Canadian Police Sidearms?

[Ricochet]

Almost any modern kydex will suit. Serpa, Blade-Tech, Uncle Mike's, Safariland, etc. Most quality airsoft pistols are 1:1, and I recommend Tokyo Marui. It really depends on the pistol you want though.

Systema guns were engineered around training and not airsoft. They have the best performance and realism, feel wise anyways, as they have no kick. Not that GBBRs offer much. They are also expensive, worth the money if you have it, but expensive.

[erietdyk]

Originally Posted by MaybeStopCalling

I'd say the holster is more important than the gun, persay. Airsoft is horrible for training you to actually shoot. What it's good for is to practice movements, say like the draw of a pistol. It makes no sense to wear a Serpa when the department you want uses a Safariland... you waste muscle memory trying to learn both.

Very good point, I never thought of that. We're using some cheapo 2-stage holsters in school currently, but as I've heard, the minimum you'll find on duty at present is 3-stage. I have noticed, especially with the unadjusted belts we use in school, that the holster digs into my hip like crazy.

Any info on what holsters OPP use? I'd grab one if I knew exactly what they use.

[erietdyk]

Originally Posted by Ricochet

Almost any modern kydex will suit. Serpa, Blade-Tech, Uncle Mike's, Safariland, etc. Most quality airsoft pistols are 1:1, and I recommend Tokyo Marui. It really depends on the pistol you want though.

Systema guns were engineered around training and not airsoft. They have the best performance and realism, feel wise anyways, as they have no kick. Not that GBBRs offer much. They are also expensive, worth the money if you have it, but expensive.

I've read that although the Tokyo Marui's are highly accurate and consistent, that they're not 1:1, and aren't as durable as KSC's, but I'm knew in the airsoft game, so I could be wrong. From what I've read on particular sites though, the TM's don't like RS holsters, while the KSC's fit perfectly. Apparently the KSC's also have a much more complex hop-up system than the TM's, and the TM's hop-up works better because of its simplicity, but again, I don't know for sure.

As far as Systema goes, eventually, I want to work my way to one. I've currently got the WE G17 as mentioned before, but also a G&G Top Tech TM4 CQB-H, which I think works awesome for the time being, but just starting out, I think anything would give that impression on me. How do the offerings of Inokatsu compare to Systema? Apparently the Inokatsu AR's and 1911's are almost indistinguishable from their real steel variants until fired, but again, only hearsay to me.

[Ricochet]

Depends on the Marui. They are 1:1 for the most part, but their 1911's for example have a bolt on under rail, so the gun, or the holster will need modification. Their 226, PX4, FN 5/7, etc, though are just fine. Honestly, tell us which pistol you want, and then someone will recommend the best manufacturer. KSC, Marui, and a few others make good products, but certain companies really own at certain pistols.

Nothing compares to the Systema design. It's engineering is what creates its success, and the basic design of hop-ups, gear boxes, pistons, etc, of the other AEG, or TM based guns will not match its performance. There are a few companies that have cloned it, but without success. And then there's FCC, who made very high quality parts and custom guns off of the Systema design, but are overpriced and face constant issues.

All that being said, you don't need a Systema to have a good and reliable airsoft gun, it's just the best one out there. Cost isn't just high on the base gun, it's expensive on everything. Gun comes in at $1,700 give or take, mags $25 - $50 a piece, cylinders $150 - $200 a piece, etc. Any Systema will eventually need the motor mod. Usually within the first year, but it can happen in the first six months, or lady two years or more, but rarely. The motor mod is around $250, but once it's done, they are usually bullet proof.

GBBRs for the kick add a nice bout of realism, but they are expensive to upgrade, their mags are expensive, and they need constant maintenance. They also suffer from FPS mood swings in temperature changes, and can have random issues due to their natures. Some gas systems can put out some great performance, but they aren't quite there yet. If this is the avenue you wish to pursue, I'd recommend RA-Tech guns.

[Dracheous]

http://www.canadiansoldiers.com/weapons/pistols.htm

Good read, lots of fun stuff to answer your questions.

[hattrick]

No Tokyo marui is 1:1. Some fit in holsters but I assure you they are not 1:1.

My 2 cents, gas pistols can make bad habits. The first one that comes to mind is the no mag = safe gun mentality.

[*CRASH*]

Just a little accurate info for those wanting to know... OPP officers carry a double action only version of the P229 in 40 cal, except TRU and K9. K9 use SIG X5's. TRU up till mid 2000's were carrying Browning HP's.

FYI

[Kungpow]

The guys in New West and Burnaby carry Glocks probably in .40. I was quite confused when I saw a cop with that S&W 5906. I also saw a CBSA officer ''if it counts'' carrying a M&P.

[beta678]

Originally Posted by Kungpow

The guys in New West and Burnaby carry Glocks probably in .40. I was quite confused when I saw a cop with that S&W 5906. I also saw a CBSA officer ''if it counts'' carrying a M&P.

Didn't know Burnaby RCMP were carrying glocks; I know for certain they carry the S&W 5906 as that distinctive silver frame & black grip is hard to miss.

New West is municipal so I'm not surprised.

CBSA should have the PX4 storm and not the M&P, though they look somewhat similar holstered I guess.

[8bitninja]

As with any schooling, PoFo is a waste of time if your intent is to learn fully about policing. The key is to leverage the time there to gain valuable contacts, get volunteer experience, and land jobs to get you to your ultimate goal. You'll probably not be able to get right in after your schooling unless you have solid volunteer and job experience. Just like passing the prep test or whatever physical is required where you are is only half the battle -- you need to impress a panel of interviewers with your life experience (and that's where your contacts can come into play a little).

Good luck!

[DuffMan]

More unsolicited career advice:
The firearms fixation is a red herring for getting into policing. The biggest thing to these panels is demonstrated skills in customer service and communications, personal organisation and composure in high stress.
That's hard to 'prepare' for, so my two cents is that the prep work that can really wow is more academic. The academic discourse surrounding law enforcement is huge and goes way beyond what you'd learn in PoFo. If you start talking about the politics of broken window theory, the psychology of recidivism, counter terror community outreach, the experience of penetrating ethnic neighbourhoods in the US and Europe, etc. etc. etc. you'll really leave an impact far far beyond being able to take down a P229.

[Kungpow]

Originally Posted by beta678

Didn't know Burnaby RCMP were carrying glocks; I know for certain they carry the S&W 5906 as that distinctive silver frame & black grip is hard to miss.

New West is municipal so I'm not surprised.

CBSA should have the PX4 storm and not the M&P, though they look somewhat similar holstered I guess.

I have no idea why I said CBSA carries M&Ps. After watching the intro of Border Security, people notice that most if not all of CBSA Officers carry a PX4.

[Curo]

I believe I was at hero outdoors on friday and i believe the Durham Officers where carrying m&Ps

[Danke]

Originally Posted by DuffMan

More unsolicited career advice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVFn7F3El8g

[Deejay2401]

Honestly, with everyone saying to just get a real steel firearm instead of airsoft, I'd agree, but wouldn't put you down for going for airsoft first or instead of. It's not going to necessarily translate into usable experience with an issued firearm, but even so, you can teach yourself to treat it like a real firearm. Always store it properly, keep it unloaded, treat it like it's loaded all the time, and never point it at anyone (unless you're at a game, of course!)

I like playing with airsoft instead of real steel. Safer to play with when you're inexperienced.