So today was my first day at police academy and I find out I need a gun. I’ve narrowed it down to two choices, a SIG P229, or Beretta 96G. I’ve been told that the SIG is probably the better one, but the Beretta just feels so good in my hands.
The question is fairly simple: Which gun would be the best for using while on-duty? I’m looking for reliability, accuracy, and durability. If the differences between the two are negligible, then I think I’m going with the Beretta. We get to test-fire these guns tomorrow so that will help my choice also. Just looking for any helpful suggestions from the acolytes here at the SDMB. Thanks.
I’m not a cop, but do you mind if I give my two cents anyway?
As far as reliability and durability goes, it probably doesn’t matter. All the “big names” (Glock, Beretta, SIG, etc.) are of very high quality. But if you want my opinion on which is the most accurate and durable out-of-the-box, I would have to say Glock. But some departments won’t let you carry a Glock due to its bizarre safety.
That is very important. No matter what anyone tells you (including me!), get a gun that feels good in your hands, regardless of make, model, and caliber. This is because you will want to practice with a gun that feels good, and lots of practice is what will ultimate make you a better shooter.
I like the SIG myself. It fits my hand well and is nice and durable. I’m assuming you need DAO? Is the Walther P99 or the H&K an option? The P99 is one of the most comfortable guns I’ve ever fired. Berreta is a very reliable gun, plus it’s well known to a lot of people as the US armed forces service weapon.
All in all, I’d lean towards the SIG or the HK if it’s not too boxy feeling to you. Recoil on all of these is all right especially with the Dept. mandated rounds you’ll be using.
[Crafter-man** hit it on the head. Get something you like and feels good. Best thing to do is find a couple that you like and shoot them. Give them a real feel and see what works for you. Ask around at the academy and arrange a shoot. Get a bunch of you together with different weapons and trade off. As you’ve no doubt seen, quality sidearms cost a nice chunk of change so get your research in. You are in a great place for it so take advantage. I’m not sure where you live, but some places have ranges that rent weapons which comes in handy at buying time. Ask your instructors about that. I have a Baby Eagle myself because I like muzzle heavy pistols. Some enjoy the Berettas. My dad was always partial to Sigs until he shot a Glock a few times. There is no perfect sidearm for law enforcement. If there was, All departments would issue the same model. Find what works for you, that you enjoy shooting, and good luck in the academy:)
Currently, I carry the Glock, but as already mentioned the lack of any reasonable safety is places it into question when “Weapon Retention” comes into play.
The Beretta, is just as accurate, just as reliable, and it has a positive safety.
The SIG is a great weapon, in fact, it is the weapon of choice for the Secret Service.
But what it all boils down to is how comfortable you are with the weapon. After all, it will be your life on the line…not mine.
But if you choose the Beretta, I would sugegst you consider the Taurus instead. It is identical in every way except for the safety. On the Beretta, the safety is on the slide, and can be difficult to “thumb” sometimes. Especially if you miss it coming out of the holster, you may need to loosen your grip just to reach the safety.
However, Taurus places the safety on the frame, which makes it a whole lat easier to “thumb”. And the newer versions also include a “decocking” mechanism built into the safety lever, just like the Beretta.
All of the above mentioned weapons feature easy field stripping, cleaning, and reassembly. All are accurate and reliable.
I personally shoot better with the Beretta/Taurus than with a Glock. But again, it depends solely on you.
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You have to buy your own gun when you join the police force? I always thought they issued you one. Has Law & Order been deluding me all these years? (“The suspect had in his possession an NYPD-issue handgun…”)
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Yes you do. In Evanston, you get an $1,100 uniform allowance which barely covers most of your clothing, leatther gear, etc. However, LE get pretty good discounts and the LE gunshop by my house has really nice deals on PD firearms that were loaned out for evaluation to police departments. I once got a HK USP in primo condition for $300 from there. Of course I had to sell it but still a good deal.
I will go back and also reiterate what others have said, buy what is comfortable for you. You are the one that has to carry it 8-10 hours a day. If you ever need to use it, you want it to be as effortless as possible. You will have PLENTY to think about without worrying about how it feels or where the safety is. The only way you will get to that state is to practice a LOT and that will only happen if you like the gun and are comfortable with it.
The Washington Post did a story on the MPD (D.C.'s police force) a few years ago which showed that they accidentally fired their weapons all the damn time. The standard issue service weapon was the Glock; the Post story, IIRC, got the MPD to change their weapon and accidental shootings went way down. So as a civilian, I’d ask that you carry something else.
Geez, I guess I’m just an old-fashioned girl, but I learned to shoot with a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver, and I still love it. Drawbacks- it’s very heavy, only six shots, hard pull.
But it’s huge in my hands, and for a personal weapon I need something smaller, like a Walther or another .380.
My brother was a Ranger and loved his Glock, even more than his regular old 9mm.
Well, I got a chance to go down to the range today and the Beretta fired smooth as glass. The SIG was alittle harsher, but it seemed alright. Guess I’m sticking with the Beretta because the balance is so good. Just put in the order this evening. Now I gotta stop closing my eyes when I fire.