torso hits on the adversary. This requires that any projectile which strikes the torso has as high a
probability as possible of penetrating deeply enough to disrupt a vital organ.
The Ballistic Research Facility has conducted a test which compares similar sized Glock pistols in
both .40 S&W and 9mm calibers, to determine if more accurate and faster hits are achievable with
one versus the other, To date, the majority of the study participants have shot more quickly and
more accurately with 9mm caliber Glock pistols. The 9mm provides struggling shooters the best
chance of success while improving the speed and accuracy of the most skilled shooters.
CONCLUSION
While some law enforcement agencies have transitioned to larger calibers from the 9mm Luger in
recent years, they do so at the expense of reduced magazine capacity, more felt recoil, and given
adequate projectile selection, no discernible increase in terminal performance.
Other law enforcement organizations seem to be making the move back to 9mm Luger taking
advantage of the new technologies which are being applied to 9mm Luger projectiles. These
organizations are providing their armed personnel the best chance of surviving a deadly force
encounter since they can expect faster and more accurate shot strings, higher magazine capacities
(similar sized weapons) and all of the terminal performance which can be expected from any law
enforcement caliber projectile.
Given the above realities and the fact that numerous ammunition manufacturers now make 9mm
Luger service ammunition with outstanding premium line law enforcement projectiles, the move to
Qmm Luger can now be viewed as a decided advantage for our armed law enforcement personnel,
FBI Ballistic Research Facility
Scott Patterson Alan Marshall William Gannaway
