Question for the LE folks:
What brands (or models, if they are that specific) does your agency authorize you to use? Also, are there any that they prohibit?
The reason I ask is I’ve been racking my brain on what carbine to purchase. I’ll be retiring from the Navy in the next couple of years and transitioning to the LE community. I’d like my purchase to stand a good chance of being authorized.
The agency that I used to work for uses Colt’s. Then again they were free from the Govt along with the M14’s. If you do the math and research then you will have a short list of the many AR builders out their that actually do mil spec guns. Like MP bolts and barrels 1/7 twist and such. If you have the money Noveske is almost impossible to beat as far as qualitiy. Just my opinion 
My departments SWAT team has both Colts and Bushmaster. Both are 3 shot burst guns. In the near future, patrol officers will be able to carry the Colt LE6920 or the Bushmaster Patrolman’s Carbine M4.
Feature based, with standing approval for certain models of demonstrated compliance with standards.
Right now my short list is Colt, Noveske, and LMT.
I’ve already talked to John in regards to mil/LE pricing, but I’d hate to buy a solid rig like that only to find out all I can carry is a Bushmaster.
I haven’t seen any prices on a complete LMT, but it shouldn’t be too bad. I’m only looking for a simple flat-topped no-rail.
I’m probably pretty safe with a 6920, but I haven’t seen anybody under the $1,400 mark.
I’d like to keep it at $1200, plus or minus a few bucks. I know I can build a bomb-proof rig for that much, but I’m sure I stand a better chance of being able to use a factory built, not to mention how it would stand up to litigation if actually used in a shoot.
For a work gun the LE 6920 is hard to beat…
Every agency is different. Mine has a mix of vietnam era m16A1’s (free from the govt) modified to be semi-auto only, and a few lucky people, myself included, have 6920’s. We are not “authorized” to carry personal purchase rifles, too much liability. You should find out what that department’s policy is first before jumping in and getting a rifle for work. But I have partaken in the kool-aid, as have many individuals here, and am a huge fan of the colt 6920.
My department authorizes only two rifles (Colt & BM). Different departments will have different regulations so it’s hard to make a guess. That said it’s unlikely any department will not authorize the Colt. If I were buying a rifle in your position and didn’t want to wait to be hired before buying, I’d definately get the Colt. In the unlikely event you can’t use it, it will be easy to sell.
ETA: My point is that I’ve yet to see a department which authorizes the AR platform that DOESN’T allow the Colt.
Fab, not trying to start a war but why are you worried about what rifle an agency will allow you to carry. Where are you planning on working? Why doesnt that agency supply rifles to those who need them. Better yet, you better make sure that agency even allows patrol rifles for every officer. I do realize that some agencies do authorize patrol carbines if the individual officer purchases the rifle. But as many have already said you can not go wrong with a Colt or LMT. In the event that that department does not allow personally owned weapons for duty use, you can always set your rifle up to the same specs that the dept uses and train on your own to keep sharp!
-DM-
Colt only at my agency.
Jake
I should have pointed that out, we have only Colt’s.
I would focus more on getting hired first & then worry about what, if any, patrol rifle types are authorized. This varies widely across the country & believe it or not, there are still hundreds of agencies that do not have a patrol rifle program at all for beat patrolmen…meaning swat ofc’s only are authorized the use of an AR or subguns for that matter.
If I was worried about what might be authorized later, I would buy a Colt’s 6920.
I agree with checking to see what the policy is first…you may find out what the policy is and change your mind about who you apply with. Our policy appears to be pretty open. It requires a min length of 16" and be a m16/ar15 platform such as Colt,Dpms, and bushmaster. And yes there as still agancies that do not have a patrol rifle program and no swat team. Of course I don’t work there any more.
It sounds like it might be a good question to ask your recruiter(patrol rifles).
Provided by the department, Colt 6920 or 0933. No others authorized.
Colt, LMT, Noveske, Sabre Defense
NO Bushwackers/ Oly arms
I’m not looking to retire for another three years, I still need to take my experience from the SERE schoolhouse out in-theatre. As far far as what department I go to…heck, I haven’t even decided what state to settle down in.
I’d rather spend this time training and maintaining skills, even if it means my rig is prohibited. Waiting that long just to find out what I can/can’t use (if any are authorized at all) seems pretty counterproductive. And like I saw posted earlier, if all else fails, the resale market is strong.
It sounds like the 6920 is the way to go. You can’t blame a department for sticking to Mil-Spec. It’s what I’ve been using all these years; why should I stop now?
Thanks for being a good sounding board!
I was going to say the same thing.
Some of the responses to this thread mention what officers are ISSUED vs. what they are AUTHORIZED for personal purchase; two different animals.
It does appear that, for the agencies that do allow officer’s personal purchase patrol rifles, Colt is the one most common name that pops up, and when models are mentioned, the 6920 is the one they list. One agency may allow Armalite and Colt, another may allow Bushmaster and Colt, etc. but the name that keeps popping up is the Colt 6920.
fabulous45s I understand your concern. You want to buy now and enjoy the rifle when you can when you’re home on leave etc. (plus likely try to get in under the wire on any potential bans down the road), but you’d like to buy the rifle that, should you get on with an agency that allows officer’s personal purchase patrol rifles, would be most likely to be authorized by the largest number of agencies.
FWIW, two local PD’s and the County Sheriff’s office purchased RRA’s from the local dealer I use. He does such a large volume of RRA sales that RRA has taken to doing custom setups for him (i.e. 18" barrel with 20" gas system).
but you’d like to buy the rifle that, should you get on with an agency that allows officer’s personal purchase patrol rifles, would be most likely to be authorized by the largest number of agencies.
And the only carbine which meets that spec is the Colt 6920. And for good reason.
COLT COLT COLT COLT 6920, if your new agency will authorize you to use it on duty. Good luck.