Armed Security Duty Weapon

[SPGuy]

I am looking for my first duty weapon as a security guard. I was hoping I could get a list of things to keep in mind when considering a firearm intended for armed security. I want to keep this as a list of things to consider instead of which gun is best thread. I know they are all over the search engine but was hoping to start something so others like me will be able to find this list, like the sticky on first gun purchase. Also some security companies require one specific caliber while another only uses a different one so let's leave caliber out of it.

I will start with one, feel of the gun in your hand

[blakdawg]

I'm not in the industry, but my impression was that they employer typically provides the gun, or will have strict requirements about it, so it's probably not a good idea to buy a gun prior to finding employment.

Unless, of course, you just want to buy a gun.

[dilligaffrn]

GUN......http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5%22/54...er_Mark_45_gun

LOL

...the feel is a individual thing, some folks like 1911's others Glocks other Sigs others XDs etc... me, I like em ALL!!!

Reliability and fit are number one for me
Firepower, accuracy and weight (because you carry it around) are number two

I like the Glock 21 for all of the above reasons but I carried a 1911 as LE and always felt well armed.

I have Med/Lrg hands so a "big" Glock fits me well.

YMMV

[rcserg]

GUN......http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5%22/54...er_Mark_45_gun

LOL

...the feel is a individual thing, some folks like 1911's others Glocks other Sigs others XDs etc... me, I like em ALL!!!

Reliability and fit are number one for me
Firepower, accuracy and weight (because you carry it around) are number two

I like the Glock 21 for all of the above reasons but I carried a 1911 as LE and always felt well armed.

I have Med/Lrg hands so a "big" Glock fits me well.

YMMV

I thought security guards only had mace and handcuffs?

[InGrAM]

Like blakdawg said. I would wait for employment before buying a firearm for work.

I have a buddy that works for some security agency (decline to state) and he had the choice of a Ruger p series or S&W revolver. The company would not supply him a firearm. and they had strict rules about which firearm he could carry. He ended up with a p95, I think. (this was a few years ago or more)

Here is a list of guns I would pick if I had a choice.

1. S&W M&P 9,40,45 ect
2. Glock 19. or 23.
3. Sig 220, 226, 229. (a lot more expensive unless used)

That's my top pics.

[morrcarr67]

I'm not in the industry, but my impression was that they employer typically provides the gun, or will have strict requirements about it, so it's probably not a good idea to buy a gun prior to finding employment.

Unless, of course, you just want to buy a gun.

I was a guard 25 years ago and the company I worked for didn't buy my gun.

At that time the 1911 was being carried by a lot of local PD's so the owner "recommended" that we qualify with a .45ACP and a .357. I don't know how it is now but on my gun card then it just listed caliber and I could carry any gun I wanted in that caliber.

[Mr. Beretta]

S&W Model 10, 4"bull barrel with two speed loaders.

[BigKevLA]

Glock22! .40 cal is a great round and you can get a conversion barrel to shoot 9mm or .357 sig. You can't go wrong with the Glock22!

[SPGuy]

Yea some supply the firearm some only want a specific caliber (you supply your gun) and some don't care (again you supply your gun). I am indeed going to wait but was interested in things to consider if I did have to purchase something. We are required to certify in the caliber we intend to carry and not knowing where I will be working or the caliber I will be using I got qualified for 9mm and .40.

[SPGuy]

Thanks for the suggestions on the guns all but what I am more interested in is what criteria you have for a duty weapon as opposed to home defense or range fire.

[BigKevLA]

Reliable,ease of use, easy to maintain, accurate.

I own many different pistols,S&W, Kimber, Glock, and Sig and I carry my Glock for work.

Always ready to rock and roll if needed.

[Markus]

If they dont pay for your gun shouldnt it be a tax write off since its a work related expense? Or maybe Ive just watched shawshank redemption too many times...

[Iggy]

Use it if your life is in danger, let them shoot at you once then unleash the fury haha.

Let them shoot you once? You're joking right? What if that one shot is to the head?

[RedFord150]

If they dont pay for your gun shouldnt it be a tax write off since its a work related expense...

I believe it would be a tax write-off. Not sure if you could take the entire cost at once or if you need to depreciate it over a number of years. As always, consult an income tax professional.

You will be carrying the gun on your belt for many hours at a time. You may want to consider lightweight vs. heavy. This means the Polymer guns might be more desirable.
The pay is probably not spectacular. You may have to buy the gun, holster, belt, magazines, uniforms, shoes, etc. all at once. This adds up. You might want to consider lower priced options for this reason.
The gun will be exposed in all kinds of weather and will get a little abused because it is carried daily. Pick something that will not need to be 'babied'.
Finally, I would say to stick with semi-auto. You qualified 9mm and .40. I think you know this already. As much as I like to shoot revolvers, they are dinosaurs in that world. Would hate to see your co-workers and local LEO's making fun of you ;-).

[morrcarr67]

If they dont pay for your gun shouldnt it be a tax write off since its a work related expense? Or maybe Ive just watched shawshank redemption too many times...

Yes, it is tax deductible. So is all his ammo and range time.