Ret/Ex Fed Agent - What to buy?

joeranger · November 3, 2009, 04:00 PM

Buddy of mine just retired and turned in his Sig. He spent the last 25 years doing mostly fraud work (as a cert CPA) but put away quite a few Russian mobsters and drug dealers. I asked him if he bought a HD gun but he just said "Oh, right, what should I get"
His service weapon was one of the "no safety" ones which I think would be a bad idea in the home.
Any Ideas? I like the new technology of the "chambered round indicator". Small hands. Easy on the wallet. As ex LE he can conceal carry, but he probably wouldn't.
I am a 1911 guy, so I am very biased.

LarryFlew · November 3, 2009, 04:08 PM

"no safety" ones

not sure what a no safety one is. If it's a half cock with DA/SA action that is a safety and IMO better than just a safety especially in the home. Considerably less chance of accidental discharge.

Do really like the indicator on my CZ PCR.

MK11 · November 3, 2009, 04:21 PM

Doesn't sound like much of a shooter but why doesn't he get the same thing he's used to (Sig)? The best choice for YOU doesn't make it the best choice for HIM.

obiwan1 · November 3, 2009, 04:23 PM

+1. He qualed with it while a Fed and it's what he's most proficient with. The "safety" at home issues can be worked around.

fastbolt · November 3, 2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Buddy of mine just retired and turned in his Sig.

Does that mean he spent his career not personally owning a weapon, but only carrying an issued one? Not all that unusual.

Also, was he one of those guys who left his issued weapon at the office when he went home as the end of his shift, or did he carry it to and from work and keep it at home when he was off duty?

Bottom line, if he's not concerned about whether or not he should own a weapon as a retired (fed?) investigator, why should you be?

Seriously.

Also, if he spent that long in an armed capacity and presumably had to periodically qualify with his issued weapon, but he may not be a 'firearms enthusiast' (if he didn't own any handguns of his own and only carried what was previously issued to him) why would you think it's a good idea for him to choose a different platform now that he's retired?

Quote:

As ex LE he can conceal carry, but he probably wouldn't.

If he spent an entire career being armed, and yet didn't think it important enough to him to consider buying a weapon for possible defensive use upon retirement ... until you mentioned it ... maybe he isn't all that enthused about getting a concealable firearm to have at hand in the first place.

I've heard it said during a training seminar that some statistics indicate that maybe only up to 20% of LE actually carry weapons off-duty. Maybe your friend wasn't one of that minority during his career and doesn't choose to be be one now that he's retired.

I can understand your concern, but it is his choice if he doesn't feel like owning (let alone lawfully carrying) a weapon.

Maybe he's just more comfortable that way.

BikerRN · November 3, 2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Quote:
Buddy of mine just retired and turned in his Sig.

Does that mean he spent his career not personally owning a weapon, but only carrying an issued one? Not all that unusual.

Also, was he one of those guys who left his issued weapon at the office when he went home as the end of his shift, or did he carry it to and from work and keep it at home when he was off duty?

Bottom line, if he's not concerned about whether or not he should own a weapon as a retired (fed?) investigator, why should you be?

Seriously.

Also, if he spent that long in an armed capacity and presumably had to periodically qualify with his issued weapon, but he may not be a 'firearms enthusiast' (if he didn't own any handguns of his own and only carried what was previously issued to him) why would you think it's a good idea for him to choose a different platform now that he's retired?

Quote:
As ex LE he can conceal carry, but he probably wouldn't.

If he spent an entire career being armed, and yet didn't think it important enough to him to consider buying a weapon for possible defensive use upon retirement ... until you mentioned it ... maybe he isn't all that enthused about getting a concealable firearm to have at hand in the first place.

I've heard it said during a training seminar that some statistics indicate that maybe only up to 20% of LE actually carry weapons off-duty. Maybe your friend wasn't one of that minority during his career and doesn't choose to be be one now that he's retired.

I can understand your concern, but it is his choice if he doesn't feel like owning (let alone lawfully carrying) a weapon.

Maybe he's just more comfortable that way.

