Police gear for the academy - need advice

[NVR FNSH]

I'm putting myself through the Calif POST (Police academy) academy at the local junior college and I need advice on what brand/style of duty belt gear & . 40 cal double action/de-cocking lever sidearm to purchase. I can use nylon or basketweave gear and they don't specify a as to what threat level holster is required. I'm 6'4"/255lbs and wear XXL gloves so I'm looking for a 'larger' frame gun that will fit me comfortably - my trigger finger sticks too far thru on most pistols and I have no tactil feel with my middle knuckle on the trigger.



I know there will be a ton of opinions on gun brand and I'm not partial to a particular brand. I want something that will be easy to use, last and be relatively easy to maintain.



I have a Ruger P85 MkII 9mm that I could use in a pinch but I really don't want to go there since it doesn't fit my hand very well.



Brian

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I have heard good things about Sig Sauer (sp?) guns. Dad has one - seems like a good piece.



What threat level holster will you buy to contain the chocolate covered donuts (with sprinkles... . )? :-laf



(Flame away if you must... . that was intended as a joke. )



Best of luck and thanks for helping to keep our country safe.



Matt

 

[Briar Hopper]

Hands down winner is a Sig-Sauer P229. You have a choice of barrels, in either . 40 S & W, or . 357 SIG, and can buy the other barrel for a little more $$$. Both calibers fit the same clip.

The Sigs are world-reknown for their quality, ease of maintenance, and accuracy right out of the box.

 

[The patriot]

If you know where you want to get hired at, ask someone what theyre using there and get a setup like that.

JM . 02

Eric

 

[NVR FNSH]

Originally posted by The patriot

If you know where you want to get hired at, ask someone what theyre using there and get a setup like that.

JM . 02

Eric

Already in process but there are a number of agencies within commuting distance of my house and with the wonderful budget issues in CA my first choice may not be hiring in December when I graduate.



Luckily for me CA & the Feds are picking up the tab for the academy as re-training since I lost my mechanical engineering job in telecom due to increased imports/moving overseas. At worst case I will come out of the academy with a handgun purchased by the gov't I know I may end up buying something else if this gun isn't approved by whatever dept I end up at.



Brian

 

[Elite1]

At 6'4" 255, you probably don't need a gun! ... . maybe just the baton?... Just kidding, I'm 6'2" 250, and I have a fairly inexpensive P95DC Ruger 9 mil. , it fits my hand nice, has nice balance, shoots straight, I love the sites. I'm sure there are better on the market, but if $ is a factor, I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[jrankin]

NVR FNSH



I highly recommend the Sig Sauer also, but I would suggest the P-226. It is the large frame model and may fit your hand a little better than the 229. The 226 comes in 9mm, . 357 Sig or 40 S&W, interchangable with the extra barrel. I carry a Glock 19 right now (dept. issued), but as soon as I can afford one, I'm getting the 226 in . 40 cal. But if money is an issue, and when is it not in law enforcement, I would also recommend the Glock. I have fairly large hands also and the Glock fits me well. IMO, the Glock I have right now has been just as accurate as the three different Sigs that I have owned in the past. But I will definantly be going back when I can. Check out www.sigarms.com. Good luck in the academy.



Joe

 

[smartineau]

NVR FNSH,



Good luck at the Academy!



Get one of the Sigs. Some people like Berretas. If they are to your liking and fit your hand they are a well made dependable gun. I just like sigs better that is why I have four of them.



Holster/belt, go leather, sure it may be a little bit heavier and not quite as flexible. But that not quite as flexible can help out in the Handgun retention portions of class.



I do believe in buying QUALITY, this is some equipment that ITS dependability and reliability may end up saving your life and or the lives of the citizens that you are sworn to protect.



Like was mentioned talk to several officers around to find out what they like and don't like in their gear. Talking to the PD range master at work a few weeks back he said there was a new level # whatever holster out for the officer to better keep his/her handgun, great system for keeping the gun in the holster but sometimes there were problems getting the gun out when needed. So try before you buy!



steve

 

[JConley]

You might want to check out the Stainless Beretta 96. For tactical gear check out www.blackhawkindustries.com They make real good equipment, that lasts.



From a former cop out of Dallas, I wish you the best of luck with the academy!

 

[Bigsaint]

Hey Brian, best of luck in the academy .



Sig arms, Beretta, Glock... all good. We carried the Sig. P-226 before the switch over to . 40 cal Glock 22, the Sig is a well made weapon for sure. The Glock is less glamorous but very functional. I'm an armorer for our PD as well as Dept. Rangemaster, the Glock does well with those who have medium to large hands. I carried a Beretta 92F as a off-duty for many years. It's large frame suited me well. Your best bet is to visit a local gun shop and try a few on for size, see what feels the most comfortable while using the correct grip. HK also makes real nice handguns as well.



