Res No 057-24-16162RESOLUTION NO. 057-24-16162
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI,
FLORIDA, APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF NEW NINE-
MILLIMETER GLOCK 47 FIREARMS, OPTICS, AND
ACCESSORIES FROM LA WMEN'S & SHOOTERS'
SUPPLY, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $58,200
SUBJECT TO TRADE-IN OF 77 FORTY-CALIBER
FIREARMS; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION;
PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; CORRECTIONS,
AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of South Miami (the "City,,) Police Department currently uses forty
caliber ("40-caliber")) firearms for its police force, a larger caliber weapon thought to stop threats
more effectively; and
WHEREAS, the latest research has revealed that modem technological advances in
projectile development have negated the difference in stopping power between nine millimeter ("9
mm") firearms and 40-caliber firearms, but has concluded that 9 mm weapons are more accurate
and have improved target reacquisition due to reduced recoil; and
WHEREAS, based on the latest available science, the Police Department desires to
transition from a 40-caliber platfonn to a 9 mm platform and seeks to purchase 9 mm fiream1s as
soon as possible to outfit the City's police officers with the most effective gear available; and
WHEREAS, the City Charter states that competitive bids shall be sought from at least
three sources of supply, if available; and
WHEREAS, the City solicited quotes from three fireanns dealers, and selected Lawmen 's
& Shooters' Supply, Inc. (the "Vendor,,) who provided a quote for the firearms, optics, and
accessories (the "Firearms") for the lowest price of $58,188.36, subject to the trade-in of 77 40-
caliber fireanns (the ''Trade-In"), which quote is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" (the "Quote"); and
WHEREAS, consistent with Article III, Section 5.H. of the City Cha11er, the City has
adopted a purchasing policy set forth in the FY 2023-2023 Budget (the "Purchasing Policy") which
requires sealed competitive bids for purchases greater than $25,000; and
WHEREAS, subsection (E) of the Purchasing Policy provides that the City Manager has
the authority to waive or deviate from the Purchasing Policy when it is determined to be in the best
interest of the City, or to obtain goods and/or services which cannot be acquired through the normal
purchasing process due to insufficient time, the nature of the goods or services, or other factors,
and as long as the City Manager remains in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
Charter, City Code, and Florida Statutes; and
WHEREAS, due to the nature of the Fireanns, their importance to public safety, the
exigency involved in securing the most effective gear for the City's police officers, and that quotes
Res. No. 057-24-16162
from three sources of supply were obtained in satisfaction of the Charter requirements, the City
Manager waives the requirement for sealed competitive bids; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission desires to approve the purchase of the Fireanns from
the Vendor in the amount of$58, 188.36 subject to the Trade-In, consistent with the Quote attached
hereto as Exhibit "A"; and
• WHEREAS, $58,200 for the expenditure will be transferred from the Red Light Camera
account 00 l-1910-521-3452 with a cutTent balance of$93,314 to the Police Supplies Account 001-
1910-521-5210; and
WHEREAS, following such transfer, the purchase will be charged to the Police Supplies
Account 001-1910-521-5210, or such other funding source(s) as determined by the City Manager
to be in the best interest of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission fmds that this Resolution is in the best interest and
welf3l·e of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals. The above-stated recitals are true and correct and are incorporated
herein by this reference.
Section 2. Approving Purchase of Firearms from Vendor Subject to Trade-In.
The City Commission hereby approves the purchase of the Firearms from the Vendor in an amount
not to exceed $58,200 subject to the Trade-In, consistent with the Quote attached hereto as Exhibit
"A."
Section 3. Authorization. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute a
purchase order or other agreement, in fonn and substance acceptable to the City Manager and City
Attorney to effectuate the purchase. The $58,200 for the expenditure will be transferred from the
Red Light Camera account 001-1910-521-3452 with a current balance of $93,314 to the Police
Supplies Account 001-1910-521-5210. Following such transfer, the purchase will be charged to
the Police Supplies Account 001-1910-521-5210, or such other funding source(s) as determined
by the City Manager to be in the best interest of the City.
Section 4. Implementation. That the City Manager is authorized to take any and all
actions necessary to implement the purposes of this Resolution.
