Which is the standard-issue weapon for the modern U.S. police force: the .38, the .45, or the 9mm Glock?

Question

Are the .45 and 9mm Glock one and the same gun?

Answer 1

Here's some basics. First the .38 special (revolver) is pretty much obsolete as a police weapon, although with modern jacketed hollow-point bullets it's OK as a backup gun. Problem is that the power is factory-limited by the strength of some century-old firearms that are still around. Many private security services don't allow their people to carry an automatic or anything more powerful than a .38 special.

The original .38 Smith & Wesson cartridge was loaded for black powder and is pretty low-powered, even with modern smokeless loads. Police haven't used it for probably sixty years or more.

The .357 Magnum looks about the same as the .38 special but the case is 0.15 inch longer, so it won't go into a .38 special revolver. It shoots the same bullets, but the powder charge can develop up to about 34,500 pounds per square inch versus the .38 special at about 16000 psi or the .38 special "+P" load at about 19000. It was used by state troopers at one time, but now is pretty much a hunting revolver. It's the least powerful revolver usually allowed for deer, and many hunters say it's not enough.

The 9mm fires a .356 caliber bullet, almost a ".38", which is really .357 inch . Both bullets are smaller and lighter that the .45, and don't have a lot of stopping power. The present U.S. military standard sidearm is the 9mm Beretta, which shoots the NATO standard 9x19mm "Parabellum" or "Luger" cartridge. It has proven inadequate, and our military is getting the old model 1911A1 Colt .45 automatics ("old slabsides") out of storage and sending them to Iraq.

Many police now use the .40 Smith & Wesson automatic cartridge, although it varies by department.

You should take a subscription to NRA's "American Rifleman" or to "Guns and Shooting", or you may find one of them at your public library.

Answer 2

There is not a standard issue weapon for police.
Some departments will issue duty weapons for officers and others have restrictions on the type of weapon carried.
The .38 revolver has pretty much become a backup weapon only. Only a very few depts will allow someone to carry a .357 (most depts will mandate that you shoot 38+P in the weapon instead of the .357 round). Some depts will allow the .45 Long Colt revolver to be carried.
Semis are the norm now. A few depts still carry 9mm, but most go with the .40 S & W (designed by S & W specifically for law enforcement) or the .45. Most depts require the double action semi, with exception given for the Glock. However, it is not uncommon for SWAT teams to carry the 1911 style semis.

Common brands used in revolvers are Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Ruger. Common brands used in semis are H & K, Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Glock, Sig Saur and Berettas.
Glock has become popular due to the price, durability, and minimum amount of parts.
Personally, I prefer the H & K USP .40 cal. It is very reliable and dead on at 50 yards.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Which is the standard-issue weapon for the modern U.S. police force: the .38, the .45, or the 9mm Glock?
Are the .45 and 9mm Glock one and the same gun?

Answer 4

I sell law enforcement equipment including firearms. Most of the departments in the Mid-West have moved away from the 9mm to 40 S&W and 45 ACP. There are some departments that still carry the 9mm due to smaller and weaker shooters. The frame of the Glock 9mm and 45 ACP are different. The frame on the 45 ACP is larger due to the size of the 45 ACP cartridge when staggered in a magazine.

Glock has 80 to 90% of the law enforcement market in duty weapons because they are inexpensive and easy to fire and maintain.

Answer 5

That will vary from one department to the next.

Standard issue for my department is the .40 cal Beretta Model 96. Our department switched over from the 9mm several years ago after they found they were at a distint disadvantage in a shoot-out. We can purchase our own guns to use, if we don't want the Beretta, but it still has to be .40 cal. Off-duty, I carry a .40 cal Glock Model 23. It's smaller and lighter, but carries the same stopping power. I could carry that one on-duty, but then if I shoot someone, they'll take it, and I'll be out my $600 until it's done being "processed" in about a year or two.

Answer 6

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axgWH

If your going to carry for personal protection go for the stopping power of the .45 acp. Why would you stop short of stopping your assailant? In my opinion and it is just my opinion, The .40 cal is a great bullet and what it lacks in size it makes up in speed. I have both, reload both and its kind of like splitting hairs with the two but here's something that might help you decide. Our police department has been selling their .40 cal Glocks for $300.00 and switching over to the .45 cal in Glock and or Springfield XD. Our Sheriff Department has been switching over to the Springfield XD in the .45 cal. I carry a Springfield XD .45 cal with a 5" tactical barrel but have a couple of Sigs in the .40 and 357 sig calibers. I believe they are both weapons and calibers one can bet their life on. It comes down to what you feel good with, what you want out of your weapon. Good luck, be safe.

Answer 7

There is no standard issue pistol for the US police departments, There are dozens of models and calibers that are used.

But no the 45 and the 9mm are not the same guns.

Answer 8

Usstandard Issue

Answer 9

The standard varies with each police department, sheriff's office, detective unit, swat team, etc. Those three you mentioned are all different weapons. I prefer the Glock personally. You can shoot quite fast with them and they aren't heavy at all.

Answer 10

It depends on the force. Some Police Departments require the staff to purchase thier own weapons, but the staff is given a choice of what to purchase. There is no steadfast rule between departments.