Tag Archives: Pistol

This report provides a data-driven analysis of the top 10 semi-automatic pistols currently in service with United States law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. The modern law enforcement sidearm is a critical component of an officer’s equipment, and procurement decisions by agencies are influenced by a complex matrix of factors including reliability, performance, ergonomics, trainability, and total cost of ownership. This analysis identifies and ranks the most prevalent service pistols based on the frequency of agency issuance and officer use, provides detailed technical specifications, examines the core rationale for their adoption, and summarizes operator feedback from the field. The findings are synthesized from a comprehensive review of agency procurement data, industry reports, manufacturer specifications, and qualitative feedback from law enforcement personnel.

The Modern Law Enforcement Sidearm Landscape

The landscape of law enforcement sidearms has undergone a fundamental transformation over the past four decades. The era of the.38 Special and.357 Magnum double-action revolver, which dominated the 20th century, has definitively given way to the high-capacity, semi-automatic pistol.¹ This initial transition in the 1980s and 1990s saw the adoption of metal-framed, double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistols, such as the Beretta 92FS and the SIG Sauer P226. However, a more profound market shift occurred with the widespread adoption of the polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol, a design paradigm pioneered and perfected by Glock.²

This platform’s ascendancy is not accidental but is a result of a superior combination of key attributes that directly address the needs of large law enforcement organizations. Polymer frames significantly reduce the weight of the firearm, lessening the burden on an officer’s already heavy duty belt.³ The striker-fired mechanism, with its consistent trigger pull from the first shot to the last, simplifies the manual of arms compared to the DA/SA transition, which can reduce training costs and improve shooter performance under stress.⁴ Furthermore, these designs typically feature fewer moving parts, contributing to exceptional mechanical reliability and ease of maintenance—critical factors for agencies that must service thousands of firearms.³ This combination of reliability, operational simplicity, higher ammunition capacity, and a lower total cost of ownership has made the polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol the undisputed standard in modern American law enforcement.²

Prevailing Market Trends

The contemporary law enforcement handgun market is defined by several key technological and doctrinal trends that are shaping procurement decisions and manufacturer offerings.

The Ascendancy of 9mm Luger

Perhaps the most significant trend of the last decade has been the industry-wide migration from the.40 S&W cartridge back to the 9mm Luger (9×19mm Parabellum). This shift was catalyzed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) influential 2015 decision to return to 9mm for its duty ammunition, a move that reversed its own trend-setting adoption of the 10mm Auto and subsequent.40 S&W in the aftermath of the 1986 Miami shootout.⁷ The rationale for this change is rooted in significant advancements in projectile technology. Modern 9mm jacketed hollow point (JHP) duty ammunition, such as the Hornady Critical Duty and Federal HST lines, now demonstrates terminal performance in FBI testing protocols that is equivalent to that of larger, heavier calibers.⁹ With terminal performance equalized, the inherent advantages of the 9mm cartridge become decisive for law enforcement agencies. These advantages include significantly reduced felt recoil, which allows for faster and more accurate follow-up shots; higher magazine capacity within the same firearm dimensions; lower ammunition cost, which enables more frequent and effective training; and reduced wear and tear on the firearms themselves.⁹

The Rise of Optics-Ready Platforms

A major technological evolution in duty sidearms is the rapidly growing adoption of miniature red dot sights (MRDS). Once the exclusive domain of competition shooters, slide-mounted optics are now being issued or authorized by a growing number of agencies.¹¹ This trend reflects a shift in training doctrine that recognizes the benefits of an MRDS for officer performance. An optic allows the shooter to remain “threat-focused” rather than shifting focus between the target and iron sights, which can lead to faster target acquisition and improved situational awareness under stress.² Furthermore, optics have been shown to significantly improve accuracy for many shooters, especially at extended engagement distances.² In response, firearms manufacturers are increasingly offering “optics-ready” models as standard law enforcement configurations, featuring slides that are factory-milled to accept a variety of popular MRDS footprints.²

Modularity and Ergonomics as Key Differentiators

As the core technology of the polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol has matured, the market has become highly competitive. With the baseline for reliability and performance set at an extremely high level by dominant players like Glock, manufacturers are now competing on secondary features to differentiate their products. Modularity has become a key selling point, exemplified by the SIG Sauer P320’s serialized Fire Control Unit (FCU). This internal chassis allows an agency to swap grip modules, slides, and barrels to create different-sized pistols for different roles (e.g., full-size for patrol, compact for detectives) without purchasing a new serialized firearm, offering unprecedented logistical flexibility.¹³ Similarly, user-configurable ergonomics are now a critical feature. Systems like the Smith & Wesson M&P’s four interchangeable palmswell inserts or the Heckler & Koch VP9’s modular side panels and backstraps allow a single pistol model to be tailored to fit a wide variety of officer hand sizes, improving comfort, control, and performance.¹⁵

The U.S. law enforcement handgun market is dominated by a small number of key manufacturers. Glock, Inc. remains the undisputed market leader, with some estimates suggesting it holds over 65% of the law enforcement market share in the United States.³ Its primary competitors are SIG Sauer and Smith & Wesson, both of which have secured significant contracts with major federal, state, and local agencies.⁴ Other manufacturers, such as FN Herstal, have also made significant inroads by winning major contracts with large departments like the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).¹¹

While market analysis reports indicate that the law enforcement segment is smaller in total value than the military and civilian consumer segments, its influence is disproportionately large.⁶ Law enforcement adoption serves as a powerful endorsement of a firearm’s reliability and durability, heavily influencing purchasing decisions in the much larger civilian market. An agency’s selection of a particular firearm is often viewed as a “stamp of approval,” making the law enforcement sector a critical battleground for brand prestige and a key driver of consumer trends.³

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s procurement decisions and ammunition testing protocols, in particular, serve as a powerful catalyst for the entire U.S. law enforcement market. The Bureau’s extensive and highly regarded research and testing capabilities mean its choices often become the de facto industry standard, creating a cascading effect that heavily influences the procurement decisions of thousands of state and local agencies. This was first demonstrated in the late 1980s when the FBI’s search for a more powerful cartridge, following the 1986 Miami shootout, led directly to the development and widespread adoption of the.40 S&W cartridge.⁷ For nearly two decades, the.40 S&W became the dominant police caliber in the nation, a direct result of the FBI’s lead. The reverse occurred in 2015, when the FBI announced that advancements in 9mm ballistics meant the cartridge once again met its stringent performance requirements. This announcement effectively gave agencies nationwide the technical justification to switch back to 9mm, triggering the current market-wide trend.⁷ This pattern extends to ammunition itself, where manufacturers explicitly design their products to pass the “FBI Protocol” tests and heavily market this achievement. Winning an FBI ammunition contract, as Hornady has done with its Critical Duty line, is a major marketing coup that validates the product for the entire law enforcement community.¹⁹ This history demonstrates that the FBI is not merely another customer; it functions as a national standards-setting body whose technological and ballistic research provides a foundation upon which hundreds of other agencies build their own equipment policies, making its choices a primary driver of market-wide trends.

U.S. Law Enforcement Top 10 Service Pistols: A Ranked Analysis

The following ranking is derived from a synthesized analysis of the frequency of mention in law enforcement publications, official agency adoption announcements, manufacturer reports on law enforcement sales, and the scale and influence of the agencies using each platform.

1. Glock 19 (and its variants, e.g., 19M, Gen5 MOS)

Overview and Market Position

The Glock 19 is ranked number one due to its unparalleled ubiquity across all echelons of U.S. law enforcement. It represents the quintessential modern duty pistol, achieving a near-perfect balance between the operational characteristics of a full-size service weapon and the concealability of a compact firearm. This versatility makes it the default choice for a vast number of agencies, suitable for uniformed patrol, plainclothes detectives, and specialized assignments. Its selection by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as its primary service pistol (in the G19M configuration) has solidified its status as the current industry benchmark, influencing countless other agencies to follow suit.⁴

Technical Analysis (Gen5 MOS)

The fifth-generation Glock 19 MOS (Modular Optic System) is the current evolution of this platform. It is a polymer-framed, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol operating on the “Safe Action” system, which integrates three passive mechanical safeties. It is chambered in 9x19mm Luger with a standard magazine capacity of 15 rounds, with options for 17, 19, 24, and 33-round magazines.⁴ Key specifications include a 4.02-inch barrel, an overall length of 7.28 inches, and an unloaded weight of approximately 23.63 ounces with an empty magazine.²⁶ The Gen5 models incorporate several key upgrades over previous generations, including the Glock Marksman Barrel (GMB) with enhanced polygonal rifling for improved accuracy, a flared magazine well for faster reloads, the removal of finger grooves for a more universal grip, fully ambidextrous slide stop levers, and a reversible magazine catch.²⁷ The MOS configuration features a slide that is factory-milled to accept various adapter plates, allowing for the direct mounting of a wide range of miniature red dot sights.²⁹

Key Attributes for Adoption

Agency adoption of the Glock 19 is driven by a trifecta of core attributes:

Reliability: The Glock platform has a legendary, almost proverbial, reputation for functioning under the most adverse conditions with minimal maintenance. This extreme durability is the single most critical factor for law enforcement agencies, as a non-functioning sidearm in a critical incident represents an unacceptable liability.⁴
Simplicity & Trainability: The consistent trigger pull of the Safe Action system and the lack of an external manual safety simplify the manual of arms. This reduces the complexity of training and can improve an officer’s performance under the extreme stress of a deadly force encounter.³
Cost-Effectiveness: Glock’s aggressive law enforcement pricing structure, known as the “Blue Label Program,” makes its pistols among the most affordable options for agency and individual officer purchase. This low initial cost, combined with low maintenance requirements and widespread parts availability, results in an exceptionally low total cost of ownership for agencies managing large inventories of firearms.³

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger.
Common Duty Loads: Agencies pairing the Glock 19 with modern duty ammunition seek rounds that perform well in the FBI’s ballistic testing protocol. The current FBI-issue round is the Hornady Critical Duty 135gr +P FlexLock.²⁰ Other widely used and highly regarded loads include the Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P JHP and the Federal HST in both 124gr and 147gr weights.³¹

Adoption Profile (Sample)

The Glock 19’s adoption spans the entire spectrum of American law enforcement.

