Spotted 2 metro officers with 659's in their holsters

[goldenlight]

This weekend, I saw two police officers, at different times, on duty, armed with S&W Model 659's. I live in a large metro area.

I have owned many S&W semiautos, including a 59, 659, and a 5906. I am positive that both were Model 659's.

I don't remember when the Model 659 was replaced with the Model 5906, but those 2nd gen 659's must be getting pretty old by now.

There must be a lot of latitude in the weapons that the officers are allowed to carry, as I've seen Beretta 92/96's, full sized Glocks, and a few Sigs, (including a small female officer who was armed with a Sig P-239, in 9mm, with the extended 10 round magazine), being carried by uniformed officers.

But I think it's strange to see 2 such old 9mm's still in 'active duty'.

I personally would prefer a 3rd gen S&W, with the 3 dot Novak sights

 

[Cruiser RN]

Some Departments give great latitude in weapons.That being said if these officers had a 659 when they started,qualify with them according to agency policy,and the weapons are properly matained then why not?If I were a LEO and the agency allowed it I would have my trusty Model 64 as my chosen sidearm..........God Bless......Mike

This weekend, I saw two police officers, at different times, on duty, armed with S&W Model 659's. I live in a large metro area.

I have owned many S&W semiautos, including a 59, 659, and a 5906. I am positive that both were Model 659's.

I don't remember when the Model 659 was replaced with the Model 5906, but those 2nd gen 659's must be getting pretty old by now.

There must be a lot of latitude in the weapons that the officers are allowed to carry, as I've seen Beretta 92/96's, full sized Glocks, and a few Sigs, (including a small female officer who was armed with a Sig P-239, in 9mm, with the extended 10 round magazine), being carried by uniformed officers.

But I think it's strange to see 2 such old 9mm's still in 'active duty'.

I personally would prefer a 3rd gen S&W, with the 3 dot Novak sights

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
"Non-Gun" Officers are not interested in the "New Toys". To them the weapon is just a "Tool" that they must carry like handcuffs, baton, etc.
The weapon most of the time comes out of the holster twice a year at qualification time. Some Agencies do not "Up Grade" weapons. When needed the Agency purchases what ever is the lowest bidder. Agencies like this you will observe a hodge pod of service weapons from revolvers to tupperware.
Depending on the Agency, If the Officer doesn't like the "Issue weapon" they can furnish their own within guidelines. I had a new hire female officer assigned to my shift that came aboard with a 20"
waist, height 5' and weight 100#. She was issued a S&W Model 27 5" Revolver. I was at a loss on how she was going to carry all the issue equipment?
Jimmy

 

[3rd Gen Neal]

I saw a veteran Houston cop w-a 645 the other day. Cool.

 

[Nframe357]

I saw a veteran Houston cop w-a 645 the other day. Cool.

Sweet! I haven't seen anything but plastic on duty around here for years.

 

[Racer X]

I know at least one patrolman here in Seattle that was grandfathered through on his sidearm when they went to Glock. He has a 5906. He has several years to go before retirement, and they figured he really didn't need to transition to another weapon system. He says a number of others were given the choice as well.

 

[triaxle]

Alot of guys are not gun guys. Their are some 5906 around here yet. I know some pa state police who fire their gun twice a year.

 

[oldwolf]

I'm a gun guy and I would carry a 1911. So what does that mean? New is not always better.

 

[pawncop]

My agency is one of those that allows a fair amount of latitude in the choice of our duty sidearm.

No one carries a revolver with a few exceptions as an off duty sidearm. I have a S&W 686 2 1/2" that is issued to me. It is a confiscated firearm from an offense in the late 80's.

There is a full range of brands, S&W's, Glocks, H&K, Beretta's, Sig's, Kimbers, and probably a few I have overlooked.

The same goes for calibers 9mm, 357 Sig, 40 S&W, 45 ACP.

One major advantage of the one brand, one caliber is if there is a crisis, the interchangability could be a positive factor.

That is balanced by allowing a officer to choose the sidearm they are most comfortable with and therefore more confident.

Early in the 80's there were two officers that carried S&W 9 mm's (a model 39 and a model 59) when the revolver was still very much in vogue. They endured many comments of their "jam-o-matics", weak caliber, etc,etc,etc.

I asked one of them to explain his preference, and he summed it up with "I trust it with my life." There was no further explainantion needed.

 

[Engine49guy]

I saw one of our older patrolman carrying a model 66 the other day.
It looked like it had seen some miles.
Anyway, He said he was one of 3 people on an (estimated) 300 man department that still carried a wheel gun.
The other 2 worked in units that were indoors.
As I recall they issued used model 10's if you asked for one in 1987.

 

[luis]

Some departments also make you buy the gun if you upgrade. We still have some guys with 64's since they do not want to pay for Glock $400, mags $120, holster & other accessories $500.

 

[airwolv]

S&w 659

I have a 659 that I bought back in 1987? It has the rounded trigger guard. I still use it today for concealed carry and duty. Never have had a jam or any other problem with it and it is accurate. Have other pistols but this is the one that I carry the most. Just depends on the job that needs to be done at the time. Love the combat sights as I often carry this pistol when I go camping, hiking. Even kyaking. And it is an accurate weapon. I also own a Steyr GB and a P99.

 

[goldenlight]

Some departments also make you buy the gun if you upgrade. We still have some guys with 64's since they do not want to pay for Glock $400, mags $120, holster & other accessories $500.

LE Glocks COME WITH 3 magazines. LE can buy magazines for $25/ea, if 3 isn't enough.

How could you POSSIBLY spend $500 on a holster and 'other accessories'?

A good holster can easily cost $100, but there are more choices for holsters for Glocks than any other semiauto in the world.

Magazine holder? About $25 to $50.

What other accessories would you need, to switch service sidearm?

 

[10mmillie]

I like to see older guns being carried by officers. I can usually tell who knows how to shoot by what they are carrying. I loved the looks from people when I was carrying a 610 4" in bladetech duty holster several years ago.