Duty weapon Question?

[Hghlndr]

Let me begin by saying I'm a reserve deputy on my local Sheriff's Dept. Right now I'm carrying a Baby Eagle 9mm. Our full-time guys carry .45s, so I'm looking at getting one. I have been looking at a Springfield Champion Loaded in stainless steel. I was wondering what everyone thought about it as a duty weapon. Thanks in advance.

[Hawkmoon]

The Champion only has a 4" barrel and doesn't use a standard barrel bushing. Especially for a duty weapon, I think you should be looking at a full-size. I'd suggest the Mil-Spec if you like Springfields.

[Rich-D]

I seldom differ with Hawkmoon. However, I would prefer a true commander size 4.25" barrel, as a duty weapon. In my opinion, law enforcement is close quarters combat. The full size is a bit slower for me on the draw, especially when seated in a vehicle, and needs a bit more room to swing around. Also, the full size is a bit easier for an assailant to grab onto.


Rich

[Hawkmoon]

Rich has a xouple of good points. Personally, I prefer a Combat Commander (a true Commander, with a 4-1/4" barrel and a barrel bushing), but as a non-LEO I made the mistake of "assuming" that for uniformed carry, bigger is better.

A Commander is certainly a good choice, but I strongly favor a gun with a barrel bushing for duty carry, and that eliminates the Springfield Champion, as well as a number of other contenders.

A Colt 1991 Commander would be an excellent choice, IMHO.

[Rich-D]

A Colt 1991 Commander would be an excellent choice, IMHO.

A big plus 1 on the Colt 1991 Commander! See we do agree, most of the time! :)


Rich

[jazor]

I had a fellow deputy carry a champion for duty. He liked it and shot well.

I don't know what your departments policy say about barrel length. I would take that into consideration before you buy. Also does your department have a list of approved handguns?

Mine lets us carry anything we like as long it is a 45. I am using a Springfield Loaded with a light rail.

If you have the chance go out and shoot a full size and the commander. See which one you like and get that one.

[bill may]

Well, now that I have retired from law enforcement, let me say that you are, indeed, lucky, to have a top administrator who approves of cocked-and-locked carry weapons. In my part of the country (Louisville, Ky.) most administrators shake with fear when a 1911 style pistol is even mentioned. But then again, the road to the top never seems to run through the department range with a stint as an instructor, does it? I like several of the 1911 models, from the Colts to the Springfields to the Kimbers. What is your budget? Both Rich-D and Hawkmoon make excellent suggestions. Just my two cents (and I know both will agree on this) - when you find one that fits your hands and your wallet, go straight to the range and shoot several boxes through it (making sure that at least 2-3 boxes of duty carry ammo go down range, also). When it functions flawlessly, then (and only then) carry it on duty. A Reserve is still a law enforcement officer, and like any law enforcement officer, you may only need it once in your career, but when you need it you need it to function flawlessly. Do not take any chances. Buy a quality weapon, practice, practice, practice, and keep it cleaned and maintained as per the manufacturer's recommendations. And, as far as extra mags, do not scrimp there, either. Purchase quality and rotate them monthly.
P.S. Wear your vest and carry a BUG (back-up gun). And another suggestion - stay on this site. It is loaded with knowledge and ideas that you can use (both on-duty and off-duty) for personal and family protection) It is loaded with great guys (and gals, too!). Keep us posted on your purchase.

[Tom]

let me say that you are, indeed, lucky, to have a top administrator who approves of cocked-and-locked carry weapons.
Wait! Who said that he would be allowed to carry in Condition 1? LOL

[TonyW]

When I first got a 4" with a bull barrel I was agreeing with Hawkmoon, thinking that I had really made a mistake -- that one with a barrel bushing would be preferable. But after owning if for a bit, I see that it really has advantages: one less part to fall under the car seat if you have to take it apart; no barrel bushing wrench to carry just in case the bushing somehow gets jammed, and it really isn't harder to take apart once you get used to it. I should add that mine does not have a 2 part guide rod (uses a standard one) and no special tool is needed to take the gun apart. Plus the 4" bull barrel gives a little more weight up front which makes it balance more like the standard 45, while being quicker to get on target. Also, try out a bobtail before you make a decision. I have 2 bobtails - a 4.25" with a bushing and a 4" bull barrel one. Actually I don't see much difference in either.

