So far my campaign for sheriff continues to plug along. I still can’t thank you all enough for your support by the way. Anyhow, while sorting through thousands of voter names and arranging routes to follow to try to get signatures for my petition to end up on the primary ballot, I occasionally think about what life will be like if I am successfully elected.

As a firearms enthusiast, I clearly have some pretty strong opinions and preferences for duty pistols. I’ve never been able to exercise any choice in duty pistol carry over the last 18 years, and had very limited off duty pistol choices for the last 15 years of my career. I want to have an active role in the agency, lead from the front and spend plenty of time in the field in uniform if elected, and on those occasions I’d carry what everyone else does (or maybe even institute a policy that allows some degree of individual Officer pistol options). When doing the office or admin thing though, it’s customary to carry something different. So today’s thought exercise has been what I would carry if I could carry anything I wanted.

I’m still pretty old fashioned in what I like and am still a huge fan of the 1911. I have always been a pretty big fan of the Commander sized 1911s to boot, and would probably commission a custom Wilson 4.25” commander as a celebration to go along with my other Wilsons of things go well. The question is would I carry something like that if given the chance? I think I probably would.

So feel free to play along. If you become the chief law enforcement officer of your jurisdiction and got to carry whatever you want, what would you carry? I was actually asked what pistol I’d want to carry if elected by one of the selection committee members that I interviewed with, whom is also a pretty big gun enthusiast, so it’s probably not too crazy of a question to think about. Thanks for your indulgence.

I'd go full-on "Texas Ranger" and carry a nice stainless 1911 Commander in a fancy holster with contrasting exotic trim, along with a couple magazines in a matching pouch on the other side, and some handcuffs dangling from the back of my waistband.

3 inch .44 Korth Mongoose

I would issue Glock 19s. Glock 19s with RMRs and Surefire lights.

But I would allow personal purchase M&Ps or 320s.

I would issue Springfield Saint rifles with Vortex Sparcs, Surefire lights, and BFG slings.

Not all that sexy, but practical for the job.

I’d go old school and carry a Beretta 92

I shoot 1911's and 2011's better than anything else--particularly a certain popular "perfection" pistol

Thus I'd probably go with a double-stack 2011 in 9mm. Probably Staccato.

1911. Or maybe a .357 revolver.

1911 in .38 Super or .45 ACP.

A 1911 would be high on the list. My current Les Baer UTC with stag grips would be a strong contender for me…but…so would a S&W Model 27 in either 3-1/2” or 5” trim.

It sounds like you're in the 1911 world, so if it were me, I'd go with a custom 1911 or two, slightly flashy in custom leather in .45 or .38 super. I'd authorize anything in 9/40/357sig/45/10mm for my deputies, as long as they could qualify on it.

I mean I lean towards if you want to be seen as a modern professional keep it simple stupid and carry the black crunchenticker of your choice. I like JJones suggestion maybe go 45 or 17 or if you’re feeling froggy a 34.

Now if we are really talking full bbq with no consideration given to the optics I say go full double rig .357 Maggie’s maybe 7 shot 686’s complete with cartridge loops on the belt. Maybe a matching lever as well. Now that screams down home old school “what we have here is a failure to communicate” sheriff.

Seriously though I’d keep it modern professional.

I like seeing police officers carrying 1911, couple of spare mags, handcuff and a badge.

S&W Registered Magnum. Or research what the agency was issued in the past and choose accordingly.
And you cant go wrong with the 1911.
Or show solidarity with the troops and wear their issue.

5” 1911

My jurisdiction? First order of the day, develop an ample amount of thick skin. And plenty of Grade AAA bullheadedness to combat and overwhelm the limp, weak-minded leftist politicians that run this county.

And make sure everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, in the department is issued an ample supply of weapons-grade hazmat suits over their regular gear...to start the task of eliminating all of the meth and fentanyl infested homeless that have turned this county and many of its cities into the crapper that it's become. Skill and running a bulldozer would be handy as well.

As for my personal issue carry weapon? A flame thrower. Doesn't get any more symbolic of the Charlie Foxtrot that this county currently is than that.

But if you're thinking it should be a more traditional "fire"arm, well I suppose I'd pick a blued Python. A bitter reminder of past better times. No blinding pimptastic polished stainless for THIS sheriff. Or a Glock 20 if it must be more in keeping with modern times and such. With a backup braced P.C. AR pistol in matching 10mm as well. An eff you to the dear fellows at ATF. My term (most likely a single one assuming I don't first get drummed out of office before the end of the term) would be interesting, to say the least...

I’ve mulled this over. I like jljones suggestion for the rank & file. As Sheriff for duty carry? The 1911 would be a Commander size with distinct & personal grips that tells a lawman’s story? I also like the idea of the 686 plus 3” deluxe. Makes a statement

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
S&W Registered Magnum. Or research what the agency was issued in the past and choose accordingly.
And you cant go wrong with the 1911.
Or show solidarity with the troops and wear their issue.

This is exactly what I was going to say.

Like you've already mentioned in your OP, I'd wear the regular issued duty gun for getting out on the road with the guys. I'd still want to teach, and still want to be out on the road as much as possible, and it just makes sense to carry what they're carrying. Maybe you could even work in some upgrades like optics or something, at least for the guys who want them.

For the days when you're stuck behind a desk, or performing other adminstrative duties, I'd research the department's history and find the coolest gun that they've carried in the past. Some kind of classy wheel gun, or a 1911 would be good choices. Qualify on it, and get a nice leather holster built for it.

Your guys will notice if you hold yourself to the same standard that you hold them to, and it will help earn their respdct. And the observant ones will notice and appreciate the historical significance of the administrative choice as well.

Lead by example and carry whatever your deputies carry.

As someone with fondness for the 1911, how would you feel as a deputy if the sheriff carried a nice 1911 in .45acp but you were relegated to a Glock 19 or an M&P 9?

Also don't be the leader that buys the brand new Tahoe for himself while the deputies run around in cars/suv's with 150K miles on them. Grunts get the new rides, leadership gets the hand me downs. If you are embarrassed to drive it then it isn't good enough for the troops.

Lead by example, especially when you are the boss.

Sigarms229 makes a good point.... before I read his post I was totally in favor of your 1911 choice. So, I'd say compromise and on most days carry what your officers carry and then on one or two days a week go with the 1911...

As for the second question in your original post... if it was me I'd carry a Sig P226 Legion in 357 sig.

quote:

How would you feel as a deputy if the sheriff carried a nice 1911 in .45acp but you were relegated to a Glock 19 or an M&P 9?

Lucky.

I would feel lucky.