By Dean Weingarten
Arizona – -(Ammoland.com)-
I would give long odds that it was a Smith and Wesson 5946 in 9mm. They come with 15 round magazines. I doubt that the RCMP used the politically correct 10 rounders.
The 3953, above, is also issued, but it is more likely he had the 5946.
The picture is from a discussion of the RCMP pistols on defensivecarry.com.
Another source confirms that the Smith is the choice of the RCMP. From Silvercore Firerams Training, BC(pdf):
Smith & Wesson 5946 – The Side Arm of the RCMP
Manufactured 1990 – 1999 A double-action-only (DAO) variant of the 5906, this can be visually distinguished from other models by the complete lack of decocker levers.Note that the hole is still there, and is just plugged, so it is hard to tell on a right side shot. The slide is also slightly longer at the back, almost concealing the rounded-off hammer, and the frame matches this contour. Issued at one time to numerous law enforcement agencies, notably the NYPD (not exclusively) and the RCMP.
If you look at the screen shot below, you can see the characteristic outline with the ejection port and the tell tale stainless finish.
Here is a link to the video of Sergeant at Arms Kevin Vickers shortly after the shooting. He is the larger gentleman with a pistol in his right hand, white hair, and an ID around his neck, in a suit, as shown above. Below is a screen shot that captures the pistol from the rear.
You can make out the black grips, another confirmation of the 5946 Smith.
Sergeant at Arms, Kevin Vickers.
c2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included. Link to Gun Watch
About Dean Weingarten;
Dean Weingarten has been a peace officer, a military officer, was on the University of Wisconsin Pistol Team for four years, and was first certified to teach firearms safety in 1973. He taught the Arizona concealed carry course for fifteen years until the goal of constitutional carry was attained. He has degrees in meteorology and mining engineering, and recently retired from the Department of Defense after a 30 year career in Army Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation.