FBI justifies 9mm

As we have already reported, the FBI will switch back from .40S&W to 9x19mm regarding the pistol caliber they use. The waves created by this decision were big enough that the FBI Training Division felt compelled to provide a more detailed explanation. The entire text in English can be read at LooseRounds, here are the key points:

• The debate on which caliber is best for agencies has been going on for decades
• Most common knowledge regarding ammunition and its effect on people is based on hearsay and myths
• The projectiles are what wound the opponent, so they should be the focus of the debate
• In all common agency calibers, there are projectiles that are mostly unsuitable for agencies and others that are suitable
• The stopping power of handguns is a myth

• The most important factor in effectively wounding a person is scientifically valid penetration (the FBI uses 30.45cm to 45.72cm)
• Agencies miss their shots 70-80% of the time
• Modern projectiles (especially since 2007) have dramatically increased effectiveness for agencies (with particular advancements in 9mm Luger)
• There are now projectiles for 9mm Luger that have outperformed high-quality projectiles in .40S&W and .45 Auto in FBI comparison tests
• 9mm Luger is cheaper (both in terms of ammunition and weapon wear) and more reliable (at least with FBI weapons)
• The majority of FBI agents have a faster rate of fire and better accuracy with 9mm than with .40S&W (with weapons of the same size)
• There is little to no difference from 9mm to .45 Auto in terms of the wound channel of modern agency ammunition
• If the right projectiles are fired, nowadays you can achieve the same effect on target with 9mm Luger as with larger calibers, without the disadvantages associated with those calibers