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To: Jeff Chandler
Okay, that makes more sense. I thought LEOs had pretty much changed over to semi-autos and .357 Magnum didn't make sense. But then again, I thought they went mostly to 9MM but some are going to .40 S&W.

Jeez, I need a scorecard to keep track.


Here, I'll help you out keeping track of service calibers thanks to what I've read from all the self-appointed firearms experts on internet fora:

The .38 spl is a wholly inadequate as a service cartridge when using lead round nose bullets and has less oopmh than .357 magnum. .357 magnum is fantastic, but has fairly stiff recoil and of course a revolver only holds 6 rds, so you should go with the lesser recoil and higher capacity of 9mm Luger automatic. 9mm Luger is perfectly acceptable and has a good track record, except if you think it doesn't or it isn't manly or you use 147 gr ball, in which case the .40 Smith and Wesson is a good round combining larger diameter than 9mm Luger and more energy than .45 ACP with less recoil than a hot .45 ACP load. Of course if you're going to step up to .40 S&W from 9mm you might as well go to .45 ACP because it is larger than .40 S&W and has less snappy recoil and is more manly/patriotic; besides which contrary to what I just said the .40 S&W really the worst of .45 ACP and 9mm Luger, as it has higher recoil than 9mm Luger and smaller diameter than .45 ACP. But .45 ACP bullets don't go very fast and are overrated because what really matters is hydrostatic shock, which is where the .357 Sig comes in: less recoil than .40 S&W and .45 ACP and terminal ballistics like .357 Magnum. Of course, .357 Sig is kinda snappy and has intimidating flash and blast and is super-expensive so maybe 9mm Luger is a good choice for gentle recoil, low expense, and lower muzzle blast. But .40 S&W is better than 9mm and... [repeat ad infinitum]

...and I didn't even talk about penetration :D
48 posted on 08/15/2012 5:46:10 PM PDT by verum ago (A good physical therapist is half friend, half sadist.)
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To: verum ago

About now is where somebody chimes in about .22LR being a perfectly acceptable SD round ...

and it is, if you’re defending yourself from a rodent.


51 posted on 08/15/2012 7:13:17 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler (Whatever a homosexual union might be or represent, it is not physically marital. - F.Cardinal George)
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