Federal: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI – G19M), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF – G19M), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).²⁴
State/Local: The Glock 19 is authorized or issued by a vast number of the nation’s largest police departments, including the New York Police Department (NYPD), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and Philadelphia Police Department (PPD).²³

Operator Feedback Analysis

Analysis of officer discussions on social media and forums reveals a deep respect for the Glock 19’s “do-it-all” versatility and its unquestioned reliability, with many describing it as “near flawless” in operation.³⁰ Common criticisms, however, consistently focus on the pistol’s ergonomics, specifically the grip angle and the potential for “slide bite” on the shooter’s hand, as well as a factory trigger that some operators find to be gritty or less refined compared to competitors.¹⁶ A significant source of negative feedback stems from department-mandated modifications, such as the NYPD’s historically required 12-pound “New York” trigger spring, which officers complain makes the pistol difficult to shoot accurately and highlights a frequent disconnect between administrative safety requirements and practical operator preference.³⁸

2. Glock 17

Overview and Market Position

The Glock 17 is the firearm that started the polymer, striker-fired revolution and holds the number two position in this ranking due to its extensive and long-standing service as a primary sidearm for uniformed patrol officers. As Glock’s original, full-size model, its larger frame, longer barrel, and higher standard capacity make it an ideal choice for open-carry duty use where concealability is not a primary concern. For decades, it set the standard for what a modern service pistol should be.⁴

Technical Analysis (Gen5 MOS)

The Glock 17 Gen5 MOS is a full-size, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol chambered in 9x19mm Luger.⁴⁴ It shares the same Gen5 feature set as the Glock 19, including the Glock Marksman Barrel, ambidextrous controls, flared magwell, and MOS optics-mounting capability.⁴⁵ Its key differentiators are its larger dimensions: it features a 4.49-inch barrel, an overall length of 7.95 inches, and a standard magazine capacity of 17 rounds.⁴⁶ The longer slide provides an increased sight radius, which can aid in mechanical accuracy, and the larger grip frame can be more comfortable for officers with larger hands.⁴⁷

Key Attributes for Adoption

The Glock 17’s success is built upon the same foundational pillars as the Glock 19: unparalleled reliability, simplicity of operation, and institutional cost-effectiveness. For uniformed patrol, its full-size frame is often preferred as it provides a more substantial grip for better recoil management and stability, making it a very soft-shooting and controllable platform. Its higher standard capacity of 17 rounds provides an additional advantage in critical situations.⁴⁵

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger.
Common Duty Loads: The ammunition choices for the Glock 17 are identical to those for the Glock 19, as agencies typically standardize a single duty load across all 9mm platforms. This includes top-tier JHP rounds like Federal HST 147gr, Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P, and Winchester Ranger T-Series 124gr +P.³¹

Adoption Profile (Sample)

The Glock 17 is a mainstay in police departments across the country, especially for patrol officer issuance.

Federal: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS – issued to new deputies in training).³⁶
State/Local: The New York Police Department’s (NYPD) current primary issue sidearm is the Glock 17 Gen4.³⁸ The Chicago Police Department (CPD) requires new recruits to purchase either a Glock 17 or a Glock 19.⁵³ It is also an authorized duty weapon for the Philadelphia PD and was provided on loan to SEPTA Police by the PPD as an emergency replacement for their SIG P320s.⁴⁰

Operator Feedback Analysis

The Glock 17 is widely respected in the law enforcement community as the quintessential “workhorse” duty pistol. It is praised for its soft-shooting characteristics, rugged simplicity, and absolute dependability. For many officers, it is the baseline against which all other full-size duty pistols are measured.

3. SIG Sauer P320 (and M17/M18 variants)

Overview and Market Position

The SIG Sauer P320 holds the number three position, a ranking that reflects its meteoric rise in the law enforcement market, largely propelled by its selection as the U.S. Military’s M17/M18 service pistol under the Modular Handgun System (MHS) contract.¹³ The P320’s primary technological innovation is its modular design, which centers on a serialized internal Fire Control Unit (FCU) that can be swapped between different grip modules and slide assemblies.¹⁴ However, the P320’s market position is uniquely and significantly complicated by a persistent and well-documented controversy surrounding allegations of uncommanded discharges, which has led to numerous lawsuits and the pistol’s withdrawal from several major law enforcement agencies.¹⁴

Technical Analysis (P320 Full-Size)

The P320 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol. The full-size model in 9x19mm Luger features a 4.7-inch barrel, an overall length of 8.0 inches, and a standard capacity of 17 rounds.¹⁴ The core of the P320 system is its stainless steel internal chassis, which contains the trigger group and serves as the legally serialized firearm.⁵⁹ This allows the end-user to change the pistol’s size (Full-Size, Carry, Compact, Subcompact), caliber (9mm,.40 S&W,.357 SIG,.45 ACP), and grip circumference by simply swapping non-serialized components, offering a level of modularity unmatched by most competitors.¹⁴

Key Attributes for Adoption

Modularity: The P320’s FCU-based system is its chief selling point for institutions. It allows an agency to adapt its handgun fleet to different roles and officer needs with minimal logistical burden and without the expense and paperwork of purchasing new serialized firearms.¹⁴
Military Contract Prestige: Winning the highly competitive MHS contract created a powerful “halo effect” for the P320. The perception of being “military-grade” and having bested competitors like Glock in rigorous trials served as a powerful marketing tool and drove significant sales in the law enforcement sector.⁵⁵
Performance and Ergonomics: Many users praise the P320’s out-of-the-box trigger quality and ergonomics as being superior to many of its competitors, contributing to its initial popularity.⁶¹

The adoption of the P320 as the U.S. military’s M17/M18 pistol highlights how a prestigious military contract can be a double-edged sword in the law enforcement market. Initially, the MHS contract win was a monumental marketing victory, positioning the P320 as the “Army’s pistol” and driving a wave of LE sales.⁶⁰ However, the intense public and media scrutiny that accompanies such a high-profile adoption can magnify any perceived or actual safety failure, leading to a rapid erosion of trust in the more litigious and risk-averse law enforcement and civilian sectors. The military’s operational requirements and risk tolerance differ from those of domestic law enforcement; for instance, the military M17/M18 variants include a manual thumb safety, a feature absent on most law enforcement P320s.⁵⁵ When numerous incidents of uncommanded discharges surfaced in the LE community, the pistol’s high profile amplified the negative attention and created a stark contrast between its “military-approved” status and the real-world experiences of some police officers.⁵⁶ This created a significant credibility gap, leading major federal agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reverse their adoption—a major blow to the pistol’s reputation.⁵⁷ This demonstrates that military validation alone is insufficient for long-term success in the law enforcement market, which has unique operational contexts—such as constant holstered carry with a chambered round during dynamic physical activity—and a lower institutional tolerance for perceived safety risks.

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber: Primarily 9x19mm Luger.
Common Duty Loads: Speer Gold Dot 124gr JHP, Federal HST 124gr/147gr JHP, and other premium JHP loads that meet agency performance standards.

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Federal: U.S. Military (M17/M18). Crucially, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command have banned or halted the use of the P320 due to safety concerns, with ICE actively replacing them with Glock 19s.¹⁴
State/Local: The pistol has been adopted by numerous state agencies, including the Virginia State Police, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.⁴ However, several major municipal departments, including the Chicago PD, Dallas PD (formerly), Houston PD, and Milwaukee PD (formerly), have banned or are actively phasing out the P320 due to safety incidents and officer injuries.¹⁴

Operator Feedback Analysis

Discussions surrounding the P320 in law enforcement circles are heavily dominated by the uncommanded discharge controversy. The sworn testimony and public statements of officers like HPD’s Richard Fernandez, who was seriously injured by a discharge from his holstered duty weapon, have severely damaged the pistol’s reputation for safety.⁶⁵ This has created a deep and contentious schism within the law enforcement community. While some users continue to defend the pistol’s performance and trigger feel, many others express a complete loss of trust in its internal safety mechanisms, viewing it as an unacceptable risk for duty carry.⁶⁵

4. Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0

Overview and Market Position

The Smith & Wesson Military & Police (M&P) series, particularly in its updated M2.0 iteration, stands as Glock’s most formidable direct competitor, earning the number four position in this analysis. The M&P9 M2.0 has secured numerous major law enforcement contracts by offering a familiar polymer-framed, striker-fired operating system but with ergonomics and a factory trigger that many officers and agencies find superior to the competition.⁴

Technical Analysis (M&P9 M2.0 Full Size Optics Ready)

The M&P9 M2.0 is a striker-fired, 9x19mm Luger pistol with a standard capacity of 17 rounds.⁶⁷ Its polymer frame is reinforced with a rigid, extended embedded stainless-steel chassis designed to reduce flex and torque during firing.⁶⁸ Key features that distinguish the M2.0 include a highly aggressive grip texture for a secure hold, four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts (S, M, ML, L) to customize the fit to an officer’s hand, and an improved M2.0 trigger with a lighter, crisper pull and a more tactile and audible reset.⁶⁷ The full-size model features a 4.25-inch barrel, and optics-ready versions are available with slides milled for red dot sights.⁴

Key Attributes for Adoption

Superior Ergonomics: The M&P’s 18-degree grip angle, which mimics that of the classic 1911, and its highly customizable palmswell system are its most lauded features. These allow the pistol to comfortably and securely fit a wider range of hand sizes than many of its competitors, which can directly translate to better shooter performance.¹⁶
Improved M2.0 Trigger: The trigger system in the M2.0 series was a significant upgrade over the first generation. It offers a flat-faced option for consistent finger placement and a lighter, crisper pull with a more distinct reset, directly addressing a common criticism leveled against both the original M&P and stock Glock pistols.⁶⁸
Proven Platform: The M&P line has been in service for over a decade, establishing a strong track record of reliability and durability that gives procurement officers confidence in the platform’s ability to withstand the rigors of duty use.²²

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger.
Common Duty Loads: Federal HST 124gr or 147gr JHP, Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P JHP, and Winchester Ranger T-Series 147gr JHP.

Adoption Profile (Sample)

The M&P9 has been adopted by a significant number of large and influential agencies.

