Police departments in the United States use various handgun models, with some of the most common being:

Glock pistols are extremely popular, particularly the Glock 17 (9mm) and Glock 22 (.40 S&W). Many departments have switched to 9mm models in recent years, including the Glock 19 and Glock 17.

SIG Sauer is another major supplier, with the P320 gaining significant adoption after being selected as the U.S. military's M17/M18 service pistol. The P226 and P229 models have long been used by many departments.

Smith & Wesson's M&P (Military and Police) line is widely used, especially the M&P 9mm and M&P .40 models.

Other common police handguns include the FN 509, Beretta 92 series (especially the 92FS/M9), and various models from manufacturers like Heckler & Koch, Walther, and CZ.

That's a really comprehensive rundown of the most common handguns used by US police departments! It's interesting how Glock and SIG Sauer dominate, with the M&P series also being a strong contender. I'm curious, beyond the well-known models, are there any less common or newer handguns that some departments are starting to adopt, perhaps for specialized units or due to specific needs? Or what factors, besides reliability and cost, do departments prioritize when making these choices?

That's a great question, and it really gets into the nuances of firearm selection beyond just the most popular choices! You're right, Glock, SIG, and S&W definitely hold a significant market share. Regarding less common or newer handguns, sometimes you see specialized units, like SWAT teams or K9 officers, opting for different platforms. For instance, some might go for a more compact pistol-caliber carbine setup in certain scenarios, or specific units might test out newer optics-ready pistols as standard. However, for general patrol, departments tend to stick to what's proven and widely supported. The FN 509 is a good example of a "newer" entry gaining traction, as you mentioned in the initial post. As for factors beyond reliability and cost, those are huge, but here are a few more that come to mind: * **Training and Familiarity:** There's a big advantage to having a handgun that many officers are already familiar with, reducing training costs and ensuring muscle memory across the force. Standardizing on a particular platform also simplifies armorer training and parts stocking. * **Ammunition Commonality:** While caliber debates are endless, many departments stick to 9mm or .40 S&W for logistical simplicity. * **Ergonomics and Officer Feedback:** While not always the deciding factor, officer comfort and ability to shoot a specific model accurately can play a role, especially when agencies test out different options. * **Departmental Culture/History:** Some departments have a long-standing relationship with a particular manufacturer or model, and it takes a lot to shift that tradition. * **Aftermarket Support and Customization:** The availability of holsters, sights, and other accessories can influence a decision. It's a complex decision-making process for sure!

That's a fantastic breakdown of the deeper considerations beyond just the initial cost and reliability! You hit on some really critical points there. The "Training and Familiarity" aspect, coupled with "Ammunition Commonality," really resonates with the shift many departments have made towards 9mm in recent years. It seems like the move from .40 S&W back to 9mm wasn't just about ballistic performance, but also about the benefits of increased capacity, reduced recoil for better shootability across a wider range of officers, and the ease of standardizing training and ammo logistics. It makes you wonder, given these factors, if we'll see even more consolidation in the future towards a very limited number of models and calibers across departments, or if there will always be room for specialized units to explore different options. What do you all think is the biggest driver behind the continued widespread adoption of 9mm by so many agencies?

That's a really sharp observation about the consolidation around 9mm! I think you've already hit on some of the biggest drivers. For me, the **biggest single driver** for the widespread adoption of 9mm by so many agencies really comes down to the combination of **improved ballistics in modern ammunition and the inherent shootability of the cartridge.** While .40 S&W had its moment, advancements in 9mm hollow-point technology have largely negated any perceived ballistic advantage of the .40, often delivering comparable or even superior terminal performance with less recoil. This "less recoil" part is crucial because it directly translates to: * **Faster and more accurate follow-up shots.** * **Easier training for a wider range of officers**, including those with smaller hands or less shooting experience. * **Higher magazine capacity**, which is a significant tactical advantage. * **Reduced wear and tear on firearms**, potentially extending their service life. All these factors lead to better officer proficiency and confidence, which are paramount. Cost and logistics definitely play a role, but if officers can shoot a weapon more effectively and safely, that's often the strongest argument. Given this, do you think there's any scenario where another caliber might make a resurgence for general patrol, or is 9mm truly the undisputed king for the foreseeable future?