Why Did Police Agencies Switch Away from .38 Special and .40 S&W? Is 9mm Really Better?
The evolution of law enforcement firearm preferences has been a topic of extensive discussion within the firearms community. Historically, the .38 Special and .40 S&W were the go-to choices for police agencies across the United States. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards the 9mm cartridge. This transition begs the question: why did police agencies switch away from the .38 Special and .40 S&W, and is the 9mm truly better?
1. Historical Context of the .38 Special
The .38 Special, introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1898, became a staple for law enforcement for much of the 20th century. Its reliability, manageable recoil, and decent stopping power made it an ideal choice for police officers. Revolvers chambered in .38 Special, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 10, were widely used and respected for their simplicity and effectiveness.
2. The Rise and Fall of the .40 S&W
In the late 1980s, the FBI's search for a more effective cartridge led to the development of the .40 S&W. This round was designed to bridge the gap between the 9mm and the more powerful .45 ACP, offering greater stopping power while maintaining manageable recoil. The .40 S&W quickly gained popularity among law enforcement agencies. Firearms like the Glock 22 and Smith & Wesson M&P40 became standard issue, promising better performance in stopping threats.
3. The Return to 9mm
Despite the initial enthusiasm for the .40 S&W, a shift back to the 9mm began in the 2010s. This transition was driven by several factors:
a. Advances in Ammunition Technology: Modern advancements in bullet design and propellant efficiency significantly enhanced the performance of the 9mm cartridge. Today’s 9mm rounds, such as the Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot, offer improved expansion, penetration, and reliability, making them comparable or superior to the .40 S&W in real-world scenarios.
b. Higher Capacity: One of the most significant advantages of the 9mm is its higher magazine capacity. Guns chambered in 9mm, like the Glock 17 or the Sig Sauer P320, can hold more rounds compared to their .40 S&W counterparts. This increased capacity can be crucial in extended engagements or situations where multiple threats are present.
c. Lower Recoil: The 9mm produces less recoil than the .40 S&W, which translates to faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy, especially in high-stress situations. This lower recoil also makes the 9mm more accessible for officers of varying physical statures and shooting proficiencies.
d. Cost Efficiency: Training with firearms is a critical component of law enforcement preparedness. The 9mm is generally cheaper to produce and purchase than the .40 S&W, allowing agencies to allocate resources more effectively towards training and other critical needs.
e. Wear and Tear on Firearms: Guns chambered in .40 S&W experience more wear and tear due to the higher pressures and increased recoil. This can lead to more frequent maintenance and shorter service lives for the firearms. The 9mm, with its lower pressure and recoil, tends to be gentler on guns, leading to longer service intervals and reduced maintenance costs.
4. Specific Firearms and Their Impact
a. Glock 17 and Glock 19: The Glock 17 and its compact sibling, the Glock 19, have become synonymous with reliability and performance. Their adoption by numerous police agencies underscores the confidence law enforcement has in 9mm pistols. The high capacity, consistent trigger pull, and ease of maintenance make these models ideal for duty use.
b. Sig Sauer P320: Chosen by the U.S. military as the M17/M18, the Sig Sauer P320 offers modularity and adaptability. Its 9mm variant has been widely adopted by police agencies for its customizable grip modules, optics-ready slide, and overall reliability.
c. Smith & Wesson M&P9: The M&P9 series offers ergonomic design, ambidextrous controls, and a variety of configurations to suit different needs. Its performance in the field has made it a popular choice for departments transitioning to 9mm.
5. Real-World Performance and Case Studies
Several high-profile incidents and studies have contributed to the shift towards the 9mm:
a. FBI Miami Shootout (1986): This infamous shootout revealed the limitations of both the .38 Special and 9mm rounds available at the time, prompting the FBI to seek a more effective round, eventually leading to the .40 S&W. However, subsequent improvements in 9mm technology have addressed many of these concerns, leading to the FBI’s recent re-adoption of the 9mm.
b. Ballistic Gel Tests and FBI Protocols: Modern 9mm rounds consistently perform well in ballistic gel tests, meeting or exceeding FBI penetration and expansion standards. This empirical evidence supports the effectiveness of the 9mm in stopping threats while minimizing over-penetration risks.
6. Training and Transition Considerations
The transition to 9mm is not without its challenges. Agencies must ensure that officers are adequately trained to handle the new firearms and ammunition. This includes range time, simulation training, and ensuring that officers are comfortable with the firearm’s handling and performance.
7. The Future of Law Enforcement Firearms
As law enforcement continues to evolve, so too will the tools and technology at their disposal. While the 9mm has established itself as the current standard, ongoing advancements in firearm and ammunition technology may see new developments and preferences emerge.
Conclusion: Is 9mm Really Better?
The shift from .38 Special and .40 S&W to 9mm by police agencies is supported by numerous practical, economic, and performance-based reasons. Advances in 9mm ammunition technology, higher capacity, lower recoil, cost efficiency, and reduced firearm wear and tear collectively make the 9mm a superior choice for many law enforcement agencies.
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