Police want less recoil from about 60 duty handguns

Alpharetta police want to use a $17,394 federal grant allocation to equip about 60 duty handguns with aftermarket barrel-and-compensator systems intended to reduce recoil and help officers keep control of their weapons.⁠[1]

City Council is scheduled to consider participation in the fiscal 2026 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program and acceptance of the allocation on Nov. 9. Council approval is still being sought.⁠[1][2]

The proposed purchase is 60 Radian Ramjet + Afterburner systems at an estimated $288.56 apiece, totaling $17,313.60 for equipment. The staff report cautions that the final quantity depends on actual equipment and shipping costs.⁠[1]

Police anticipate better firearm control and more consistent performance during training, qualification and operational use. Those are the department’s expected benefits, not reported results from this project. Officers receiving the equipment would still have to meet all existing firearms training and qualification requirements; the proposal describes the systems as a supplement, not a replacement, for marksmanship fundamentals.⁠[1]

Receiving the allocation would also require a joint application with other participating Fulton County jurisdictions and an interlocal agreement with the designated fiscal agent. Staff say that agreement will come later for signatures.⁠[1]

The packet gives conflicting instructions for any shipping charges. One budget narrative says city funds would cover them separately. A later equipment worksheet assumes free shipping and says the purchase quantity would be adjusted if freight charges arise, keeping the total within the $17,394 grant allocation.⁠[1]

The Nov. 9 council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza.⁠[2]