Federal: Various components within the Department of Homeland Security.
State/Local: The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), the nation’s largest sheriff’s department, selected the M&P9 as its issue sidearm.⁶⁹ The Detroit Police Department also issues the M&P9 M2.0, and the Providence (RI) Police Department issues the M&P in.40 S&W.²²

Operator Feedback Analysis

Forum discussions and social media commentary reveal a strong and loyal following for the M&P platform among law enforcement officers, particularly those who prefer its ergonomics, grip texture, and grip angle over Glock’s.¹⁶ The M2.0 version is widely regarded as a highly reliable and robust duty pistol that successfully addressed the shortcomings of the first generation, particularly the trigger. It is seen as a top-tier duty pistol that can compete with and, in some respects, exceed the performance of its main rivals.¹⁶

5. Glock 22

Overview and Market Position

For nearly two decades, from the mid-1990s through the early 2010s, the Glock 22 in.40 S&W was arguably the most dominant police pistol in the United States.⁷ It is ranked at number five because, despite being actively phased out by many agencies in favor of 9mm models, a massive number of G22s remain in service, fill department armories, and are authorized as secondary or personally owned duty weapons. Its legacy and continued, albeit diminishing, presence in the law enforcement ecosystem are substantial.²²

Technical Analysis (Gen5 MOS)

The Glock 22 is a full-size, polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol chambered in.40 S&W with a standard capacity of 15 rounds.⁷⁴ The Gen5 model features a 4.49-inch Glock Marksman Barrel and an overall length of 7.95 inches.⁷⁵ It shares the core feature set of the Gen5 line, including the lack of finger grooves, a flared magwell, and ambidextrous controls. Notably, the slide of the.40 S&W Gen5 models is slightly wider than that of their 9mm counterparts to accommodate the higher pressures of the cartridge.⁷⁶

Key Attributes for Adoption

Perceived Stopping Power: The Glock 22 rose to prominence during the height of the.40 S&W’s popularity. The cartridge was developed specifically for law enforcement and was seen as the ideal compromise, offering a significant increase in terminal energy over the 9mm rounds of the era, while providing a higher magazine capacity than the.45 ACP.⁷
FBI Endorsement: The primary catalyst for the Glock 22’s nationwide success was the FBI’s adoption of Glock pistols chambered in.40 S&W in 1997. As previously discussed, this decision by the nation’s premier law enforcement agency prompted hundreds of state and local departments to follow suit.⁷

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber:.40 S&W.
Common Duty Loads: The most common duty loads for the.40 S&W are typically in the 165gr to 180gr weight range. Highly regarded options include the Speer Gold Dot 180gr JHP, Federal HST 180gr JHP, and Winchester Ranger T-Series 180gr JHP. The former FBI issue round was the Hornady Critical Duty 175gr FlexLock.⁷⁷

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Federal: The U.S. Capitol Police is one of the federal agencies that has carried the Glock 22.⁴ It was formerly used by a vast number of other federal agencies before the transition back to 9mm.
State/Local: The Glock 22 was previously issued by countless state police, highway patrol, and municipal departments across the country. Many of these agencies still have the G22 in their inventory or authorize it for duty use. For example, the Detroit Police Department’s policy allows officers who previously qualified with the G22 to continue carrying it as a secondary weapon.⁷⁰

Operator Feedback Analysis

Officers who carried the Glock 22 often speak of its effectiveness and the confidence they had in the.40 S&W cartridge. However, a common point of discussion is the cartridge’s “snappier” recoil impulse compared to 9mm, which could make qualification more difficult for some shooters and slow down follow-up shots.¹⁰ The ongoing departmental shift away from the.40 S&W is a frequent topic, with most officers acknowledging the logistical, financial, and performance advantages of modern 9mm platforms.

6. SIG Sauer P226

Overview and Market Position

The SIG Sauer P226 is a legendary all-metal, hammer-fired DA/SA pistol that holds the number six spot due to its long and distinguished service history with elite federal agencies and special operations units. While it is being supplanted in many general-issue roles by modern striker-fired pistols, it remains a benchmark for accuracy and reliability and is still the trusted sidearm for some of the world’s most elite units, most notably the U.S. Navy SEALs.²²

Technical Analysis (P226 MK25)

The P226 is a full-size service pistol with an aluminum alloy frame and a milled stainless steel slide. The standard 9mm version features a 4.4-inch barrel, an overall length of 7.7 inches, and weighs a substantial 34 ounces with an empty magazine.⁸¹ It operates on a DA/SA mechanism with an external hammer and a frame-mounted decocking lever, allowing the user to safely lower the hammer on a chambered round.⁸¹ Standard capacity in 9mm is 15 rounds, though modern magazines can hold 17 or more.⁸² The MK25 variant, identical to the pistol carried by the Navy SEALs, features a true MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail, special corrosion-resistant coatings on internal parts, and anchor engravings.⁸¹

Key Attributes for Adoption

Accuracy and Reliability: The P226 is renowned for its exceptional out-of-the-box mechanical accuracy and rock-solid reliability. It famously was one of two pistols to complete the U.S. military’s rigorous XM9 trials in the 1980s, narrowly losing the contract to the Beretta 92FS on a lower package price.²²
DA/SA Action: For many years, the DA/SA trigger system with a decocker was considered an ideal duty action. It provides the safety of a long, heavy double-action trigger pull for the first shot, followed by the precision of a light, crisp single-action pull for all subsequent shots.
Elite Reputation: Its adoption by the Navy SEALs and other premier tactical units, such as the FBI Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), gave the P226 an unparalleled reputation for performing under the most extreme conditions.²²

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber: The P226 has been widely adopted in 9x19mm Luger,.40 S&W, and.357 SIG.⁸¹
Common Duty Loads: Agencies typically issue high-quality JHP ammunition such as Speer Gold Dot or Federal HST in the appropriate caliber.

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Federal: U.S. Navy SEALs (MK25), U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Air Marshals, and formerly the FBI.²²
State/Local: The P226 remains in service with numerous state and local agencies. The NYPD authorized it as one of its first semi-automatic duty pistols during the transition from revolvers.³⁸

Operator Feedback Analysis

The P226 is held in extremely high regard by officers who have carried it. It is consistently praised for its superb accuracy, quality of construction, and the way its significant weight mitigates recoil, making it a very pleasant and easy gun to shoot accurately. Modern criticisms center on its weight and bulk compared to modern polymer pistols and the more complex DA/SA manual of arms, which requires more dedicated training to master than a consistent striker-fired trigger.

7. FN 509

Overview and Market Position

The FN 509 is a formidable and rapidly rising challenger in the law enforcement market, earning the number seven spot on this list. Its position is largely secured by its significant adoption by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), one of the nation’s largest and most influential municipal agencies.¹¹ Developed from FN’s entry into the U.S. Military’s MHS trials, the 509’s primary selling point is its military-grade durability and battlefield-proven reliability.⁸³

Technical Analysis (FN 509 MRD-LE)

The FN 509 MRD-LE is a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol chambered in 9x19mm Luger.⁸⁵ The standard model features a 4.0-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, an overall length of 7.4 inches, and a standard capacity of 17 rounds.⁸⁴ Key features include fully ambidextrous controls (both slide stop and magazine release), aggressive slide serrations, and interchangeable backstraps.⁸⁶ The MRD-LE model is specifically tailored for law enforcement and features FN’s highly regarded Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System, which allows for the secure mounting of various red dot sights and enables a co-witness with suppressor-height iron sights.⁸⁵

Key Attributes for Adoption

Durability and Reliability: FN Herstal heavily markets the 509 platform’s extensive endurance testing, with claims of testing beyond one million rounds. This reputation for robustness was a key factor in its selection by the LAPD, which subjected the pistol to its own grueling 20,000-round trial, which it passed with superior results.¹²
Fully Ambidextrous Controls: The FN 509 is one of the few pistols on the market with truly ambidextrous slide stops and magazine releases from the factory, a significant ergonomic and training advantage for agencies with both right- and left-handed officers.⁸⁶
Superior Optics Integration: The FN factory optics mounting system is widely considered one of the best in the industry. Its design allows for a very secure and low mounting of various red dots, which is critical for maintaining zero and providing a clear sight picture with co-witnessed iron sights.⁸⁵

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger.
Common Duty Loads: Agencies adopting the FN 509 will issue high-performance 9mm JHP ammunition that meets their terminal ballistic requirements, such as Speer Gold Dot, Federal HST, or Winchester Ranger T-Series.

Adoption Profile (Sample)

State/Local: The most significant adoption to date is by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which selected the FN 509 MRD-LE as its new standard-issue sidearm for all new officers in 2021.¹¹ The Wake County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina is another notable agency that has adopted the platform.¹²

Operator Feedback Analysis

Operator feedback on the FN 509 is generally positive, with most praise centering on its robust, “built-like-a-tank” feel and its flawless reliability. The ergonomics and ambidextrous controls are also frequently commended. The factory trigger is often described as a functional and safe “duty trigger” but is not typically regarded as being as refined as some of its direct competitors like the Walther PDP or H&K VP9.

8. Glock 45

Overview and Market Position

The Glock 45, a “crossover” design featuring a compact Glock 19 slide on a full-size Glock 17 frame, has rapidly become a popular duty choice since its introduction, earning the number eight spot. This model was developed in response to a specific user demand for the handling characteristics and higher capacity of a full-size grip combined with the faster draw and quicker cycling of a compact slide.²⁹

Technical Analysis (G45 MOS)

The Glock 45 MOS is a Gen5 striker-fired pistol chambered in 9x19mm Luger. It combines a full-size frame, affording a 17-round standard capacity, with a compact-length slide and 4.02-inch barrel.⁸⁷ It incorporates all standard Gen5 features, including the Glock Marksman Barrel, front slide serrations, an ambidextrous slide stop, a flared magwell, and the MOS optics-mounting system.⁴ This unique configuration results in a pistol with the grip and capacity of a G17 but with the slide length and sight radius of a G19.⁸⁷

Key Attributes for Adoption

Optimized Handling and Balance: The primary driver for the G45’s adoption is its handling characteristics. The full-size grip provides a secure, complete hold for officers of all hand sizes, enhancing recoil control. Simultaneously, the shorter, lighter slide allows for a faster draw from the holster and quicker sight recovery between shots compared to a full-length G17 slide.
Glock Ecosystem Compatibility: As a member of the Glock family, the G45 leverages the full benefits of the brand’s established ecosystem: proven reliability, operational simplicity, and complete parts and magazine interchangeability with other 9mm double-stack Glocks.

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger.
Common Duty Loads: Same as other 9mm Glocks, including Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, and Hornady Critical Duty.

Adoption Profile (Sample)

State/Local: The Milwaukee Police Department notably adopted the Glock 45 as a direct replacement for their SIG Sauer P320s following multiple unintended discharge incidents.⁶⁰ It has been adopted by numerous other agencies seeking a modern Glock duty platform that offers what many consider to be an ideal balance of features.

Operator Feedback Analysis

Operator feedback for the Glock 45 has been overwhelmingly positive. Many officers with extensive experience carrying both the Glock 17 and Glock 19 describe the G45 as the “best of both worlds.” Its balance, feel in the hand, and shooting characteristics are frequently praised, making it one of the most popular and sought-after models in Glock’s current law enforcement lineup.²⁹

9. Beretta 92FS / M9

Overview and Market Position

The iconic Beretta 92FS, known in military service as the M9, was the standard sidearm of the United States Armed Forces for over 30 years. It is ranked at number nine based on this significant legacy status and its continued authorized use by some large and notable police departments. Its all-metal construction and distinctive open-slide design contribute to its reputation for exceptional reliability.²²

Technical Analysis (92FS)

The Beretta 92FS is a full-size, DA/SA, hammer-fired semi-automatic pistol. It features an aluminum alloy frame and a steel open-top slide, a design element that greatly enhances feeding and ejection reliability.⁸⁹ Chambered in 9x19mm Luger, it has a 4.9-inch barrel, an overall length of 8.5 inches, and weighs 33.3 ounces unloaded.⁹¹ Standard magazine capacity is 15 rounds.⁹³ A key operational feature is its slide-mounted ambidextrous decocker/safety lever, which allows the hammer to be safely lowered and puts the pistol on safe.⁹³

Key Attributes for Adoption

Exceptional Reliability: The open-slide design is highly resistant to “stovepipe” and other ejection-related malfunctions, as there is no enclosed ejection port for spent casings to get caught in. This was a key factor in its selection by the U.S. military.⁸⁹
Military Pedigree: Its long and storied service as the M9 gave the platform widespread familiarity and credibility for decades, leading many law enforcement agencies to adopt it during its peak popularity in the 1980s and 1990s.

