Navy Pilots "Piece" Standard issue or Personal Gun

[D_mac05]

I read that in OCS you can qualify with a 9mm Beretta.

My actual question is, in the fleet and/or training, are you given a standard issued gun (9mm Beretta), or are you allowed to carry your own personal semi-auto handgun? Of course, it would b e nice to carry your own gun, but I know how the military is. Any good knowledge/opinions are welcome!!!

D

 

[wink]

I had heard that during the war some airwings did allow their guys to use personal weapons. I do find that hard to believe but I guess some guys were allowed to. Keep in mind that they may still restrict you to 9mm since that is the issue ammo on the ship. If you are lucky enough to be allowed your own weapon, consider that it will have to be kept in the ship's armory or some other common secure location. Don't expect it to be treated with any repect. It is just another tool to the Gunner that has to deal with alot of weapons at once. I for one would not want any of my guns treated the way I have seen handguns treated in the navy. They may work just great, but there is no personal care. A scratch here a broken grip there. Think of it this way. Ever see the baggage handlers toss suitcases into an airliner? I bet you don't throw your suitcase into the trunk of your car from 12 feet or leave it out in the rain for 30 minutes, but the airline guys will. I don't want my guns treated that way.

 

[NavyLonghorn]

Ohh my god.. you people use guns!?!?! What is this.. jeez.. this web page is becoming so military!

 

[chazmurr]

They leave my luggage out in the rain for thrity minutes?! I will be writing a letter.

 

[Fly Navy]

And they will use your letter as toilet paper.

 

[HooverPilot]

This was an issue in my squadron before we deployed last year. We couldn't find a way to get our own weapons out there. We all gave up and just used the issued weapons. the good part about that was that they were nice new Sig Sauer 9mm's! The beretta's are being phased out so we have quality weapons, for now.

 

[Fly Navy]

Hoover, which SIG........P228 or P226?

 

[D_mac05]

HooverPilot,

So there possibly is hope for carrying your personal 9mm? Not that it matters too much, I was just curious about the topic. My father-in-law was offering to buy me a new 9mm as a "graduation gift" from OCS if we were allowed to carry our personal gun with us. I have to get rid of my stash, because I don't want to deal with the "on-base armory". Thanks for the info guys.

 

[Fly Navy]

You can keep them with me, I'd love to add more to my collection ;-)

You could always find climate controlled storage. It's not that hard to find. Don't sell your guns, you'll regret it.

 

[Gatordev]

D-mac05:

It's really not worth it. Don't get a gun just for the sake of having one when you fly. And when are you going to fly w/ it. If you go jets, you're not going to be operational for several years. And even if you go the quickest route, say VP or HC(?), you're still not going to be carrying the thing when you fly around the squadron. Don't be one of "those guys." Quick sea story...While I was on cruise, our Wing mandated that aircrew shall not slide the mag into the gun while flying because some jackass AW put a round through the cabin floor. Why he even chambered a round is beyond me, and what if it had gone up instead of down?

Yes, you do get your extra 4 lbs of gear, and if you have a 9mm, you can carry it (only because you have to use Navy ammo to qual, and the only thing you'll get is 9mm). But as others have said, it's not worth the trouble.

 

[Fly Navy]

There are many more reasons to buy a nice pistol though

 

[wink]

The Sig P228 is my personal and duty weapon for the Sheriff's Office. I love it. Now that all aircrew will have the Sigs just go with them. I don't want to start a debate, but you can't do much better than a Sig in any model.

 

[Fly Navy]

Wink: I Own the big brother of your duty weapon, the P226. Aren't SIGs just beautiful weapons

 

[wink]

I wish I had a safe full of them. Absolutely first class, top of the line.

 

[HooverPilot]

It was the Sig 228. The others are right though, the hassle of taking your own weapon will be immense. You have to check it in to your gunner, he checks it into the base armory w/your squadrons guns, they get transfered to the boat, then they sit in a safe unless you are flying. It's nice to have your own gun for practice/pleasure, but use the gov't guns; much less hassle.