Security guard here, not a LEO, but spent a lot of time crewing an armored truck so it was "on the street". I figured any deadly encounter I had would be very close, and very quickly decided. I carried a .357 Mag (Buffalo Bore 125gr @ 1700) without worry. I had no illusions about whether there would be time to empty a high cap mag...or even a cylinder. I figured if I didn't shut an attacker down fast, I wouldn't be around to worry about an empty gun. It never came to pass, but it came awful close two times. I could reload in about 3 seconds when I was still in practice.
When I started out, the company would let you make payments on a Model 66 or the then-new XD 9mm, but if you were plumb broke there was an M-66 "Schmidt & Western" that they would loan you till you caught a few paychecks.
Now I am issued a Glock by another company, and I find it suitable.