Section 5. Cor1·ections. Conforming language or technical scrivener-type corrections
may be made by the City Attorney for any confom1ing amendments to be incorporated into the
final resolution for signature.
Section 6.
adoption.
Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon
Pagel ofJ
Res. No. 057-24-16162
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 7ih day of May. 2024.
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM,
LANGUAGE, LEGALITY AND
EXECUTION THEREOF
& BIERMAN, P.L.
CITY ATTORNEY
Page 3 of3
APPROVED:
~
COMMISSION VOTE:
Mayor Fernandez:
Vice Mayor Bonich:
Commissioner Calle:
5-0
Yea
Yea
Yea
Commi ssioner Liebman: Yea
Commissioner Corey: Yea
Agenda Item No:4.
City Commission Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: May 7, 2024
Submitted by: John Barzola
Submitting Department: Police Department
Item Type: Resolution
Agenda Section:
Subject:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA,
APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF NEW NINE- MILLIMETER GLOCK 47 FIREARMS, OPTICS, AND
ACCESSORIES FROM LAWMEN’S & SHOOTERS’ SUPPLY, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED
$58,200 SUBJECT TO TRADE-IN OF 77 FORTY-CALIBER FIREARMS; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION;
PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; CORRECTIONS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 3/5 (CITY
MANAGER-POLICE DEPT.)
Suggested Action:
STAFF RECOMMENDS THE PURCHASE OF GLOCK 47, OPTICS, AMMUNITION, HOLSTERS, AND
FLASHLIGHTS FROM LAWMEN’S SHOOTERS SUPPLY TO INCLUDE TRADING IN THE POLICE
DEPARTMENTS CURRENT GLOCK .40 CALIBER INVENTORY.
Attachments:
2024_Glock_Purchase_memo_Lawmens_Shooter_Supply.docx
Resolution Approving Purchase of Guns.docx
Lawmen's Quote.pdf
Lou's SOUTH MIAMI PD FULL QUOTE 32924.xls
GT Distrbutors South Miami PD, holsters, 3-12-24.pdf
GT Distributors Flashights.pdf
GT Distributors South Miami PD, ammo, 4-2-24.pdf
GT Distributors South Miami PD, Gun trade, 3-12-24.pdf
FBI-9mm-white-paper-2014.pdf
Ballistics Information and Comparitive Information.docx
1
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:The Honorable Mayor & Members of the City Commission
FROM: Genaro “Chip” Iglesias, City Manager
DATE: May 7, 2024
Subject: Purchase of Firearms and Associated Equipment and Ammunition
RECOMMENDATION:Approval of the purchase of Glock 47, optics, ammunition, holsters, and
flashlights from Lawmen’s Shooters Supply to include trading in the Police
Departments current Glock .40 caliber inventory.
BACKGROUND:The Police Department has been reviewing and researching the adoption
and transitioning to nine (9) millimeter firearms for on-duty use from its
current forty (.40) caliber firearms. Departments previously adopted or
transitioned away from smaller caliber firearms in order to stop threats
more effectively. In 2014 the FBI concluded a study which determined
modern ballistics performance between bigger and smaller calibers has
essentially been negated by the improvement in technology utilized in
projectile manufacturing. This study has been reviewed by the firearms
experts who concluded the same information as the FBI study and has
been widely published within the firearms community. The transition to
nine (9) millimeter has also demonstrated an increase in accuracy and
target reacquisition due to less recoiling. Based on these publications the
majority of Police Departments have adopted the nine (9) millimeter
platform to include Miami-Dade Police Department, Coral Gables Police
Department and Miami Police Department.
The Police Department has concluded that the new Glock 47 with optics
and incorporated flashlights will provide officers with better accuracy and
tactical advantages if they ever need to utilize the firearm in the
performance of their duties. This purchase includes training ammunition
and duty use ammunition as well as triple retention holsters which
increase officer safety when involved in a hands-on violent encounter.
These holsters are also compatible with Axon Signal system which the
Department plans to procure in the near future, the signal system will
cause the officers body worn cameras to begin recording once a firearm is
drawn.