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber: 9x19mm Luger.
Common Duty Loads: Standard 9mm JHP loads such as Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, or Winchester Ranger.

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Federal: Formerly the standard sidearm for all branches of the U.S. Military.
State/Local: The Beretta 92FS is still an authorized duty weapon for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), among other departments that adopted it during its heyday.³⁹

Operator Feedback Analysis

The Beretta 92FS is often praised by those who have used it for its smooth shooting characteristics, low felt recoil (due to its weight), and reliability.⁹⁴ However, it faces significant criticism by modern standards. Its large grip circumference is difficult for many shooters with smaller hands to manage effectively. The slide-mounted safety/decocker is often cited as being awkwardly placed and difficult to manipulate under stress compared to frame-mounted controls. Finally, its 15-round capacity is considered low for a pistol of its substantial size and weight compared to modern polymer-framed competitors.⁹³ Mounting modern accessories like lights and lasers is also a challenge on older, non-railed models.⁹⁵

10. Staccato P (2011 Platform)

Overview and Market Position

The Staccato P, a modern evolution of the 1911 platform, secures the number ten spot on this list. It represents a growing and influential high-performance niche within law enforcement, particularly among elite tactical units and as a premium authorized personal-purchase duty weapon. The Staccato (formerly STI) 2011 platform ingeniously combines the highly praised single-action trigger and ergonomics of the classic 1911 with a modern, high-capacity double-stack frame.⁹⁶

Technical Analysis (Staccato P DPO)

The Staccato P is a hammer-fired, single-action-only (SAO) pistol built on the 2011 platform. It features a 4.4-inch bull barrel, a machined frame (available in steel or aluminum), and a polymer grip module that houses a double-stack magazine.⁹⁸ Standard capacity in 9x19mm Luger is 17 rounds.¹⁰⁰ As an SAO pistol, it is designed to be carried “cocked and locked,” with the hammer cocked and the ambidextrous manual thumb safety engaged. The DPO (Dawson Precision Optic) models feature a factory optics-ready slide cut, utilizing the Dawson Universal Optic system for mounting red dot sights.⁹⁸

Key Attributes for Adoption

Superior Shootability and Accuracy: The primary driver of the Staccato P’s adoption is its trigger. The light, crisp, and short-travel single-action trigger is far superior to any factory striker-fired trigger and enables a much higher degree of practical accuracy. For highly trained officers, this translates to faster and more precise shooting, a critical advantage in high-stress situations.⁹⁶
Engineered Reliability: Staccato has invested heavily in engineering and quality control to ensure the 2011 platform can pass numerous demanding law enforcement agency trials for reliability, durability, and endurance, overcoming the reliability issues that plagued some earlier double-stack 1911 designs.⁹⁷
Adoption by Elite Units: Its selection by prestigious and highly respected units like the U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group (SOG), the Texas Rangers, and LAPD SWAT provides powerful third-party validation of its performance and reliability, influencing other agencies to authorize its use.⁹⁶

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Caliber: Primarily 9x19mm Luger.
Common Duty Loads: Any premium 9mm JHP duty load that meets agency performance standards.

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Federal: The U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group (SOG) selected a customized version of the Staccato P as its primary duty pistol.⁹⁶
State/Local: The Texas Rangers, LAPD SWAT, Riverside County (CA) SWAT, Houston PD (authorized), and Las Vegas Metro PD (authorized) are among the notable users. Staccato claims approval for duty use by over 1,800 agencies, though this is often for specialized units or as an authorized personally owned weapon rather than a department-wide general issue.⁹⁸

Operator Feedback Analysis

Feedback from elite law enforcement users is overwhelmingly positive. Officers consistently praise the Staccato P’s accuracy, flat recoil impulse, and the confidence that its superior trigger provides. The primary barrier to wider, general-issue adoption is its premium price point, which is several times that of a standard polymer duty pistol, making it cost-prohibitive for most large agencies to issue to every officer.

Emerging Contenders and Market Disruptors

While the market is dominated by the pistols listed above, several other high-quality firearms are gaining significant traction and represent emerging challenges to the established leaders.

Walther PDP: The Walther Performance Duty Pistol (PDP) is a major emerging contender, lauded for what many experts and users consider a best-in-class factory trigger and superb ergonomics.¹⁰³ Its recent, high-profile adoption by the Pennsylvania State Police, one of the nation’s largest state law enforcement agencies, has validated its status as a top-tier duty pistol. This significant contract win may signal a trend of wider adoption by other agencies looking for a platform that prioritizes shooter interface and performance out of the box.⁴²
Heckler & Koch VP9: The H&K VP9 is highly respected for its excellent trigger and uniquely customizable ergonomics, which feature interchangeable side panels in addition to backstraps, allowing for 27 different grip configurations.¹⁵ While it has not achieved the massive contract success of its main rivals, it is an authorized option in many departments and is often the personal choice of individual officers who prioritize its superior handling and shootability.¹⁰⁸
CZ P-10 C: Often dubbed a “Glock killer” upon its release, the CZ P-10 C was specifically engineered to compete directly with the Glock 19. It offers a similar feature set but with what many users consider a better factory trigger and more comfortable ergonomics.¹¹⁰ It has been gaining traction in the U.S. market and has seen successful adoption by various international police and military units, including the Polish Border Guard and the Czech Army, indicating its potential as a serious contender for U.S. law enforcement contracts.¹¹⁰

Conclusion: Key Findings and Future Outlook

Synthesis of Findings

The analysis of the top 10 service pistols reveals that the U.S. law enforcement handgun market is a mature ecosystem dominated by a few key manufacturers and a specific design philosophy: the polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol. Glock’s long-term strategy of embedding itself within the law enforcement community through aggressive pricing, robust support, and a simple, ultra-reliable product has cemented its position as the clear market leader. Competitors have found success not by reinventing the core concept, but by targeting Glock’s perceived weaknesses, primarily in the areas of ergonomics and trigger feel. The market demonstrates a strong preference for platforms that are reliable, simple to train, and cost-effective for large-scale issuance. However, a growing niche exists for high-performance, premium pistols within specialized tactical units where individual shooter performance is prioritized over institutional cost.

Future Trends

The law enforcement sidearm market will continue to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and training doctrine. Three key trends are expected to shape the future of the duty pistol:

Optics Will Become the Standard: The transition to slide-mounted red dot sights will continue to accelerate. Within the next five to ten years, optics-ready pistols are likely to become the standard for new duty weapon procurements, rather than a specialized option. This will favor manufacturers who offer robust, reliable, and intuitive factory optics mounting systems.²
The Hegemony of 9mm is Secure: The 9mm Luger’s dominance as the primary law enforcement cartridge is secure for the foreseeable future. Its combination of proven terminal ballistic performance with modern ammunition, manageable recoil, high capacity, and lower cost provides a set of advantages that no other common service caliber can currently match.⁹
Increased Market Segmentation: While the reliable and cost-effective polymer striker-fired pistol will remain the standard for general patrol issue, the market for high-performance, specialized pistols like the Staccato 2011 platform for SWAT and other tactical teams will continue to grow. As the reliability of these platforms is further proven and their significant performance benefits become more widely recognized, more agencies will authorize them for specialized roles where the higher cost is justified by the enhanced capability.

Summary of Top 10 Law Enforcement Service Pistols

The following table provides a high-level summary and comparison of the key attributes of the top 10 ranked service pistols in U.S. law enforcement.

Rank	Pistol Model	Manufacturer	Primary Caliber	Standard Capacity	Action Type	Core Rationale for Adoption	Key User Agencies (Sample)
1	Glock 19	Glock	9x19mm Luger	15+1	Striker-Fired	Unmatched reliability, cost-effectiveness, simple manual of arms, ideal size.	FBI, ATF, DEA, NYPD, LAPD
2	Glock 17	Glock	9x19mm Luger	17+1	Striker-Fired	Full-size duty platform with legendary reliability, simplicity, and high capacity.	NYPD, DEA, USMS, Chicago PD
3	SIG Sauer P320	SIG Sauer	9x19mm Luger	17+1	Striker-Fired	Groundbreaking modularity (FCU), military contract prestige, excellent ergonomics.	U.S. Military (M17/M18), VA State Police, TX DPS
4	M&P9 M2.0	Smith & Wesson	9x19mm Luger	17+1	Striker-Fired	Superior ergonomics, customizable grip, improved M2.0 trigger, proven reliability.	LA County Sheriff, Detroit PD
5	Glock 22	Glock	.40 S&W	15+1	Striker-Fired	Legacy platform with perceived power of.40 S&W; vast numbers still in service.	U.S. Capitol Police, numerous legacy agencies
6	SIG Sauer P226	SIG Sauer	9x19mm Luger	15+1	DA/SA	Legendary accuracy and reliability, all-metal construction, elite unit adoption.	U.S. Navy SEALs, U.S. Coast Guard
7	FN 509	FN Herstal	9x19mm Luger	17+1	Striker-Fired	Military-grade durability, fully ambidextrous controls, superior optics mounting system.	Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
8	Glock 45	Glock	9x19mm Luger	17+1	Striker-Fired	“Crossover” design with full-size grip and compact slide for optimized handling.	Milwaukee PD, various local/state agencies
9	Beretta 92FS/M9	Beretta	9x19mm Luger	15+1	DA/SA	Iconic military service history, extremely reliable open-slide design.	LAPD (authorized), legacy agencies
10	Staccato P	Staccato	9x19mm Luger	17+1	Single-Action Only	Superior single-action trigger for enhanced accuracy and shootability, elite unit adoption.	U.S. Marshals SOG, LAPD SWAT, TX Rangers

Appendix: Ranking and Evaluation Methodology

Data-Driven Framework

This report’s ranking and analysis are not based on subjective preference or anecdotal evidence. The conclusions are derived from a qualitative synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data points extracted from the provided research material, which includes a cross-section of official publications, industry reports, and user-generated content. The goal is to produce a defensible analysis grounded in verifiable information.

