Good sidearm 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!

Also, does anybody have any experince good or bad with the Ruger P-series pistols? I have a 10/22 and have fired the GP-100 revolvers and loved them both.

Answer 1

Being prior USAF Security Police (Forces), I carried the Beretta 92 for 12yrs and never had any issues. For an off duty weapon, I later carried a Beretta Cougar, which had no recoil but operated exactly the same as my 92, and so I wouldn't have to worry about muscle memory.
Now, though, I carry a Springfield XD40, which is essentially the same as the Glock (40) you mentioned, with the added grip safety of a 1911.
The problem here is buying a holster initially. Not a lot of holsters have been made for the XD line. I have a Safariland 6280 for leather duty gear, which is solid, but if you look for a less expensive holster, good luck. This one ran around $120. Or, if you have nylon gear, look for a Bianchi 7001, I think, which should fit.

Also, SE-FU, it is called a magazine, not a clip.

Answer 2

What are you most comfortable with?

I carry a beretta 92 almost every day. I am in no way concerned with the stopping power of the 9mm round.

However, I would consider the Glock 22 above all. Glocks are very simplistic, and the .40 S&W is a very balanced round combining the better parts of several other rounds.

Answer 3

I would highly recommend a Ruger GP 100, 4" barrel. This is indestructible, absolutely reliable, and powerful (.357 Mag) enough for stopping a perp. These are also reasonably priced. You could probably find a good used one for $350.00-400.00. For ammo, I would recommend any of the premium defense ammo, such as the Federal 130 gr. Hydra Shok, Remington 125 gr. Golden Saber, or Speer 135 gr. Gold Dot. Autos are fine, but require more maintenance to keep them ticking. But maybe I am biased, as I am a wheel-gunner. I would not carry a 9mm. Not enough power for putting down a perp. that is under the influence.

Answer 4

my favourite was the Chech CZ-75. 9mm and 15 rounds. IMO 9 mm is good enough power, and having a few extra rounds in the magazine can be real handy. "man-stopper" power is adequate- just get the rounds in the centre of the target.
If they wear vests then not many rounds will penetrate- the head or upper thigh is the best to aim for. Alternatively, the Mauser 7,63 round will penetrate most kevlar vests, but is too fast and too small to shock the target
Make sure you practice enough to hit the spot you choose to hit- not just the general silhouette.

Answer 5

First it’s called a revolver not a wheel gun. I use a 9mm with hollow tips and a high grain round. 3 or 4 of those will work fine regarding stopping power. You don’t want a heavy and large firearm. Unless you are a fast loader with a revolver a semi-auto is simple. Just insert a clip. If you keep your firearm clean and well maintained it’s just as reliable as a revolver.

Answer 6

no doubt, as you could examine, anybody has their own determination. My advice is to seem on the most important regulation enforcement agencies in the country and see what they're wearing and why. the reason I say that is that those agencies have performed all the research and testing for you. maximum of those agencies have worked heavily with the producer and performance managed to iron out any weaknesses or flaws. even as all is asserted and performed it’s going to be your call. i'd recommend going for your interior reach firing determination. Many firing tiers keep a marginally diverse inventory of firearms accessible to employ to purchasers. call ahead and see in the journey that they have got any that you've an interest in testing. even as i develop into on the job I first carried a Smith & Wesson 4” (38 high quality). Later we went to the Beretta 92f (9 mm). Off-responsibility I carried the HK P7M8 (9mm) weapon. The HK develop into fingers down the perfect handgun I ever carried. the branch went with the Beretta because of fee. The HK develop right into a touch on the intense end. understand that automobile-loaders will malfunction. it quite is why maximum individuals keep a revolver interior attain. even as they’re no longer as eye-catching and shortage the firepower of the autos, they're positively the most good.

Answer 7

The .357 Magnum firing 125 grain JHP has the highest percentage of one shot kills for a handgun round. I personally own a 1911 .45, but its a matter of preference.

Answer 8

Okay, I understand the need to work to get into school. But you must consider this: If you arm yourself you may have to make the decision to kill someone. Just brandishing a weapon may not get the desired results. Shooting to wound is foolish. You must be prepared to kill.

So if you're comfortable with that, I've owned a Beretta. I made the decision to kill, if necessary, before I was armed. Former USAF

Answer 9

Out of the choices you've listed I would go with the Glock. I am partial to the H&K .40.

Answer 10

Sig Sauer 357 is a good primary. "Stopping" power you looking for ans still compact. Rounds are not too pricey.