2
THE CITY OF PLEASANT LIVING
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
The Police Department contacted three (3) authorized Glock law
enforcement dealers in the state of Florida and requested quotes for the
previously described products. All products were the same with exception
the ammunition which based on brand is only exclusive to a particular
vendor. Lawmen’s Shooters Supply provided the best price for this
purchase at $58,200. It should be noted that this purchase will include the
trade-in of all Glock 22,23 & 27 forty (.40) caliber firearms currently within
the Police Department Inventory, with an option for officers to purchase
their currently assigned firearms from the vendor.
A budget transfer of $58,200 will be done from the Red-Light Camera
account 001-1910-521-3452 with a current balance of $93,314 to Police
Supplies account 001-1910-521-5210 to complete this purchase.
ACCOUNT: 001-1910-521-5210
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution
Lawmen’s Shooter Supply Quote
Lou’s Quote
GT Distributors Quote
FBI Published Study
Information Ballistics and Comparison
3
THE CITY OF PLEASANT LIVING
Quote
1Page:
Quote expires
May 23, 2024 12:00 am
Sold to:SOUTH MIAMI POLICE DEPARTMENT
DIVISON OF PURCHASING
6130 SUNSET DR
SOUTH MIAMI, FL 33143
LE AGENCY
305-663-6313
JOHN BARZOLA
Invoice Date:
Lawmen's & Shooters' Supply
701 Columbia Blvd
Titusville, FL 32780
321-360-3030
www.lawmens.net
Station:
Ship to:
Invoice #:101-Q6579
4/23/24
OFFICE7
Sales Rep:
Customer #:
Due Date :
FFL Exp Dt:
Terms:
Ship-via code:
Net due in 30 days
12270
ORLANDO 05/23/2024
EMAIL QUOTECustomer PO#:
Ext prcSelling unitPriceDescriptionItem #Quantity Ship-from locationVendor's item number
24920 GLOCK 47MOS 9MM
PKG W/ HOLOSUN 509T
OPTIC SHS
EACH 62 836.08 51,836.96
16825 STE TLR-1 HL - RAIL
LOCATING KEYS &
LITHIUM BATTER
each (ea)69260 55 130.00 7,150.00
29808 ALS/SLS LEVEL 3
RETENTION HOLSTER -
RIGHT HAND
EACH6360RDS-RH 54 145.00 7,830.00
STX BLACK/GLOCK 17 MOS/X300
23851 FLORIDA STATE
CONTRACT:
46000000-21-STC
EACH 1 0.00 0.00
12093 WIN 9MM NATO 124GR.
FULL METAL CASE
CASE10RA9124N 40 136.08 5,443.20
24808 40 cases = 20,000 rounds EACHNOTE - WINCHESTER 1 0.00 0.00
12092 WIN 9MM LUGER 115GR.
JHP +P+
CASE10RA9115HP+ 20 162.66 3,253.20
24808 20 cases = 10,000 rounds EACHNOTE - WINCHESTER 1 0.00 0.00
11354 TRADE IN GLOCK .40
CAL FIREARMS
EACH-77 225.00 -17,325.00
Sale subtotal:Total line items: 9User:MARI 58,188.36
Tax: 0.00
Total: 58,188.36
Thank you for shopping at
Lawmen's & Shooters' Supply!
*101-Q6579*7
QUOTATION
7815 West 4th Ave DATE April 24, 2024
Hialeah, FL 33014 QUOTE#SMPDGLK
Phone (305) 416-0000 Fax (305) 824-9205 Customer ID SMPD
Ace@louspolice.com Prepared By:ACE
AGENCY:
Comments or special instructions:
Item Number Description QTY Price per
Unit Extension
PA455S302MOS6
H1 62 $ 836.08 $ 51,836.96
$ -
$ -
6360RDS 54 $ 138.00 $ 7,452.00
$ -
69260 55 $ 128.50 $ 7,067.50
$ -
USA9MM 20 $ 275.00 $ 5,500.00
USA9JHP 10 $ 565.00 $ 5,650.00
TRADE 10 $ (245.00) $ (2,450.00)
$ -
TRADE 46 $ (235.00) $ (10,810.00)
$ -
TRADE 19 $ (235.00) $ (4,465.00)
$ -
TRADE 2 $ (235.00) $ (470.00)
$ -
BUY BACK $ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
TOTAL 59,311.46$
*Signed Purchase Order and/or Purchase Letter by a Lieutenant or above is required.
