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Original post by CPD169

My agency issues the Glock 23, but will authorize officers to carry their personally owned pistols of choice on duty, as long as it's a Glock .40. The "logic" used to justify this is the notion that IF an officer was engaged in a long and drawn out gunfight and ran out of ammo, their back-up would be able to give them another magazine. This "logic" is, of course, bravo sierra, and totally unrealistic. In the first place, we have DPMS 5.56mm patrol carbines in our trunks. If I know I'm going into a potential gunfight I'm grabbing my carbine and putting it up front with me along with my tac vest containing 6 extra magazines. Only a fool knowingly goes to a gunfight armed with a pistol unless that's the only weapon available. Second, if the other officer ran out of ammo, I'm not giving them mine to let them waste it too. My assigned patrol car has keyless entry and I keep a jump out bag in the passenger floorboard containing 6 loaded Glock 22 magazines. I'll cover the other officer while they grab the bag.

Having said that, the Glock, as others have said is reliable and durable and more than accurate enough for a combat pistol. They aren't for everyone, especially in the model 23 configuration for officers with larger hands. I am of the firm belief that officers should be authorized to carry what they're comfortable with and can shoot well with, because they'll be confidant with it.

I personally have no use for the 9mm cartridge for a defensive pistol, but I know several experienced officers who swear by them. I don't want one forced on me, nor would I want to force a .40 or .45 on them. I also wouldn't want to force a Glock, Sig, H&K, 1911 or anything else on all officers. We're all created equal but different, some have smaller hands and some have larger hands and many have medium size hands. We're individuals and have individual preferences. I'd say as long as an officer doesn't want to go with less than a 9mm nor larger than a .45 LC then let the officers choose for themselves. If the agency wants to issue a pistol, fine, but don't shove them down everyones' throats (or in their holsters).