Questions for any armed security guards out there.

[bafsu92]

In Florida with an armed security or PI license you are restricted to a .38spl (or .357 mag with .38spl ammo, get caught with .357 amm and lose your license) or 9mm. I have either/and/or armed security, PI or personal protection specialist licenses in 8 different states and I believe 4 of those have similar restrictions.

[2HOW]

all firearms are issued by the company you work for. The actual client where you are posted will indicate in contract what kind of arms you will be issued. Some states may dictate what is allowed.

[bafsu92]

Additionally while some states have limits on handgun caliber or type I don't know of any that restrict long guns. If the client has a need we commonly use AR's, 870's etc. It really depends on the client, if they have enough pull, government contracts etc. they will specify full auto etc. if the need is there.

[wtr100]

many, many moons ago - Ruger P89 - in expensive and went bang every time

[pioneer]

I am employed by a very large, international security firm, under contract as an executive protection officer for a high profile elected official.  We are issued S&W Sigma 40VE pistols.  We have tried several times, all unsuccessfully, to be allowed to carry our own, but each time the request was denied by the seat polishers, citing "policy."  The only exception is when because of a particular assignment or mission, a higher degree of concealability is needed.  In those cases, having qualified with it, I carry my own Springfield XD .40 sc. 

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

I am employed by a very large, international security firm, under contract as an executive protection officer for a high profile elected official. We are issued S&W Sigma 40VE pistols.  We have tried several times, all unsuccessfully, to be allowed to carry our own, but each time the request was denied by the seat polishers, citing "policy."  The only exception is when because of a particular assignment or mission, a higher degree of concealability is needed.  In those cases, having qualified with it, I carry my own Springfield XD .40 sc.  

Let me guess, anti gun liberal ?      

[Ulmus]

Thanks for the great info guys! 

I didn't know you were limited i to .38 spl or 9mil here in FL.  (My wife thought I should use my SAA revolver in .357!  )

My stepson was nice enough to loan me his 1911. I was hoping to be able to use that.

[Majer]

It also depends on the company, I worked 6 years as an Armored car guard, I had to supply my own pistol, I carried either my 1911, a Browning HiPower or a S&W Model 19. I had to qualify with all 3 in order to carry.We had guards carrying anything from a Walther PPK .380 to a S&W Model 57 .41 Mag. Most of the "Nationally " Known Armored Companies supplied the side arms but you had to check them out when you got there and turn them in at the end of your shift.

[WatchManUSA]

I am employed by a very large, international security firm, under contract as an executive protection officer for a high profile elected official.  We are issued S&W Sigma 40VE pistols.  We have tried several times, all unsuccessfully, to be allowed to carry our own, but each time the request was denied by the seat polishers, citing "policy."  The only exception is when because of a particular assignment or mission, a higher degree of concealability is needed.  In those cases, having qualified with it, I carry my own Springfield XD .40 sc. 

Wow, If I were a "high profile elected official" I wouldn't allow my security detail to carry a Sigma.  It, arguable, has one of the worst trigger pulls and there is little to nothing that can be done to improve it.  People in the shop affectionately call it the "stigma."

[bafsu92]

Thanks for the great info guys! 

I didn't know you were limited i to .38 spl or 9mil here in FL.  (My wife thought I should use my SAA revolver in .357!  )

My stepson was nice enough to loan me his 1911. I was hoping to be able to use that.

Keep in mind you will need to qualify with whatever you plan to carry as well. Unless you're really good with a snubby I'd avoid that. Your best bet would be to buy/borrow a Glock 17. You can find police trade-ins for around $350. Most likely your employer will issue you a weapon when hired. Some, but not many companies will hire you without a license, pay for all your training and classes and issue you a weapon for the classes. My employer does this but you pretty much need to be ex-military or LEO to be considered for hire with them to begin with. Here is the section copied from the state handbook available for download at myflorida.com:


V. FIREARMS
a. Class “G” Statewide Firearm License
A Class “D” Security Officer or Class “M” or “MB” Security
Agency Manager who also possesses a Class “G” Statewide
Firearm License may be armed with a firearm in the course of
his/her duties. While performing duties authorized under this
chapter, the only firearms that may be carried are a .38 caliber
revolver; or a .380 caliber or 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol;
or a .357 caliber revolver with .38 caliber ammunition only. If an
armed security officer’s duties require a firearm such as a
shotgun, etc., a written waiver must be obtained from the
Division prior to its use.  Waivers must be requested by the
licensed agency and will be granted only upon a showing of
sufficient need.  Such waivers are valid only for the specific duty,
post or activity, on or for which the request is based.