*Each type of firearm or ammunition (just as written on the quote) must be listed on the PO to process.
GLOCK 35 .40S&W 5" BL
SAFARILAND 6360RDS GLK 47MOS WITH STREAMLIGHT TLR1 HL
STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 HL
WINCESTER 9MM 115GR 1000RD CASE
WINCESTER 9MM 115GR JACKETED HOLLOW POINT 1000RD CASE
QUOTATION VAILID FOR: 30 DAYS
MAGS
GLOCK 23 .40S&W 4" BL
GLOCK 27 .40S&W 3.5" BL
COST WILL BE $35 OVER CREDIT FOR GUN TRADE PLUS BG
GLOCK 22 .40S&W 4.4" BL
509T AND SUPP HEIGHT SIGHTS WITH TRITIUM FRONT SIGHT 3 17RD
OFFICERS WILL BE ABLE TO BUY BACK GUNS AT LOUS
Lou's Police Distributors, Inc.
SOUTH MIAMI POLICE DEPT
ATTN: CAPTAIN JOHN BARZOLA
GLOCK 47MOS 9MM 4.5"BL 5.5 TRIGGER PULL DM WITH HOLOSUN
8
305-663-6313
Master No.
0/0/0000
GT Distributors - Austin
South Miami Police Dept.
1
QTE0188071
South Miami Police Dept.
3/12/2024
HOLSTERS 2,887,343
Purchase Order No. Customer ID Salesperson ID Shipping Method Payment Terms Req Ship Date
Quantity Item Number Description UOM Unit Price Ext. Price
Ship To:Bill To:
Quote
Date
Page:
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami FL 33143
(512) 451-8298 Ext. 0000
1124 New Meister Ln., Ste 100
Pflugerville TX 78660
$135.03 $7,291.62 SAF-6360RDS-8972-411 Safariland 6360RDS Holster w/Light G47 STX P EA 54
Your salesman is Matt Hanlin.
$7,291.62
$0.00
$0.00
$7,311.62
$20.00
Thank you for your business.
Barzola, John <JBARZOLA@southmiamipdfl.gov>
Subtotal
Misc
Tax
Freight
Total
QUOTE IS GOOD FOR 30 DAYS. IN ORDER TO RECEIVE QUOTED PRICE
PLEASE PRESENT A COPY OF QUOTE AT POINT OF SALE IN STORES OR
REFERENCE QUOTE NUMBER ON PO OR REQUISITION
9
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PIS
305-663-6313
Master No.
0/0/0000
GT Distributors - Austin
South Miami Police Dept.
1
QTE0188073
South Miami Police Dept.
3/12/2024
STREAMLIGHT 2,887,346
Purchase Order No. Customer ID Salesperson ID Shipping Method Payment Terms Req Ship Date
Quantity Item Number Description UOM Unit Price Ext. Price
Ship To:Bill To:
Quote
Date
Page:
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami FL 33143
(512) 451-8298 Ext. 0000
1124 New Meister Ln., Ste 100
Pflugerville TX 78660
$139.96 $7,697.80 STL-69260*Streamlight TLR-1 HL Rail Mounted Tac Light 1 EA 55
Your salesman is Matt Hanlin.
$7,697.80
$0.00
$0.00
$7,722.80
$25.00
Thank you for your business.
Barzola, John <JBARZOLA@southmiamipdfl.gov>
Subtotal
Misc
Tax
Freight
Total
QUOTE IS GOOD FOR 30 DAYS. IN ORDER TO RECEIVE QUOTED PRICE
PLEASE PRESENT A COPY OF QUOTE AT POINT OF SALE IN STORES OR
REFERENCE QUOTE NUMBER ON PO OR REQUISITION
10
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PIS
305-663-6313
Master No.
0/0/0000
GT Distributors - Austin
South Miami Police Dept.
1
QTE0189127
South Miami Police Dept.