Very sell said.

Biker

dirksterg30 · November 3, 2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

His service weapon was one of the "no safety" ones which I think would be a bad idea in the home.
Any Ideas? I like the new technology of the "chambered round indicator". Small hands. Easy on the wallet.

Most SIGs are "no safety", except for the single-action models (P220 SAO, P238, SIG 1911s). Whether a manual safety is necessary for a gun in the home is a matter of opinion; I don't see a need for it. If have children, get a quick-access safe for when the gun is not on your person.

The loaded chamber indicator is not something I would trust; at a recent handgun class, the instructor mentioned that his XD loaded chamber indicator was stuck in the up position due to dirt & fouling, even when the chamber was empty. I personally prefer to manually check the chamber.

As for a good gun for your buddy, I think the Glock 19 and Smith & Wesson M&P line are great pistols. My preference is the M&P9/9c. They make a great concealed carry/home defense combo.

If your buddy used a SIG, he may want to buy a SIG; the used SIG CPO pistols are a good deal, as are the P228s that are coming in to the country from Switzerland (if there are any left, that is). If he prefers a single-stack, he should look into the SIG P225/P6.

45reloader · November 3, 2009, 04:49 PM

I would say the same gun and a holster that locks in the gun.Alot of non-manual safety guns are great guns that just need a good holster.
Kydex holsters are good.They mold to the gun and have tension screws to grip the gun as tight as you like(I love these)
Leather holster with a strap that snaps over the gun holding it into the holster.(Good but can hold moister and ruin gun finish)

I would get a
Sig 229 (9mm or 40 cal)
Comp-tac kydex holster
3 mags
3 watt L.E.D flashlight

JAG06 · November 3, 2009, 04:56 PM

He should get what he's used to, and a cheap electronic "touch" combo pistol safe. Bud's Gun Shop has good deals from time to time on factory rebuilt Sigs. I got a 226 from them last year that I love.

45Gunner · November 3, 2009, 05:13 PM

Federal Agents usually get a "deal" offered from the factory if they want a personal gun exactly like their duty gun. During my tenor as a FE, I purchased two such guns which amounted to a 50% savings from retail. This offer is made only to active agents and can be initiated for one purchase only from that particular manufacturer.. Looks like the opportunity was missed to have what he was trained with for a good price.

joeranger · November 3, 2009, 05:23 PM

Good comments by everyone. I just wanted to give a friend some advice. He lives in a different state otherwise I would just go with him and let him pick out something he likes.
I was just wondering if there was;
- a standard that ex LE prefer.
- new technology (like the chambered round indicator)
- better safety

All of my guns are either special purpose or have some special interest so I am not the best resource.

As for the safety, one of his guys shot his toe off when the sig went off in the carry bag. Huge ugly investigation that never really came up with conclusive results. This might be a moot discussion but I figured I would post a thread anyway.

45reloader · November 3, 2009, 05:31 PM

LE I would guess use Glocks mostly.
The best safety is using a gun you know already,just my opinion.
Loaded chamber indicator is not really needed.I would guess most people have a round in the chamber all the time.He should only have a round out of the chamber to clean the gun.Otherwise if this is his only sidearm it should be loaded all the time.

Tom2 · November 3, 2009, 06:11 PM

How about getting him a good medium frame stainless revolver? Less hassle to handle and maintain. A .38 ought to do him OK. He wants for HD not carry on official duties so it might fill the bill for his needs.

Glenn Dee · November 3, 2009, 10:20 PM

Do Federal Agents have the option to retain their duty firearms after a service completion retirement?. Hmmm interesting. I'll have to ask around when I do my HR218 requal.

Sport45 · November 3, 2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Buddy of mine just retired and turned in his Sig. He spent the last 25 years doing mostly fraud work (as a cert CPA) but put away quite a few Russian mobsters and drug dealers. I asked him if he bought a HD gun but he just said "Oh, right, what should I get"

He should know better than any of us what he might need or want.

armsmaster270 · November 3, 2009, 11:07 PM

When I retired the Dept was just changing from S&W Model 15's to Sig 9mm's and I was able to buy my duty weapon for $125.00.

bamaranger · November 4, 2009, 02:32 AM

I keep reading about SIG and "no safety,and better safety, etc."

