.357 magnums in the Teams
I see the thread is still referencing the use of the .357 magnum and those who might use this cartridge by elite groups.
I feel compelled to address the handgun issue in regards to "The Teams".
Conventional deployment [30 years ago] no hand guns were issued. Training and qualifying stateside was Very common.
The Navy switched to 9mm and .38 special during the 60's and 70's. Many of us perferred the .45 but NONE were available as Standard issue. SO........................almost everone had a handgun of their own. Most had .357 magnums, because the .38 special was readly available. When we thought something was near, "We" hand our own ample supply of full power hollow points!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I could talk about details but my point is gearing up did not include any supplied handguns. I had my model 60 but it was small and "hid" very easily.
The anti-terrorist units did start formal training with the handgun. The issue weapons and calibars vary depending on the situation.So, the Delta Units and Seal Team 6 use handguns and much of the details will be kept out of the magazines and news.
YES .357 magnums, .38specail's were carried by men in the Teams, but not military issued. Stainless Steel revolvers in the 60's and 70's was very limited. You can write a book on the assortment of privately owned weapons we had to augment standard issue equipment. At times, open purchase was used if the situation warranted "new" gear. That is a story in itself, ie the Stoner Machine gun etc. I hope I added some info to the question and maybe some find my comments interesting.