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All the LEOs in the two departments I am considering joining carry Glocks.  I've asked a couple about why they choose the one that they carry.  Actually I was thinking they would respond with something like it is department issue.  However they all gave a number after the Glock name.  They also said some hold a 12 round and some a 15 round.  I understand the difference in the number of rounds but what is the difference in the actual weapon?  Which is better? and is there a difference in choice for a Female officer (lighter, easier to handle -- that type of info)?  Also why do you think the one you use is the better Glock?

Thanks for your input.  If you wish to take you answers PM, I'll most definately understand & will reply to each.  StarLight

dea139 gave you the most important information. They are very durable and dependable pistols. As far as the difference in numbers, there are different weapon sizes (Full-Size, Compact, Sub-Compact) and different calibers (9mm, .40cal, .45cal). Put those together that gives you a lot of different options.

Smaller calibers result in higher magazine capacity, as well as does a larger weapon size. The Full size 9mm Glock (Glock 17) comes with a 17 round mag, the full size .40cal (Glock 22) with 15.

I don't think there would be a "better" choice for females. Just try out what feels most comfortable and delivers the stopping power you are looking for. I prefer the .40 cal. Better stopping power than 9mm, yet still low enough recoil for accurate fire and high magazine capacity.

Hope this is what you were asking about.

I strongly suggest you check what the policy will be on the departments you are interested in applying for. Do not buy any weapon that will nto be acceptable.

There are several good reasons officers choose Glocks, including the fact that they go bang every time you pull the trigger with very little maintenance. They are tough weapons to break. Another major reason, and the reason I chose a Glock when I first joined a department that allowed me to carry my own weapon, is the price. Glock has a great police purchase program and sells pistols to officers for a price below what they sell to some retailers at (that is, cheaper than wholesale). To get that price, you need to find a Glock Law Enforcement Certified dealer.

The various Glocks have only two or three different grip sizes. They are either a medium frame (like the 9 mm and .40 cal pistols) or a large frame (like the 45 and 10mm pistols). There is a new one where the large frame has been slimmed down a little, called the model 21SF, in .45acp. The other differences between the models of a like caliber is the length of the grip and the length of the barrel. A shorter grip is easier to conceal and holds less ammo.

Some of the pocket pistols have a small frame with a single stack magazine, but i don't know of any of these that are duty weapons, just off duty.

If the department does not require a Glock, look at other pistols also, such as the Smith & Wesson M&P series, the Springfield XD series, and the Sig's. All of them are good pistols too. If you are really lucky, you might find a department that allows you to carry a 1911 (single action .45acp also called the Government model since it used to be the military standard until the mid-80's). That is what I carry now.

ryan8382 says ...

Like the previous posts, Glocks are very reliable guns that are very easy to service, even for a novice.  I carry a 22 on duty, and a 23 and 27 off duty, and I like the fact I can use any of the guns in any of the holsters I have, and the magazines interchange. I can even use the 15 round magazine from the 22 in my compact 27.

Our department issues Glocks, and most of the female officers I work with prefer the .45, due to less recoil and being a smoother gun to shoot.  Like the others have said, go to a range and try out several different guns. Find the one that fits your hand and you feel comfortable shooting.

As for the number, the number determines the caliber and size of the weapon or if it is compensated or not.  The Glock 22, 23, and 27 are all .40 cal, but the size of the gun is smaller, with the 27 being the smallest.  Add a "C" to the number and it indicates the gun is compensated.

OK, another question.  Remember, I've only held ONE glock and theat was during the Citizen's Police Academy in Glendale, AZ so I really do not know all these terms.

What does it mean when you are saying "if it is compensated or not"?  Sorry I'm such a novice.

Be sure to check w/ your department to see if you can carry the C, compensated.  The wise Fed Gov't won't allow us to carry the compensated because they say it interferes (flame) with sites while shooting at night.  I love the compensated and if I could, I would carry it.