Author Topic: Stopping power myths  (Read 3910 times)

Offline Jack_F

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Offline backupr9

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Re: Stopping power myths
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2014, 08:05:56 AM »
Nothing new here, I'm afraid, but well stated.  One other concept to consider however...a high kinetic energy hit on a large bone (spine, pelvis) can be more effective at actually stopping than one on soft tissue (excepting brain, heart).  I've been told that a reasonably large caliber round into the pelvis is the quickest way to put someone on the ground, the spine being a much harder target to hit.  Even then, the result depends on the components used to calculate that energy...a small very high velocity round may go right on through, especially if not an expanding round, whereas a slower but heavier round with the same kinetic energy all of which is released into the tissue or bone will be more likely to have "stopping power."  So, it still pretty much boils down to shot placement, preferably 5 or 6 such "placements" in rapid succession.  I witnessed the results of a duel over a woman...one guy had a 12 gauge and the other a .45.  The guy with the shotgun won by getting off a round AFTER taking a .45 round to the chest that hit the heart (he died last).  Even with a heart wound, a human can sometimes function effectively for about 30 to 40 seconds.  Best advice, use situational awareness to absolutely allow the ability to retreat because there may be no real winners in a gunfight.  Although in some states there may be no "duty to retreat", IMO anyone who carries a weapon has an absolute ethical duty to retreat where such retreat is safe and possible.
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