NCJ Number
111391
Date Published
1987
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the results of testing .38-caliber and .357-caliber revolvers and 9 mm and .45-caliber autoloading pistols.
Abstract
Twenty-two different models of revolvers were tested against the minimum performance requirements established by National Institute of Justice Standard 0109.00. This standard pertains to user information requirements, dimensional requirements, functional requirements, firing requirements, and requirements pertaining to drop safety and hammer safety. None of the 22 revolver models tested complied with every requirement, although several models did comply with the more critical requirements such as drop safety, hammer safety, and firing. Autoloading pistols were tested against Standard 0112.00. Standard requirements pertain to user information, visual inspection, dimensions, functions, firing, drop safety, and drop function. None of the 20 models complied with every requirement, but several complied with all but the user information. The testing results for both weapons indicate that police agencies should examine new weapons carefully before putting them into service and that agencies interested in purchasing handguns ready for police service should specify in purchase orders that the weapons must comply with National Institute of Justice standards. 2 tables.