Air Force purchasing their own handgun

[nittany03]

Interesting. Seeing as how the Sigs we carry don't have a safety.

SIG can be carried hammer-down with a round chambered, though, as they have a decocking lever. I doubt there are many instances where a 12ish-pound double action trigger pull will be triggered inadvertently (knock on wood). Carry a Glock with one in the pipe and you're automatically on its 5-pound pull. All the "safeties" are tied into the trigger; they seem more concerned with securing the weapon if dropped than preventing inadvertent trigger pull like a true mechanical safety. Supposedly this was for the convenience of the first law enforcement personnel to get Glocks, as they were used to revolvers.

That said, though I own a Glock 19, I wouldn't consider it for concealed carry or ever leave it with one in the pipe. The only safety I'm totally comfortable with on it is the one attached to inboard side of my right hand . . .

 

[MasterBates]

Helos (non ejection seat) were issued M11s as well in 2004...

First cruise, in 2004. most carried P220s.. Looked the same and the air det took care of their own weapons. The "gunnies" on the det determined that they had more faith in fewer rounds of 45ACP vice 9mm.

Second cruise, the CO carried a 1911, and allowed us to carry whatever.. So I carried a double-stack 1911.. 14+1 of 45ACP is NICE.

 

[Gatordev]

Helos (non ejection seat) were issued M11s as well in 2004...

And before that, as well...

The problem w/ your 1911 story (as per the rules. I know what actually happens can vary, as per your experience) is that you're supposed to only carry Navy ammunition. Since a squadron doesn't really have any need for 45 rounds, the only NCEA you're going to get is for 9mm.

Now whatever drug deal guys worked out in MB's case is cool, just saying what's supposed to happen.

 

[MasterBates]

We purchased and brought our own.. Ship's CO was a gun nut, and just wanted to know what you brought on board. Did not mind if it was a non-standard calibler.

We just had Federal 230gr for carry. Nothing crazy, but if you have to carry FMJ, make it the biggest FMJ you can get.

 

[statesman]

Speaking of replacing the current side arm with an HK pistol:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_&_Koch_HK45

http://www.hk-usa.com/images/shared/Tri%20fold%20Layout.pdf

 

[whitesoxnation]

Now if they could just figure out a way to secure an AR to the side of an ejection seat. Sig P226 we carry aint bad, wish we had 45's though.

I heard (on the military channel, so take it for what its worth) that during Desert Storm the pilots in the Apaches that carried out some of the initial attacks were given M-16s or M-4s

 

[phrogdriver]

The issue of a sidearm for troops is one thing. As a pilot, will it ever really matter what pistol you have with you? If you're bringing a pistol to a rifle fight, you're already done. The pistol is to cap that one guy who might get in your way. If you're in a gun battle with a pistol, you're going to be dead or captured in short order anyway.

If you might be shot down close to the enemy, e.g. assault support helo, pack a rifle. The difference between brands of pistol or .45 or 9mm isn't going to make the difference.

 

[ChuckMK23]

PD's point above is spot on!

 

[Flash]

The issue of a sidearm for troops is one thing. As a pilot, will it ever really matter what pistol you have with you? If you're bringing a pistol to a rifle fight, you're already done. The pistol is to cap that one guy who might get in your way. If you're in a gun battle with a pistol, you're going to be dead or captured in short order anyway.

If you might be shot down close to the enemy, e.g. assault support helo, pack a rifle. The difference between brands of pistol or .45 or 9mm isn't going to make the difference.

The resident USAF pilot in VAQ-128 said the only thing his pistol was good for was for barter, to give to whoever could help him home if he ever went down. I tended to agree with him.......

What was it, something about bringing a knife to a gun fight?