I don't know everything that goes into determining what guns criminals use - but one factor is that they use stolen firearms. So the most popular caliber being sold to the public eventually factors in to what criminals use to commit crimes.
Another factor I beleive is that most criminals tend to get less expensive weapons, thus you see a lot of Lorcin, Raven, Bryco, and Davis firearms.
I am guessing that that the Smiths are seen because of their popularity, there are a lot out there so as a percentage of stolen firearms there are a high percentage of Smiths, therefor a large number of Smiths find their way into the hands of criminals.
The statistics have been changing... moving from a preponderance of 38 special to a preponderance of 9mm autos.
What I'm getting from these statistics is that it would be rare to be assaulted / shot at with a .44 magnum.
Less rare but still improbable to be shot at with .357 magnum The statistics don't show if .357 magnum bullets are coming out of the .357 magnum revolvers
Most likely to be shot at with 9mm, 38spl, 22, 380 auto or a .25
It could move the decision making pprocess away from Level II vs. IIIa and more about IIa vs. II
Level IIa doesn't seem that bad to wear...
Another factor I beleive is that most criminals tend to get less expensive weapons, thus you see a lot of Lorcin, Raven, Bryco, and Davis firearms.
I am guessing that that the Smiths are seen because of their popularity, there are a lot out there so as a percentage of stolen firearms there are a high percentage of Smiths, therefor a large number of Smiths find their way into the hands of criminals.
The statistics have been changing... moving from a preponderance of 38 special to a preponderance of 9mm autos.
What I'm getting from these statistics is that it would be rare to be assaulted / shot at with a .44 magnum.
Less rare but still improbable to be shot at with .357 magnum The statistics don't show if .357 magnum bullets are coming out of the .357 magnum revolvers
Most likely to be shot at with 9mm, 38spl, 22, 380 auto or a .25
It could move the decision making pprocess away from Level II vs. IIIa and more about IIa vs. II
Level IIa doesn't seem that bad to wear...