Why did police departments use revolvers for so long, with the 1911 available?

[Mustang GT500]

It seems like an easy choice. If I were a cop after the introduction of the 1911 in the military, I'd want that over the .38, and .357 revolvers that were standard issue for the police, up to the late 80s. Why did they pass up the 1911, for 6 rounds of .35 cal ammo? My 1911 is my favorite pistol so, I'm biased, but it can get more battle proven than the 1911.

[pennlineman]

It seems like an easy choice. If I were a cop after the introduction of the 1911 in the military, I'd want that over the .38, and .357 revolvers that were standard issue for the police, up to the late 80s. Why did they pass up the 1911, for 6 rounds of .35 cal ammo? My 1911 is my favorite pistol so, I'm biased, but it can get more battle proven than the 1911.

I came in during that transition era. Some did carry 1911's. At the time the police wanted to avoid having a military appearance, this was one reason they stayed with revolvers. Another was the 6 for sure philosophy.

[SwampFoxZ71]

Probably due to training issues as the 1911 likely requires more practice to be proficient with than a revolver, as well as safety issues since the revolvers would be DA/SA instead of SA only as the 1911. And with proper speed loaders, or better yet, moon clips, then you can quickly reload a revolver with almost the same speed as a semi, some faster with practice.

[philadelphia patriot]

Probably because revolvers were cheaper.

[Mustang GT500]

I came in during that transition era. Some did carry 1911's. At the time the police wanted to avoid having a military appearance, this was one reason they stayed with revolvers. Another was the 6 for sure philosophy.

Interesting. Thanks.

[Mustang GT500]

Probably due to training issues as the 1911 likely requires more practice to be proficient with than a revolver, as well as safety issues since the revolvers would be DA/SA instead of SA only as the 1911. And with proper speed loaders, or better yet, moon clips, then you can quickly reload a revolver with almost the same speed as a semi, some faster with practice.

Sort of like a, if it isn't broke, don't fix it type of situation.

[Mustang GT500]

Probably because revolvers were cheaper.

That's a possibility.

[Gunsnwater]

The 357 is "more gun" then the 45. Give a cop a hi cap and he will shoot 17 times. You are a product of current times OP and you see things through that lense. Ammunition has changed. We have more then cast lead and hard ball. The old fmj 45 isn't great. Revolvers were more accurate for a long time. There was no plastic frames. Revolvers were lighter.

[Mustang GT500]

The 357 is "more gun" then the 45. Give a cop a hi cap and he will shoot 17 times. You are a product of current times OP and you see things through that lense. Ammunition has changed. We have more then cast lead and hard ball. The old fmj 45 isn't great. Revolvers were more accurate for a long time. There was no plastic frames. Revolvers were lighter.

.357 may be more speedy than the .45 ACP, but it's a pellet in comparison, come on now.

[pennlineman]

.357 may be more speedy than the .45 ACP, but it's a pellet in comparison, come on now.

The .357 was the king of the hill in regards to service calibers for a long time. Advances in modern bullets have leveled the playing field somewhat.