Primary Data Sources

The analysis was constructed using information from four primary categories of sources:

Official Agency Information: This includes publicly available directives, general orders, and official statements from law enforcement agencies that specify issued and/or authorized firearms for their personnel. These are considered highly reliable sources for confirming a firearm’s official status within an agency.²⁴
Manufacturer & Industry Communications: This category includes press releases, law enforcement-specific program websites, and official announcements from firearms manufacturers detailing the awarding of law enforcement contracts. This data is crucial for identifying new and significant agency adoptions.⁶³
Credible News and Industry Reporting: Articles from established industry publications (e.g., Police1, American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated) and reputable news outlets that cover agency procurement decisions, firearms testing, and market trends provide essential context and corroboration.²
Qualitative User Data: To understand the real-world performance and perception of these firearms, a systematic analysis was conducted of officer sentiment, praise, and criticism from relevant social media platforms (e.g., Reddit), public forums, and video commentary. This provides an invaluable qualitative layer to the quantitative adoption data.¹⁶

Ranking Criteria and Weighting

The ranking from 1 to 10 is based on the frequency of agency and officer use, determined by a weighted evaluation of the following criteria:

Breadth and Depth of Adoption (High Weight): The number and type of agencies (federal, state, large municipal) issuing or authorizing a given pistol is the primary factor. A department-wide, mandatory issuance to all officers is weighted more heavily than an authorization allowing officers to purchase a weapon from an approved list. Adoption by an influential federal agency like the FBI or a large municipal department like the NYPD carries significant weight due to the sheer number of users and the trend-setting impact on smaller agencies.
Market Longevity and Legacy (Medium Weight): The duration a pistol has been in widespread service is considered. Platforms with a long history (e.g., Glock 22, Beretta 92FS) may be in the process of being replaced but still account for a massive number of firearms in circulation and a deep pool of officers trained on the system. This continued presence contributes to their overall frequency of use in the market.
Adoption by Elite/Specialized Units (Low Weight): While adoption by prestigious units such as the U.S. Marshals SOG or LAPD SWAT confers significant credibility and speaks to a firearm’s high-end performance, it represents a smaller total number of users. Therefore, for a ranking based on overall frequency of use, this factor is weighted less than a large-scale patrol adoption.

Limitations

This analysis is based on publicly available information and reporting. Exact, comprehensive data on the number of firearms in service with every one of the nearly 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States is not centrally collected or publicly accessible. Therefore, the ranking represents a well-reasoned and data-supported estimation of prevalence rather than a definitive census. The sample of user agencies for each pistol is illustrative and not exhaustive. Finally, the law enforcement market is dynamic, with agencies continually testing and adopting new equipment; this report reflects the state of the market as of the date of the source material.

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Self Defense, Shooting in General

Do you want reliability and maintain your firearms? You might be overlooking something really important

July 4, 2024 RoninsGrips

I’m old enough to have grown up with iron sights. It wasn’t until I wasn’t until I was a teenager that I bought my first four power scope for my pump up Crosman airgun. In 1990, I bought my first red dot scope – a big Aimpoint thing that went on my .44 Desert Eagle. Today, 34 years later, I have all kinds of optics, lights and lasers. Do you know what most of them have in common? They all take batteries of one type of another. So, here’s a question for you – when was the last time you checked or replaced your device’s batteries?

My dad was in the 6th infantry at the end of WWII and he drilled into me the need to clean and lubricate firearms. Every time we went plinking it was followed by running patches and then lubricating the .22 rifle. Maintaining firearms was second nature but back then there were no electronic do-dads on firearms. Now, years and years later and a few range trips where optics wouldn’t work due to dead batteries, checking batteries and having spares was added to the list.

Here’s what I want to share with you – if you want to count on your electronic gadgets, you need to maintain the batteries too.

Why bother checking?

First off, batteries have a finite capacity and that as we use them, they eventually run out and need to be changed.

Second, batteries have a shelf-life. In other words, they are chemical devices and at some point, the chemicals are depleted, no reaction can occur so no power comes out. The packaging may say the lithium batteries are good for 10 years – well, that is from when they were made and not when they went in your device.

Also, just when did you buy those batteries anyways? Get older and you’ll understand that last part more. If the packaging doesn’t have a date, I write down when I bought it and guess they are about a year old. I have Surefire CR123A batteries that hit 10 years – time flies by.

You might want to write either the date you bought batteries or the expiry date on the box. In this case, Surefire writes the expiration date on each battery – “04-2033”. I wrote the purchase date on the box so I can track orders but you use whatever system works for you.

As an aside, I take comments like “Our optic’s batteries will last 10,000 hours” or some huge number with some skepticism because they are usually estimated from testing and with a number of assumptions. Your real battery life might vary. So, that cool slide mounted optic you just bought with a huge hour claim — I’d recommend you know how to change the battery and keep a spare around just in case.

Improving Device Reliability

Let me share with you a few things to increase device reliability that concerns the batteries:

1. Know how to change the battery in each device. That might sound simple but sometimes somebody else installs a battery for you on a new optic and then you don’t know what type it is or where it goes so find out and practice doing it.

In the case of Vortex Crossfire red dots, the CR2032 battery is under a cap on the rotating brightness knob.

2. If you log work on your device, include batteries. I am honestly not this organized but some guys are.

3. If you have no idea how old or depleted a battery is in a device, change it. Some guys change batteries before they head to the range. I’ve talked to a few law enforcement officers that say they change the batteries in their lights before they go do something and that’s an option if you have time.

Energizer brand batteries will have a “Use by” date. If you look at the bottom of this CR2032 package, you will see the date is 3/2033. Lithium batteries have a 10 year shelf-life so these were probably made in 3/2023. By the way, a common scam on eBay and Amazon is to sell batteries nearing the end of their shelf-life at steep discounts so be careful who you buy from.

4. Test your device before you go to the range or at least every six months. Shorter if your device is mission critical. Now, just because it powers on doesn’t mean it will last – the battery might be near the end of its life but at least you have an idea. If you want to go the extra mile and have a multimeter, find out what the acceptable voltage range is for that type of battery and discard it when it nears the bottom.

5. Always keep spares – both in your house as well as your range bag. I can’t tell you how many shooting sessions were saved because I had a spare battery in my bag. On the flip side, I’ve had a few range sessions where the firearm had to go back in its case because an optic was dead.

Two days ago, while I am writing this post, I took my brother-in-law and nephew shooting the other day and the CR123A battery in my Vortex UH-1 holographic optic was dead. We were only able to shoot my 10mm Stribog because I had spare Surefire CR123A batteries in the Stribog’s carry case.

6. Buy quality batteries from a reputable seller. Did you know a lot of devices that use CR123A will not be covered if you use a no-name brand battery? Yeah – they had problems with cheap CR123As catching on fire and people wanting warranty coverage so the big device vendors expressly mention that cheap batteries will invalidate their warranties.

Also, not all batteries are created equal – some supposed alkaline or lithium batteries hold a fraction of a charge compared to name brands such as Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic and Surefire. Not to mention that cheap batteries may “pop” open and leak corrosive acids in your battery compartment. In short, don’t go cheap on the batteries for something you need to rely on.

7. Have a plan if the device stops working. This is critical – your red dot, laser or whatever stops working then what will you do? For example, practice shooting a pistol both with the device on and off. Do you have back up sights? Do you need to remove the optic to use the sights? What will you do?

Build For Reliability

Now, I need to expand a bit on that last one when it comes to optics. At this point in life, whenever possible, I want one of two things to be possible – my first choice is to co-witness the optic with the iron sights so even if the device stops working, I can immediately continue with the iron sights with no lost time.

You can co-witness a Vortex Crossfire red dot on a MP5K when you use a low profile B&T mount. It’s a pleasure to shoot and reliable. If the red dot should fail for any reason, I can just use the iron sights.

If that is not possible then I want the optic on a quick release mount that I can get off the weapon in a hurry. You’ll notice most of firearms have American Defense quick release mounts because they are quality and I can count on them. You can use whatever name brand you like but I would not recommend cheap no-name mounts because stuff bends, they don’t return to zero when remounted, etc.

On this one, an MKE rail was used. The rail allows you to use the sights but the optic will not co-witness with them. So, if I need to get the optic off in a hurry, it’s on a low-profile ADM quick release mount.

Practice For Resiliency

Resliency is the property of a material to bend and turn to its original shape. In your case, if an optic fails, how do you stay in the game?You can do all kinds of the stuff above and then life throws you a curve ball – what do you do?

Part of the answer is to mentally rehearse what you will do and then a very important point is to actually practice with the device turned off. How will you aim? How will your transition to a backup light or whatever? How do you get the optic out of the way in a hurry if necessary so you can use the backup sights that are blocked by the mount? It’s one thing to think about these things and another to do them. For example, the quick release levers for American Defense mounts have a small button that must be pressed for the levers to turn. You wouldn’t want to be fumbling around with them if you are in a rush – they move out of the way very easily with practice.

Rechargeable Batteries Introduce New Variables

“No more changing batteries” sounds great but there are still things you need to consider. If you have a device with a rechargeable battery, like a thermal or night vision optic, then remember three it takes time to charge them. To me, this is their biggest Achille’s heel – you can’t swap the batteries and go so plan accordingly. You need to also consider how long will it store a charge and how long will it run? Can you plug in a USB battery pack to extend the life or recharge it?

Even rechargeable batteries have a limited life – it may be three, five or seven years or they may tell you the number of times it can be charged and discharged but you need to have an idea.

Buying Batteries

Amazon is just about the cheapest place I have found to buy batteries. Look for name brands — I only recommend Duracell, Energizer, Panasonic and Surefire. There are dozens if not hundreds of brands out there and not all are good. Whether brand name or no-name, be sure to read reviews before you buy something from a seller other than Amazon directly:

Quick trivia for you – the “C” in CR means it is a lithium battery. The “R” means it is a round shape.

Summary

Electronics are everywhere these days and sometimes we don’t think twice about them. If you want to rely on your firearm and it has an electornic device on it, like a dot optic or light, always factor your devices’ batteries into your maintenance plans. That’s the first part and preventive maintenance certainly helps but you also need to plan and practice in advance if the optic or whatever device fails.

I hope this helps you out.

Note, I have to buy all of my parts – nothing here was paid for by sponsors, etc. I do make a small amount if you click on an ad and buy something but that is it. You’re getting my real opinion on stuff.

Pistols, Uncategorized

S&W M&P .22 WMR Photo Gallery

September 16, 2023 RoninsGrips

As I mentioned in the last post, I am a new owner of a S&W M&P .22 WMR pistol. It wasn’t really planned – I had young nieces coming to visit and nothing really that I would consider a good pistol for them to start with. It worked great – I have no hesitation recommending it based on my experience.

At any rate, the last post goes into more detail and you can click here to read it. I took a ton of photos of the pistol and figured that I would go ahead and share them.

Click on one of the photos and you can navigate around and see others:

I hope you find the photos helpful. I am very impressed by the pistol – that’s for sure.

Pistols

The Smith & Wesson M&P .22 WMR – What a Blast!!

September 14, 2023 RoninsGrips

My nieces were coming to visit from the Philippines, and it dawned on me that they wanted to go shooting but I didn’t have a 22 caliber pistol anymore. It just so happened that Smith & Wesson had released their M&P 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) pistol to the market and my good friend and FFL, Scott Igert, had one at his shop – Michigan Gun Exchange – so I headed over and picked it up.

I had a few reasons for moving fast. #1, I was to take the girls shooting in two days. #2, my nieces were 10 and 12 years old and I was worried about the recoil of any of my 9mms #3, I like the S&W M&P series and it gave me an excuse to try one of their new .22 WMR pistols that held 30 rounds!

Believe it or not – that really was the order of things. I he didn’t have the M&P, I would have gone with a Ruger Mark IV, Browning Buckmark or whatever he had in that I could make work. My original idea was to get a pistol chambered in .22 long rifle because I wasn’t in a rush to add another caliber.

