Newb Question

[Dorian Gray]

Alright boys and girls, please bear with me.

I don't have my RPAL yet but plan to get it in the near future.(I have my PAL and I passed the course when i was 12 so i'm not really a newb, only a newb with handguns) Since i have a sh*tload of time to cruise the internets, i have been looking for suitable handguns. I've handled a Beretta 92FS, a Springfield G.I. 1911A1 and a S&W M&P 9 thus far. Never shot one yet though .

Before i get to my question, i'll give you a little backround on me. I'm not a huge guy. About 5'8". I've put on weight in the last year or so but i'm not a fat a$$. When handling the guns that i mentioned, i found that the Beretta didn't really fit my hands right. The 1911 was about the perfect fit and the M&P seemed like a toy in my hands. (i'm not a big plastic fan when it comes to guns. Some of you may not like this statement but it's just the way it felt to me)

Anyway, I've also been looking into the CZ Shadow and the model 85 but don't want a 9mm. Some of you might say that starting on a 22lr or 9mm might be a good idea. That's true. It teaches you better shot placement techniques and better firearms handling.

The thing is, is that i'm not going to be buying another pistol for a few years and am probably going to have to be using this as my (for lack of a better term) service pistol. I just got an offer to start working as an armed guard for cash services trucks and was told that i'm going to be using my own firearm as opposed to an issued one. This may be site specific but i'm not sure. I'll have to ask people with more knowledge on the subject. (gallen270, I'm going to PM you pretty soon with questions on this subject. I was told you work for G4S on the trucks and i want to pick your brain if you'll let me. )

So my question is, "Does anyone make a 1911A1 in 40 S&W?" the reason i ask this is because the Springfield guns (in .45 ACP) can only carry 7+1 and i'd like a few more cartridges in my mag if i'm going to get into a some sh*t. Can anyone help me with this? PM or post in this thread if you would fellow CGNers. I need as much help as i can get.

Dorian

 

[Derby]

STI international makes an excellent .40 SW in their Trojan. Feels the same as my Colt 1911's, and is super accurate. Tripp Research makes a good stainless 9 round magazine for it.

 

[enefgee]

If you're going to be betting your *ss on it (sounds like you are) and you don't want a Glock or an M&P or any other 9mm, I'd be looking at a Sig in 40 S&W. Armco has a 40 S&W Sig P-226 in 40 right now for less than $900. This is the first I've ever heard of an armoured car company letting guys carry their own pistols - it is a major expense for you and major liability headache for them, check your sources. Keep in mind you'll need at least a level 2 holster and mag pouches, as well as mags. You will also need to be able to qualify through whatever training the province requires, so you need to get out and shoot - a lot.

 

[Dorian Gray]

If you're going to be betting your *ss on it (sounds like you are) and you don't want a Glock or an M&P or any other 9mm, I'd be looking at a Sig in 40 S&W. Armco has a 40 S&W Sig P-226 in 40 right now for less than $900. This is the first I've ever heard of an armoured car company letting guys carry their own pistols - it is a major expense for you and major liability headache for them, check your sources. Keep in mind you'll need at least a level 2 holster and mag pouches, as well as mags. You will also need to be able to qualify through whatever training the province requires, so you need to get out and shoot - a lot.

I honestly have no idea what a level 2 holster is but i'll look into it. Thanks for metioning it. I have a cousin who is in the OPP and he says that they use a holster that is a "3 stage" type holster. I know what that means in theory but have never actually used one. I don't really want one for what i'm going to get into. Time will tell though.

As for using my own pistol, thats only what i've been told. Whether or not it's true, well again, time will tell. If i am issued a pistol though, i'd like to know what type so i can buy one to practice with it so that way, i'll be rather capable with said gun.

Getting out and shooting a lot sounds like a good time. I shouldn't have any problem with that. Getting through the provincial training shouldn't be a problem either. Thanks for the help guys.

Dorian

 

[enefgee]

Holsters are divided into levels of security, depending on how many retention devices are built into the holster. A Level 1 holster is basically holding the gun by tension alone, or by a thumb strap. A Level 2 holster has (normally) a thumb strap and a trigger guard lock, requiring 2 distinct movements to release the pistol. A Level 3 holster will normally have all of a Level 2's security, plus a device which requires manipulation by the thumb or forefinger. These devices are intended to make it hard for someone who isn't wearing the holster to free the gun. As far a issued pistols go, I'm pretty sure Brinks has gone to the M&P 40 across the country and I've heard of another company using Glocks. If you're wearing a gun 8-10 hours a day, plastic guns make a whole lot of sense, your back will definitely thank you for carrying the tupperware, over the steel.

 

[prproulx]

i'm not a big plastic fan when it comes to guns. Some of you may not like this statement but it's just the way it felt to me

Then you need more experience. How many cops are out there with plastic guns? If it works when you need it then it is the best gun on earth.
Everything else is playing in the sandbox.