As a former police officer, I had to reply to this.

Yes, it is true that most all law enforcement agencies go with the lowest bidder when it comes to either the Crown Vic or the Impalas. And I think this is stupid. I' ve seen far more problems with the Crown Vics than I ever did with the Chevy' s. Including a recall, not that long ago, for brake failure at high speed.

However, I' ve never, in 19 years of service, seen any agency go with the rock bottom bidder when it comes to firearms. It doesn' t happen. There' s too much civil liability involved here, not only for the officer, but the public he' s trying to protect. They have stringent guidelines that have to be met to even be considered, then they pick the lowest bidder that meets that guideline. Sometimes. Sometimes, even the lowest bidder that does meet the guidelines doesn' t win the contract.