Folks, I don’t know about you but for me, adding nother caliber is expensive. I can’t just buy a rifle or pistol in a new chambering and get a few rounds of ammo – I need at least a thousand rounds to feel comfortable that I am not going to run out. I am certain a lot of anti-gun people simply do not understand that you can have family fun at a range and go through hundreds of rounds easily in one day. They must have a mental image of a bag of musket balls or something.

Bought a Holosun HE507K-GR X2

I wanted the girls to have fun and the only green dot scope Scott had in was a battery powered Holosun HE507K-GR. On my bigger pistols and carbines, I prefer the dual powered Holosuns that have solar panels also but this was going to be a range gun primarily and the battery life of these optics is phenomenal plus they automatically turn off and on based on movement.

By the way, I have had very good luck with Holosun Optics. None have failed on me so far.

One Small Speed Bump

Scott knew I was in a rush so he asked me if I wanted him to mount and sight in the optic while I worked on some rifle he had in. I said sure and oddly enough, none of the screws that came with the Holosun HE507K-GR X2 green dot optic would fit the M&P slide nor were the screws that held the protectve cover on the slide long enough. Hmmm….. The manual didn’t specify the screws to use… great. Ok, so I took it home with a quick stop my Ace Hardware with just the slide in hand to not freak anybody out.

If you are going to mount an optic on a M&P 22WMR pistol. you need to get two #6-32×1/2″ alloy hex head screws. Also, if you don’t already have it, get some blue medium strength thread locker. I am turned off any of the fine screws used for optics that already have the threadlocker attached. I have an M&P 10mm that will likely take an act of God for me to get the screws out if I ever need to.

Ace hardware to the rescue – two #6-32×1/2″ screws were needed.

Read the Manual & Be Safe

I have read so many forum posts over the years where people got themselves in a bind because they didn’t read the manual. Read the manual. Watch a video or two if you want but don’t just dive into trying to disassemble a weapon you know nothing about.

The M&P .22 WMR is relatively unique and the manual does a good job covering ammo, known issues (such as challenges with extraction if it gets too hot), how to disassemble, clean, lubricate and re-assemble the pistol. Of course, you have red lawyer-approved comments all over the place but you do need to read it and all and all, it is a decent manual.

Last but not least, be safe. Make sure your pistol is unloaded before you do anything.

Mounting the Holosun Optic

With the pistol and parts in hand, I set up the kitchen counter to install the optic. I like a nice wide open table to work on small parts and put down a green fiber mat. Folks, those matts are for more than looks – the small fibers absorb the energy of a small dropped part and reduce the odds of a small screw or whatever flying across the room. Out in my shop, I even have a magnetic mat under the green mat but in a rush in the kitchen, I set up shop using just a small parts mat.

The M&P .22WMR comes apart very easily. Here, I have removed the slide, barrel and optics cover – well, technically, Scott removed the cover. You can see the firing pin where the cover was at and the two screws holes that will be used to secure the optic on the slide.

By the way, if you are thinking “why did he take it apart just to add an optic?” First, Scott and I pulled the slide and removed the barrel so I could walk into Ace Hardware with it and not scare anyone. Second, I would have taken it apart to clean and lubricate it before the first range trip. Folks, always, always, always do this before you take a semi-auto pistol, rifle or shotgun to the range or you will likely get frustrated fast by malfunctions.

Here’s a closer look at the RMR-footprint cut out the slide has. Any red dot that shares the same footprint as a Trijicon RMR will go right on the scope. Holosuns, for example, have a RMR footprint. I always find it indicative of the degree of overall quality when you see really clean machining done on surfaces most people will never see. The machining on my M&P .22WMR was really well done.

Installing the optic is easy – set the optic in the cut out, put medium strength thread locker on each screw and then screws them in with a hex driver.. I go for snug and then use a torque screw driver to take each down to 15 inch-pounds – not that is inch-pounds and not foot-pounds. That torque recommendation comes from Holosun. Other optics makers have different specs – for example, SIG recommends 9 inch-pounds and others say 12 inch-ounds. Bottom line, bring it down to whatever spec you are comfortable with and let the threadlocker do its job.

To save time and ammo, I boresighted the optic in using my SiteLite Mag laser boresighter unit. SiteLites are expensive but they are also the most accurate bore sighter that I have used. The unit centers in the barrel using O-rings and seems to result in the closest initial scope alignments that I have found and I have used a ton of different brands and models over the years.

Moving on to Cleaning and Lubrication

Again, read the manual for details. With the M&P apart, I ran cleaning patches through the barrel, wiped down all of the parts and then lubricated where indicated.

When I first get a pistol, I do use grease on the slide rails and barrel to help with break in. Grease tends to accumulate gun powder and dirt faster than oil but my goal is to have things slide smoother during the initial break in knowing that I will need to clean and oil it later.

Also, I would highly recommend you cycle the slide 200 times by hand. Some guys, typically new guys, look at me skeptically when I tell them this but think about it. When we talk about wear-in or break-in periods, what are we talking about? Almost any firearm needs the parts to move a certain number of times to get rid of burrs, smooth down finishes, etc. By hand cycling 200 times you are jump starting the process. Given how nicely done the machining looked and how the pistol’s action felt after lubrication, minimial break in was probably needed but I cycled it 200 times anyways.

A lot of jams and frustration can be skipped entirely by doing the above. Guess what? My nieces and I did not have any problems of any kind and I attribute that to the above and proper ammo.

Use Approved Ammo

I really wasn’t looking forward to adding another type of ammo. .22WMR is basically a stretched .22 long rifle (LR) rimfire case with twice the charge. .22WMR ballistics are roughly double that of it’s smaller .22LR cousin for that reason.

When I took my nieces to the range, I started them on a .22LR single shot Savage Cub rifle and then we moved up to the M&P pistol. At any rate, I snapped this photo of the longer .22WMR brass right next the .22LR case so you can see what I mean – the case of the .22WMR is twice as long.

When it comes to ammo, the M&P .22WMR does have ammo that works well with it. I’d strongly recommend you click here, go to the Smith & Wesson product page, scroll down the page and on the left will be a link to tested ammo.

Because of the TEMPO gas system, they recommend the use of jacketed rounds only and not ammo that is bare lead, copper washed, copper plated, etc. If the jacket isn’t present, the TEMPO gas system will foul faster and stop working reliably.

Scott had CCI Game Points (which is a jacketed soft point round) and CCI Maxi Mags that are jacketed hollow points. Both are on the approved ammo list and I must mention that I’ve always had great luck with .22 rimfire ammo of all types from CCI.

Range Time

My wife and I, my two nieces and sister-in-law piled in my truck and headed to the range. A few days before I had printed out a 10 commandments of firearm safety that we had talked about and even practiced with the rifle and pistol we would use. During the drive we want over them again – they were nervous but I wanted them to know that a fun time at the range always has safety at the center.

We arrived at the Berrien County Sportsman’s Club on a pleasant day and were able to secure my favorite shooting lane. They all helped me take targets, guns and ammo down to the 25 yard line.

They started with one of our old Savage Cub rifles. We bought two – one for each of our girls when they were maybe 8 and 10 years old – about 15 years ago. I dug one of them out and cleaned it before we went. It’s not been out of the case in years and years so I was very pleased to see it was still sighted in and worked great.

The girls did great with the Savage Cub and were very excited to see their scores on the target. They had to learn the importance of a consistent cheek weld, trigger control, breathing, etc. I like starting kids on a single shot .22 because there is no recoil and I can make sure everything is safe at all times.

Once they were feeling good with the rifle, it was time to move up to the M&P .22 WMR pistol and I fired it first just to make sure everything was good to go. I loaded a magazine with one round and shot it – no odd sounds, barrel was clear, etc. I then loaded up three and shot them slow fire – no problems.

The pistol is very soft shooting. Yeah, it barked a bit louder than the .22LR Savage Cub rifle but I was sure the girls would have no problem controlling it.

We spent a lot of time talking about stances, grips and keeping their trigger fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot.

This is my 12 year old niece and she might weigh 100 pounds. She had no problem controlling the M&P. We were shooting from about 15-20 feet away. Even in the Philippines there are liberal moms who would question why we took them shooting so I am not showing their faces even though I am very proud of them!

This is my 10 year old niece and I’d be surprised if she is 80 pounds. She did a great job by her! This photo was staged by the way – I made sure the pistol was clear and carried it down to the target. She only held it long enough for this photo – what you don’t see is a huge grin going ear to ear.

Here’s the pistol from another angle so you can see she had no problem holding it.

We only put about 30 rounds of the MaxiMag hollow points through the pistol – I forgot about the Soft Points. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and had to pack up to get home in time for dinner at their Lola’s house – Lola means grandmother in Tagalog by the way.

Summary

I really didn’t plan to buy a M&P .22WMR. Now that I have one I am thinking about keeping it. The action cycles smooth, it’s reliable, the trigger is good enough and it holds 30 rounds!! It’s very manageable – even the girls had no problem holding and controlling the pistol.

The range trip was a big success and we all had fun. The reliability and accuracy of the M&P helped make it possible. I have no reservations recommending one and plan on taking it to the range again.

Pistols

Stribog SP9A1 Range Results And My Observations – Why I like it!

October 16, 2022 RoninsGrips

In the last post, I told you a little bit about the Stribog and the modifications I made [click here if you missed it]. I took it to the range twice over the summer and ran about 400-500 rounds through it flawlessly – really. So let’s talk about the details.

Prepping to go to the range

One thing I have learned over the years is that most semi-automatic weapons need to break in and that includes the Stribog. Never take a weapon out of the box and expect it to work. Instead, field strip the weapon, clean and oil it. After that, cycle the slide manually a few hundred times (literally) to get a jump start on the break in process.

What happens during wear-in or break-in is that surfaces that rub together – either by sliding or rotating start to have the surface smooth down. Despite what you may see, most surfaces have thousands of tiny ridges and spikes sticking up that cause friction and screw up operation. As the weapon cycles, these little edges are worn down. A decent oil or light grease can help with this as it fills in these areas and the luibricity enables the parts to slide or rotate while they are wearing in.

This is to be expected of most weapons unless you are buying a custom firearm where the builder has probably meticulously polished everything. By the way, firearms with parkerized parts need wearing in the most. On the other hand, other finishes, such as Nickel Boron, may need it less.

What’s my tip for you? If you want to have an enjoyable first range visit, clean, lube and cycle your weapon at least 200 times.

