There are numerous options for modern pistols, and often one of the first things people get hung up on is pistol caliber. One person swears by .45. The next uses only 9mm. How do you sort through all the information provided? While we can’t examine every option in a single article, today we are going to explore the 40 caliber pistol.
What is Caliber?
If you are new to guns, you probably have quite a few questions. You might not want to ask some of them, because they seem to be common knowledge. They aren’t. One of the first things to understand is the idea of ‘caliber’. Quite simply, caliber is the measurement of the firearm bore’s internal diameter. In other words, caliber is size, measured in inches or millimeters.
Why Have Options?
Handguns are a compromise. They sacrifice the effectiveness of a rifle for the convenience of size. If physics weren’t a factor, having the biggest, heaviest bullet may be the best. But physics are a factor. Recoil needs to be considered. How many rounds you can fit in a magazine is also an important factor. The weight of that loaded pistol might be important to you. In short, options allow you to make a personal choice on your pistol purchase.
So…40 Caliber?
In 1986 there was a brutal shootout in Miami between the FBI and two hardened and armed criminals. At the time, the FBI agents were carrying 9mm handguns, .357 and .38 caliber revolvers, and shotguns. The culprits had a shotgun, revolvers, and a .223 caliber rifle. Despite being outnumbered by the FBI agents, the culprits sustained multiple gunshot wounds but were still able to return fire. Two of the FBI agents were killed, and five of them were wounded, before the criminals were killed in the exchange.
This tragic event left the FBI with a problem. Evaluation of the shooting outcome had many feel there needed to be a change in the standard issue pistol(9mm at the time). After all, the goal of a self defense round should be to stop an attacker with as few shots as possible. However, if the FBI switch to .45, a currently existing caliber, some would see It as an admission of failure on the part of the Bureau. After all, if the Bureau switched to a currently existing caliber because they deemed it more effective, why hadn’t they switched to that caliber before the shootout?
Tye 40 Caliber Pistol was created at the behest of the FBI. It was seen as a compromise between 9mm and .45. It was faster and had more penetrative power than .45, as well as being smaller and allowing more rounds in a magazine. However, it was still heavier than 9mm, and packed more of a punch.
Is 40 Caliber Right for Me?
That’s a tough question to answer. Many modern police departments still issue 40 caliber pistols today as a holdover from the 1980’s. However, 9mm ammunition has increased greatly in effectiveness since the Miami shootout. Modern ballistic tests have shown negligible differences in effectiveness between 9mm and 40. The choice really comes down to personal preference. So get out there and shoot!
For all you shooting needs, head over to any of Spring Guns and Ammo’s convenient locations. Our team is ready to help you with your next firearm purchase.
