NYPD Finally Switches to Semi-Auto, Officially Retires Revolvers

By John Crump

U.S.A. –-(Ammoland.com)-The NYPD has decided to say a final goodbye to the .38 Caliber Revolver.

In 1993 the New York Police Department switched from the trusty six-shooter to the semi-automatic 9mm. There was a fierce debate about the change between Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly and The Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.

Kelley wanted to keep the revolvers fearing the higher capacity handguns would be a danger to bystanders. Eventually, Mayor David Dinkins, who initially supported Kelley, overruled the Police Commissioner and he ordered the NYPD issue all new officers and 9mm semi-automatics such as a Glock 19, a Smith & Wesson semi-automatic 9mm, or a Sig Saur. Officers that were carrying the revolvers could trade them in or keep the six-shooter as their duty weapon.

Another concern among police in the early 90s was the misconception about semi-automatic pistols constantly jamming. Technology alleviated the matter of the semi-automatic gun’s performance, and they have been proven reliable over the years.

Also, the original concerns over the pistols being a danger to bystanders because of the higher capacity were also proven false by the data. Fewer rounds are fired by police using the semi-automatic handguns than the six …Read the Rest

Source:: AmmoLand