WTB affordable off duty gun!

pbgunrunner1 · #1 11-10-2009, 02:37 AM

Hi, Im a small town cop with 2 kids in college who needs to buy an off duty gun. As you can imagine, my budget is pretty limited! I'm open to most and model that could be carried concealed, finish isn’t a big deal as long as its mechanically OK. Please let me know if you might have something that will work for me. Thanks! -chad

murphydog · #2 11-10-2009, 04:24 AM

Hi, does your agency mandate a specific type of gun (revolver, semi-auto) or caliber, or do you have a preference?

user · #3 11-10-2009, 07:39 AM

My recommendation is always the same. Get a S&W K frame revolver in .38 special with a four inch barrel. You can get really good deals on used ones. They're pretty easily concealable, easy to control, reliable, and not too heavy. And the .38 from a reliable manufacturer will crush human bone at fifty yards, so it will work just fine at normal defensive range. I prefer stainless because it's so much easier to keep it clean. Model 64 and 67, for example. I prefer the 64 for carry, fixed sights; the 67 has an adjustable rear sight and red-ramp front.

If money were no object, I'd recommend the Kahr MK9.

WC145 · #4 11-10-2009, 07:57 AM

What's your budget?

Bud's Gun Shop's Law Enforcement web site currently has Glock 27's for $430, S&W M&P9C forr $447, and used S&W 64-7's for just $229! If you're not familiar with Bud's, those are cash prices and include shipping. You add 3% for credit cards.

On their rgular site they have S&W 442's for $432 and SIG 2022's with night sights for $439. The shipping nd credit stuff is the same. I've bought several guns from Bud's and haven't been disappointed yet.

WC145 · #5 11-10-2009, 08:14 AM

Also, what do you carry for a duty weapon?

Road Rat · #6 11-10-2009, 10:03 AM

Take a look around this place: Smith & Wesson

pbgunrunner1 · #7 11-10-2009, 05:17 PM

Guys- thanks for the replies! To answer your ?'s:

I can carry anything I can qualify with as long as its a solid/reliable gun and the Chief approves- He's a gun guy so he's pretty open. As far as caliber, Id prefer .38/9mm or larger, but I might look at a .380acp if it was a good deal.

I saw the 64s on Bud's site, look like they are a smokin deal, but Im wondering about the 4" barrel making for a long gun to conceal. Any holster recommendations for one?

I carry an XD .45 Tac on duty, eventually Ill be able to afford an XD45c, but till then I need to be able to protect myself an my family!

Thanks a bunch guys- I really appreciate the help!

Knightrider03m · #8 11-10-2009, 07:28 PM

I have a Kel-tec p11 for $250 (with free ankle holster) PM me if you want it.

Iggy · #9 11-10-2009, 07:56 PM

pbgunrunner1

check your PM's

aterry33 · #10 11-10-2009, 08:19 PM

pbgunrunner1, for what it's worth, most of the officers I've met over the years in FL and NC have carried either S&W J Frames (usually 442 or 642) or the compact versions of their duty weapon, i.e. subcompact Glock or M&P. Also, for reference, these are the current off-duty authorized weapons for the NYPD:

Glock 26
S&W 3914
Sigarms P239
S&W 3953 TSW
S&W 640 .38

pbgunrunner1 · #11 11-10-2009, 08:47 PM

Thanks again, a K or J frame would work out just fine I think, as would most others!

Iggy- thanks for the info, looks like good holsters!
Marcus- thanks for the offer on the Kel-Tec, but I had a bad experience with one of those in .40 so Im kinda off the Kel-Tec bandwagon!

Looks like If I cant find something by the end of the week Ill probably end up with one of the 64's from Buds- I just wish they were a bit shorter!

Iggy · #12 11-10-2009, 09:13 PM

More info on the J&G guns on a thread on this forum in case you missed it.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-amp-w...4-j-amp-g.html

Glock 'em down · #13 11-10-2009, 09:25 PM

Get a J frame Bodyguard or Centennial and a good pocket holster.

Pocket carry is probably one of the worst methods out there, but at least you've accomplished rule #1 - Bring a gun!

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/ccw/gunfight_rules.htm

I consider the Smith & Wesson J frame the epitome of a concealed carry gun. Plus, you'll have no excuse NOT to tote it. It's so light and so small, it can be carried in any/every season and it's always with you.

jimmyj · #14 11-11-2009, 10:28 AM

Hi:
I have walked in your shoes. LEO with a Family to support / survive on a Cop's paycheck.
I think suggestions of a $400. to $500. "Off Duty" is beyond a Leo's budget at this time in your career
I would inquire if a suitable weapon in your Agency's consiscated weapon / evidence locker is availabe for temporary issue.

I suggest that before investing in an "Off Duty" that you will not be satisfied with, I would carry my service weapon off duty or borrow one from another LEO temporary.

