auto and a 9mm,the 9 mm is a toy compared to the 45
2007-11-08 15:48:39 · 9 answers · asked by john doe 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Every Dept. is different. Larger Departments are more specific in issuing one type "Uniform" duty weapon. Then there are some Departments that give you the option of being issued a standard weapon or purchasing your own within the guidelines of caliber(s), make and type. And small Departments have you buy your own that fits within their guidelines.
The .45ACP has been making a comeback as a duty weapon caliber. As well as the Mdl. 1911 single action auto.
Hang on to what you have, it may be an accepted option.
2007-11-09 01:45:18 · answer #1 · answered by mebe1042 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most departments will issue you a department weapon, or require you purchase a specific gun, or caliber. Many also have a list of authorized alternatives.
For instance, my uncle was issued a 9mm, but his department allows him to carry a .40 S&W as his sidearm, as it has been authorized.
A .45 is perfectly usable, if you are able to aim and fire it properly. If you only need one shot to take down the suspect, then ammo capacity isn't an issue.
And to the asker, I'd suggest that a .40 might be a better choice as a duty weapon, or concealed carry. It's gonna be smaller and lighter, most likely, as well as have a few more rounds (uncles gun has I believe a 14rd mag), and still has much of the power of a .45, as well as being easier to control. (several reasons why the FBI issues agents .40 sidearms.)
2007-11-09 00:44:05 · answer #2 · answered by mreed122 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is going to vary across the U.S.. Where I worked, the newer Officers had to use the 9mm. Because of the number of years I had on the job, I had the choice of using in combination, primary, and secondary, .38, .357, 9mm, .44, .45.
2007-11-09 00:07:27 · answer #3 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Years ago, many smaller departments required you to purchase your own gun for financial reasons.
Because of liability and training issues, almost every department issues the same gun to everyone.
This makes is easier for the armorer required to maintain the weapons, and the range officer can be more consistent with teaching methods when everyone has the same weapon.
2007-11-09 02:48:25 · answer #4 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
OVER 42 IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, I HAVE USED THE FOLLOWING:
1965-68--.38
1969-73--.357 / .38
1974-82--.40 /.357 /.38
1983-86--.40 CAL
1987-2007 .38 /.40 CAL
THE WEAPON CALIBERS WERE CHOSEN SO THAT THERE WAS UNIFORMITY IN CASE OF A FIRE FIGHT, YOU COULD EXCHANGE AMMO. THE .357 / .38 (REVOLVER AND AUTOMATIC) WERE INTERCHANGE AND WERE THE DEPARTMENTS WEAPON AND AMMO OF CHOICE. (SMITH AND WESSON WAS THE DEPARTMENT ISSUE ) IF YOU WANTED TO BUY YOUR OWN PISTOL OR AUTOMATIC THAT WAS YOUR DECISION SO LONG AS IT WAS A .357 / .38 AND THEN LATER THE .40 CAL.
.45 CAL WAS CONSIDERED BUT WAS FOUND TO BE MORE A MILITARY WEAPON AND NEVER WAS ISSUE.
2007-11-09 01:40:49 · answer #5 · answered by ahsoasho2u2 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
typically there is a standard service weapon, and maybe they have a list of authorized alternative side arms. .45 is no longer typically considered a viable police use firearm.
2007-11-09 00:01:42 · answer #6 · answered by Ravin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are more likely to be allowed to pick your own firearm on a smaller department than a larger one. Reliability and your ability to fire it accurately under stress are more important than caliber.
2007-11-09 09:47:28 · answer #7 · answered by E V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every department has their own policies regarding the type of guns their mofficers may carry.
2007-11-09 07:34:42 · answer #8 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the department................
2007-11-08 23:55:52 · answer #9 · answered by tallerfella 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