Posted on 01/12/2008 5:16:32 PM PST by DogByte6RER
Pistol for police marketed to the public
City leaders criticize the modified version of a gun originally made for an elite unit of the Los Angeles Police Department that has a history of fatal shootings.
By Richard Winton
Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
January 12, 2008
To the dismay of some city leaders, a gun company is marketing a line of high-end pistols named for the LAPD's Special Investigation Section, an elite group of plainclothes detectives with a history of fatally shooting suspects.
The guns for the undercover unit were created at the request of the Los Angeles Police Department. Kimber, a Yonkers, N.Y.-based gun maker, is marketing a slightly modified version to the public, touting the weapons as the "hot new SIS pistols" on the company's website.
For each of the more than $1,000 guns sold, Kimber says it will donate $15 to the nonprofit Los Angeles Police Memorial Foundation, which provides financial support to officers and their families in times of death, injury or illness.
But news that a weapon is being marketed with an "SIS" serration -- a clear reference to the LAPD -- was met with criticism from city and civil rights leaders.
"It is very disturbing," said Councilman Jack Weiss. "If any member of the public is shot with one of these guns or, heaven forbid, a cop is shot with one these guns, what would be the explanation?"
LAPD officials said the department does not endorse the gun but has no control over how the manufacturer markets the weapon.
Regarding questions about the weapons marketed to the public, Police Chief William J. Bratton dismissed the topic as a "nonissue," calling it "foolish."
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
"LAPD officials said the department does not endorse the gun"
Gunmakers get no respect. Why not an endorsement? Oh yeah, politics.
wow. i like the rails on that one. i carry the P226 in 9mm for work so i like sig already. i might look into that one.
Not very long ago there was an article posted from upstate NY about some state politician wanting to close the loophole that allowed people to easily purchase "deadly" 50 cal. muzzleloaders.
Jeff Cooper remarked on how neurotic some people can be in their disdain for firearms, and labeled them hoplophobes. When those same people acquire some political power they often seem to become meglomaniacal tyrants.
I can believe it. I went to gunsmithing school for 2.5 years, and have be a long range competitive shooter for decades. I re-qualify for the 8 and 8oo club, that is shooting a 10 shot 8 inch group at 800 yards several times a year. I've had several cops get into their wallets about 10 minutes after they bet me I couldn't do it. I'll put my long range sporter class comp rifles up against any sniper rifle in the world. My rifles are better than theirs and I know my glass is better.
Just because it's called a COP gun does not make it better!!!!
On a more serious note, I fitted my Kimber Custom Target with a set of the tritium adjustables and aside from the rather lurid "SIS" cutouts it's just about the same gun. If I had to choose just one firearm to bet my life on...
Concern is justified.
Cops should not have lethal weapons.
Give them all airsoft.
Will stop suspect/perp gun deaths cold.
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