo wouldn't be very cost efficient. Hell, that's books and lab fees plus some of your tuition right there.

2. Beretta pislols are reliable but they cannot be had in 10mm.

3. Yes a 1911 in .45 does provide a great deal of stopping power but they are kind of expensive and so is the ammo.

4. Glocks are not junk. I have put thousands of rounds downrange with various Glocks in different calibers. I've never had an FTE, FTF,FTC,KB or any kind of jam or misfire. They very accurate for a service type pistol. If a Glock isn't one's pistol of choice that's OK. For one to say that they are junk would lead me to believe that they don't know what they are talking about.

So, what is the right choice for you? It's a very personal choice but here are few things to consider.

1. Cost. It wouldn't be wise to spend an obscene amount of money on a firearm or one which uses expensive ammo if you are trying to save for college. Thus, you might want to find one used. Their are great deals to be had. I have bought many used firearms that were totally reliable. Glocks that have been traded in by police departments in exchange for newer models can be had for $350 to 450 and have the distinction of being refurbished by certified Glock Armorers. The Beretta can be had for under $500 used as well as some Sig Sauers. The Ruger GP 100 is an excellent weapon and goes from $325 to $400 used. It's predecessor, the Security Six, is even less. Their are scores of other quality, reliable weapons that can be found for a decent price.

2. If it does not feel good in your hand then you probably won't be able to shoot it very accurately. Pass on it.

3. I won't recommend a caliber except to say that 9mm or .38special should be the minimum. I'm personally a .40s&w fan as well as .357 magnum. I can handle the recoil of either cartridge and ammo isn't so expensive that I can't afford to practice with them. When it comes time to choose a caliber ask youself if you can handle the recoil and shoot double taps accurately as well as afford the ammo. A word about the 9mm. If you can put those slugs where they need to go then the 9mm is a very effective manstopper. It also has the distinction of having very inexpensive practice ammo. Any caliber handgun you are shooting is worthless if you can't put the slugs where they need to go.

4. When it comes to guns learn to separate the facts from the bull***t that people like to sometimes spout off of if you haven't already. Your life could depend on it.

5. Did I mention that rick s doesn't know what he's talking about and that you shouldn't listen to him.

6. Be safe and careful on the job and good luck in your studies. I hope I was of some help. Have a great night.

Answer 2

I have got nothing but praises for the Glocks, regardless of caliber. The trigger pull is a consistent 5.5 pound double action pull.The gun is super safe, and never go off without a deliberate trigger pull. In tests, Glocks have gone through tens of thousands of rounds, and Glock feels that these guns have many more years of life left in them.I own a full size Glock model 22 in the .40 S&W caliber.My recommendation as far as caliber goes is the .40 S&W. The Beretta is a more cumbersome gun with a long trigger reach, much too long for people with small hands. The 1911 A-1's are ok, but people get leary when they see a gun ****** and lock.

Answer 3

My personal preferrence is the 45 auto "1911". Most accurate and most powerful. Most have a hand grip safety feature meaning you have to be depressing a mechanism in the rear of the pistol grip with your palm which can only be achieved by grasping the weapon in a firing position in order to fire. The converse is the Glock which has no safety features. Also, price wise, you can get a good 1911 for around $400 brand new. You might also consider this, the new ballistic vests for the military are showing up in surplus stores. These vests stop 9mm rounds and below. They are becoming increasingly easy to find and purchase. You definitely should stay above a 9mm, along with that, the 45 auto is more accurate than the 40 SW in my opinion. Also, you dont need a revolver, you are not Barney Fife.

Answer 4

Those are pretty good choices for carry weapons, the only ones that you listed I would use for security work would be the Baretta and the Glock. Personally, for work I carry a Springfield XD SC in 9 MM. I've never had any issue with the XD

Answer 5

it depends on what type of and where you will be working. is it somewhere you might have to use your gun for real or like dept. store security?? the gp 101 .357 is fine for the latter, but if you have to seriously throw down go with something high capacity that you can hanle well ( think recoil) and shoot accurately and quickly. i prefer a glock .40 or .45.

Answer 6

Glock 22 or 22C. The .40 cal. will eat 9mils for desert. And the Glock is much more reliable and durable than any wheel gun. In over twenty yrs. of combat/tactical/practical shooting, I've found the Glock to be my very (bestest)lol friend.

Answer 7

Double check with the security company because they may require you to carry their duty sidearm.

But if you can take your own gun or choose, then any of the guns you mentioned is fine so long as you can shoot it proficiently.

I like Glocks.

Answer 8

WHAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT A RUGER WHEEL GUN. THEY WORK
THE B92F IS A GOOD GUN ALSO BUT MANY DONT LIKE THE SIZE
IF GLOCK GO WITH THE 4O CAL
1911.....YES, THE YEAR 1911
LONG TIME AGO AND YES THEY ARE FORMIDABLE WEAPONS AND YES I LOVE A GOOD 45 ACP
THINK ABOUT THIS THOUGH
THERE IS NO WAY TO CHAMBER A ROUND WITH A SINGLE ACTION 1911 THAT IS NOT HOT TILL YOU APPLY THE SAFETY
NOT A GOOD THING

Answer 9

If you are worried about over-penetration go with the 1911 style. The rounds come in various weights [grains] and they are man-stoppers.

Answer 10

No such thing as "over-penetration" my friend, just shoot hollow-points. Try a Desert Eagle .44mag, but if you must, go for a Beretta for reliability, you can even get them in 10 MM. I shot, and taught them for years in the Marines. Get a 1911 for stopping power, but just don't buy a junk Glock. Ive gotten rid of 3 of them for being plastic junk.