Z_Man
Ultimate Member
Thing is some 40S&W subsonic 165-180gr LEO loads like Speer's 53949 are a lot more pleasant to shoot than comparable 9+p, they run at a much lower pressure and are more efficient in short barrels, so even though raw recoil may calculate about the same, they feel LIGHTER than 9, but have more momentum to enhance penetration, and a larger diameter, only thing you really give up is a round or two in capacity. The FBI doesn't really mention that all of the new tech that improves 9mm ballistics is also used in other calibers, and in 40's case, due to it's popularity there are some loads that are just better for many purposes. I do understand their reasons for going back to 9, and agree, it's primarily cost, and ease of training, it is not because it is a better round, merely that it is the cheapest and least powerful round that can meet their minimum ballistic criteria.
that is how government procurement is supposed to operate. define the requirement, and spend the least amount to get that requirement. if we find out in a few years this doesn't work well, it is the requirement that is flawed, not which round they chose to purchase.