I will be getting my ccw permit in a couple of weeks and i had a few questions for officers:
1) If you were to pull someone over, say for speeding or any other minor offense, and they did have a concealed weapon with proper permit, would you want to be informed, and how would you like to be informed?
2) when the government website says the "department of public safety" is where i'm supposed to go to pick up the forms for my permit, do they mean the DPS headquarters or can i go to any police station to pick one up?
3) What do you carry for your off-duty weapon and why? what ammo? (i'm 99% positive what i will be purchasing but i just wanted to get some idea of what law enforcement officers considered adequate to protect their own lives and others)
2008-03-27T09:20:48Z
oh, and i'm in georgia, so we get a separate, driver's license-type card with no special notations on the DL or tag number.
2008-03-27T09:23:10Z
and the firearm i'm wanting is the springfield xd sub compact in 9mm-- your thoughts? i'm not really a fan of the way glocks feel in my hand.
Pigology 1012008-03-27T09:36:10Z
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1) Yes, I would want to know. It is usually better when the officer approaches your vehicle, with your hands in plain sight, after the officer asks for your DL, and other documents, tell him, "OK sir, I do want to tell you that I have a pistol in the glove compartment (or wherever). I do have a permit, but I want to make you aware of it." The officer may or may not wish to secure the weapon before continuing.
2) That usually refers to a State Trooper's office, you need to check with the Georgia (if that's where you live) DPS to be sure.
3) I carry a S&W .357/38 cal. Airlite (scandium) revolver. I use Speer Gold Dot .38+P ammo.
1. When I run someone in my state, the CCW pops up in the computer. I always like to be told. (We cops hate surprises)Just make sure your firearm is not in the same place as your registration and insurance.
2. I dont know, because I dont knwo what state your in. My state the permits are issued by the local agencies, not the state. Youll just have to call the non emergency number and ask.
3. Glock 27. Its the smaller Glock frame, but the .40 round. The plus is the full size magazines fit the gun. I carry the shortl 9 rounder in the gun, and carry the larger magazines in the car for if it really hits the fan. I use Hydrashocks because that what my deparment specifies. I would go with the Hydrashocks or winchester SXT's
1. You are required to inform the officer you are armed. (Most will already know you're a CCW holder, and will probably ask if you're packing.) The most effective and non-threatening way is to hand the officer your license with your permit, together. It's better than yelling "I got a gun".
2. Check with your local government website-- probably at the county level.
3. Gun Tests magazine is a great source for where to spend your money on the best quality and reliable weapons for all uses. (The most expensive are often not the best, but don't go with the cheapest either.) Get personal defense loads. That's the reason you're carrying, so get the right tool for the job. (You can check lots of ammunition test sites for ballistic information on different brands and loads for your caliber of weapon.)
1. Absolutely. The driver should say, "I'm in possession of a concealed handgun with a carry permit. May I reach for my identification, or would you prefer I stood up first?"
2. DPS headquarters. The local police stations will have record of the permit, but it's issued at headquarters.
3. Hopefully, you'll never have to fire your weapon - or even produce it. However, if you do, you'll want it to be effective. That said, Glock's nine millimeter semi-auto is probably the most firepower for the money.
Re: the Springfield XD Gun Tests gives it a very consistent high rating, even against the much more expensive German/Austrian guns. I've recommended XDs to four people who are very happy with them, although they all either got the .40 or .45 cal. The 9mm is a bit weak-- John Paul II took 5 rounds and lived 25 years afterward. Not many agencies carry nines anymore, and the military is using them less and less.