FBI to go back to 9mm

[GaryS]

I hope this isn't a duplicate post, but I didn't see it in any of the other sub forums.

FBI Returning to 9mm for Service Round

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has announced it will be giving up the .40 Smith & Wesson round and returning to handguns chambered in 9mm for service carry.
While switching rounds does not have to mean getting a new gun–springs and barrels can be replaced in many models to switch calibers–the FBI makes clear new guns will also be purchased for its "approximately 13,000 agents by 2016."

I think the author is wrong about how easy a caliber conversion is, but that's not the main point.

It's an interesting article, it will be interesting to see who wins this contract.

Maybe they'll buy S&W, but only on the condition that they start making 3rd Gens again.

I can dream, can't I?

 

[JcMack]

I had a G23 (.40) with a 9mm barrel and 9mm mags.. I "think" the G23 is the preferred Gov. sidearm? Any .40 to 9mm conversion in Glock or any other mfg. I've seen comes with the caveat: 9mm to be used for target only, not personal protection.

 

[Hapworth]

I hope this isn't a duplicate post, but I didn't see it in any of the other sub forums...

It hasn't gotten much notice...

http://smith-wessonforum.com/firearms-knives-other-brands/393265-new-fbi-9mm-pistol.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/351485-fbis-new-9mm-ammo.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/firear...870-fbi-request-proposal-new-9mm-pistols.html


http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/407525-fbi-returning-9mm-ammo.html

 

[Rule3]

Isn't the FBI part of US DHS?

What will they do with all the contracted 40 SW ammo?

 

[jeffsmith]

FBI is DOJ

 

[Hapworth]

Isn't the FBI part of US DHS?

What will they do with all the contracted 40 SW ammo?

Nope. As Jeff notes, DOJ, and if you look at most government procurement contracts, the Feds aren't obligated to buy all that's stipulated in the contract, only that the manufacturer must make that amount available for purchase over the designated timeframe.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Correct. Government contracts are always terminable - besides, if the FBI ordered 100,000 rounds of .40 S&W and it is for delivery "later" the manufacturer might be asked just to make 9mm. I know there is a process for government bidding but we don't know how they worded that RFP and the subsequent contract.

 

[chud333]

Think that some in LEO have forgotten the fiasco in Miami
back in 86' or so ??
Those who ignore History are doomed to repeat it.


Chuck

 

[Rule3]

Thanks,

I found the Org structure if you can call it organized

Other than FEMA and the TSA all good. In a past life I had the joy of being involved "working" with FEMA. Will just leave it at that!


http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Department Org Chart.pdf

 

[Dennis The B]

Think that some in LEO have forgotten the fiasco in Miami
back in 86' or so ??
Those who ignore History are doomed to repeat it.


Chuck

The Miami shootout was a convergence of everything that could go wrong in one event; tactics, armament, timing, among others. The 9mm Win Silver Tip ammo certainly was under-powered, but not the sole cause.

9mm ammo certainly has come a long way since then. Not saying that there aren't better choices, just that the 9mm has improved vastly.

As long as I don't have to go along with what the FBI buys, they can arm agents however they like. I'll stick with .45 Auto or Super .38.

 

[Hapworth]

Think that some in LEO have forgotten the fiasco in Miami
back in 86' or so ??
Those who ignore History are doomed to repeat it.


Chuck

I'm guessing they haven't. The FBI ammunition testing protocols emerged from it, and those protocols became the impetus for significant improvements in ammo construction and terminal ballistics since then.

With properly chosen modern ammunition, there's very little practical difference in the effects of the various service calibers. With that in mind, there's little reason not to choose the round that's least expensive, allows for the most rounds carried, and shoots the easiest.

After extensive research and testing, that's the FBI's logic on it.

 

[opaul]

This is a great thread, thanks!

 

[GaryS]

Me too! All I'll say is that most full time federal employees spend their work day making sure that they don't do anything that will screw up their pension. I'll leave it at that.

As to contracts, all they do is specify the total amount that CAN be spent, the specification of the item being purchased, and the duration of the contract.

None of it worth anything without a purchase order signed by someone with authorization to make that decision.

Where I worked, we had contracts to buy up to 12 ambulances per fiscal year. Some years we bought 12, some years we bought 4.

Thanks,

I found the Org structure if you can call it organized

Other than FEMA and the TSA all good. In a past life I had the joy of being involved "working" with FEMA. Will just leave it at that!


http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Department Org Chart.pdf

 

[shawn mccarver]

Isn't the FBI part of US DHS?

What will they do with all the contracted 40 SW ammo?

No. FBI is part of the US DoJ.

 

[sigp220.45]

Me too! All I'll say is that most full time federal employees spend their work day making sure that they don't do anything that will screw up their pension. I'll leave it at that.

That's odd. I had my federal pension in the bag four years ago, and I still put on a gun and go to work every day.

 

[GaryS]

Good for you. I was talking about the ones I had to deal with and I'm not going to put in some lame caveat for each of the millions of federal employees. If you're offended, too bad.

That's odd. I had my federal pension in the bag four years ago, and I still put on a gun and go to work every day.

 

[hangnoose]

BS flag on the field

Post #2, "9mm not for personal protection". I'd really like to see a pic or link to that warning. All the millions worldwide must be wrong. Guessing you use a 45 cuz they don't make a 46, that's AOK by me, whatever is YOUR favorite, no need to put down any other calibers. Your 88 magnum still on order?

 

[Rule3]

Good for you. I was talking about the ones I had to deal with and I'm not going to put in some lame caveat for each of the millions of federal employees. If you're offended, too bad.

That's pretty rude. I worked for State Government, are we the same or worse? We did more for less pay than a lot of Professions and dealt with a lot of mandated BS.

Out of "millions" of workers you may have some rotten apples but will find that in any group.

 

[aarontart]

Post #2, "9mm not for personal protection". I'd really like to see a pic or link to that warning. All the millions worldwide must be wrong. Guessing you use a 45 cuz they don't make a 46, that's AOK by me, whatever is YOUR favorite, no need to put down any other calibers. Your 88 magnum still on order?

I purchased a sig p229DAK police trade and called Barsto and asked about changing the barrel and using new mags to convert it to 9mm and that is exactly what they told me. I think this is what he was talking about and not bashing the 9mm for self defense. They told me the extractor wouldn't be 100% reliable going down from .40 to 9mm. I never did it so I don't know but I guess for liability reasons I can completely understand why a company would say this.

 

[Hapworth]

Good for you. I was talking about the ones I had to deal with and I'm not going to put in some lame caveat for each of the millions of federal employees. If you're offended, too bad.

To be fair, you didn't qualify the original statement:

...most full time federal employees spend their work day making sure that they don't do anything that will screw up their pension...

Doubtless it's true for some, but "most" is over the top -- why be sharp-edged when someone takes understandable offense?

Would you if someone said all EMTs are failed paramedics? It's demonstrably untrue, but one still might feel an appropriate need to respond.