Function tested the Stribog

Just to be safe, I function tested the Stribog to make sure the fire control system was working right:

Make sure the weapon is clear
Try pulling the bolt back and let go. The spring should forefully return the bolt to the home position. If it doesn’t, take the weapon apart then clean, lube and try this again. If it still doesn’t then something is wrong and you should talk to who sold it to you, Grand Power or do some searching online – just be cautious because not everyone posting advice knows what they are talking about so be a healthy skeptic.
Cycle the bolt, pull the trigger and you should hear a click. If not, you have a problem.
Make sure the hammer is not cocked (pull the trigger if you need to – See #1). Now, pull the trigger and hold it down and cycle the bolt – you may hear or feel a light click as you release the trigger – that should be the disconnector catching the hammer so it doesn’t follow the bolt back. When you squeeze the trigger you should hear the normal click of the hammer hittin the firing pin. If the hammer isn’t getting caught, you have a problem.
Cycle the bolt, turn the safety to on and try to pull the trigger – it should have little to no movement and you should not hear the hammer hit the firing pin. If you do hear the hammer hit the firing pin – make sure you did turn the safety lever the corrrect direction and all of the way to safe. If it still fires, you have an unsafe weapon that needs to be serviced / returned for warranty repair.

Range Trips

The Stribog has been to the range twice as of my writing this. The first visit was with my friend Jim and we used 124 grain S&B FMJ ammo. I like to use the 124 grain ammo during initial break in of 9mm firearms as there is a bit more recoil impulse to overcome remaining friction.

Jim putting 124gr FMJ rounds down range through the Stribog. We were both vey impressed. Ok, about the pink hat – Jim forgot his hat and it was a bright sunny day. The only spare hat in my truck was my wife’s. Sooo… Jim wore that hat and has endured good natured ribbing ever since. He’s a very good friend and a great shooter … even with a pink hat on – Hi Jim 🙂

Niko is cutting loose. You can see some smoke rising from the muzzle. It was toasty from all the rounds. Niko is about 6′ 2″ tall and I’m only 5′ 8″. The adjustable brace worked really well for both of us as a result. By the way, that F5 modular brace system is incredible. I am running it on both my Stribog and CZ Scorpion Micro.

It ran great – I think we put about 90-120 rounds through it with no problems at all. In the second trip, we ran about 60 rounds of the 124 grain S&B FMJ. We then ran probably 300 rounds of 115 grain CCI Speer FMJ bulk box ammo and wrapped up with about 30 rounds of the IMI 124 grain +P black dot hollow points through it.

The IMI +P 124gr load is decent. The black paint is used to identify it is a +P load. It’s just a paint and not any form of special coating. If you read the reviews, it’s a decent HP load at the end of the day. I wish I’d brought some other HP loads to try as well. We didn’t have any issues but people have reported problems in the past with HP loads,

What was amazing was the we had zero, none, nada failures to feed (FTF) or failures to eject (FTE). I attribute this to how I break in all semi-autos before I go to the range the first time as mentioned above. It should also tell you that the Stribog is pretty well thought out and made.

The Stribog really performed great during both of its range trips. Note, we only used straight 30 round mags and none of the curved ones. I had the curved mags buried in my range bag and we simply didn’t get to them. We used mags both with and without the steel reinforcing lips and did not have anyu issues with either one.

So what else did I notice?

In both cases, we were shooting paper targets and plates at about 10-15 yards from the standing position. The combination of the Stribog, Holosun Optic and F5 modular brace proved to be excellent.

Controlling the Stribog even during rapid fire was easy. The relatively small 9mm cartridge has very little recoil to begin with and fired from the Stribog with a brake, it’s very easy to keep the muzzle on target. I’m sure the brake helped some but givent he weight of the Stribog and an 8″ barrel, it probably would have been ok without it. If nothing else, the brake looks better than the threaded muzzle protector.

The trigger is perfectly decent. It’s not a match trigger but it is one of the better factory triggers I have encountered out of the box in a pistol caliber carbine. I used my Wheeler digital trigger pull gauge to collect some test data – I carefully pulled the trigger 10 times and found that the average pull was 5 pounds 10.8 ounces. The minimum was 4 pounds 10.2 ounces and the maximum pull was 6 pounds 6.8 ounces. Not bad. There is a spring set to reduce the pull that can be bought but I don’t reallly think the pull needs to be changed given close quarter use.

By the way, I always compare triggers mentally to the worst triggers I have felt out of the box. The worst trigger award goes to H&K and clone MP5s. Yuck. I’d described those triggers as pulling a truck with no wheels through the mud. With practice you get used to them – I guess with enough practice you can get used to just about anything and they do wear in a bit – but they suck out of the box.

Moving on, I do wish the charging handle was a tad bigger to spread the load a bit more. It’s jost a tad too narrow for me but that’s just me. There is a folding charging handle option I plan to try at some point.

I do wish the charging handle was a tad thicker. See how it tapers in the middle? I do plan to upgrade to a folding charging handle in the future. The controls overall are well thought out and easy to use. The safety is just above the pistol grip, the magazine reease is above and to the front of the trigger and the slide release is immediately above the magazine release.

Summary

The Stribog really delivered. It was fun, accurate and reliable at the range. I wish I had brought some other hollow points to try but it didn’t cross my mind. I actually bought a case of the IMI +P 124gr HP rounds specifically for my PCCs if self defense was required – I really only shoot FMJ at the range.

To wrap up, I like the SP9A1 Stribog and have no hesitation recommending it to others given my experience. There is a growing aftermarket so you can customize the pistol to fit your needs.

I hope this helps you out!

Pistols

What is a Stribog? It’s currently my favorite pistol caliber carbine

October 11, 2022 RoninsGrips

I do a lot of reading and a few years ago I read about a new pistol caliber carbine (PCC) called a “Stribog” by Grand Power. It was a blocky looking thing but it was getting good reviews. The more I read, the more positive real-world reviews I encountered. Finally, in a fit of obsessive compulsive behavior, I ordered one in and now it’s my favorite PCC. Well, that would be too short of a post so let me back up a bit and give you some background.

Where did the name “Stribog” come from?

First off, “Stribog” is pronounced “Stry-Bog” and refers to an anicent Slavic diety that can be interpeted as the god of wind or, depending on the translation, the god of annihilation or war. Others say he was the gold of the cold but regardless, that’s what it was in centuries long past. [If you want to read more, click here for a cool post on Wikipedia].

Who makes it?

The Stribog is made by Grand Power, a relatively new company located in Banská Bystrica – Slovenská Ľupča (Slovakia). Mr. Jaroslav Kuracina started the company just before 2012 when he then got funding from friends and the rest is history. They now are producing 2,000 firearms per month on CNC machines based on Jaroslav’s designs.

By the way, Jaroslav’s patented design is how the barrel locks into the slide by rotating. This matters for two reasons – first, it reduces barrel rise meaning you can get back on target faster. Second, it reduces felt recoil – enabling the shooter to better stay on target also.

In 2008 they started exporting to the US and today, Global Ordnance of Sarasota, FL, is their US distributor. In a relatively short amount of time, they have not only entered the US market but created a good reputation in the process. You can now find the Stribog being sold by many different vendors including Global Ordnance directly, Palmetto State Armory, GrabAGun and many others.

Which model did I get?

I bought a SP9A1 with a folding SB Tactical brace in November 2021. It is my understanding that at some time prior to that the charging handle was of the reciprocating type – meaning it would travel forward and backward as the bolt cycled. One thing I made sure of was that it did have a non-reciprocating handle and it did. I would bet by the time you read this you will only find new firearms for sale with the non-reciprocating handle but buying one used might be a different story.

Chambered for 9×19 NATO (9mm Luger) and fire +P loads. 9mm NATO tends to be hotter than 9mm Luger so +P ammo is not a challenge for it.

8″ barrel with 1/2″x28 threads – this thread is commonly used for 9mm muzzle devices so you can readily add compensators, suppressors, etc.

The Stribog arrived nicely packed in a hard case.

Here;s looking at it from another angle. Honestly, I can do without the screen printed white text and graphics.

It took me a minute before I looked at the lid and noticed the three magazines tucked in there.

In looking the pistol over, there were a few areas for improvement. First, I do not like the trangular SB Tactical brace. It works but doesn’t suit my taste. I also wanted to do something with that 8″ barrel poking out the front of the handguard, install a muzzle brake and a reflect optic.

Installing the F5 Manufacturing Modular Brace

Folks, I’ll tell you up front that F5 Modular Brace System is my favorite brace. It really is well done plus they make a number of Stribog related products if you are interested.

Pop out the back lower pin and you can then change the rear plate in the top half. The pin is captive meaning it will push through but will not exit the other side so don’t force it.

This is as far as the pin will push out. You do need to push it until it stops so you can remove the back plate but don’t force it out.

Push the plate down slightly and then it will pull out.

The F5 literally slides right back in place of the plate. It’s very nicely done – my unit did not require any fitting.

For the brace, I switched over to the cool F5 Manufacturing’s modular brace system that then holds a Tailhook brace. I like the modular system because it is adjustable and reminds me of a SCAR.

The GearHeadWorks Tailhook is one of the slickest braces in my opinion. It’s made from aluminum and the hook is deployed by pushing a button and folding the it outwards.

The Dragon Snout

There is actually a neat 3D printed angled forearm extension made for the Stribog known as “the Dragon Snout”. It’s made by 3D Experiment and is sold by Global Ordnance.. It fits and feels great plus aesthetically I like covering up the approximate 3″ of barrel that stick out of the factory handguard.

First off, it’s a great name! It’s also very well done.

The Dragon Snout mounts by sliding it onto the existing 1913 Picatinny Rail on the bottom of the pistol’s handguard. One minor detqail – the Dragon Snout will likely need to go on before your muzzle device. For the Grand Power S9 shown, it did need to be mounted after the Dragon Snout.

Grand Power S9 Muzzle Brake

I went with a Grand Power 9mm brake that has an integral locking nut. Unfortunately, I do not see it for sale right now anywhere so I can’t link to it. Here are some photos of it.

The S9 brake is seems to work quite well and it was easy to install.

The threads are protected by a barrel nut so you remove it and thread on the new brake. It’s interesting to note the proof mark on the barrel 9×19 CIP – CIP is a European standards group that does the work of SAAMI there. CIP and SAAMI standards are often close but not exactly the same due to differences in where they collect pressure data. SAAMI also has +P and +P+ whereas CIP does not.

When installing a brake, thread it on as far as you can and then back it off only as much as you need to “clock” it (align it) and then tighted the locking nut.

Here’s a good photo of the brake and how it is larger than the Dragon Snout’s front hole. You can also see the integral iron front sight and charging handle.

The Stribog was really shaping up and I liked both the balance and the way it felt when I brought it up.

Adding a Holosun HE510C-GR Green Reflex Sight

My opinion of Holosun optics has improved quite a bit over the last two years – mainly because I started using the versus just reading about them. My go-to holographic sight is the Vortex UH-1 when I can afford it. When I can’t, I have found the Holosun optics to be very decent affordable choices. I especially like the HE510C-GR.

In general, I like Holosun’s use of two power sources – battery and solar plus you can either manually shut off the optic or use the shake awake feature that turns the unit and then off after a period of inactivity.

I find the green colored reticle super easy to find. Bringing the Stribog up and acquiring the target is both very straight forward and fast.

The HE510C-GR arrives well protected in its box ready for you to install the battery and mount it.

