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What handgun did you start your career with?

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November 30, 2025, 07:20 PM
CQB60
What handgun did you start your career with?
65 3”


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Life is short. It’s shorter with the wrong gun…
November 30, 2025, 09:38 PM
captain127
When I first joined in 1984 it was the M1911A1 though as an enlisted troop my issue weapon was an M16A1. When I became a commissioned officer in 1994 we still had M1911A1’s and M16A1’s, though while assigned a 45, wasn’t issued one- by the time we actually went to the field and were issued weapons, they had transitioned to the M9 ( reserve components took over a decade to fully transition to the M9) and we didn’t replace our M16A1’s for A2’s until 2000 or so. Even after that for a few years,the MTOE issued weapon for our track vehicle mechanic crews was still the M3A1 grease gun ( 15+ years after the M9 had replaced the 45 as standard handgun)
November 30, 2025, 11:20 PM
ASD
Sig Pro, .40 S&W.
December 01, 2025, 04:04 AM
Delta-3
First issued a S&W HB 4" model 10. Chief was a big fan of S&W so we carried 4006's when the switch from revolvers to autos happened.


Rom 13:4 If you do evil, be afraid. For he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
December 01, 2025, 08:47 AM
gearhounds
Started with a personally owned GP100 .357 back in late 92 (agency guns were very well worn S&W 686’s). Carried for about 2 years before we went with Sigs. Carried a P228 for about a year before I got my P220 which served me well for about 26 years U was forced into a brand new railed one.




“Remember to get vaccinated or a vaccinated person might get sick from a virus they got vaccinated against because you’re not vaccinated.” - author unknown
December 02, 2025, 07:33 AM
p.d.
Started with KSP in 1975 and our issue sidearm was the Smith&Wesson Model 19. Smith&Wesson also produced ammunition at the time, and qualifying with their .357 Magnum 158 grain JSP was quite a treat.
December 06, 2025, 02:33 PM
Karmann Ghia
My first unit in the Army still had 1911s (I wasn't issued one). I carried an M9 during two Iraq deployments then retired. My first duty pistol was Beretta 92G (it was well used when my Dept issued it to me). Next was a new S&W M&P 40, then 2.0 replacement, and last Glock 17 gen 4.
December 06, 2025, 08:48 PM
bumper
Navy, '63 - '70, though as an ET (electronic tech), I seldom carried a gun, when I did it was a 1911 and S&W .38 special. On Oakland PD a Colt Python.
My retired "duty weapon" is a P229 in 40 S&W.
December 07, 2025, 05:41 PM
neex
P226. This was in 2009. Out of 120ish officers, there were probably only 5 or 6 of us with Sig decockers.
December 07, 2025, 05:48 PM
tedk
Sig 226 9mm


NRA Life Member
December 08, 2025, 09:37 AM
pulicords
My first handgun that I purchased: 6" barreled Model 19 Smith and Wesson .357 magnum. I carried a couple years later in the academy and took the top shooter award for my class. I'll never get rid of it.


"I'm not fluent in the language of violence, but I know enough to get around in places where it's spoken."
December 08, 2025, 10:20 AM
SgtGold
Army issue M1911A1.


_____________________________
'I'm pretty fly for a white guy'.

December 08, 2025, 10:40 AM
villageidiot
Smith and Wesson 3906. VI...
December 08, 2025, 02:05 PM
gojoe
First issue firearms was a S&W Mod 64. The next issue was a S&W 6946.
December 09, 2025, 04:24 PM
bordeth
Smith & Wesson 4506-1 in 1991
December 10, 2025, 11:07 AM
rock185
Early '74, an issued S&W model 10.


NRA Life
December 10, 2025, 08:00 PM
josp
Army issue M1911A1
December 14, 2025, 05:42 AM
CLEANDEAN
S&W Mod. 67 Super vel ammo


Never judge a man, till you have walked a mile in his shoes.....
That way, you'll be a mile away from him; and you'll have his shoes.
December 15, 2025, 12:50 AM
KMitch200
S&W model 28, 4”.
Sold it to get a 28 with a 6” barrel only to find out the 4” was much more carry friendly. Roll Eyes
Both shot extremely well.


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After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.
December 15, 2025, 10:36 AM
Del A
Army 1911A1 and then M9. Retired and now with this Dept of VA job, I have carried a Beretta 92D and now a Sig 229DAK in 9mm.