the reason I started this thread was to get the final answer on 9mm vs 40 S&W, it looks to me like the handgun cartridges of choice had little effect on the the outcome and if the 40 has been used probably wouldn't have even mattered. but double stack mags in say a full size glock would have made a big difference.
it was a different time back then and reliable semi autos were just coming on the market. yeah the 1911 was reliable at that time but only with ball ammo and as a result never caught on with LE agencies. the real problem like everyone is saying is rifle fire against pistol fire.
Cumminscowboy � You should read the FBI�s take on it:
http://www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi-hwfe.pdf You can debate every aspect of this shooting, and many very knowledgeable people on the subject have come to the same conclusion as you. But there have been many knowledgeable people who have come to the conclusion that it does matter. Some say the FBI used the Silvertip as the �scapegoat�. I think the FBI could have deflected some heat, but to just dismiss the fact that the FBI made a huge fundamental change in ammunition selection based on this incident, I think that would be an error in judgment. Like them or not, when the FBI does something they tend to be rather thorough.
Penetration is king, simple as that. But all must be balanced because too much penetration can be just as much of a liability as too little. You need to also consider that the FBI�s criteria is specifically for law enforcement, and some cartridges deemed sufficient for law enforcement could prove to have too much penetration for other applications such as home defense or concealed carry on the street. Since law enforcement often has to shoot through intermediate barriers, and citizens are rarely involved in a shooting that isn�t face to face, should make you think.
As to 9mm vs. .40, I�ve come to the conclusion that either cartridge will get the job done; so pick the one that blows your skirt up. Once you have made the choice, match the ammunition (mostly by weight) to the job. Let�s assume you�re limiting your choices to JHP�s made by major reputable manufacturers.
For law enforcement I would recommend bullet weights of:
9mm: 147
.40: 180
.45: 230
For concealed carry on the street:
9mm: 124-147
.40: 155-180
.45: 200-230
For home defense
9mm: 115-124
.40: 135-155
.45: 185-200
Now consider these are just rough recommendations based on �typical� scenarios. Each person needs to evaluate their threat level and the scenarios they are likely to encounter. I�m sure many would dispute my rule of thumb for bullet weight, but this is MY rule of thumb, not theirs.
