[BrokenArrow]

I know SA entered XD pistols w/o grip safeties in the DHS (Dept Homeland Security) pistol trials.

I know they were not offered a contract option; neither was Glock FWIW (SIG and HK were).

The pistol makers who entered were notified how their pistols ranked in the trials. SIGARMs ranked 1st in all categories for example.

Some Glock and S&W .40s broke during testing so were eliminated. I heard (uh-oh) the XD did good, but not good enough to get a contract option. Anybody know how the XDs ranked?

I did a search; nothing popped up.

 

[tucansam]

I know a couple of people who were involved firsthand in the trial, and they are not allowed to talk about it at all. Not sure how much information you will find online.

 

[ajamesp51]

Seems like a liability to get rid of the grip safety.

 

[BrokenArrow]

Could say it seems like a liability to get rid of a manual safety, or a magazine safety too. The DHS didn't want either of them on their pistols.

 

[tucansam]

Could say it seems like a liability to get rid of a manual safety, or a magazine safety too. The DHS didn't want either of them on their pistols.

I know the USP has a safety -- doesn't the Sig have it too? Or are they using decock only models like with the 96D? ****, I should know this.

 

[BrokenArrow]

The DHS contract wanted 9/40/357 DAO pistols, or pistols w a consistent trigger pull w no safety or decocker. The models that got DHS contract options were:

HK P2000 LEM
HK P2000SK LEM
HK USP compact LEM

SIG P226R-DAK
SIG P229R-DAK
SIG P239-DAO

Up to 65,000 pistols over 5 yrs. First agency under DHS to jump on this was the USCG (Coast Guard); they bought 12,000 P229s in .40 caliber. FAM are using P229/357s now. ICE/CBP and pilots are using Berettas, Glocks, SIGs, and USPs in 9/40 now. May do some switchin', may not.

 

[tucansam]

Roger that BA, thanks for the list!

 

[NExd]

The pistol makers who entered were notified how their pistols ranked in the trials. SIGARMs ranked 1st in all categories for example.

which is why my next pistol is going to be a sig 229 .357

 

[Verm]

Too bad SIGs are not leftie friendly. I was issued one as a duty weapon and after showing the LT. that a leftie cannot reach the decocker or slide release, they let me carry my 1911.

 

[9mm lover]

I have a Sig 229 9mm and a 239 9mm, and love them both. I had an OD XD9, and liked it every bit as much, but let the rumors of rust problems get to me. I should stay away from this board (but won't :lol: ) - every time I read a thread about someone having a problem I have to remind myself how many are in circulation, and how many are having problems. For instance, I just read about a few people having their "cocked indicators" break, and have to remind myself how many have not broken.

 

[BrokenArrow]

Sounds like a personal problem...

I have no trouble operating the decocker or slide release Lefty (w thumb/finger) on my P229s at all. The SIG slide release is easier for me to reach lefty than the slide release on a 1911 since it's farther back.

Stuff happens to everybody sooner or later... SIG and HK came out on top of the DHS pistol trials, but they have had problems too. USP compacts seem to have a problem breaking firing pins and the P229s used by some Swiss cops fractured slides like the Berettas did way back when... Glock has had so many problems come and go I lost count... :twisted:

 

[manygunner]

I thought that the TSA was issuing XDs to the air marshals. Guess I was wrong. I can understand the P2000 making the list though.

I used to own a HK P2000 in 40 S&W. Nice gun. Shot to qualify with it and got a 94 % rating. I prefer my XD. I just got my XD-9 back from the shop, FTE problems, and was testing it at the range today. Guy next to me works for DOD/DHS (do not know which, did not ask). He was doing some engament drill from holster and ready position out to about 7 yards. Kept having trouble with his Beretta 92. I talked with him and asked him if he wanted to try my XD. I let him have a full 15 round mag. He was thrilled with it. Wishes that the DOD would let him have one. Says it gets back on target faster, does not have the type 2 malfunctions that the Beretta keeps having and has better trigger reset then a Glock. He seemed quite professional in his gun handling and shot well. Maybe if the people who actualy use them had a say in it the XD would be in service.