Always wanted to get a 1970s service pistol would it be the model 15? Or did more police use the 19? Where would a guy find the 15 as SW doesn’t make new ones? Not looking for a firearm necessarily used by law enforcement (would rather buy new TBH) but what something identical to what was commonly used .
1970s Police Service Pistol question
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adrianolsen
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Can’t speak for other L.E. , but CHP use the model 14 from 1968 to1977, then went to the model 67 and 68 till 1991
Shootist
Member
The Model 66 was used extensively in the 70s.
My agency (EPD) issued the model 15 for a short time, and then went to the model 19 in 1973. Prior to the Model 15, the Model 10 was the standard issue.
Officers were also allowed to supply their own service revolver if they desired, but the revolver had to be from the department's list of "approved" guns.
My old -3 has been plated (by me) and I gave it a "nose job" several years ago. Many miles travelled with this one.
Officers were also allowed to supply their own service revolver if they desired, but the revolver had to be from the department's list of "approved" guns.
My old -3 has been plated (by me) and I gave it a "nose job" several years ago. Many miles travelled with this one.
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StrawHat
Member
I joined my Department in the 80s. When I became a Range Officer, I inventoried what firearms were in reserve and on duty. Most of the troops had Model 19s, some still carried Model 10s. In reserve we had Model 10s, 13s, 15s, and 19s. Issued ammunition was WW 38 Special, +P, 125 grain, Silvertip, JHP. There were also also couple of Model 36s for the detectives.
Kevin
Kevin
VaTom
Member
Became an officer in 1976 and we were issued Model 10, 4" nickel.
I suspect that most urban departments were issuing .38's in S&W model 10/64 and some Colt OP revolvers. I started in LE in 1975 with a model 10 heavy barrel. I was issued a stainless 64 when I made Sergeant and the armorer (a Sgt.) would actually talk to me. State and County agencies likely had a greater chance of using a .357.
In 1969 I carried a Department issued S&W model 10. Carried the model 10 for many years.
when i went on in the early 70's we had to carry .38 spec only. went to az. worked full time as a deputy, we were issued model 66's and carried .357 ammo. left the s.o. went with a new incorp. city and was issued colt 1911 .45 cal, the ammo, the flying ashtray. with a female chief who kicked ***.
When I joined my department in 1975 you were required to provide your own sidearm. The majority I noted were the 4" Model 66, which was the going thing at the time. Only the cops could get them and usually bought them and sold them at a profit on the civilian market. My first carry piece was a 4" blue Colt Python. But most were either carrying the 4" 66 or some form of a 4" model 10. There were 4" Highway Patrolman. I also had my first encounter with a 3 1/2" Model 27. Still haven't been able to figure that one out. There were also a smathering of 6" guns too. Most all were in .38 or .357 calibers. That was an interesting period, just before the semi auto wave hit us.
m75rlg
US Veteran
What is the "issue" you guys speak of?
When I went from the Coast Guard to my local sheriff's department in in NC back in 1975 everybody carried what you brought from home. Same with the local PDs as far as I know. Saw everyghing from Charter Arms (Yes we gave that officer a rough time) to Browning HP, and one 6" Python. Most poplar were S&W 10s, 28s, and a few 19s. I carried a Colt Trooper while in uniform. When I moved to investigations I carried a 19 with a 2.5" barrell, and then a 39-2.
I remember another deputy telling me one night as we surrounded a house "If we get in a shoot out and I ask you for ammunition and you hand me some of that 9mm ****, I'm going to beat you to death with my revolver!"
When I went from the Coast Guard to my local sheriff's department in in NC back in 1975 everybody carried what you brought from home. Same with the local PDs as far as I know. Saw everyghing from Charter Arms (Yes we gave that officer a rough time) to Browning HP, and one 6" Python. Most poplar were S&W 10s, 28s, and a few 19s. I carried a Colt Trooper while in uniform. When I moved to investigations I carried a 19 with a 2.5" barrell, and then a 39-2.
I remember another deputy telling me one night as we surrounded a house "If we get in a shoot out and I ask you for ammunition and you hand me some of that 9mm ****, I'm going to beat you to death with my revolver!"
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A lot more but it's manageable. My Model 28-2 makes .38 special feel like a .22LR, but with .357s in it you wouldn't want to shoot it all day.
The appropriate response would be: "If you've already wasted all your ammo, what makes you think I'll give you any of mine?"
LEO 1962-2007
Present- Armed Security
Prior to 1975= furnish your own
1975- first Department issued service revolver was a S&W Model 64 (pencil barrel)
Present- Armed Security
Prior to 1975= furnish your own
1975- first Department issued service revolver was a S&W Model 64 (pencil barrel)
I started in ‘78. We had to provide our own sidearms but they had to be .38/.357. I was newly married so money was tight. I bought a used Ruger Security-Six in .357. Some officers carried 15’s, some 19’s, one had a beautiful Python and an older officer nearing retirement had an old Colt with green bullets. After about a year the department bought and issued model 66’s.
Benton Quest
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A lot depends on when in the seventies...early on 10s, 15s and 64s.
Sliding into the mid-seventies, the 19's, 66's, 65's and 67's started filling holsters. In the mid-70's the 66 was a somewhat rare, sought after bird, until production caught up to demand.
And then someone would roll in with a Python....
Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk
Sliding into the mid-seventies, the 19's, 66's, 65's and 67's started filling holsters. In the mid-70's the 66 was a somewhat rare, sought after bird, until production caught up to demand.
And then someone would roll in with a Python....
Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk
scooter123
Member
Back when I was a student at Ohio State in the mid 70's the Columbus PD carried either the model 19 or a model 59. Distribution was about 70% revolvers and 30% wondernines. BTW, drove a taxi while in college and spent a fair bit of time talking with the beat cops downtown while waiting on a taxi stand.
My first weapon in 1979 was a 6" Model 19. The Wyoming Highway Patrol was issued the S&W Model 66. I got that from a Trooper in my college class. Three of my co-workers carried 4" Pythons. It was a different time. When I moved to a larger, ( 600 ), person agency in south Fl I had to purchase my own revolver with department issued .38 ammunition. If you were off probation and went to the range on three different days you could then carry a S&W 39 or 59 9mm. No actual Auto Pistol Class existed at that time. I'm gettin' old.
I spent most of my 25 year career with a PD that didn't issue handguns (most of the time), but allowed .38, 9mm OR LARGER. I generally carried a .44 Special, .45 Colt or .45 ACP revolver or a .45 ACP semi auto.
As far as S&W revolvers, I saw Model 10s, 13s, 15s, 19s, 24-3s, 65s, 66s, 58s, 57s, 28s, 29s, 25-2s and 25-5s. I saw Colt Diamondbacks, Troopers, Pythons, OPs and Police Positive Specials. I also saw a few Ruger Security Sixes.
As far as S&W revolvers, I saw Model 10s, 13s, 15s, 19s, 24-3s, 65s, 66s, 58s, 57s, 28s, 29s, 25-2s and 25-5s. I saw Colt Diamondbacks, Troopers, Pythons, OPs and Police Positive Specials. I also saw a few Ruger Security Sixes.
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