A .32 ACP in the right hands is all you need
Much has been said on this forum and others about stopping power, one shot stops, and the magic bullet.
A lot of opinions have been given by many armchair experts who have never had to kill someone in a self defense situation, most only imagine what would happen and what they need for this imaginary situation.
The New York Police Department did a study which debunks many of these imaginary situations and gives you a realistic look into deadly violence. Their study can be found at:
http://www.pointshooting.com/1asop9.htm
Nº 13 "During the period 1970 through 1979, the Police inflicted 10 casualties for every one suffered at the hands of their assailants. In all of the cases investigated, one factor stood out as a proper measure of bullet efficiency. It was not the size, shape, configuration, composition, caliber, or velocity of the bullet. Bullet placement was the cause of death or an injury that was serious enough to end the confrontation".
Data gathering began in January 1970, and over 6000 cases were studied during the 1970s. The study results and findings were released in 1981. The following sets out many of those that focus on shooting situations and shooting techniques.
1. From Sept 1854 to Dec 1979, 254 Officers died from wounds received in an armed encounter. The shooting distance in 90% of those cases was less than 15 feet. Contact to 3 feet-34%, 3 feet to 6 feet-47% , 6 feet to 15 feet-9%
2. The majority of incidents occurred in poor lighting conditions. None occurred in what could be called total darkness. It was noted that flashlights were not used as a marksmanship aid. Also, dim light firing involves another element which is different from full light firing, muzzle flash.
3. Firearms accounted for only 60% of the attacks on Police. However, in the 254 cases of Officers killed in an armed encounter, firearms were used in 90% (230) of them, and knives in 5% (11). In all cases reviewed, an unauthorized or gimmick holster (ankle, shoulder, skeleton, fast draw, clip-on etc.) was involved when the revolver was lost, accidentally discharged, or the Officer was disarmed.
4. In 70% of the cases reviewed, sight alignment was not used. Officers reported that they used instinctive or point shooting.
5. 65% of the Officers who had knowledge of impending danger, had their revolvers drawn and ready. Reports on incidents involving Police death revealed that the Officer was alone more often than not and that he was confronted by at least two people.
6. The element reported as the single most important factor in the Officer's survival during an armed confrontation was cover.
7. In 84% of the cases reviewed, the Officer was in a standing or crouch position (supported and unsupported) when he fired.
8. The double action technique was used in 90% of the situations and used almost without exceptions in close range, surprise, or immediate danger situations.
9. A warning shot may set off chain reaction firing.
10. The average number of shots fired by individual Officers in an armed confrontation was between two and three rounds.
11. The necessity for rapid reloading to prevent death or serious injury was not a factor in any of the cases examined. In close range encounters, under 15 feet, it was never reported as necessary to continue the action.
12. It has been assumed that if a man can hit a target at 50 yards he can certainly do the same at three feet. That assumption is not borne out by the reports.
13. During the period 1970 through 1979, the Police inflicted 10 casualties for every one suffered at the hands of their assailants. In all of the cases investigated, one factor stood out as a proper measure of bullet efficiency. It was not the size, shape, configuration, composition, caliber, or velocity of the bullet. Bullet placement was the cause of death or an injury that was serious enough to end the confrontation.
9s 40s and 45s even in featherweight handguns don't phase me.
No thanks I'll pass. To show you the contrast with a real 9mm round, the 124gr remington gold saber expands to .62" and still drive to 15.2" in ballistics gel. Do the math on that and you are looking at over 4 times the soft tissue damage, and several times the level of shock to the tissue. That is why the 9mm is the smallest I like, now if they made a 90-100gr bullet for the 32 ACP that would expand and still drive to the 14" range I would be a bigger fan. I value permanate would cavity over "hydrostatic shock".
