There is a big difference in preferences for a military pistol vs police. There are different considerations, as are there different considerations for a civilian pistol for daily concealed carry. In the military, the sidearm is a secondary weapon; with the police and civilian, it is usually the first option. One of the considerations for police is how the average cop can group the pistol. The elite military units shoot so much that their average shooter's skill tops the best street cop. The military must also be concerned with (besides regulations) logistics. There is probably more 9mm ammo reaching its destination (half way around the world) than any other caliber. There are many more issues I could site, but this gives you a little idea.So the FBI joins the SEALS in choosing a Glock 9mm.
It's irrefutable how well modern 9mm defense loads perform, but I'm unsure that the SEALS can use anything but round nose 9mm due to international regulations on armament. So they must have come to that decision based on other factors (simplicity, ease of use, etc...) I wonder how much of the decision is just, "We are able to carry more ammo for less weight"?
I've been carrying a Gen 3 G19 9mm daily for 10 years. With an extra mag, and one in the car, that's 46 rounds. Hard to argue with it.
~Lt
It's about time we see a major shift away from .40 S&W. After decades of trying to tell people the .40 S&W offers nothing over 9mm and is actually inferior to it in many ways, I feel vindicated that there's a mass shift away from it.
I think the real discussion should be why the FBI selected the 9mm as their carry caliber when the military is putting forth efforts to go away from it!
I think the real discussion should be why the FBI selected the 9mm as their carry caliber when the military is putting forth efforts to go away from it!
Exactly, the military has to use ball ammo. The technology boon for 9mm is all JHP, ball ammo is ball ammo and bigger is better in that regard. JHP, bigger is not always better. I feel completely secure carrying my G19 with 16rds of Federal HST 147gr ammo and I do not see our transition as a downgrade. In fact I feel that my move from one ammo to another is linear no better/no worse. However, I will be carrying MORE ammo with less recoil...WIN WIN.Because the military is stuck with ball ammo and the FBI isn't?
Next question.
Exactly, the military has to use ball ammo.
I think the real discussion should be why the FBI selected the 9mm as their carry caliber when the military is putting forth efforts to go away from it!
I sense another $15 million horse for the wife in the near future.
The new FBI Glock pistol is a combination of the Gen II grip and the Gen IV backstrap and front rail....great combination as I prefer the smooth Gen II grips but would like a rail for a light on my night stand!
Because the military is stuck with ball ammo and the FBI isn't?
Next question.
Exactly, the military has to use ball ammo. The technology boon for 9mm is all JHP, ball ammo is ball ammo and bigger is better in that regard. JHP, bigger is not always better. I feel completely secure carrying my G19 with 16rds of Federal HST 147gr ammo and I do not see our transition as a downgrade. In fact I feel that my move from one ammo to another is linear no better/no worse. However, I will be carrying MORE ammo with less recoil...WIN WIN.
Dont think this is a true statement. The US did not sign onto the Hague Convention declaration, thus can use other types. However, the Pentagon has used it as the legal standard to rule out any ammunition other than ball for use in sidearms.
That picture is interesting; where did you find it? It purports to show the "Glock Gen V" but the pictured model is a G22, when the guns the FBI and IMPD are going to are G17s. Also of note are that the texturing or stippling appears to be done after the fact rather than being molded in (assuming it's not a Photoshop job), and the sights are non-factory.
Can any of our IMPD guys who have seen the "17M" confirm that it looks like the photo in Amishman's original post?
Can any of our IMPD guys who have seen the "17M" confirm that it looks like the photo in Amishman's original post?