Conceal/0ff-duty weapon

[Grayson]

I am joining the ohio state highway patrol, going to academy anyway, at the beginning of the year. I am going to go ahead and buy a CCW gun now and i had a question about which gun i should get. Our issue weapon is a Sig p-226. My best friend is a KY state trooper and he uses a glock 27. I like his gun alot and of course glocks are some of the safest and best CC guns. But I have always been a Beretta man and i love the new Mini-Cougars. What are your alls opinion in what to carry. Both are very similar in price around $500. I really like the looks of the cougar but the glocks rep for CC is great. Im considering the 40 S&W or the .357 sig cal.

[kirch]

Given that your on-duty firearm will be the P226, I would recommend going with the P229 for the following reasons:

1. It's available in .40 S&W or .357 Sig (or 9mm, for that matter)

2. Operation will be similar to your P226. Never underestimate how a high stress situation can cause the most minor things to become major obstacles. I was taught that a back-up gun or concealed carry gun should function identically, or at least very similarly, to your main gun. That way all the practice you put in on the primary is just as effective on the CC/BUG. It's all about muscle memory.

[shooter1201]

Personally....I'd get something i could also use as a BUG. I'd go with a SIG P239 in one of 3 calibers: 9MM,.40S&W or .357SIG. MUCH easier to conceal than ANY Beretta. BTDT.

[Grayson]

Actually, the Sig P229 is much larger than the Beretta Mini-cougar. The sig's heigth is a full inch more and is also an ounze heavier, not that an ounze matters. The p-239 is also .6 inch higher than the mini-cougar. But for some reason, the Sig's magazine cap is 7 while the mini-cougar is 11 in 40 cal. So the p239 isnt easier to conceal but I do agree with having to similar pistols. Fine motor skills are the first thing to leave you in a fire fight.

[shooter1201]

Forget HEIGHT. It's the THICKNESS of the pistol that makes it more/less difficult to conceal. I can conceal a full-sized 1911 MUCH easier than a Beretta 92FS, even though they are almost identical in 'size'.....

The Beretta Mini-Cougar holds 11 due to it having a DOUBLE-stack magazine. The P239 uses a SINGLE-stack magazine.

[kirch]

Forget HEIGHT. It's the THICKNESS of the pistol that makes it more/less difficult to conceal I agree completely. That's why I never considered any Glock for my backup gun for that very reason -- to thick.

I went with a S&W 3913 as the backup to my Beretta 92FS. Almost identical operation, interchangeable ammo and the 3913 is nice and slim. If I don't point it out, nobody has ever noticed that I'm carrying it, yet it's in a very accessible position.

[snocodet]

Originally posted by kirch
I agree completely. That's why I never considered any Glock for my backup gun for that very reason -- to thick.

I went with a S&W 3913 as the backup to my Beretta 92FS. Almost identical operation, interchangeable ammo and the 3913 is nice and slim. If I don't point it out, nobody has ever noticed that I'm carrying it, yet it's in a very accessible position.

I carry a KelTec P32 32 caliber pistol. Small enough to stick in my pocket, weighs about 14 ounces, fully loaded. Packs a good punch. If you want a larger backup, try the Taurus PT145. It's about the size of a Glock 27, but packs 10+1 rounds of 45 caliber ammo.

[JRT6]

News flash:

OSP are not permitted to carry off duty!

Just wait till you get the "carrying off duty will get your family killed speech".

[6233108]

JRT is correct, it is horrible policy considering the times we live in. Unless it has changed recently JRT is speaking the truth. I prefer my Kahr MK40 all stainless steel (heavy) but super small and thin and being thin is the key to comfortable CC. Capacity is 6 which I am comfortable with for self defense, extra mag has 7 but it is a bitch to reload under stress (small mag well).

[Loco]

Stick with the Sig. Cougar is a horrible weapon, saw one fail two days ago 6 times in a 50 Rd. Qual course. Check out the P232 or older model P230 in .380. Not a great round but good to conceal. P239 in the same cal. as your potential duty gun would be the way to go.

[Delta_V]

Originally posted by JRT6
News flash:

OSP are not permitted to carry off duty!

Just wait till you get the "carrying off duty will get your family killed speech".