The unit has a quick release lever so you can remove the optic quickly either for cleaning or if you need to get it out of the way. I really prefer optics with quick release levers because there are any number of reasons why you may need to get it out of the way in a hurry. For example, if this Holosun were to fail, I’d remove it and quickly fail over to using the integral backup iron sights that are built into the Stribog’s top rail. Those sights flip up but are too short to use with the Holosun so I just leave them folded down.

The Final Result

I was very happy with the weapon – it all came together in a nice package:

Here’s the finished unit – A Stribog SP9A1 with the F5 modular brace, Dragon Snout forearm, S9 brake and a Holosun HE510C-GR optic on top. That is one of the straight 30 round magazines,

Quick Comment on Magazines

The magazine design is unique. While there are now options for the lowers that let you use Glock mags, the native magazine is a proprietary double stack design.

You have a number of options for magazines – 20 and 30 round plus there are ones that are straight, with and without metal reinforced tops and a curved model. Right now, I have a combination of straight 30 round magazines both with and without the reinforced metal feed lips.

I’d recommend you have 4-8 magazines at least for your Stribog. Why? It’s so much fun to shoot you will go through 30 rounds fast. A number of places sell Stribog magazines and I bought a few of my spares from GunMag Warehouse. I bought a couple of the steel reinforced lipped models from Global Ordnance but everyone seems to be sold out of them at the moment. I haven’t had any problems with the all polymer units but if we make a broad generalization, steel reinforced mag lips of any design tend to last longer.

Summary

Ok, the Stribog was assembled and ready for the range! For a change, I am writing this after taking it to the range twice, having a blast and will talk about my experiences with the weapon in my next post.

Here’s one view of the completed Stribog.

I hope this post gives you some ideas and I definitely like the Stribog.

Glocks, Self Defense

I Use A 5.11 Select Carry Pouch To Conceal Carry My Glock 29 Gen 4 When Hiking

January 25, 2022 RoninsGrips

I recently wrote about my Glock 29 Gen 4 and carrying it while hiking. A fellow asked me for more details on what I was using to carry it ands I told him I was using a 5.11 Select Carry Pouch – which is a fancier product name than “tactical fanny pack”. Joking aside, it really does a great job.

Ok, why the fanny pack? I’m on the heavy side and when I go hiking I am usually wearing shorts or sweatpants depending on the weather. Jeans are a “maybe” but I’m at the point in life where I go for comfort. I’m sure not dressing to impress anyone.

If I am wearing jeans and can use a pistol belt then I might use a holster but it depends on the weather. I’d rather conceal the firearm vs. dealing with people staring at my pistol as we are walking along. If I am wearing a coat or open long sleeve shirt then I might wear a belt holster. My preferred option is a Galco shoulder holster.

What I find is that I am often hiking or fishing and it’s too hot for a coat or loose shirt so I had to figure out what to do. I knew a fanny pack might look goofy but would work great if I could find the right one given how it could distribute the weight while concealling the pistol.

The Glock 29 gen 4 is relatively compact but it is not tiny by any means and once you load it down with 10 rounds of 10mm and have a couple of back up mags of 10mm, you’ve got a lot of weight to deal with.

A couple of years ago I ordered in some different models of the no-name import fanny packs that claim to support concealed carry and the quality was very disappointing – light fabrics, lousy sewing and poor zippers across the board. They weren’t an option for the Glock 29 gen 4 because they would never hold up to real world use.

There are a lot of carry options out there but I think I can make the blanket generalization that you get what you pay for – you need a well thought out design, rugged materials, a rock solid zipper and these aren’t cheap.

One company I like is 5.11. Their gear is reasonably priced and has never let me down. Yes, I am getting to my point – their 51804 Tactical Select Carry Pouch is very well made, looks good and doesn’t attract attention. It’s a tight fit but I can squeeze in my G29 with the Pearce magazine base plate so I have a place to rest my pinky finger, two more 10 round mags and a Streamlight TLR-8 that I keep in a side pouch.

The main pouch is a tight fit but I can squeeze in what I need. It’s symmetrical so you can insert the pistol facing either left or right. I have mine set up to rip open with the left and pull the pistol out with my right hand.

Here’s another angle. When you have the load shown, there is very little extra space.

I keep a TLR-8 stored in the right side pouch. It’s a snug fit also.

They call that thing sticking up a “hot pull strap” that you can use to yank the compartment open in a rush. Now that folks is one heck of a good idea. If you are in a hurry and the adrenaline is kicking in, fumbling with a zipper is going to suck. Grabbing that pull strap and yanking open the pouch is very do-able.

To give you an idea of real world sizing, a G29 Gen 4 is about 7″ long andjust over 4.5″ with a regular mag. Let’s just round that to 5″ in my case with the Pearce base plates. You can see in the photos that it is a snug fit. My Sig P365 fits no problem.

It works great for me. If you are interested, here’s the link to the pouch on Amazon – click here. Also, here are other sources for you:

Glock

Customizing My Glock 29

January 2, 2022 RoninsGrips

The Glock 29 Gen 4 offers a solid platform out of the box and for many, that is all they want. For me, after building a few Polymer80s and having a better idea of what I liked, I knew I wanted to upgrade some of the parts to personalize it plus run heavier loads.

Wait – Not The Trigger You Ask?

You may look at that list and be surprised that I left the trigger alone – yes, I did. I’ve used Zev, Overwatch and other aftermarket triggers along with other aftermarket parts like connectors, springs, etc. My personal choice, and this is just me, was to go with the tried and proven OEM Glock parts and let them wear in. I’m not shooting matches or precision targets – this was to be a defensive pistol so I wanted reliability and a trigger with enough pull that I wouldn’t have an accidental discharge. There are guys that will agree with me and ones that will strongly disagree – the trigger decision is totally up to you. Mine was to go with the original Glock trigger parts.

New Sights

The original Glock sights are better than nothing but I really do not care for them. Others must feel the same way because there are a ton of aftermarket sight vendors. By the way, go for a brand name – some are just total junk and not sufficiently rugged.

I’ve had very good luck with TruGlo and Trijicon and I tend to favor the latter more. Trijicon sights are very well designed, make aiming super easy and are incredibly rugged. I opted for the Trijicon HD Night Sights (GL1040) for large frame night sights that have an orange ball in the front and tritium illumination. I intentionally wanted a low-light sight but not to add an optic.

I used a Wheeler Sight Tool for pistol sights and really like it. Installing and removing Glock sights is a breeze with this tool. You can’t see it from this angle but I do have blue painter’s tape on the slide to protect the finish just in case.

My current tool for removing and installing Glock sights is this 2-in-1 Real Avid tool that has a pin pusher on one end and a pin pusher on the other. What makes a good tool? The little bolt you see requires a 3/16″ thin wall socket. Having a rare earth magnet at the right depth makes all the difference in the world to properly hold the bolt while you are trying to get it threaded into the sight. Cheap tools do not have the socket properly formed, don’t have a magnet, etc. The Real Avid tool gets it right. Cheap imports are just that – I’ve seen them useless right out of the box.

Done. It took me maybe 10-15 minutes including taking these photos. The right tools make it very easy.

The dots glow green in low light due to tritium inserts.

Changing The Controls

That is a Rival Arms Extended Slide Lock. An OEM Glock Slide Stop Lever and a Tango Down Vickers Tactical Magazine Catch.

I like to replace the slide lock, slide release and mag catch normally. The slide stop is actually a big problem for me as I have a hard time grabbing, even feeling, the two sides to pull it down to remove the slide. This really drives me nuts and is one thing I always replace. I installed a Rival Arms extended slide release that sticks out just enough for me to get a much better grip on it. I wish I could find the packaged but I installed a no-name unit online and it had problems from the start – the Rival Arms unit is what I went to next and am still using. Point of the story – beware of cheap parts and test your stuff.

For the Slide Stop Lever, I actually am still using the Glock unit. Normally I would replace it but had a hard time finding one that would fit a Glock Gen 4 model 29. I can use the Glock lever, it’s just not my first choice.

For the Magazine Catch, I went with a Tango Down Vickers Tactical model. I’ve used these a number of time of times now because I like how it sticks out just a bit more than the original but not too much. I’ve tried ones that stick out so far that if you even lay the pistol on its side, the catch is depressed enough to release the magazine and then the next round fails to feed because the mag isn’t properly seated.

The Vickers Tactical Magazine Catches are really my preferred unit these days for Glocks and Polymer80s.

Recoil Spring Upgrade

The stock Glock 29 spring is rated for 17 pounds as I understand it. To better run the hotter loads from Buffalo Bore and Underwood, I wanted to put in a stiffer spring but I wasn’t exactly sure what to go with. This helps with obtaining both higher and more consistent velocities with these loads. Yes, the OEM recoil spring will still work – this is an improvement is all. However, if you run too stiff of a spring, your pistol may not cycle reliably with other loads you want to run.

Wolff Gun Springs makes this decision super easy for you. They sell what they call a “Recoil Calibration Pak” with springs at 17, 19 and 21 pounds. They have a variety of these assortments for different Glock models as well.

To install the spring, you need to get a two piece guide rod assembly and Wolff sells them as well. The native Glock springs are in a captured assembly that really isn’t designed to come apart. The Wolff guide rods make it super easy for you to try different springs and do not affect accuracy or reliability in terms of the rods themselves.

That is the Wolff two piece guide rod and springs. It’s worked great so far.

I installed a 19 pound spring and found it functioned just fine with all of my Buffalo Bore, Ammo Inc, S&B, and Underwood loads. That’s what I am running at this point and haven’t had any reliability issues so far.

In Conclusion

The pistol is configured the way I want it and as reliable as ever. The end of the day, what you do is your choice but just be sure to test your combinations (the new parts, magazine and ammo) before you rely on them.

The Modern Law Enforcement Sidearm Landscape

Prevailing Market Trends

The Ascendancy of 9mm Luger

The Rise of Optics-Ready Platforms

Modularity and Ergonomics as Key Differentiators

Market Share and Key Players

U.S. Law Enforcement Top 10 Service Pistols: A Ranked Analysis

1. Glock 19 (and its variants, e.g., 19M, Gen5 MOS)

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (Gen5 MOS)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

2. Glock 17

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (Gen5 MOS)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

3. SIG Sauer P320 (and M17/M18 variants)

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (P320 Full-Size)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

4. Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (M&P9 M2.0 Full Size Optics Ready)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

5. Glock 22

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (Gen5 MOS)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

6. SIG Sauer P226

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (P226 MK25)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

7. FN 509

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (FN 509 MRD-LE)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

8. Glock 45

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (G45 MOS)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

9. Beretta 92FS / M9

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (92FS)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

10. Staccato P (2011 Platform)

Overview and Market Position

Technical Analysis (Staccato P DPO)

Key Attributes for Adoption

Caliber and Ammunition Pairings

Adoption Profile (Sample)

Operator Feedback Analysis

Emerging Contenders and Market Disruptors

Conclusion: Key Findings and Future Outlook

Synthesis of Findings