Was the SP-101 ever an "issue sidearm"?

[Mike Armstrong]

(If this subject was already covered here, could someone direct me to the thread(s)!)

Has the SP-101 ever been an official issue sidearm of any LEA or military other than the NYPD? (Am I correct in thinking that 2" .38s w/bobbed hammers WERE at one time issued to NYPD officers?).

 

[Terry T]

Yes, at least the NYCPD.
They were also issued to some (we don't know which) state's Dept. of State. (Not the U.S. Dept. of State).
And some 'undercover' French police.
Terry T

 

[Mike Armstrong]

Thanks, Terry. Makes sense that no military picked up a 5-shot .38 or .357 in these days of body armor and spray and pray. They're a little bulky for concealment, compared to the competition, but maybe the price was right.

 

[Terry T]

They are well made, stout guns at a good price.
The SP101 was introduced in 1989 just as police agencies in The States were converting to semi-autos. Some, like NYC, delayed the transition to Semi-autos and prohibited the use of magnums, requesting .38 spl. (only) models.
That transition time period (revolvers to Semi-autos) often led to a situation where 'front line' police had the high capacity semi-autos and the 'rear echelon' still had revolvers.
A state's Dept. of State investigators were more likely to be dealing with 'white collar' crime committed by accountants and bookkeepers than high volume shootouts with street level drug dealers. In that case, the issued handgun is almost more a 'badge of office' than a real fighting tool. Not that the SP101 isn't a fine fighting tool! :shock:
Terry T