Grayson, if this is the case I'd move down to KY and join KSP. In addition to carrying off-duty, you'll actually be able to do more with your day than spend it all doing traffic enforcement.

I think they still issue the S&W 1076 (or other 10mm handgun) as their primary weapon, but troopers can carry whatever they want off-duty. They used to issue the Walther PPK as a backup gun, not sure if they still do or not.

[Grayson]

the KSP off duty weapon is a glock 27, .40 cal, my best friend is one. And the OSP cant carry off duty? I dont know about that, never heard of any cop who cant carry off duty!

[Delta_V]

Originally posted by Grayson
And the OSP cant carry off duty? I dont know about that, never heard of any cop who cant carry off duty!

Well, two Ohio cops have confirmed it, so what more do you want?

[hooahmedic]

My BUG is a Glock 27 on the vest. You'll never know I'm carrying
it until I point it out to you or you are VERY observant.
I wear my duty shirts one size too big. It's great.

As far as OSP goes, get the hell out of there! I'm sorry if anyone
here works for them, but if you are prevented in carrying off duty,
then that is suicide waiting to happen. NO EXCUSE IN THE WORLD, IN
PREVENTING OFFICERS FROM CARRYING OFF DUTY, WILL EVER SUFFICE! THAT
JUST STANKS OF A **** POOR OFFICER SAFETY MIND SET!!! :confused:

[Grayson]

well ill have to ask my recruiter, that would really be stupid not to be able to CC< but guess what, the CC bill is in the house, so it will get passed sooner or later, so ill be able to carry in time

[That Guy]

Forget HEIGHT. It's the THICKNESS.....


I've heard women have say that too........

I carry a Glock 30 off duty unless I am in a t-shirt in jeans where I may carry a S&W Airlite 38. I like Glocks but will have to agree that they are bulky. One day I'll plunk the money down for a Kimber...one day...:)

That Guy

[kirch]

Originally posted by Grayson
well ill have to ask my recruiter, that would really be stupid not to be able to CC< but guess what, the CC bill is in the house, so it will get passed sooner or later, so ill be able to carry in time Not necessarily. If you join the OSP and they have a regulation against off-duty carry, then it won't matter if you have CCW there or not. You'd be in violation of department policy and run the risk of being written up, or even fired.

What is it about state patrols? Ours is issued Rugers as duty weapsons. Nothing against Ruger per se, but I prefer to trust my life to a better-quality firearm.

Also, they aren't allowed to work any outside jobs in LE. Some kind of liability issue, I suppose.

I don't know how they attract candidates.

[JRT6]

OSP used to prohibit off duty carry by policy but then some off duty troopers got in a jam unarmed. The OSP now says that if a trooper carries off duty they are on their own if they get involved in something. And trust me if they get invloved in something off duty and they don't come out smelling like a rose... If they carry their duty gun off duty then their job gets terminated. A trooper who shows his badge when traffic stopped off duty can expect loose his job that way too. The OSP is one uptight organization for being nothing but a bunch of tail light chasers.

[flatbadge]

no off duty carry? God I hope the rest of the A.H. politicians dont sucumb to that. I would have to find another line of work.

[LPDtactical]

Yes it is true, the OSP can not carry off duty. I feel for the guys, and some of my best friends work for OSP. I know a couple who carry anyway, but they know they are taking the risk of getting caught. However you have to be alive to get fired or written up.

on another note, have fun at the academy! haha I took my basic there and hated every minute of it LOL. and we were there for half the time the cadets are there. that was while back though.. may be more fun now.:rolleyes:

[Invisiblecop]

I hope you realize what the ramifications of the statement "you're on your own" really means. It spells TROUBLE! The Department WILL NOT SUPPORT YOU! All legal fees will be incumbant on you! It also may mean if you win --- you may not have a job to return to!

I thought New York City was Bad!:eek: :cool: :rolleyes: :cool: :eek:

[MIKEBRAVO]

Grayson,

I like the Glock 27. Carries right in the pocket of my jeans....

[Reserve Cop]

Glock 23 with 180 grain hydroshocks in the winter. Taurus 85 with Winchester +p in the summer.

[625]

Grayson - just focus on getting through the Academy first and then worry about off duty carry. just my .02 cents.

chris