Can't Decide on a Duty Pistol

I am getting my armed guard certified, and the company I work for does not supply a firearm(I'm happy I get to pick). So I have been looking for something, but I cannot make my mind up. I have owned many guns, and I am looking for something in either .40 or .45 and it has to be Semi-auto( no glocks, they don't feel good to me).

Pistols I own, or have owned:
S&W M&P .40 Compact
Springfield XD .40 Compact
Magnum Research Baby Eagle .40 Tactical (My favorite)
WWII Colt 1911(only one I still own, but it is in rough shape)

I do like trying new weapons out, so I would rather not get another one I've already owned. The bad news is right now I only have about $750 to spend. Any suggestions?

 

x2 I love my XDm 9 Compact!

 

I've owned a XD, and I loved it, but I am looking for something different.

 

Kimber FTW

 

Have you considered sigs? I used to carry a p226 on duty.

 

http://www.hk-usa.com/civilian_products/usp_general.asp

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p226-dak.aspx

 

The XD is a good gun, but I would recommend the following, in this order:
1) Sig P250 in 357 Sig, 40, or 45. It is double action only, so it is much more difficult to have an AD, and has about a 7.5 lbs trigger pull. You can get them for around $350 online and have it shipped to your FFL.
2) Sig P226 in 357 Sig or 40. This was the gun that "won" the shootoff with Beretta in 86 to make the M9. Only problem with it is that these were more expensive than the Beretta, and the US government was trying to keep costs down, so they bought the Italian job. I have had several of these, and if you get the alloy frame model, it is not too heavy to carry for long periods. The steel frame is nice, but heavy. Especially with 13 rounds in the gun. They cost more than the P250, but it is a tried and true design.
Understand that neither of these have an external safety, (like the XD) but all have an internal firing pin block, so they will not fire if dropped.
As a third choice, I would get an Smith and Wesson M&P. Good guns, and accurate.
Darth

Check out the following website for the best gun deals:
www.slickguns.com

 

Smith & Wesson M&P.

 

I preferred the Springfield XDm over the M&P. XDm was more comfortable and had a way smoother trigger pull. Just my opinion though.

you have now.

 

Springfield you cant go wrong with also if you want a 1911 kimber is the shit!!

 

I'm an HK man. I've had many other brands but always kept those as my favorite.
I'll never get rid of my P30.

 

Get a 10 mm ftw

 

s&m sigma .40 FTW

 

I like H&K USP or the Kimber, but your best bet is to shoot a few diffrent gun and decide which one you like best. I also like Glock's but from your post that's a no-go.

 

If you like 1911s the Kimbers are nice but $$$!!!
I prefer the Para-Ordnance models w/ LDA trigger.

 

My opinion:

(You've taken a Glock out of the picture and I respect that. I would have suggest a Glock because they are very reliable (Gen 3s that is) and I've heard that about 70% of PD guns are Glocks. Tupperware guns are ugly though.)

I think whatever you choose you need to become an expert using. This means practice, practice, practice. Practice uses ammo and ammo can get expensive. As a security guard you need a duty gun that will "stop" the intrusion and stop the threat. I didn't say kill the perpetrator but if that happens and you are justified then so be it. Smaller calibers are typically cheaper.

While I'll be the first to agree that a 9mm is a little weak, it will stop the intruder. A .40 has more power and a .45 ACP has even more. Increasing caliber size reduces the number of rounds in a magazine and typically makes a follow shot more difficult. Control is probably the most important factor and as a duty officer you could be required to fire more than one round. A lighter kicking round like a 9mm will allow more accurate follow shots. I can't say the same about a .45 ACP but if your first shot is on target then the perp will be stopped.

Since this is just my opinion and with some experience to back it up, I feel that a duty officer should carry a full size model of the caliber you choose. No need to conceal the weapon so size does matter. The increased barrel length allows for more power and accuracy. The longer grip allows for a larger magazine and more ammo.

Good luck with your decision.

 

I agree with not liking the feel of Glocks. I have a Sig 2022 9mm and I love it. I have pretty big hands and it feels great. I used to have a XD and I liked it too. This is one of those questions that cant be answered. You know what you like. You just need to go to a range that rents guns. I also like the FN FNX. Its pretty nice.

 

A good resource available is youtube. Type in GunWebsites. Those guys give a complete review on almost every hand gun, holster, rifle, ammo and anything you can think of.