[bill may]

Tom: Is there any other condition? LOL Seriously, in the few agencies that I have worked with (or helped train on the range) that allow 1911s to be carried, all have authorized condition one carry. I say, "good for them. They know what a 1911 is all about." Hopefully, there is not an administrator out there who would allow a 1911 to be carried, but then dictate anything but condition one? Wait? On second thought, there probably is. Remember what I said in my last post? The road to the Chief's office (or Sheriff's position) seldom runs through the firing range. No one claimed they had to be gun savy or knowledgeable, they just have to be the boss and we grunts just follow the orders (no matter how ridiculous).

[bill may]

Tom: Ever have someone on the range come up to you and whisper, "Did you know your weapon is cocked?" I just love people like that. LOL

[Tom]

Tom: Ever have someone on the range come up to you and whisper, "Did you know your weapon is cocked?"
Just as long as they don't try and sneak up on me!

[bill may]

Tom: 10-4 on the sneaking up on me. That is a dangerous move (for anyone anywhere)! However, even more so when a shooter has a cocked-and-locked weapon in their hands. Timing is everything. Wonder if our Deputy (who started this thread) made a decision on a 1911 pistol for duty carry? I am talking to a neighboring county (next to Louisville) about becoming their training officer and if they will let me carry one of my 1911s. Will keep everyone apprised. 8 months of retirement without a badge is starting to wear on me. I miss the training aspect of law enforcement. 36+ years and I find I am missing it (somewhat).

[Rich-D]

8 months of retirement without a badge is starting to wear on me. I miss the training aspect of law enforcement. 36+ years and I find I am missing it (somewhat).

Bill, You'll never stop missing it, no matter how long you live!

Best of Luck!
Rich

[bill may]

Thanks, Rich-D. I appreciate it. How long were you in law enforcement? Which agency? Rank at retirement, etc. Different assignments?

[bill may]

Rich-D: I also meant to tell you about your quote "there is no greater high than defeating armed felons." I have used that in both the college classroom and on the range training officers. I love those words! Some of my college level students do not understand those words. Sadly, a lot of my criminal justice students do not have the drive needed to make it past the entrance exam and on to the academy. No spirit, no fire in the belly. They are certainly a part of the "entitlement" generation. The thought of some of them with a badge and a 1911 (or any other firearms) on their hip scares me. Thankfully, many will not make it because of the above words. Not like our generation (I am a dinosaur at 56).

[Rich-D]

Thanks, Rich-D. I appreciate it. How long were you in law enforcement? Which agency? Rank at retirement, etc. Different assignments?

Bill I will PM you so I don't hijack the thread. ;)


Rich

[bill may]

Rich-D: 10-4 on that, I wasn't thinking.

[horse 91-A1]

Ahhh, the days of the Dodge Polara 440s and 150mph plus. Thank you for your service Bill. :appld: A dinosaur at 56, please. :p

The Sheriff's Office here is issued Colt Series 80 for duty. I prefer the Gov't length because of its slightly longer sight radius for use on multiple targets, plus it seems to balance better for me. :)

Bob

[JLPATTEN]

With proper training, and a good quality firearm, I think the 1911 is an excellent choise for a duty firearm. I had carried a Colt Combat Commander for a duty pistol. Love the commander but I eventually went to a full size Springfield 1911 with the novak night sights. the full size seemed a little easier for my to use in patrol. But then it probably is not too big a difference. As long as the pistol is in good condition, proper holster and some good training.

Have a great day and good luck to the original poster in making his decision.

Jeff

[Hghlndr]

For all those that have wondered what my decision was. Unfortunately I got laid off from my paying job so a new pistol has kind of taken a back seat to bills. I have decided when I get another pistol it will be a Champion Loaded. If I could just sell my rifle I could afford to get one. Thanks for all the advice.

[Spyros]

We're all sorry to hear that, Let's hope your luck changes soon.

[SGT405]

Sorry to hear about the job.

Concerning barrell length, don't worry about it. Remember, a heck of a lot of agencies issue SIG P229/SIGPRO etc which have shorter barrell lengths than a 1911 full size.

I started in 1974 and still work(I will never retire), I have carried full size 1911s and Commanders for off duty and then on when we were allowed. Of all my 1911s, a 4" or 4 1/4" are the best all around choice. They balance better in my hand, are just as accurate as 5" models and I like the weight savings at "my advanced age". I now carry a Kimber PRO CARRY on and off duty.

[Hghlndr]

For those that might be interested. I just got a custom 1911. I would like to thank everyone for all the advice.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e170/Hghlndr/DSCF0002.jpg

[Spyros]

That looks good, congratulations, who is it made by?

[Hghlndr]

It is custom built by a guy here in Indiana. It is STI frame, Essex slide, Ed Brown barrel, Wilson grips and grip safety, and other high quality parts. It looks better in person. I am extremely happy with it. Now just to break it in.