4/2/2024
AMMO 2,896,587
Purchase Order No. Customer ID Salesperson ID Shipping Method Payment Terms Req Ship Date
Quantity Item Number Description UOM Unit Price Ext. Price
Ship To:Bill To:
Quote
Date
Page:
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami FL 33143
(512) 451-8298 Ext. 0000
1124 New Meister Ln., Ste 100
Pflugerville TX 78660
$15.54 $6,216.00 NORMA-620240050 9mm, 115 gr. FMJ, 50rds. per box Each 400
(50)rds. per box, total of 20,000 rds.
**Free Shipping on Norma Prec. ammo
$22.49 $8,996.00 HORNADY-90250*Hornady 9mm 25/BX FTX CD M 400.00
(25) rounds per box, total of 10,000 rds.
Your salesman is Matt Hanlin.
$15,212.00
$0.00
$0.00
$15,287.00
$75.00
Thank you for your business.
Barzola, John <JBARZOLA@southmiamipdfl.gov>
Subtotal
Misc
Tax
Freight
Total
QUOTE IS GOOD FOR 30 DAYS. IN ORDER TO RECEIVE QUOTED PRICE
PLEASE PRESENT A COPY OF QUOTE AT POINT OF SALE IN STORES OR
REFERENCE QUOTE NUMBER ON PO OR REQUISITION
11
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305-663-6313
Master No.
0/0/0000
GT Distributors - Austin
South Miami Police Dept.
1
QTE0188065
South Miami Police Dept.
4/2/2024
GLOCKS 2,887,298
Purchase Order No. Customer ID Salesperson ID Shipping Method Payment Terms Req Ship Date
Quantity Item Number Description UOM Unit Price Ext. Price
Ship To:Bill To:
Quote
Date
Page:
6130 Sunset Drive
South Miami FL 33143
(512) 451-8298 Ext. 0000
1124 New Meister Ln., Ste 100
Pflugerville TX 78660
($265.00) ($2,650.00) GUN TRADE-1 Glock 35 3 mags Each 10
($256.00) ($11,776.00) GUN TRADE-2 Glock22, 3 mags Each 46
($261.00) ($4,959.00) GUN TRADE-3 Glock 23, 3 mags Each 19
($269.00) ($538.00) GUN TRADE-4 Glock 27, 3 mags Each 2
$836.08 $51,836.96 GLOCK-PA475S302MO Glock 47MOS6 Holosun 509T AG EA 62
$0.00 $0.00 NOTES*Notes:EA 1
Trade assumes box and 3 magazines.
*Subtract $5.00 for missing gun box
*Subtract $18.00 for missing magazines
$0.00 $0.00 NOTES*Notes:EA 1
All guns must be fully functional to receive
full trade value.
$0.00 $0.00 NOTES*Notes:EA 1
The agency is responsible for packaging
and all freight charges on trades to G T
Distributors.
$0.00 $0.00 NOTES*Notes:EA 1
GT Dist. will offer officer buy back of
issued weapons at stated prices
Glock 35 $295, Glock 22 $280
Glock 23 $290, Glock 27 $300
Your salesman is Matt Hanlin.
$31,913.96
$0.00
$0.00
$31,928.96
$15.00
Thank you for your business.
