06Dec06 Trends: Friends in PA have informed me that the PA State Police, following the lead of the NY State Police, are going to abandon their existing Beretta 96D pistols and replace them with Glock 37s in 45GAP caliber. The decision has just been made. Certain sub-units already have Glocks, including the Governor's bodyguard detail, who are currently using G23s (40S&W). The department is also stepping up its purchase schedule for patrol rifles (AR-15s) with the goal of getting a copy in the hands of every trooper. Carry and use of privately-owned AR-15s by troopers has already been authorized. 45GAP may be catching on! Patrol rifles definitely are. /John

06Dec06

40S&W DPX/G23 involved in fatal shooting today:

"I can hardly put into words the events that occurred this afternoon in my life! I responded to a 'man-with-a gun' call. I was not in uniform, but one of our uniformed sergeants and I arrived on the scene about the same time.

I was first to confront the suspect (not known to us before today). He was

standing on a street corner. No gun was visible. However, the instant our marked car arrived, the suspect produced a pistol (brand/caliber unknown at

this writing) and fired one round at the vehicle. He then immediately pivo ted around and fired several rounds at me! Neither our sergeant nor I were hit .

I drew my G23 from concealment and fired two shots (Cor-Bon 140gr DPX, issued by our department, starting in June of this year) at the suspect. R ange was eight meters. My front sight was on his body midline. To my great rel ief, the offender abruptly dropped his pistol and straightaway collapsed where h e had been standing. Additional shooting was unnecessary. He was DRT. Neve r took another breath!

Evidence techs reported both of my rounds struck mid-chest, within three inches of each other. Both bullets expanded perfectly, caused massive inte rnal damage, and came to rest just under the skin on the opposite side of the suspect's body. Neither bullet exited.

I continue to live and breath this evening because of our department=80 s excellent training, my G23, and your ammunition technology. I thank you, G lock and Cor-Bon. Our entire department thanks you!"

Comment: Competent training, personal decisiveness, and superior technology

combined to preserve this young officer's life. Oh, that it were u niversal!

/John