8 June 03

From a friend with the LAPD:

"The rumors that have relentlessly circulated since Bratton became our new chief several months ago are coming true! The Beretta 92F that we have used here for so many years will be phased out in favor of the Glock pistol, probably the G22 and/or G23. I, for one, am glad to see the caliber upgrade.

A number of reasons have been cited. Our existing fleet of pistols is due (actually overdue) for retirement, and an upgrade to 40S&W has been in the works for some time. However, durability issues with the Beretta 96F have effectively eliminated it from consideration.

All our firearms instructors are purchasing personal G23s, so they can be ready for the switch."

Comment: The LAPD is the last, big department to give up on the Beretta pistol. Beretta, once king of the hill, has steadily lost market share to the point where today they can be called "non-players."

/John