[iskra]

Sticking my nose in as a quarter century by now retired from LE. re the original question, revolver proclivity sustained into the sixties/seventies or so. Much as noted of economics. The .45 Auto evolved of widespread use in U.S. Military circles. The whole LE aura perception of 'normal' duty use as... 1st, Badge of Authority - sustained to today. 2nd, deemed waste of ammo. 3rd, interdepartmental "fungibility" as borrowed. Especially in smaller Departments. 4th, Officer/Agent cost savings as duty guns predominantly "issued". 5th, Pro armorers employed. 6th, Parts stocked. As 6th, eras of no FedEx overnight. 7th The actual/factual "street shootings far less prevalent in respect of violent crimes per capita arising to "gunplay". 8th - as personal perhaps. .45 Auto destructive of suitcoat liners!
My belief that many plainclothes Department officers and State/Federal Agents don't need semi-auto firepower in such main context so hyped. Between such and ever "New & improved" as predominant of Western culture and marketing... Strikes again! Also occasionally the "reliability factor" of semi-autos so greatly improved and much of that as ammo end of spectrum. Reflecting final irony as some models themselves so finely tuned they're now deemed "ammo fussy". My retort... What the hell!

My belief as California based perspective much of my career except overseas, Our CHP perhaps last large State agency to give up wheelguns. Rural highway environs and 357 Mags as mentioned above, a typical excuse and 'some validity'. Yet too, CHP in choked LA environs, one shot and mass casualties. "Range & Penetration; double edged!

Well, memoirs concluded!*
Thanks for "indulging"!
Best!
John

*Unedited - I'm lazy!