[Wizard]

Picked up a couple boxes of Winchester Ranger 9mm 127gr jhp +P+ for CCW last week. Fired a few rounds through my Kahr, this afternoon. Keep in mind that the CW9 Kahr only weighs 17.7 oz with magazine. This ammo shoots very well, but it definately lets you know this is not a target load. I am now carrying the Rangers in my CCW. Happy with the ammo, except for price, but it's still less expensive than Corbon and Hydrashocks.

The only thing I don't understand is the wording on the box:

"FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT USE ONLY. NOT FOR RETAIL SALE."

Got it at a local gun shop. Our local LEO's carry the Ranger in .40 S&W.....

 

[Bountyhunter]

That's strange. :?

 

[deputy125]

ah yes, that "law enforcement only" phrase is always an eye opener.
!st, in my opinion, civilian ammo is every bit as good as leo ammo. The "LE only" markings gives some leo agencies a warm and fuzzy feelin'. On the other hand, it gives civilians an impression that it's a certifable death ray if LE uses it.
It may be a maker's policy to only sell a certain "type" of ammo to LE and not civilians. But as far as i know, there is not any laws in place to enforce such unless we talk exotic stuff like armor piercing and such.

Just guessing, but since its +p+ stuff, winchester probably has a policy to not sell to civilian outlets since its so "warm". This in consideration for civilians with unknown quality and type of weapons that the ammo could damage over the short or long term. LE on the other hand, have more control over the issue with issue or certified weapons that can handle the +p+ suff. In other words, they know and accept its hot stuff and the responisibility that comes with it.

an outfit called CDNN
cdnninvestments.com

had been sellin' some of that ranger ammo a while back in 40 cal. As i understand cdnn, they often "buy out" gunshops when they go under or buy out gun makers existin' inventory of dis-continued models and discount sell them. They also do a lot of trade ins with leo agencies....
Maybe an agency traded that ranger ammo for a different type/caliber.............

 

[Wizard]

That what I kinda figured, Deputy....actually the Corbon ballistics are more impressive, and I've used hydrashocks for years, but the Win Ranger is a lot less expensive (locally, anyways). I've just never seen that on a box of ammo, before.....

 

[sheepdog]

I've bought a lot of LE Gold Dots....they were put back into the system after a Tx. Rangers order...overrun or return...I think the gun shops love them 'cause they ride the LE to town and get top dollar for them...these were +P....no law against selling them to us civilians, just an adv. gimmick.....now, by the way, there's a new Gold Dot Bonded...supposed to perform after passing through car windows 'cause the jacket won't separate....hmmmm......Nope...I just lied...Remington Golden Saber Bonded...not Gold Dot......