NCJ Number
217967
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 34 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 122,124,125
Date Published
March 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article explains why the current single-action .45 handgun is preferable to other handguns for law enforcement officers.
Abstract
The new .45s are thinner, heavier, and safer than other handguns, and they are just as durable. They also fire a cartridge introduced to replace the lesser .38 Long Colt. In test after test, the .45 delivered superior performance. Although its design has been updated, it looks and feels essentially the same as the original .45. Most of the parts are interchangeable with an original. The .45 conceals better than most other duty-belt guns. Aligned with the hip, the flat slide and sides fit against the body better than any revolver and most polymer pistols. Flat, single-stack magazines can be carried in the pocket. The .45 cartridge was designed for maximum effectiveness. The modern .45 has three safeties: grip, thumb, and firing pin. The trigger cannot be depressed unless the grip safety is squeezed. The hammer cannot fall unless the thumb safety is pushed down in the "fire" position. On most .45s, the firing pin cannot contact the primer unless the trigger is all the way to the rear.