17 Jan 02

Of S&W and the 357SIG

I just completed an Instructor's Clinic at a large PD in the Midsouth. They issued steel-framed S&Ws in 9mm (self-decocking) for a number of years. The pistols served them well, with few maintenance problems. Two years ago, they switched to S&W 40s, with aluminum frames. Unhappily, they have proven most unsatisfactory. They biggest problem is cracked frames. Most of them will not go past 5000 rounds without frame cracking. After just two years, they are getting rid of them in favor of either Glocks or SIGs. Interestingly, SIG has agreed to make a run of pistols that "feature" magazine safeties, as the PD brass think that is what they want. They had a sample there. The S&W P99 was rejected, owing to the problems experienced by the NJSP

The Tennessee State Police, following Texas' example, will be equipping their officers with SIG 229s in 357SIG caliber. The transition will take place over the next two years. This may be becoming a trend!

/John