It is not all that unusual for public officials to play up a perceived threat in order to make themselves look braver, more noble, or (usually) in need of more funding or legislation. But this one, which I found on a couple blogs yesterday, was so over the top, it was worth of comment:
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_12060413One of the most startling incidents was when a Fabrique National 57,
an assault pistol used to kill big game, was found in a victim's car by detectives investigating a double-homicide last year in North Hollywood.
"
You use it on large lions, tigers and bears," said LAPD Deputy Chief Michel Moore, commander of the Valley Bureau.
Just so you know, 5.7x28mm is a centerfire .22 that approximates the ballistics of a .22 magnum rimfire, commonly used for squirrel and rabbit hunting. And oh, it's not an "assault pistol" either, and using civilian-available ammunition, it won't penetrate any body armor rated to stop .357 magnum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_Five-sevenI would like to see Mr. Moore go hunting lions, tigers, and bears with a .22...
The best response I saw was in the comments section accompanying the article:
Don't fire it at a lion.
Don't fire it at a tiger.
Don't fire it at a bear.
Just don't. You might hit one of them, and if it notices, it might get angry.
I'm sure the usual defenders of ignorance and hyperbole will be along soon to explain why Mr. Moore's statement is entirely rational, and why making fun of it disrespects the bodies of the tens of thousands of people murdered with FiveSevens (actually they haven't, but that doesn't matter, it's the thought that counts), or red herrings about military PDW's and military-only AP ammo, but I felt compelled to post it anyway.
Disclaimer: I don't own a FiveSeven and have no plans to get one, as my Smith & Wesson 9mm Ladysmith is far more powerful and effective as a defensive weapon. But if somebody thinks an expensive .22 is cool, more power to them. Just don't go bear or lion hunting with it...