Another options is inquire from Forum Member LEOs on a temporary loan of an "Off Duty".

If you strike out, contact me and we will work something out.

Jimmy

kshock · #15 11-11-2009, 10:34 AM

Just my opinion, but I think you could conceal your duty gun just as easily as you could conceal a model 64, if not easier. When I was in your situation, I carried my duty gun (Sig 220) in a IWB on the right rear. Wasn't the best setup but it got me by until I ran across and could afford a police trade in Smith & Wesson Model 3913 9MM. Bought it and have been carrying it (also it a IWB holster on the right rear) for the last 10-12 years.

ColbyBruce · #16 11-11-2009, 12:40 PM

I have a cosmetically challenged Astra A75L 9mm pistol with two mags I would sell for $225.00 shipped to your FFL. 8+1 capacity, spare mags are available from Welcome to Numrich Gun Parts Corp.. Reliable, dependable, affordable. Same overall size as a S&W #908/469. The last photo shows the Astra with a S&W #908 and a Ruger P95dc.

pbgunrunner1 · #17 11-11-2009, 03:37 PM

Thanks for the great offers guys! Jimmy, you are certainly right, cash is at a premium at this juncture! As far as carrying my duty gun- I shoot a Springfield Armory XD .45 Tac with a magwell and DGR, so its a CHUNK of a gun (I use a flashight on it too!). The size isnt so much of an issue as much as the WEIGHT- its a heavy gun and it holds 14 rounds, so thats a chunk too! Im going to call J&G and see if they might have something like the 64 with a shorter barrel. Thanks!

David1958 · #18 11-11-2009, 06:48 PM

I have a S&W M10, 2" SQB in nickle. If that is something that might fit the bill, PM or email me @: [email protected] to discuss. I believe we could work out an equitible arrangement.

Iggy · #19 11-11-2009, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David1958

I have a S&W M10, 2" SQB in nickle. If that is something that might fit the bill, PM or email me @: [email protected] to discuss. I believe we could work out an equitible arrangement.

Now there's a deal. My wife carried a Mdl 10 as a duty gun for years and it is her night stand gun 35 years later.

I often carry a Mdl 12(airweight) during the summer

David1958 · #20 11-11-2009, 07:33 PM

Somehow Iggy got the Model 10 out of my safe and posted a pic. Truth be told, that is the exact look and set up on it.......though Mrs Iggy's looks a tad brighter than mine.

Ed333 · #21 11-11-2009, 07:50 PM

there really is something about a model 10 snub, square butt, in the hand, very comfortable and comforting....it just don't get much better...at least to my hand...

pbgunrunner1 · #22 11-11-2009, 08:25 PM

David- email sent! Looks like that would fit the bill well if its in my price range!

David1958 · #23 11-11-2009, 09:39 PM

Email sent with details/info.

pbgunrunner1 · #24 11-11-2009, 09:59 PM

looks like Davids gun is a bit out of my budget (although no doubt a VERY nice piece!). Still open and looking, although it looks like the 4" 64 on Buds might be my best choice!

Ed333 · #25 11-11-2009, 10:29 PM

What is your budget amount?

pbgunrunner1 · #26 11-11-2009, 10:52 PM

Although I could add 4 boxes of Winchester Ranger .45+P and 4 boxes of Ranger 9mm to make a deal better! I also have some high end car audio equipment that I bought for a build thats probably never gonna happen, but that would have to be FTF (Im in central Illinois) as the subs/box/amps are HEAVY!!!

pbgunrunner1 · #27 11-11-2009, 11:25 PM

... maybe someone here has a need! I figured it couldnt hurt to run it up the flagpole anyway! Thanks!

FS/FT High end car audio and Softball bats

WC145 · #28 11-12-2009, 01:10 PM

If you don't find something soon let me know, I have a Kel-tec P3AT that I might be willing to part with well under your budget. I carried it as a BUG for a couple of years and off duty when nothing else would fit. It has been 100% reliable for me and surprisingly accurate. I'm sure it would enjoy being back on the job.

pbgunrunner1 · #29 11-12-2009, 04:19 PM

WC145- pm incoming Sir! A .380 isnt my first choice, but it sure is better than a sharp stick!

I also have 4 cases of Remington STS 12ga Soprting Clays loads if someone local has a shotgun to feed!

WC145 · #30 11-12-2009, 07:56 PM

PM'd ya back!

WC145 · #31 11-21-2009, 06:38 AM

Hey! Did you ever find a gun?

pbgunrunner1 · #32 11-21-2009, 09:38 PM

I borrowed a buddies Kel-Tec .380 for a bit until I can swing something thats good quality in my price range. Still open to offers! thanks- chad

WC145 · #33 11-21-2009, 11:58 PM

Good, at least you've got something.
First rule of of gunfighting is to have a gun, a little .380 may not be your first choice but it sure beats going unarmed.