SIG's are as "safe" as the next handgun. Possibly the reference is to a "double action only" pistol, which has no decock lever as in a DA/SA SIG. Which is arguably safer than a standard DA/SA auto pistol.

If this is not the case, than I am guessing that your logic is that a firearm w/ a manual safety, is inherently more safe than one not so equipped. That means the the traditional DA/SA revolver is not as safe as your 1911, which is very disputable.

What are you referring to, what is this safety issue you're hinting at???

dgludwig · November 4, 2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

I asked him if he bought a HD gun but he just said "Oh, right, what should I get"

I guess I don't get the angst. If your career le friend doesn't know what he wants or needs by now, well, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Let him do his own research-I doubt he needs much help in deciding which gun is best for him.

RETG · November 4, 2009, 07:58 PM

Guess I'm confused. He retired after a career as a Federal agent and he asks, "Oh, right, what should I get."

Sounds to me like he was in the high percentile who considered their handgun as a job requirement; similar to someone in IT considers a computer part of their job.
I know when I left the Government, I didn't have to ask, I knew what I wanted and got it. (Of course, this can change montly as I try out new handguns

)
Maybe, just maybe, he does not want to carry a gun.

kraigwy · November 4, 2009, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Do Federal Agents have the option to retain their duty firearms after a service completion

Don't know about Fed Cops, but my dept. (Anchorage Police Dept.) Let me keep my service revolver when I retired (Model 28 Smith).

Guess they figured being retired I didnt need a watch.

Chesster · November 4, 2009, 10:45 PM

A lot of good used Sigs on the market these days, P6, 226, 228, 229.....

A retired Fed should be able to find something already familiar for less than 500.

snowdog650 · November 5, 2009, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Do Federal Agents have the option to retain their duty firearms after a service completion retirement?

In a word, no.

November 3, 2009, 04:00 PM	#1
joeranger Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 284	Ret/Ex Fed Agent - What to buy? Buddy of mine just retired and turned in his Sig. He spent the last 25 years doing mostly fraud work (as a cert CPA) but put away quite a few Russian mobsters and drug dealers. I asked him if he bought a HD gun but he just said "Oh, right, what should I get" His service weapon was one of the "no safety" ones which I think would be a bad idea in the home. Any Ideas? I like the new technology of the "chambered round indicator". Small hands. Easy on the wallet. As ex LE he can conceal carry, but he probably wouldn't. I am a 1911 guy, so I am very biased.

November 3, 2009, 04:49 PM	#8
45reloader Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2006 Location: PA Posts: 631	I would say the same gun and a holster that locks in the gun.Alot of non-manual safety guns are great guns that just need a good holster. Kydex holsters are good.They mold to the gun and have tension screws to grip the gun as tight as you like(I love these) Leather holster with a strap that snaps over the gun holding it into the holster.(Good but can hold moister and ruin gun finish) I would get a Sig 229 (9mm or 40 cal) Comp-tac kydex holster 3 mags 3 watt L.E.D flashlight __________________ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government" T Jeff.

November 3, 2009, 05:13 PM	#10
45Gunner Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2009 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 377	Federal Agents usually get a "deal" offered from the factory if they want a personal gun exactly like their duty gun. During my tenor as a FE, I purchased two such guns which amounted to a 50% savings from retail. This offer is made only to active agents and can be initiated for one purchase only from that particular manufacturer.. Looks like the opportunity was missed to have what he was trained with for a good price. __________________ May the Schwartz Be With You. NRA Instructor 45Gunner

November 3, 2009, 05:31 PM	#12
45reloader Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2006 Location: PA Posts: 631	LE I would guess use Glocks mostly. The best safety is using a gun you know already,just my opinion. Loaded chamber indicator is not really needed.I would guess most people have a round in the chamber all the time.He should only have a round out of the chamber to clean the gun.Otherwise if this is his only sidearm it should be loaded all the time. __________________ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government" T Jeff.

