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Not sure why the military or LEOs would look further than the competitive action shooting orgs for defensive sidearms inspiration.

The 1911 in 45 ACP or even .40 is probably the most popular handgun for IPSC or IDPA going today, particularly in standard division......

And WHY you might ask???? Because they just work!!!!! If other handguns worked better, the free market would make a different choice..... the winners circles don't lie.

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From what I read, hear and see from those I know, there are several reasons for this..based on what I read, the FBI is going/or went back to the 9mm as bullets have continued to improve. Also the smaller individuals can get back on target more quickly on follow up shots than off of the 40 or 45..size of the firearm and recoil make a difference..also typically in similar clips, the 9mm holds more rounds than the 40 or 45..

I have actually stated the same points you mention above and those are the answers I get from the law enforcement community..shooting targets is much different than going after bad guys, similar to Daryl's comments on the "perfect long range rifle" its different shooting targets than shooting animals --which is what most of those in the LEC are actually shooting when needed..:)

Ripp

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Yup. I get the rifle vs rifle compare..... target rifles need to cut the bull a long ways out... game rifles need to put the game down NOW. The same might apply to pistols, no? IPSC etc awards higher points for a power factor over "x", the theory being that the animals need to be put down NOW so they can't sustain the threat. Big bullets do it better and it's a balance between enough power and maintaining control. The IPSC crews are not all big strapping 6 footers but manage to shoot major power factor just fine. Maybe the new age wee girly men LEOs we see today just can't handle a handgun that makes major power factor? But just maybe they have better small caliber bullets that punch big holes with the trade off that they are more controllable?

It's all academic to me, living in Canada where only the criminals can and do carry. Short of total anarchy, average citizens can't and won't be carrying here.

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Thats a sad story actually...

Pretty sure i will be taking the dirt nap before/if that happens here..the gun culture here is as strong as ever if not more so it seems..the liberal dems have had a lot to do with the frantic pace of sales for the past 8 years..BUT, from what I see and where I live, certain models of handguns are off the shelve within a week of coming in..

as to coming back on target quickly with larger bores..you also have to remember those guys shoot thousand and thousands of rounds --especially the pros..can you learn to control a 40 or 45 ? absolutely..but unless they are on special teams of some sort, that isnt going to happen..

I have a very good friend who works for Fish and Game ..checking primarily into poaching, etc..said the standard issue to them is also a 9mm..I asked if he can switch, he stated he can but prefers the 9 for the reasons I have already mentioned..

My own experience, for concealed everyday carry.. I carry a S&W Shield..in 9mm..prefer the few extra rounds..if I go into the woods I grab with a tricked out Glock 20 in 10mm or my titanium smith in 44 mag..

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ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

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