Barzola, John <JBARZOLA@southmiamipdfl.gov>
Subtotal
Misc
Tax
Freight
Total
QUOTE IS GOOD FOR 30 DAYS. IN ORDER TO RECEIVE QUOTED PRICE
PLEASE PRESENT A COPY OF QUOTE AT POINT OF SALE IN STORES OR
REFERENCE QUOTE NUMBER ON PO OR REQUISITION
12
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FBI Training Division: FBI Academy, Quantico, VA
Executive Summary of Justification for Law Enforcement Partners
• Caliber debates have existed in law enforcement for decades
• Most of what is “common knowledge” with ammunition and its effects on
the human target are rooted in myth and folklore
• Projectiles are what ultimately wound our adversaries and the projectile
needs to be the basis for the discussion on what “caliber” is best
• In all the major law enforcement calibers there exist projectiles which have a high likelihood of failing LEO’s in a shooting incident and there are projectiles which have a high ting incident likelihood of succeeding for LEO’s in a shooting incident
• Handgun stopping power is simply a myth
• The single most important factor in effectively wounding a human target is to have penetration to a scientifically valid depth (FBI uses 12” – 18”)
• LEO’s miss between 70 – 80 percent of the shots fired during a shooting incident
• Contemporary projectiles (since 2007) have dramatically increased the
terminal effectiveness of many premium line law enforcement projectiles
(emphasis on the 9mm Luger offerings)
• 9mm Luger now offers select projectiles which are, under identical testing
conditions, I outperforming most of the premium line .40 S&W and .45
Auto projectiles tested by the FBI
• 9mm Luger offers higher magazine capacities, less recoil, lower cost (both
in ammunition and wear on the weapons) and higher functional reliability
rates (in FBI weapons)
• The majority of FBI shooters are both FASTER in shot strings fired and more
ACCURATE with shooting a 9mm Luger vs shooting a .40 S&W (similar
sized weapons)
• There is little to no noticeable difference in the wound tracks between premium line law Auto enforcement projectiles from 9mm Luger through the .45 Auto
• Given contemporary bullet construction, LEO’s can field (with proper bullet selection) 9mm Lugers with all of the terminal performance potential of any other law enforcement pistol caliber with none of the disadvantages present with the “larger” calibers Justification for Law Enforcement Partners
13
Rarely in law enforcement does a topic stir a more passionate debate than the
choice of handgun caliber made by a law enforcement organization. Many voice
their opinions by repeating the old adage “bigger is better” while others have
“heard of this one time” where a smaller caliber failed and a larger caliber “would
have performed much better.” Some even subscribe to the belief that a caliber
exists which will provide a “one shot stop.” It has been stated, “Decisions on
ammunition selection are particularly difficult because many of the pertinent issues related to handguns and ammunition are firmly rooted in myth and folklore.” This still holds as true today as it did when originally stated 20 years ago.
Caliber, when considered alone, brings about a unique set of factors to consider such as magazine capacity for a given weapon size, ammunition availability, felt recoil, weight and cost. What is rarely discussed, but most relevant to the caliber debate is what projectile is being considered for use and its terminal performance potential. One should never debate on a gun make or caliber alone. The projectile is what wounds and ultimately this is where the debate/discussion should focus. In each
of the three most common law enforcement handgun calibers (9mm Luger, .40
Smith & Wesson and .45 AUTO) there are projectiles which have a high likelihood
of failing law enforcement officers and in each of these three calibers there are
projectiles which have a high likelihood of succeeding for law enforcement
officers during a shooting incident. The choice of a service projectile must
undergo intense scrutiny and scientific evaluation in order to select the best
available option.
Understanding Handgun Caliber Terminal Ballistic Realities
Many so‐called “studies” have been performed and many analyses of statistical
data have been undertaken regarding this issue. Studies simply involving
shooting deaths are irrelevant since the goal of law enforcement is to stop a
threat during a deadly force encounter as quickly as possible. Whether or not death occurs is of no consequence as long as the threat of death or serious injury to law enforcement personnel and innocent third parties is eliminated.
“The concept of immediate incapacitation is the only goal of any law enforcement shooting and is the underlying rationale for decisions regarding weapons, ammunition, calibers and training.”1
14
Studies of “stopping power” are irrelevant because no one has ever been able to
define how much power, force, or kinetic energy, in and of itself, is required to
effectively stop a violent and determined adversary quickly, and even the largest
of handgun calibers are not capable of delivering such force. Handgun stopping
power is simply a myth. Studies of so‐called “one shot stops” being used as a
tool to define the effectiveness of one handgun cartridge, as opposed to another,
are irrelevant due to the inability to account for psychological influences and due to the lack of reporting specific shot placement. In short, extensive studies have been done over the years to “prove” a certain cartridge is better than another by using grossly flawed methodology and or bias as a precursor to manipulating statistics. In order to have a meaningful understanding of handgun terminal ballistics, one must only deal with facts that are not in dispute within the medical community, i.e. medical realities, and those which are also generally accepted within law enforcement, i.e. tactical realities. Medical Realities Shots to the Central Nervous System (CNS) at the level of the cervical spine (neck) or above, are the only means to reliably cause immediate incapacitation. In this
case, any of the calibers commonly used in law enforcement, regardless of
expansion, would suffice for obvious reasons. Other than shots to the CNS, the
most reliable means for affecting rapid incapacitation is by placing shots to large
vital organs thus causing rapid blood loss. Simply stated, shot placement is the
most critical component to achieving either method of incapacitation.