Leather gear... personally, I'd stick with leather over nylon as you will get much better support from a leather belt. For a holster, pick at least a level 2, i. e. , thumbsnap and some other retaining device that helps for graps from the rear. We use Safariland holsters and I have no complaints. For a belt, choose a fully double lined for support(double stiched as well for longevity). Also get 4 of the wider keepers and place them fore and aft of the holster, then one in front of your mag pouch and one behind your portable radio. The key to comfort with the belt is to support the heavy spots.



Again, best of luck in the academy. If you were ever in the military, it will be a piece of cake. If not, pay strict attention to their commands and follow them as if they were the word of God . Send me a PM or email if I can help you in any way.



Scott W.

 

[Boomer II]

I carry a 229 in 40 cal. , great gun and accurate out of the box.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Looks like the Sig is a good gun - wow!



Nobody liked my donut comment?!... . I guess it's like telling lawyer jokes to lawyers... ... they've heard them all.



Matt

 

[NVR FNSH]

Holeshot - I'm not a big donut fan so I don't have anything to worry about..... Tried Krispy Kreme and can't figure out what the hype is all about.



Brian

 

[TomGolden]

Hey Brian,



Can you tell me a little more about the POST training? I didn't know that was offered at community colleges.



I'm interested in knowing:



* Relative cost of the course, not including equipment you need, such as gun, holster, etc.

* Length of course, you said it finishes up in December. When does it start? How long is the course?

* Is is an ~8 hour a day thing, or just a couple hours a day?



Even though I thankfully still have my job as an IT geek, I am just about completely fed up with the bs of corporate politics and stress that goes along with it, and law enforcement is one of the fields I would seriously consider going into.



Feel free to PM or email me if you'd rather not post directly.



Thanks!



Tom

 

[NVR FNSH]

Tom,

The POST academy is 788 hours/20 weeks/8-5 Mon-Fri/with some evenings & weekends. I think the only weekend stuff is firearms at the range due to limited range space the class has to be split. I'm doing at Santa Rosa JC - Public Safety Training Center. The PSTC does police/fire/EMT/paramedic training. Most of the local agencies send their trainees to SRJC since none are big enough to have their own academy. I interviewed with Santa Rosa PD & Rohnert Park DPS for trainee positions and didn't score high enough on the interviews but I believe that was just because I had never done LE interviewing and I have a much better handle on it after getting some constructive criticism/debrief from the proctor that was present during my interview.



The course is $1975 and they estimate ~$2000 in uniforms/equipment. For me the course runs 7/21 - 12/5. SRJC runs 3 intensive academies per year. Luckily I'm getting funded by the state/feds so it's a win/win for me - training is paid for and I collect unemployement while in training. Trust me, $370/week ain't enough to live on around here.....



Here's the POST homepage - http://www.post.ca.gov/



Brian

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Brian:



I agree - I'm not a huge donut fan either..... but the Krispy Kreme thing is insane. Folks around here go ape _hit over 'em.



Anyhow... Good luck with the new LE gig!



Matt

 

[BNH4221]

Luv my Sig . 229 40 cal. One shot and they don't get up. Period. That's what it's all about.



Steve

 

[ddesau]

police equipment

Good luck in the Academy. Personaly I like nylon gear -its lighter than leather- doesn't squeak and holds up better. Check out Uncle Mike's Sidekick (law enforcement products). Also check out Quarter Master online www.qmuniforms.com



prices are really good and the service is excellent. Also Bianchi Accumold make good stuff.



I would consider a . 40 cal either a Glock- Springfield Armory- or similiar. The Ruger technology is too old - check out Smith & Wesson/HK/ any good quality brand - pick it up- see how if feels.



Hopefully this helps. .





(28 yrs law enforcement experience)

 

[ddesau]

not leather

Originally posted by smartineau

NVR FNSH,





(Holster/belt, go leather, sure it may be a little bit heavier and not quite as flexible. But that not quite as flexible can help out in the Handgun retention portions of class. )







Sorry -can't agree about leather - Nylon gear is vastly superior- it holds up better - its lighter than leather- and thats important if you have to wear it for 8-10 hrs a day. Plus you don't have the upkeep on nylon that you have with leather. I've worn nylon gear for the past 10 years - I would never go back to leather-ever and I have been doing Law enforcement for 28+ years. .

Uncle Mike's dual rentention holster or a level 3 is a good choice. .

 

[TImler]

I have both the nylon and the leather. I switch off depending on the assignment. After wearing both for many years I have to say that in my opinion the leather looks better longer, but the nylon is more comfortable and more flexible. As far as a gun goes, I have only carried one gun for my entire career- the Sig Sauer P229. I have over 10,000 rounds through it with never the slightest problem. Best of luck to you in the academy! It's alot of work but you'll have a great time.