Anatomy of a Research Project: Double Action Service Revolvers

• NCJ Number: 123873
• Journal: Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1990) Pages: 83-86
• Author(s): D W Nilson
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Test/Measurement
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A Chicago police research team studied the possibility of the department's adopting a modified .38 caliber revolver that can only be fired "double action" as the department's prescribed service revolver.

Abstract

The research team contacted the Office of Professional Standards (OPS) to obtain statistics on accidental discharges; contacted other large departments which have adopted modified revolvers; obtained test weapons from manufacturers; and interviewed range personnel, firearms experts, and the FBI for comments and criticisms. Although the OPS reported that the Chicago Police Department had only 34 accidental firearms discharges during the 3-year study period, the researchers concluded that even one accidental discharge was unacceptable. Other police departments have made transitions to the modified .38 because of the danger of discharge with the single-action .38. These findings along with test firings led the researchers to recommend that the modified revolver be adopted by removing all single-action capabilities and milling off both the hammer spur and cocking notch.