Ok ladies and gents need some advice here. My friend is getting ready to start an armed securty job and im taking her gun shopping tomorrow. So the questions is, which gun should she get? She is wanting something lightweight, accurate, and very reliable. She is not picky about the make as long as it goes bang everytime you pull the trigger. Also, what caliber would you guys recommend? I was thinking a .40 but would that be to much? Any info would be great!

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665: Neighbor of the Beast

Is it her first handgun ? If so i would recommend a .38 revolver.

Is she expecting lots of action or is carrying the side arm just a requirement for the job? and of course, how much experience does she have and how much time does she have to train with a new gun?

needs accuracy, Lt. weight, safe pistol.
SIG SAUER 239 9mm
Regards,
44 mag snub

If it has to be an autoloader, I'd recommend a Sig.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

"Armed security job" covers a lot of possibilities. Concealed or open carry? I gather from your post that she is not a gun person, or has little experience. As Kurac asked, how much will she practice, and how high are the odds that she will have to use it? Does the agency or company for which she is working have rules about what she can carry?

Personally, I would find a range that rents a variety of guns to try, then shop after shooting several alternatives. Best to find out you don't get along with a particular gun or caliber before shelling out the money.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

She won't be expecting too much action. She will be patroling neighborhoods in an SUV and she will also have a K-9 unit with her. She has absolutly 0 expirence when it comes to handguns but the company she is getting on with has an extensive training center so safety and carry methods will be taught. She will be in uniform so this will be an open carry and she is wanting an auto.

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665: Neighbor of the Beast

I'd ask the company if they have any recommendations as to what other security professionals carry, and also where they are normally purchased. There might be a company they have a business relationship with that can get you a better deal. My recommendation would be a Glock. In 9mm the G19 or in .40 S@W the G23. Glocks can be purchased new in my area for about $450. Plus they take a lot of abuse. They aint pretty, they're tools.

If it fits and suits her, I agree with the Glock. If she has smaller hands, I see more than a few Sig P6 surplus guns for sale, a single-stack 9 mm. The P239 is also a good choice, as would a full-size Kahr after the 200-round break-in period.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Glock. Simple, reliable, tolerates neglect better than most other semi auto's. Simple manual of arms. Regards 18DAI.

For someone who has 0 experience, I would recommend something with a manual safety. Glocks are very durable and reliable but very unforgiving if you are going to carry with a round in the chamber.

1. Whatever fits her hand best. 9mm should be plenty of firepower.

2. Most employers like this and LE agencies have a "pick from" list of approved weapons. Be sure to buy something on the list!

x2 for the rent at a range recommendation. Barring that, go to somewhere with a HUGE selection, and don't leave until she has handled EVERY gun in the case.

Well we went to the range friday and she fired 4 different guns all in 9mm. Here is the outcome

First Gun: SW99 She liked the grip and overall feel. She hated the mag release and she thought it was a bit snappy.

Second Gun: Glock 19 She hated the grip angle and also thought it was snappy. She liked this one the least.

Third Gun: Springfield XD Compact She liked everything about this one except that it felt top heavy to her.

Forth Gun: SW9VE (my gun) This one was the winner. It fit her hand perfectly and she loved the Hogue slip on grip. She liked that the trigger pull was heavy and said it makes her feel more comfortable knowing it wont go off easily.

So the verdict? She is going with the SW9VE. Thank you guys for all the help and replies.

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665: Neighbor of the Beast

Well that was easy. Got a good gun that is reasonably priced.

Make sure you have her watch the Youtube video where the DEA Agent shoots himself in the foot. It really reinforces the fact that these types of guns DO NOT HAVE MANUAL SAFETIES!!! You only put your fingure on the trigger when you plan on shooting something.

This is true of all the Safe Action/DAO/Glock Action/etc type guns. Your fingure stays outside of the trigger guard until you plan on firing the gun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

I agree, you can't go wrong with a glock, especially a .40. My model 21 .45ACP I carried as a duty pistol for security for 3 years, have owned it for 6, never had a problem and always goes BANG when you pull the trigger. And you can find used duty rigs for glocks on ebay for pretty good prices, I found a bianchi rig for retarded cheap years back but sold it since I got out of security last year. Accessories for these pistols are numerous, too, and .40 ammo is generally easier to find right now. Go glock!