Posted: 3/27/2004 6:30:56 PM EDT
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Sorry if this has been posted before.... I am a rookie just starting the academy, that is a rookie to LE, not guns and shooting in general. My department only issues us Sig 226s (9mm), and my recent trip to the local gun shop was a disapointment. I learned that the 226 does not have a little brother like, the G17 and G26, that has inter-changeable magazines. I have never owned a SIG, mostly Glocks and 1911 variants. The only options are the SIG 239 - different magazine (single stack) or the SIG 228 (same magazine). I was really hoping for something in the size range of the G26. Is the 228 to the 226 more like a G19 is to the G17? So, given this delima, what do you guys that carry SIGS use? I am 5'9" 160#, so I do not have alot of areas to hide a large framed weapon off duty. I really think that the magazine inter-changebility (is that a word?)is a big advantage, as well as using the same design of gun that I carry on job. After thinking through this quite a bit, I am leaning towards the 228 for Backup/Off Duty. Am I thinking about this too hard? Please give me some real world practical experience on this one guys...is it really a big issue (same mags and design)? I would really appreciate any advice/input on this. Thanks Again, Chris |
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If you're primarily wanting an off-duty pistol then a P228 is fine...actually a good balance of concealibility and still be a good "fighting handgun". To answer your question, yes the P228 is a mid-sized pistol. For off-duty I'd go with the P239 for size and slim characteristics which make it easy to conceal...Plus you will already be familiar(muscle memory) with it's handling and immediate action drills. For a dedicated back-up pistol that's a different category all together...Check with your dept's policy and go with the smallest pistol that macks the most punch...If Kahrs are authorized the PM9 is very small, slim, and available in 9mm and 40S&W. Hope this helps some....Stay safe |
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I carry a sig p-229 .40 cal as my duty weapon and a G-27 as a BUG on a vest holster. I'm not overly concerned about magazine interchangability, the BUG is there only if the SHTF and my primary weapon is out of battery and I need to transition. I practice with both weapons frequently and shoot well with both so familiarity is not a problem. The G-27 is also a fantastic off duty weapon. Good luck and stay safe. |
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I also carry a Sig P226 (a DAO version tho)on duty. I'm a bit smaller than you, about 5'6" 145... anyway, my off duty is a Kahr K9... I love it, and its one of the few guns my dept authorizes as an off duty. The sig 239 is a great choice too... basically you have to decide if you want a gun in a DA/SA or DAO configuration. My dept only autorizes DAO [:(], in fact my Sig P226 is made specifially for my department in that configuration. |
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oh yeah, I dont know if this will be your first time carrying concealed now that you're a cop, if it is, get a good holster and belt... anything by Alessi, Milt Sparks, Mitch rosen etc is good. I use a Milt Sparks belt and his excellent Versa Max 2 holster... with teh Kahr in that, I can conceal very well with as little as a big white or black T shirt (gangsta style lol). |
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Quoted: Quoted: My dept only autorizes DAO [:(], in fact my Sig P226 is made specifially for my department in that configuration. Just wondering why your department only allows DAO? If you have any idea why they do this please share! IMO theres no LEGITIMATE reason... but their reasoning is less accidental discharges. if there was more firearms training in the academy and less BS, it would be better. One big issue is in my department, the majority of new recruits have NO previous firearms experience. |
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when I was looking for a back up/off duty I was politely pointed in the direction of splitting those apart and getting a back up AND and off duty... as for the on duty backup, you're going to want something that shoots when you pull it as this gun will only be used in extreme SHTF situations but for off duty, you probably want something with more safety features, something you can throw in your gym bag and not shoot yourself in the foot getting it out. |
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Quoted: I also carry a Sig P226 (a DAO version tho)on duty. I'm a bit smaller than you, about 5'6" 145... anyway, my off duty is a Kahr K9... I love it, and its one of the few guns my dept authorizes as an off duty. Same here. My duty weapon (in uniform) is an H&K USP40. In plainclothes, which is virtually all the time now, usually a Glock 27. Backup for both is a Kahr PM9 with the black slide, in a DeSantis ankle holster. Off duty, depending on where I'm going & what the weather is, usually the Kahr in a Milt Sparks Summer Special. In the hot months, when wearing a jacket or vest is a dead giveaway that you're carrying, I just stick with the ankle holster off duty too. Then I back up the Kahr with a Kel-Tec .380 in a pocket holster, since the ankle holster is a lot slower & more awkward to reach.... You ought to try a Kahr if your department will approve it. They are not cheap, but they carry a lifetime warranty, and they are a quality weapon. Mine is very reliable, and the polymer frame makes it much easier to carry than my old steel frame MK9. |
| I carried my G27 in a vest rig when on the road as a back up. Currently working as a detective (TDY) for a while and carry it in an Alessi ankle rig. I'm not a very big guy either (6'170#)and I have a hard time doing a very good job concealing my back up. The Alessi is expensive, but I shoot quite abit while wearing it and feel very comfortable with it. Also, I installed Pierce 1+ shot extensions so I can get my hole hand on it and I like them very well. |
| At one time or another I've had one or all of the above as a duty/off duty pistol. My now and for all I can see off duty pistol is the Keltec P-11 9mm. It is as close to perfect for its purpose as I can find. Now, if they would only make the trigger a little lighter???? But for off duty/backup gun its damn near perfect. |
| I've recently switched off duty/ back ups...but that's because I'm so impressed by the SA XD's...I have the XD 357 SIG and the XD Sub Compact I was floored bu the performance of both and am anxiously awaiting the Sub Compact in .40 to hit the streets...my duty weapon is a HK USP .40..... |
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On duty I carry an, older model, issued DA 9mm Sig P226. I carry a, personally owned, Glock 26 as a backup/off duty gun. I didn't like Glocks when they first came out because of the plastic gun thing. I shot three rounds out of my partner's G17 and loved it. Bought a G26 before I sold my old, faithfully S&W 640. I love the G26 because it uses the same round, already has twice the number of rounds and can use higher capacity mags. It's about the same size and weight as the S&W 640. Shoots great too. What's not to like. I'll keep the G26 until it falls apart or I fall apart. Note to self: "I gotta get out and burn more ammo through the G26". P.S. Good luck in your new career. Watch your and your partner's back. Colt_SBR |
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My on-duty gun is a Sig P220ST carried in a strong side belt holster. My off duty gun is a Sig P220ST carried in a strong side belt holster. On duty my magazines are in an open top carrier on my support side. Off duty my magazines are in an open top carrier on my support side. Are we sensing a theme here??? I'm 5'10" 190 lbs and have never had problems carrying the full size Sig - even when I weighed 165. You have to change your clothing and spend the money to buy a decent holster and belt but it can be done. I use a BladeTech OWB holster and BladeTech double magazine pouch with a Wilderness Instructor belt. I generally wear some type of vest or a t-shirt with a button down shirt worn open over it. I live in Mississippi and prior to moving here, lived in Las Vegas, NV - don't whine about "its hot." |
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