Self Sponsored Academy Gear Question

[gotthelife4u]

I am going to start BAM level III academy in September. I need to buy my own gear and I wanted some suggestions.

I need to supply myself with a side arm. I am thinking of either a Glock 22 or Smith and Wesson M&P .40. I just don't know which one to pick.

I need to get all my own leather as well. Does anyone have any experience with Bianchi Accumold elite gear.

[center_x]

Im sure some will disagree, but I suggest going with the glock. Its simple and reliable.

[1911su16b870]

Glock 17 in 9 will be less expensive to shoot than the 22 IMO.

Bianchi Accumold is great stuff, cleans with a damp cloth, but that is the most it will shine. Some academies have their cadets use basket weave with the high gloss shine applied. Ask the Tac-staff or graduates what is expected.

[ckim34]

Go to a range and shoot both guns. See which one is best for you.

The academy should provide you with a list of required gear.

[PositiveInfluence]

Look at what your local departments carry and go from there. If they primarily carry Glock then you are golden with the 22. Bianchi makes an awesome product, but I would think basket weave is what you will need. Make sure to ask them what they prefer their cadets to have.

[gotthelife4u]

The academy I am going to requires basket weave pattern. Almost all holders need to have hidden snaps. I am going to try and get on with San Jose or Santa Clara as a reserve. The guy at the gun store told me to get a glock because both departments are authorized to carry those. I have seen a few SJPD guys carrying the M&P. I was surprised the gun shop had a 22 in the RTF texture, but I heard those tear up clothing.

One other question, is it worth shopping for gear over the net or should I go to a uniform store?

[Falconis]

If you know exactly what you want, the net. If you are unsure or just don't know, the store.

If you have to provide your own ammo, try the internet unless they are specific about the type of ammo you shoot. I know ammoman.com has some of the better prices.

[9mmepiphany]

I used to wear Accumold, combined with a Safariland SLS holster (I'd go ALS nowadays) for duty, but many departments still require basketweave leather for dress functions.

I'd check with the academy to see if they have a requirement. If not, got with the nylon, your back will thank you and your classmates wearing leather will envy you

[code33]

If you are already enrolled, LC Action in SJ has the best deal on Glocks.

http://www.lcaction.com/ikorb.php?func=catalog&category_id=543&product_id=1946

Since you are starting in September, buy one during their Glock Days event in July and they are slightly cheaper.

For the M&P, Adamson Police Products in Hayward has the best deal on them. Don't know if they will extend the LE pricing to recruits, though.

Can't tell you which one to get as it's a personal fit. Both are good and won't let you down.

Duty holster, Safariland 6360, which as the ALS feature that I'm a big fan of.

I know LC Action has a display with holsters to try out with dummy guns.

[Milspec714]

http://www.uniformswarehouse.com/prostores/servlet/StoreFront

Great place and very good prices... got everything here for went i went thru academy back in day for half the cost everyone else paid elsewhere...

[Notorious]

Glock. Never go wrong with a Glock.

Bianchi Accumold Elite is used by a lot of the guys here that stick with the B/W look. I use Bianchi Accumold Ergo-Tek. Solid stuff. Lasts a long time too.

[SJgunguy24]

San Jose issues the Sig 226 in 9mm, approved manufactures are Colt, Beretta, S&W, Sig, and Glock. L.C. will give you the best deal with your paid POST receipt for the acadamy. LC and Summit are great shops, I've been to 10-8 once and the LEO's in there gave me the stank eye.
I'm not a LEO but I usually have to buy my shoes/boots from police supply stores because no place else has my size. I also get some of my gun stuff at those places and a few times I've gotten into conversations with LEO's about firearms and the law.
I know LC and Summit both will measure you up and taylor your uniforms. This could help you if you buy online. Whatever happens, don't quit and good luck.

[gotthelife4u]

I will have to check out LC Action. I wonder if I can buy a Gen 4 this way. Thanks for the info.

[ckim34]

The academy I am going to requires basket weave pattern. Almost all holders need to have hidden snaps. I am going to try and get on with San Jose or Santa Clara as a reserve. The guy at the gun store told me to get a glock because both departments are authorized to carry those. I have seen a few SJPD guys carrying the M&P. I was surprised the gun shop had a 22 in the RTF texture, but I heard those tear up clothing.

One other question, is it worth shopping for gear over the net or should I go to a uniform store?

SJPD has their own academy but I'm not too sure if reserves are allowed to be from other academies.

[jgorman]

I had some SJPD instructors in my academy and they were always giving the self sponsored recruits the number to there reserve hiring office. If I remember right one instructor was saying that SJPD hasn't had an academy class in two years, and weren't planning on having one anytime soon. Good luck at the academy, I graduated almost three months ago and it was tough.