Handgun recommendations for armed security?

[Imperius]

I recently completed my BSIS armed security certifications and am looking to pick up a suitable pistol for carrying on the job. I currently have a G26 and a 6 inch S&W 686 and neither quite fit the bill for what I'd like to carry at work. I'm open to any suggestions

So far I'm considering the CZ P01 and Beretta 92G. A Sig is a little out of my budget (unless I can find one used)

[SJZ_Katsu]

I really like my P01, though I don't have any guard experience. If you're okay with a decocker, I (and I guess the Czech military) haven't had any problems with that, but I was not a fan of the stock sights and changed them out. A G19 is always a safe bet too.

I'm in SJ as well, with a G19 and P01 with holsters if you ever want to try them. (Also the owner of a 586!)

One of the guards at the Midtown Safeway carries a Ruger or some other non colt or S&W revolver in 357 with what looks like a 6" barrel. Not sure about practical, but it looks badass.

[Imperius]

I really like my P01, though I don't have any guard experience. If you're okay with a decocker, I (and I guess the Czech military) haven't had any problems with that, but I was not a fan of the stock sights and changed them out. A G19 is always a safe bet too.

I'm in SJ as well, with a G19 and P01 with holsters if you ever want to try them. (Also the owner of a 586!)

One of the guards at the Midtown Safeway carries a Ruger or some other non colt or S&W revolver in 357 with what looks like a 6" barrel. Not sure about practical, but it looks badass.

I might take you up on that if you're willing to organize a meetup at Reed's or something. I know a lot of companies sometimes require their guards to carry a 38 special or 40 for insurance purposes (why, i have no idea) so I'll probably requalify with my revolver next time to add it to my permit.

I'm shying away from the G19 simply because I'm not a huge fan of my 26

[M1NM]

You'll be happier carrying a poly frame all day rather than a big heavy steel frame. Does the employeer have any rules?

[559BearDown]

Glock 17

[bmk20398]

"38 special or 40 for insurance purposes"...
HK USP40c or P2000?
Light weight and several trigger configuration

[Title1guy]

Used Gen 3 Glock 17 or 19. Done.

[Packy14]

I recently completed my BSIS armed security certifications and am looking to pick up a suitable pistol for carrying on the job. I currently have a G26 and a 6 inch S&W 686 and neither quite fit the bill for what I'd like to carry at work. I'm open to any suggestions

So far I'm considering the CZ P01 and Beretta 92G. A Sig is a little out of my budget (unless I can find one used)

Semi auto for sure, 9mm at least, and something you can shoot accurately to 25 yards. G19 or sig 320 are good options, I wouldn't do SA/DA unless you are proficient on DA, and nothing with a safety. Safeties get you killed.

[223556]

If you are able to carry pretty much any platform I would go Glock 17/22.

[Che762x39]

I recently completed my BSIS armed security certifications and am looking to pick up a suitable pistol for carrying on the job ...

I am a retired policeman working as an Armed Guard. Every company has a policy and it is because of insurance and what the client asks for. i.e. one company who provides Armed Patrol in high end communities says, "No 1911s, No Glocks". Another place you might work for is on a subcontract to a Federal, State, County or City owned building or grounds and they will say what caliber you will carry.

38 Special is the default for most places.

[I Swan]

Semi auto for sure, 9mm at least, and something you can shoot accurately to 25 yards. G19 or sig 320 are good options, I wouldn't do SA/DA unless you are proficient on DA, and nothing with a safety. Safeties get you killed.

Any statistics on safeties getting you killed? Some PD's that did or do approve guns with safeties mandate on safe carry or approve guns that would force you to do so like a 1911.

I haven't been seeing all kinds of reports of these cops dying in droves because they forgot to take the safety off.

[Skip_Dog]

When I was in the USCG we carried Berretta 92's with a round in the chamber and safety off. First shot DA.

[Squidward]

There are lots of options (obviously). Consider the environment in which you will be working; indoors vs outdoors. You may want stainless steel for it's weather worthiness. Driving or sitting at a post? a 6 inch anything will be a PITA.

And, as mentioned, there is the weight issue. How much other "stuff' will be on your belt? Add body armor and 25 lbs of "stuff" and standing a post is not pleasant.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Get a Glock 17/22 and then go to "Front Sight" and actually learn how to shoot it.

"Any gun will do, if you will do." However nothing will do if you can't shoot.

If you are going to carry a gun for a living you need to be good with it!

Anything else is pure stupidity.

Randy

[Calif Hunter]

My son has his exposed firearm permit with qualifications for 9mm, .38/.357, .40 and .45. His employer has no rules on what they can use so long as they are qualified, so he carries his Kimber 1911. He has competed in enough matches and 3-gun events that he is comfortable and competent with it. Sometimes he will carry a 4-inch Model 19. Shooting it double action only, he got a score of 100% last time he qualified. The same for all the other calibers, as well.

As stated above, if you are going to carry, you had better be good with it. Michael has stories about the idiots qualifying who didn't even know how to load or unload the gun.