The Ruger LC380 (Light Carry) handgun is chambered in .380ACP and is made for deep concealment or pocket carry, as is its predecessor, the Ruger LC9 in 9x19mm (introduced in 2011). A side-by-side comparison shows the two, the LC9 and the LC380, to be identical. From the accompanying insert to the owner’s manual: “...the Ruger LC380 has the same basic operational characteristics … [Read more...]
FNS-40 Pistols Adopted by Baltimore County
FNH USA announced the Baltimore County (MD) Police Department adopted the FNS-40 LS pistol as the agency's new duty firearm. The FNS-40 LS is a polymer-framed, striker-fired semiautomatic pistol. The FNS guns are double action and normally have a manual safety. However, the FNS-40 LS does not have a manual safety. It is not known if this was a special build … [Read more...]
TAVOR Enters US Law Enforcement Service
IWI US announced the Pennsylvania State Capitol Police Department (PSCPD) selected the TAVOR as the department's new patrol rifle. The IWI TAVOR is a compact, bullpup style rifle chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge and uses standard AR-15/M-4 magazines. The TAVOR was developed in Israel, and has recently became available in the US market. I believe PSCPD … [Read more...]
LASD Adopts M&P 9
Smith & Wesson released a press release this morning saying the company entered a contract with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department to provide the agency with M&P 9 pistols for the next five years. These will replace non-Smith & Wesson handguns, which I believe are the Beretta 92 FS pistols. A member of the Smith & Wesson Forum (not affiliated with the … [Read more...]
.40 S&W Speer Gold Dot Ammo Testing
I've been a fan of the Speer Gold Dot ammunition for many years now. The 155 grain Gold Dot round for the .40 S&W is what I was issued at two different agencies, and I have seen the results of its use in officer-involved shootings. I can't say that it is better than any of the other premium rounds out there, but I believe it is a very good performer. A fellow … [Read more...]
Colt LE6940P Review – The Next Generation AR-15
The Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR), as the AR-15 semiautomatic rifle is now identified, is the most popular rifle in the United States. In its original configuration as the M16 with semi- and full-auto capability, it is now the longest serving rifle in our armed forces. In military use, it has undergone, and continues to undergo, refinements as dictated by battlefield … [Read more...]
Optimizing the Police Shotgun
Law enforcement weapons, including the police issue shotgun, are in a constant state of evolution. I have been around this game long enough to see dump pouches give way to speedloaders; auto pistols replace revolvers, and a variety of less-lethal weapons render wooden batons obsolete. Change often takes more time than we like, but, eventually, we get it right and embrace the … [Read more...]
AR-15 Safe Cycle: Dual Purpose Tool
Often the simple tools are the best tools. I think the Safe Cycle could be one of those tools: simple but potentially very useful. The AR-15 is the most popular rifle in law enforcement today. Most departments require officers to keep their rifle ready with a loaded magazine, but an empty chamber. When the officer arrives on a call where the rifle is to be … [Read more...]
Walther PPQ M2 Review: Excellent Handgun On- or Off-Duty
If the new polymer frame Walther PPQ M2 (Police Pistol Quick Defense) looks familiar, it should. Its form, fit, function and finish is an outgrowth from the Walther P99. The PPQ M2 differs from the modern PP in trigger function in that, after the chamber is loaded, it has a “constant trigger pull” (Walther’s terminology). Translated, this means its striker is fully cocked. … [Read more...]
New Guns for 2013
Ed. note: Thanks to Walt Rauch and Police & Security News for bringing us this roundup of new guns for 2013. The annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show provides a major venue for manufacturers and dealers to showcase their products and introduce new models. It gets larger each year. The 2013 show, held in Las Vegas in January, boasted 1600 plus vendors, … [Read more...]