November 3, 2009, 06:11 PM	#13
Tom2 Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 5,394	How about getting him a good medium frame stainless revolver? Less hassle to handle and maintain. A .38 ought to do him OK. He wants for HD not carry on official duties so it might fill the bill for his needs. __________________ Your gun is like your nose, it is just wrong for someone else to pick it for you!

November 3, 2009, 04:08 PM	#2
LarryFlew Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 128	"no safety" ones not sure what a no safety one is. If it's a half cock with DA/SA action that is a safety and IMO better than just a safety especially in the home. Considerably less chance of accidental discharge. Do really like the indicator on my CZ PCR.

November 3, 2009, 04:21 PM	#3
MK11 Senior Member Join Date: April 26, 2001 Posts: 397	Doesn't sound like much of a shooter but why doesn't he get the same thing he's used to (Sig)? The best choice for YOU doesn't make it the best choice for HIM.

November 3, 2009, 04:23 PM	#4
obiwan1 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2002 Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 343	+1. He qualed with it while a Fed and it's what he's most proficient with. The "safety" at home issues can be worked around.

November 3, 2009, 04:56 PM	#9
JAG06 Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 27	He should get what he's used to, and a cheap electronic "touch" combo pistol safe. Bud's Gun Shop has good deals from time to time on factory rebuilt Sigs. I got a 226 from them last year that I love.

November 3, 2009, 05:23 PM	#11
joeranger Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 284	Good comments by everyone. I just wanted to give a friend some advice. He lives in a different state otherwise I would just go with him and let him pick out something he likes. I was just wondering if there was; - a standard that ex LE prefer. - new technology (like the chambered round indicator) - better safety All of my guns are either special purpose or have some special interest so I am not the best resource. As for the safety, one of his guys shot his toe off when the sig went off in the carry bag. Huge ugly investigation that never really came up with conclusive results. This might be a moot discussion but I figured I would post a thread anyway.

November 3, 2009, 10:20 PM	#14
Glenn Dee Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 121	Do Federal Agents have the option to retain their duty firearms after a service completion retirement?. Hmmm interesting. I'll have to ask around when I do my HR218 requal.

November 3, 2009, 11:07 PM	#16
armsmaster270 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,303	When I retired the Dept was just changing from S&W Model 15's to Sig 9mm's and I was able to buy my duty weapon for $125.00. __________________ http://www.armsmaster.net-a.googlepages.com http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff207/armsmaster270/ Retired LE, M.P., Sr. M.P. Investigator F.B.I. Trained Rangemaster/Firearms Instructor & Armorer, Presently Forensic Document Examiner for D.H.S.

November 4, 2009, 02:32 AM	#17
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 187	SIG safety I keep reading about SIG and "no safety,and better safety, etc." SIG's are as "safe" as the next handgun. Possibly the reference is to a "double action only" pistol, which has no decock lever as in a DA/SA SIG. Which is arguably safer than a standard DA/SA auto pistol. If this is not the case, than I am guessing that your logic is that a firearm w/ a manual safety, is inherently more safe than one not so equipped. That means the the traditional DA/SA revolver is not as safe as your 1911, which is very disputable. What are you referring to, what is this safety issue you're hinting at???

November 4, 2009, 07:58 PM	#19
RETG Member Join Date: September 22, 2009 Location: Moab, Utah Posts: 39	Guess I'm confused. He retired after a career as a Federal agent and he asks, "Oh, right, what should I get." Sounds to me like he was in the high percentile who considered their handgun as a job requirement; similar to someone in IT considers a computer part of their job. I know when I left the Government, I didn't have to ask, I knew what I wanted and got it. (Of course, this can change montly as I try out new handguns) Maybe, just maybe, he does not want to carry a gun.

November 4, 2009, 10:45 PM	#21
Chesster Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2007 Location: Dixie Posts: 1,104	A lot of good used Sigs on the market these days, P6, 226, 228, 229..... A retired Fed should be able to find something already familiar for less than 500. __________________ Chesster Proud NDN "The American Idle"