LE only M&P...what's the difference?

[N4KVE]

If a non-LEO person were willing to pay the excise tax could they buy one?

No, as the store doesn't collect the excise tax. It a manufacturing tax that S&W would directly pay to the Feds. But it makes no difference, as the exact same gun with only 2 mags is available everywhere. It's not marked "LE" or anything, & it's of no better quality. It's just the same gun us civilians get that is tax exempt to LE. GARY

 

[LawStanz]

My question is, does anyone know of a shop with LEO shields in stock? I qualify for LEO pricing but I'm on 2 wait lists for my 9mm Shield. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[apache31]

Sorry old post but i thought the LE version means it has no safety. anyone concur?

 

[Bangler]

Can anyone please educate me on the LE only versions of the M&P's?

Having a heavy background in production processes, I'm guessing it's to have a single dedicated line of manufacturing just for LEO.
Many advantages to that.

 

[cmj8591]

Could it be that the LE only guns don't comply with the regulations in a state like Mass? The LE guns have magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and other features that make them prohibited to anyone other than a cop.

 

[N4KVE]

Every gun the public buys has a $80 excise tax added to the price. The LE guns do not have the $80 excise price added. That's why they cost less. GARY.

 

[GerSan69]

Because the tax is dropped, the gun is either for purchase by a department or if it's bought by an individual cop, he (in my experience in CO) has to have a department letterhead signed by a chief or designated signer stating the gun is for duty use.

 

[N4KVE]

Here in Florida they just have to show their police ID when purchasing the gun. GARY.

 

[crosseyedshooter]

In addition to a lower price, the actual guns with LE SKUs can have different configuration from regular retail guns. The obvious differences are the included tritium night sights and third magazine. Sometimes, the actual pistol isn't yet available for retail sale, such as the Aimpoint ACRO slide or the 5" optic-ready with front cocking serrations.

The LE SKUs may also have different trigger components for heavier trigger pull as compared to the retail guns.

 

[Maddog 521]

I've often wondered about a M&P FS40 I picked up a few years ago. It has the Trijicon night sights and 3 mags and was ANIB. The price was under $400 and I thought I got a good deal. The blue box it came in was the wrong one so I don't know the SKU number.
Now I know "the rest of the story"

 

[Ktyhawk]

Here in Florida they just have to show their police ID when purchasing the gun. GARY.

Same thing here in Virginia. The store makes a copy of your LEO creds and you are on your way.

 

[Bumpus13]

Sorry old post but i thought the LE version means it has no safety. anyone concur?

Nope. S&W makes both versions (safety/no safety) for the commercial market.

 

[ken158]

This is the reason why LE guns are cheaper. No excise tax. We have some LE guns in the store for sale only to LE. We need to make a photo copy of their police ID to send it to the mfr to verify it was a LE sale. There is nothing different about these guns from the ones sold to the public, except the lack of excise tax paid. GARY

Got a buddy that owns a store and is a S&W distributor to certify my answer - LE marked guns do come with 3 mags and night sights. LE individuals do pay excise tax but agencies do not. LE gun sales do not go against a dealer / distributor monthly allotment and proof of sale to any LE / public safety credits the store with a replacement gun for their inventory regardless of the gun being a factory LE as marked on the box or if it is a standard gun sold to LE. My guy is LE for Glock and Sig also and the LE plan works the same way with them also.

 

[N4KVE]

Got a buddy that owns a store and is a S&W distributor to certify my answer - LE marked guns do come with 3 mags and night sights. LE individuals do pay excise tax but agencies do not.

Not at the store where I work. Cops come in all the time, & buy the LE guns, & pay $80 less than the non LE guns. They just show their police ID, we make a photo copy of it, & off they go. No department letter necessary. Maybe your buddy has a different policy. GARY.

 

[silversport]

the 30 plus years I put in, individual officer guns included excise tax while department purchased gins avoided the excise tax since the Government was buying them...

for me, in Illinois I need the "certifying statement" signed by the Chief (or responsible party) that went along with me to purchase firearms...also with that certifying statement, I might avoid the 3 day wait for handguns in Illinois...

I have also bought firearms using my credentials without the certifying statement letter but I had to wait the 3 days before taking my gun home...there were/are different levels of purchase.

many times the advantage was a discounted price and sometimes a 3rd magazine and/or night sights might be included...YMMV

Bill

 

[N4KVE]

Yes, it's truly funny to see the expression on the cop's face when I tell him he has to wait the five days because he doesn't have a concealed carry permit. "But I'm a cop, so I don't need a carry permit" is their reply. But I tell them "to purchase a gun, & take it home today, you do". GARY.