Quote:
Originally Posted by Kframerbluvr
I read somewhere that an Army MP stationed in Germany in the '70s asked a German policeman why they carried 7.65 (.32 ACP) chambered Walthers instead of the 9mm Kurz (.380) version. According to the cop, 7.65 penetrated car doors better.
If I were required to carry a pistol of that type, i would seriously consider a quality 7.65 pistol loaded with Euro-spec ball ammo. More penetration, less recoil, possibly more accurate, and one more round in the magazine.
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I don't know where the German policeman got his information. The standard 32 ACP load back then was a 71 grain FMJ at 900 FPS. The standard 380 (9mm Kurtz) load was a 95 grain FMJ at 955. Neither one has a reputation for being able to penetrate a car door, but the 380 shoots a heavier bullet faster creating more energy(still not a lot).
European choices of military and law enforcement weapons have always fit into the strange but true category. The standard Italian pistol and sub-machine gun cartridge in WW1 was the 9MM Glesenti which was a 9x19 cartridge loaded down to 380 power levels. When the Russians were issuing 30 calibre (7.62X54R, later 7.62X39) rifles, they issued 30 calibre (7.62X25 Tokarev) pistols. When they adopted a 22 calibre rifle (5.45x39) they adopted a 22 calibre handgun to go with it (5.45X18 PSM). Anybody ever figure out the British reasoning behind adopting the 38 S&W cartridge prior to WW2? (although they did rename it 380 Revolver MkII)