Garda pistol same as one used to take down Osama

THE Sig Sauer P226 is a semiautomatic pistol issued to many police forces around the world.

It is the official service pistol of the famed US Navy Seals, the elite army unit who killed Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.

The weapon was first issued to gardaí ten years ago. The manufacturer recommends use of approved holsters, mostly rigid hard plastic, but there are some recommended rigid leather ones.

Because there is no manual safety catch on a Sig Sauer, the manufacturer recommends a holster that gives protection against accidental firing.

Manufacturerrecommended holsters also offer additional safety in that they make it difficult for an assailant to withdraw the gun from an officer.

Recommended holsters include the Rounded Gear IWB Kydex Holster, the IMI Level-2 Tactical Holster, the Comp-Tac International Holster and the 1791 Gunleather holster.

The Walther P99c, a German made weapon, is also issued by An Garda Síochána to officers, but is less commonly used than the

Sig Sauer.

Again, there are manufacturer approved holsters which greatly reduce the chances of accidental discharge.

The official Garda-issued leather holster, which is not one of those recommended by the manufacturer, is designed to carry the selfloading 9mm Sig Sauer P226, and a similar one is used to carry the Walther.

The pistol is placed in the sheath and secured by a single snap button. But in some instances firearms have unintentionally fallen to the ground during on-foot pursuits or physical altercations. Some serving detectives and members of the Garda Armed Support Unit have purchased their own modern plastic holsters from the United States.