off duty carry

[Bob A]

I was wondering how many of you carry a gun (issue or BU) when not on duty. What model? Preferred method of carry? When would you not carry?

My duty weapon is a Glock 19, but I am going to buy a 26 before I requal to carry off duty. I am Aux. so I am out of my uniform more than in it, and some of that time is inside our jail (obviously no gun there). Our office will not allow any weapon other than Glocks. I prefer a custom made leather, form fitted holster, with no thumb break. Very comfortable considering the size of the weapon.

Also, how often do most depts conduct requals? We're supposed to go anually, but being non-paid staff, sometimes we're the red-headed stepkids, and it's a lot longer. I practice as much as time and funds permit, usually about once every month or two. I will be getting a Ruger .22 (MK IV) to practice with economically. How will this affect using the Glock?

I didn't mean to start a book, but I have lots of ??? and can defer to experience here, since I really don't do this every day.

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It is better to be silent and thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.

[JKT]

Been carrying a Taurus PT92 for years on and off duty. Normally (off duty) strong side in a Safariland paddle. I was recently issued a Sig P226 and just ordered a Fobus paddle for it. I like the paddle holsters because they are comfortable, easy to conceal. Also, if you do have to secure your weapon somewhere such as a family members house, you can easily remove the entire holster. (I feel a little more secure if it is in a holster).

As to quals, we are supposed to qualify 4 times per year; twice with our duty weapon (daytime and lowlight), once with rifle/shotgun and off duty, if your carry something other than your duty weapon. I try to shoot at least once a month with either my duty weapon or a least a .22. Practicing with a sub caliber is great for basic skills training (and a whole lot cheaper), but you also need to practice with the duty weapon because of the difference in handling and recoil. (My opinion)

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Optimistic pessimist: Hope for the best, but expect the worst.

Jack

[tcsd1236]

I normally carry my Glock 22 off duty in a fanny pack. If it's really cold, I will use a strong side holster, as the coat will conceal that.
I rarely carry my duty back up G27 off duty.
My agency qualifies back ups and personal long guns 1 time per year. Duty handguns and agency shotguns are currently shot 2 times per year.

[Glockarmorer]

Bob,
My primary duty/carry weapon is the G23 (same size as G19 but in .40 cal). I also have a G27 (same size as G26 but in .40 cal).

The size and weight difference do not, IMO, make enough of a difference to make up for the loss of grip surface and sight plane. If you can carry and conceal a 26/27, you can carry and conceal a 19/23.

If you are looking for an EXCELLENT high ride open top holster check out the MD Enterprises model BS-2 belt slide. It is very well made and is a perfect fit. I bought the holster/belt/mag pouch combo for $99 but you can just buy the holster if you want. The best part is that the same holster will carry ALL 9mm/.40/.357 caliber Glocks.

Check them out at http://www.customholsters.com/

Hope this helps.

G.A.

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No cops, know anarchy.

[Sgt. DG644]

It depends what and where your assigned. I personally carry a Glock 22C as my duty weapon and my back-up/off duty is a GLock 27. I like the fact that should something happend and I have to interchange rounds I'm able to. Also the magazine in the 22C will fit into the 27 if need be. I carry mine in an ankle holster when on duty and in a SOB or ankle holster when off duty. We shoot hanguns April thru August and shotguns September & October.

[joepicar]

We are issued S&W 4006 with 155 grain Hydra-shok ammo. My off duty weapon is privately owned/dept. approved S&W Shorty 40 MK 3. Back up duty weapon is S&W 640-1 carried in Mika pocket holster in left pocket.

Off duty holster is inside waist band.

We train 4 times per year- once under dim light conditions, once is state qualifications and other 2 are tactical training courses.

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Joe Picariello
Princeton (MA) PD
MLEFI&AA manual editor