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Didn't the DPS, before they went to the .357 Sig, carry a S&W .357 Magnum Highway Patrolman? Wasn't the .357 Sig an attempt to duplicate the performance of the more powerful magnum revolver?
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The TX DPS replaced the Model 28s with Model 686s. When the switched to autoloaders, the trooper had a choice of the P220 in .45 ACP or the P226 in 9x19. The P220 was selected by far more troopers than the P226.
The TX DPS was satisfied with the .45 ACP except for the issue of intermediate barrier performance. They tried several different varieties of .45 ACP, but none of the ammunition available
in that time frame was deemed satisfactory.
SIGArms needed to promote the new (at that time) 357 SIG calibre and were right there with a sweetheart deal for the DPS. Since the 357 SIG delivered good intermediate barrier performance (relative to the .45 ACP ammunition of that day), the DPS made the switch.
In the decade-plus since, bullet design/engineering has progressed signficantly, and the premium .45 ACP loads of today are easily equaling the intermediate barrier peformance of the 357 SIG. Ten year later, there would be no need for the switch to the 357 SIG.
All of which really has nothing to do with this thread (except as a history lesson).
