Why go with a 1911 single-stack?

WalterGAII, Good point on the custom FBI guns. Hell, if I were making the decision I'd have done the same!
 
Thanks to all; this is an excellent thread. I believe (speculation, but I hope intelligent supposition) the FBI's decision was principally based on some key factors:
a) The .45 ACP round is a proven stopper, whereas Bureau experience with the 9x19 (Miami) was less than ideal.
b) Springfield's HRT 1911A1 was certain to be extremely high quality, reliable, durable, and accurate (it's a "showcase" program for SA).
c) As a secondary weapon, the HRT's sidearm does not require the extra capacity offered by other semiautomatics -- plus reloading should be infrequent and instantaneous (given the capabilities of the team and their primary weapons).

It is interesting, however, that the Bureau's current standard issue firearm is a Glock in .40 S&W. This may suggest both that extra capacity is desirable for less-expert marksmen and that the 40 was believed t be the right compromise for penetration and expansion. Also remarkable is the Bureau's elimination of the 10mm, which certainly has "quantitative ballistics" superior to either the .45 ACP or the .40 S&W.

It is my understanding that Special Agents are permitted wide latitude in their choice of "daily carry" weapons; it would be very enlightening to know what is really carried by field agents day-to-day (for example, how many .357 magnums are still relied upon?).
 
As has been pointed out, it's not a SWAT team we're talking about, it's a Hostage Rescue Unit. The most important attribute for a handgun for such a unit is absolute accuracy and stopping power. Hi-capacity does not play a role; the operator most likey will only need one shot, and that one shot may be over a hostages shoulder at a very small target (head of hostage taker in classic "human shield" senario). Given the requirements, it is no surprise that a custom single action 1911 would be the choice. An agent weapons most important attribute would be reliability and firepower. Hence the Glock. Different tools for different jobs.
 
Guys, its RELIABILITY. Single-stack magazines as a rule have fewer malfs than double stacks. Been there, done that. The last thing you want is to have a failure with your weapon when you're going through a door. Changing magazines takes time, and is especially difficult if you're point with a shield.
The FBI tested hi-cap .45s, but found that they tended to jam. I've had my Para jam in training, and had problems with 40cal double stacks. The reason given for the single-stack was absolute reliability. Anyone who's been there would rather know that their weapon will function over having more rounds.
This doesn't mean that double-stacks are not reasonably reliable, it was just eliminating one more possible point of failure. In fact, the FBI was VERY PICKY about the MAGAZINE in the single-stack....
 
I think the late Bruce Nelson said high capacity is important if you plan on missing a lot. There is a tactical advantage in not having to reload, if that many shots are required.

Cheers,
Damon
 
I feel that a 230 grain projectile is very nice when able to be fired from a comfortable sized grip.
 
Sgt. York would have probably carried the same pistol as Gunny Hathcock, a G21, if it'd been available. What exactly did Davey Crockett carry, if that makes any difference? :) :)
 
York didn't have a glock, but he did pretty good with a good 'ol american 1911! Did Davey Crocket ever capture several dozen Germans? :)
 
Viper
The FBI is not exactly the model agency we should all follow. They brought us the 147 grain 9mm (ie pathetic stopper), The medium velocity 10mm, the medium velocity 40 and they also got us this stupid must penitrate 12 inches rule which ignores real world. The FBI had blamed their poor tactics used by thier agents on everything from ammo to guns. Parabellum right its the shooter that matters. But I would chose a glock in any caliber over the custom 1911's the FBI HRT team uses.
PAT

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I intend to go into harms way.
 
Matt VDW
Both a 38 special revolver would have been less effective than the 9mm that were used. What LAPD needed was a good 223 carbine or at least slugs for their shotguns. Neither were allowed at the time.
PAT

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I intend to go into harms way.
 
I'm going shooting with a Philadelphia FBI agent in two weeks. He's one of my brother's best customer and good friends. Some of the things that they do in regards to "gun owners" list is unreal and unconstitutional. Any questions you want me to ask him?
 
I don't think the Miami scenario was a good example of the 9mm failure. It was a good example of poor preparation, poor shot placement, and bad luck. Most 9mm bullets have been redesigned to penetrate further that the Silvertip. The caliber was plenty for the job, the bullet design was not correct for the shot placement. Since I wasn't there, I don't know for sure what really happened, but as for a bigger caliber making a difference, I don't think it would have. My $.02.
 
Had Davey Crockett and the rest of the defenders of the Alamo had the 1911, they might have lived longer!!!

Come on guys, remember your basic marksmanship skills. It's not "spray and pray", it's "Aim and Flame"!!!

This is a fun post though.

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"Charlton Heston is my President"

Danny45
NRA, NAHC, Buckmasters
 
Since I'm a civilian, and since I carry for personal protection, I don't feel the need for a drum magazine attached to the polymer hi-cap pistol of your choice to feel safe. I know I can put the bullet where it counts with a .45 SA, and I know it will stop the assailant. Hence, I'm going to have seven extra rounds for more BGs :). Seriously, if you can shoot well, hit well, and not get hit, you can do well with any of the fine pistols on the market today.
 
Wallew

The FBI shooting in Miami was not a ammo failure or a penitration failure. It was a tactical failure. Failures to stop happen with handgun ammo thats why we teach head shots after the first two body shots don't work. ALso their have been alot more failures to stop with deep penitrationg 9mm ammo like ball ammo and 147 grain ammo than all the light 115 grain +p+ shallow penitration ammo.
PAT

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I intend to go into harms way.
 
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