Wounding factors between rifle and handgun projectiles differ greatly due to the
dramatic differences in velocity, which will be discussed in more detail herein. The
wounding factors, in order of importance, are as follows:
A. Penetration:
A projectile must penetrate deeply enough into the body to reach the large vital
organs, namely heart, lungs, aorta, vena cava and to a lesser extent liver and
spleen, in order to cause rapid blood loss. It has long been established by expert medical professionals, experienced in evaluating gunshot wounds, that this equates to a range of penetration of 12‐18 inches, depending on the size of the individual and the angle of the bullet path (e.g., through arm, shoulder, etc.). With modern properly designed, expanding handgun bullets, this objective is realized, albeit more consistently with some law enforcement projectiles than others. 1 Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness: Firearms Training Unit, Ballistic Research Facility, 1989.
15
B. Permanent Cavity:
The extent to which a projectile expands determines the diameter of the
permanent cavity which, simply put, is that tissue which is in direct contact with
the projectile and is therefore destroyed. Coupled with the distance of the path of
the projectile (penetration), the total permanent cavity is realized. Due to the
elastic nature of most human tissue and the low velocity of handgun projectiles
relative to rifle projectiles, it has long been established by medical professionals, experienced in evaluating gunshot wounds, that the damage along a wound path visible at autopsy or during surgery cannot be distinguished between the common handgun calibers used in law enforcement. That is to say an operating room surgeon or Medical Examiner cannot distinguish the difference between wounds caused by .35 to .45 caliber projectiles.
C. Temporary Cavity: The temporary cavity is caused by tissue being stretched away from the permanent cavity. If the temporary cavity is produced rapidly enough in elastic tissues, the tensile strength of the tissue can be exceeded resulting in tearing of the tissue. This effect is seen with very high velocity projectiles such as in rifle
calibers, but is not seen with handgun calibers. For the temporary cavity of most
handgun projectiles to have an effect on wounding, the velocity of the projectile
needs to exceed roughly 2,000 fps. At the lower velocities of handgun rounds, the
temporary cavity is not produced with sufficient velocity to have any wounding
effect; therefore any difference in temporary cavity noted between handgun
calibers is irrelevant. “In order to cause significant injuries to a structure, a pistol
bullet must strike that structure directly.”2 2 DiMaio, V.J.M.: Gunshot Wounds,
Elsevier Science Publishing Company, New York, NY, 1987, page 42.
D. Fragmentation:
Fragmentation can be defined as “projectile pieces or secondary fragments of
bone which are impelled outward from the permanent cavity and may sever
muscle tissues, blood vessels, etc., apart from the permanent cavity”3. Fragmentation does not reliably occur in soft tissue handgun wounds due to the low velocities of handgun bullets. When fragmentation does occur, fragments are usually found within one centimeter (.39”) of the permanent cavity.4 Due to the fact that most modern premium law enforcement ammunition now commonly uses bonded projectiles (copper jacket bonded to lead core), the likelihood of fragmentation is very low. For these reasons, wounding effects secondary to any handgun caliber bullet fragmentation are considered inconsequential. 3 Fackler,
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M.L., Malinowski, J.A.: “The Wound Profile: A Visual Method for Quantifying
Gunshot Wound Components”, Journal of Trauma 25: 522‐529, 1958. 4 Handgun
Wounding Factors and Effectiveness: Firearms Training Unit, Ballistic Research
Facility, 1989.
Psychology
Any discussion of stopping armed adversaries with a handgun has to include the
psychological state of the adversary. Psychological factors are probably the most important relative to achieving rapid incapacitation from a gunshot wound to the torso.5 First and foremost, the psychological effects of being shot can never be counted on to stop an individual from continuing conscious voluntary action. Those who do stop commonly do so because they decide to, not because they have to. The effects of pain are often delayed due to survival patterns secondary to “fight or flight” reactions within the body, drug/alcohol influences and in the case of extreme anger or aggression, pain can simply be ignored. Those subjects who decide to stop immediately after being shot in the torso do so commonly because they know they have been shot and are afraid of injury or death, regardless of caliber, velocity, or bullet design. It should also be noted that
psychological factors can be a leading cause of incapacitation failures and as
such, proper shot placement, adequate penetration, and multiple shots on target
cannot be over emphasized. 5 Ibid.
