Handgun wounding factors and effectiveness

[Charlies.Contingency]

Very great document! I will definitely share this, as I believe it is dead on. Thanks for this!

[jimlongley]

Actually published in 1989.

One does have to remember that not long before this report was published, the FBI declared that bullets ricocheted parallel to the surface they were bouncing off of.

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=6962" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[flechero]

"Penetration less than 12 inches is too little, and, in the words of two of the participants in the
1987 Wound Ballistics Workshop, "too little penetration will get you killed."
42, 43"

For some reason, I chuckled when imagining a presenter at the conference saying that.

[RoyGBiv]

Id like to see how much it would change with more modern ammo improvements.

Answer here: http://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

DocGKR bona fides: http://www.handguncombatives.com/resour ... g_6_13.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (see last page)

[R DAVIS]

dedeye: Thanks for posting this article.


This FBI study, based on the needs of law enforcement, dispels the myth of “knockdown power”, but it appears a larger caliber handgun has more potential effective penetration, which the study deems the most important factor. Of course that potential depends on one’s ability to quickly place as many shots on the torso of the bad guy(s) as possible.

Other factors not addressed (nor intended to be) in the study are: The reliability of the guns function and an individual’s ability to handle the recoil and operate the action of the gun itself. This is effected by size and weight of the gun, grips, trigger pull, type of safety and concealability (if that is a factor). One’s overall confidence in the gun and their own shooting accuracy and ability (practice, practice) is of course of utmost importance.

Although this study dismisses the danger of a bullet over penetrating and causing collateral damage to others, I have concern over a bullet that misses the torso or the target completely, and going through a wall, ceiling, chair etc.

Weighing all these factors, and knowing that any gun is a compromise, I think I prefer a 9mm with hollow points and a magazine capacity of a dozen or more rounds for concealed carry, and in my situation, a 12 gauge pump shotgun with number 4 buckshot for bedside defense.

Because most of us are not law enforcement officers and are concerned primarily with self defense, we can often choose whether or not to become involved in a confrontation to begin with. I carry for my own and family personal protection and safety, with only secondary consideration given to protection of my property. I certainly don’t intend to intervene in a bank or liquor store robbery unless I feel I or someone else is in dire and immediate personal danger. Most robbers just want the money and a clean getaway. Of course a terrorist or madman has different motivations and the particular situation would dictate my response and involvement.

This is just food for thought, and to each his / her own.

[jmra]

Id like to see how much it would change with more modern ammo improvements.

Answer here: http://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

DocGKR bona fides: http://www.handguncombatives.com/resour ... g_6_13.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (see last page)

This Brings up a question i have wondered about on more than one occasion .
If ammo is for self defense for law enforcement and civilians, Why is there LE Ammo?
Whats the difference in the ammo?
If i'm Trusted by the State to carry a deadly Weapon, Why shouldnt i be able to PURCHASE the same Ammo As a LEO?
I do actually carry LE ammo cause i have connections.



Edited to change carry to purchase!

I have a bunch of ammo labeled LE that was legally purchased without being LE. For the most part the labeling is a marketing gimmick.