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Old 12-31-2011, 05:15 PM
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machz1 machz1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by armadillo View Post
The .40 was developed after tests by the FBI and others to find the best overall cartridge for law enforcement. I think most members here will say: the 45 has more knockdown power, but shot placement is "king."

Most law enforcement now days go with the 40 over the 45 because:

1) The knockdown power is sufficient (better than the 38/9mm) and recoil is lighter so the "average cop" has a better chance of hitting what he/she points at and making it count.

2) You get more rounds for the same loaded weight gun - again more shots without reloading means there is a better chance of getting a hit in a vital area.

3) The 40 and 45 minimize the over penetration problem of the 9mm.
dont forget one of the big issues for LE was the actual frame size and weight of the 45's. a lot of smaller framed agents and women couldnt comfortably handle it. the .40 is a GREAT cartridge and was developed specifically for maximum LE needs. it has basically the exact same speed with only a slight loss of ft/lbs. most LE cartridges are looked at in the 950 ft per sec speed for ideal penetration of various substances that officers might encounter.
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