Tactical Realities
Shot placement is paramount and law enforcement officers on average strike an
adversary with only 20 – 30 percent of the shots fired during a shooting incident.
Given the reality that shot placement is paramount (and difficult to achieve given
the myriad of variables present in a deadly force encounter) in obtaining effective
incapacitation, the caliber used must maximize the likelihood of hitting vital
organs. Typical law enforcement shootings result in only one or two solid 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.
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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 9mm Luger can now be viewed as a decided advantage for our armed law enforcement personnel.”
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The choice of ammunition for law enforcement is a critical decision, and several factors
come into play. Let’s explore the suitability of 9mm Luger (also known as 9mm Parabellum) for
law enforcement purposes:
1.Ballistics and Stopping Power:
o The 9mm Luger offers a good balance between stopping
power and manageability. Modern 9mm ammunition has improved significantly,
providing reliable expansion and penetration.
o Law enforcement agencies often use hollow point (HP) or bonded ammunition to
enhance stopping power. These bullets expand upon impact, creating larger
wound channels.
o Some popular 9mm Luger law enforcement rounds include:
Federal Law Enforcement Tactical Bonded 9mm Luger (135 gr +P):
Designed for optimized performance, accuracy, and barrier penetration1.
Federal Law Enforcement 9mm Luger (115 gr JHP): Reliable and
suitable for fully automatic sub-guns2.
Federal Law Enforcement 9mm Luger +P+ (115 gr JHP): Known for
its quality and reputation3.
Winchester Ranger One Law Enforcement 9mm Luger (147 gr Hex-
Vent Bonded JHP): Offers dependable performance4.
2.Capacity and Recoil:
o The 9mm Luger allows for higher magazine capacity compared to larger
calibers. Law enforcement officers can carry more rounds without compromising
weight.
o Its manageable recoil enables faster follow-up shots, which is crucial in high-
stress situations.
3.Cost and Training:
o 9mm ammunition is generally more affordable than larger calibers, allowing
agencies to allocate resources effectively.
o Officers can train more frequently due to cost-effectiveness, improving
proficiency.
4.Standardization:
o The 9mm Luger is widely adopted by law enforcement agencies globally.
Standardization simplifies logistics, maintenance, and training.
5.Context Matters:
o Consider the specific operational context. Urban policing, concealed carry, and
duty pistols all have different requirements.
o Some agencies prefer larger calibers like .40 S&W or .45 ACP, while others
prioritize 9mm.
In summary, the 9mm Luger is a solid choice for law enforcement due to its balanced
performance, capacity, and cost-effectiveness. However, individual agency policies, officer
preferences, and mission requirements play a significant role in the final decision.
The FBI’s extensive study comparing various pistol rounds concluded that the 9mm is an
excellent choice for law enforcement. Here are the key findings:
1.Balanced Performance:
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o The 9mm round penetrates sufficiently and offers a good balance of stopping
power.
o Law enforcement officers can carry more rounds due to its manageable recoil.
o It performs well in real-world scenarios.
2.Availability and Cost-Effectiveness:
o The 9mm is widely available and less expensive than alternatives like the .45
ACP or .40 Smith & Wesson.
o Agencies can allocate resources effectively.
3.Speer Gold Dot G2: The FBI’s current choice for 9mm ammunition:
o Superior ballistics, accuracy, and reliability.
o Hollow point design for controlled expansion and increased stopping power.
o Available in +P (overpressure)variants for higher velocity and energy.
o Bullet weights range from 115 to 147 grains.
In summary, the FBI’s study supports the use of 9mm due to its performance, capacity, and cost-
effectiveness.While the Speer Gold Dot G2 is their primary choice, they may explore other
options based on evolving requirements and advancements in ammunition technology1.
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