[romeofoxtrot]

Every news program or TV special or photo I have seen of these contractors -- whether Brits or Americans -- typically carry AR's or AK's plus GLOCKS. I am aware that the Iraqui police is generally armed with Glock 19's. Does anybody know exactly why these professionals choose Glock? Also, does anybody know where those Ruger P95's and Sig Pro 9mm's ended up that the Army purchased several years ago under special contract? If so, is there any information about the resulting reliability or durability of those handguns?

 

[Guest]

Glocks are cheap, they are simple, and they are reliable. And most contractors just use whatever the company they work for gives them. No word on the Rugers or Sigs. ~Pistolero

 

[weshowe]

Gents,

One major contractor I am aware of is issueing the Beretta 92.
Glocks, Sigma's, etc., are being issued to Iraqi nationals who work for them...

Wes

 

[Guest]

A friend of mine who did two tours as a contractor was issued a P-35 on his first job, and a CZ75b on the second. Sadaam bought HiPowers by the shipload, so they're everywhere.

 

[oberstlt]

AT BlackWater, all I see is G17s and ARs in training for deployment. At ITI Armor Group, all I see is G17s and ARs in training as well. I think the SIG PROs went to replace some SIG M10s that developed hicups.

 

[lelandray]

A friend of mine is carrying a T series he's carried since the Phoenix program. He thinks it's the perfect handgun, and considering the fact that after all these years he is still among the land of the living, I have to respect his decision.

 

[oberstlt]

My Old Guv used to say that in VietNam, a BHP-35 and a Swedish K subgun were the uniform of the CIA in country. Course he also used to say that a Randall knife, a Rolex watch, a star saphire ring and divorce papers were the indicators of Special Forces other than the hat. I think the emphasis for contractors has been price and ammo. I saw a guy interviewed a little back from Eyrns (spelling?), a British firm, and he was equipped with what appeared to be a BHP-35.

 

[Guest]

...a Randall knife, a Rolex watch, a star saphire ring and divorce papers were the indicators of Special Forces other than the hat..

I alway heard it was a "divorce from at least one foreign national"...

 

[oberstlt]

They have never been picky in my experience about wimmins...

 

[abninftr]

Saw a fair few of both in RVN, 'spooks' (CIA) and 'Green Beanies'. Respected the latter - usually professional and a asset to have around, hated the former - usually full of ego and meant nothing but trouble headed my way at which time they were always 'elsewhere'.

Both seemed to have a fondness for FN High Powers and Swedish Ks. I actually saw more Swedish Ks in the hands of 5th Group troopies.

 

[jim17]

The Blackwater detail who moved me in Iraq all had GLOCK 17s. Iraqis I encountered usually had CZ 75s or BHPs. Some police units had "9mm short" Berettas.