Handgun Stopping Power: Sizing Up Your Options

[opsspec1991]

Handgun Stopping Power: Sizing Up Your Options
The author fired 100 handgun loads into ballistic gelatin, measuring velocity, penetration and expansion for each.
By Richard Mann
Handgun Stopping Power: Sizing Up Your Options - American Rifleman

 

[kelcarry]

So many conflicting and connected variables associated with this subject. Personally, as far as home defense is concerned, I have a 12g with #4 buck and an FN5.7X28 semiauto pistol. The 12g does not need explanation. My defense is at under 7 ft to a closed and locked bedroom door that, if defeated, will open to my view. #4 buck will provide more than enough energy and cover without significant entry into anything beyond the BG and his immediate area. The FN has 20+1 rounds of 5.7, which is the pistol equivalent of the NATO 5.56, at velocities +/- 2000fps. I use boutique ammo which is extremely frangible--again--minimizing entry into anything beyond the BG and his immediate area. I am not a 24/7 CC. I use and have used situational awareness for my 72+ years and never ever have had a "what if". You come to my house as a BG you will have the "what if" of your life or what is left of it.

 

[apvbguy]

you probably would not get that kind velocity out of a 5.7 pistol
YMMV

 

[Nightmare45]

Accuracy trumps all but 1/2 mass x velocity squared still works.

 

[kelcarry]

you probably would not get that kind velocity out of a 5.7 pistol
YMMV

You may be right but the forums on the 57 will vigorously disagree with you. All I know is that it provides a hell of a discharge with a recoil that is less than a 9mm, which adds, IMO, to my accuracy. Light weight, 20+1 capacity, lo recoil, lethality (which anyone can argue all firearms have), --my perfect choice after I have introduced a BG to my 12g.

 

[Eidolon]

Handgun Stopping Power

Three words that never should be used together

 

[ezkl2230]

This link has been posted before, but I will take the conclusions of a medical examiner who witnesses first-hand the terminal effectiveness and stopping power of individual calibers over the conjectured results of ballistic gelatin tests any day of the week:

Terminal ballistics as viewed in a morgue

 

[mappow]

Didn't need to read the link. This topic seems to come up every six months or so. Summation:
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Carry the biggest that you can accurately shoot and are to the NTH degree competent with. Bigger holes equate to bigger damage, better to reduce the threat to a NON-threat in fewer rounds.
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YOU, have to be the judge of your ability and fire power you care to engage with. YOU have to train for engagement. YOU have to continually hone your skills to ensure your engagement is a flow of trained response not a jerk reaction. As for the OP, it's up to you. Ain't for me to say.

 

[apvbguy]

You may be right but the forums on the 57 will vigorously disagree with you. All I know is that it provides a hell of a discharge with a recoil that is less than a 9mm, which adds, IMO, to my accuracy. Light weight, 20+1 capacity, lo recoil, lethality (which anyone can argue all firearms have), --my perfect choice after I have introduced a BG to my 12g.

I'm not putting the gun down, but 2k+ velocity is not with a handgun

 

[apvbguy]

This link has been posted before, but I will take the conclusions of a medical examiner who witnesses first-hand the terminal effectiveness and stopping power of individual calibers over the conjectured results of ballistic gelatin tests any day of the week:

Terminal ballistics as viewed in a morgue

a good read for anyone

 

[gunnerbob]

Three words that never should be used together

I largely (but not exclusively) agree with this. I don't start thinking in the terms of "handgun stopping power" until I pick up my .44mag Super Black Hawk w/ a 7 1/2" bbl.

Truth is, handguns suck in a gun fight. They have there place, of course, b/c of their compactness, etc but... if I can bring a rifle, I'm bringing a rifle. Naturally, within the confines of a residential building/home... a handgun reigns, IMO.

 

[mappow]

I largely (but not exclusively) agree with this. I don't start thinking in the terms of "handgun stopping power" until I pick up my .44mag Super Black Hawk w/ a 7 1/2" bbl.

Truth is, handguns suck in a gun fight. They have there place, of course, b/c of their compactness, etc but... if I can bring a rifle, I'm bringing a rifle. Naturally, within the confines of a residential building/home... a handgun reigns, IMO.

I'd carry my M1 Garand if it was my choice. Just can't find a holster.:dance3:

 

[telpinaro]

This link has been posted before, but I will take the conclusions of a medical examiner who witnesses first-hand the terminal effectiveness and stopping power of individual calibers over the conjectured results of ballistic gelatin tests any day of the week:

Terminal ballistics as viewed in a morgue

Thanks for that... Hadn't seen it before. Glad I have pretty fast follow up shots with my 9mm... :smile:

 

[Steon]

This link has been posted before, but I will take the conclusions of a medical examiner who witnesses first-hand the terminal effectiveness and stopping power of individual calibers over the conjectured results of ballistic gelatin tests any day of the week:

Terminal ballistics as viewed in a morgue

Hmmm. What I pretty much got out of this was that if you use a Semi-Auto, a .45 is best with Gold Dot Ammo...

I need to switch out my Ammo... I'm using Winchester Personal Defense atm...

 

[telpinaro]

I'd carry my M1 Garand if it was my choice. Just can't find a holster.:dance3:

I imagine that would be rather difficult to conceal if you needed to... :wink: