I know that it is heresy

[Billy Dale]

to say this, but misses (and poor hits) are commonplace in defensive scenarios, due to adrenalin dump, movement, bad light, already being hurt, etc. Multiple attacker scenarios occur, too. So the controlability of your gun and load are very important factors. If you will TIME getting 2 hits on each of 2 10" chest circles at, say, 5 yds with a 357 snub and 158 gr JHP's, at 1300 fps, and then try the same with 90 gr 9mm JHP'S, at 1500 fps in the same size and weight gun, you will note that you got the hits twice as fast with the 9mm. Power and penetration don't mean a thing if you can't hit the chest, and do so fast enough to prevent your attacker from harming you. The man who has his hand on a gun in his pocket gains 1/2 second or more over the man who has his gun in a concealed FBI rig. He gains 3/4 second over the guy who is using a belly band rig and a tucked in shirt. In that 1/2-3/4 second, a fast man can either brain the attacker, or chest hit him 2-4 times. So the issue is more one of getting the hits fast enough, rather than what load is used.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

The issue, in my opinion, is mindset first, followed immediately by tactics. Movement, cover/concealment, timing, threat avoidance/evasion, etc., to gain a position of advantage, and to put your adversary in a position of disadvantage is most important. Next is shooting skill, followed by load selection. Choose a good general purpose load that will do the job when penetration conditions are favorable as well as unfavorable.

------------------
/s/ Shawn Dodson
Firearms Tactical Institute
http://www.firearmstactical.com

 

[Dave McC]

Like Shawn said, firefight survival is way more than just shooting skills, tho that's an essentail also.

Mindset and tactics run close to the top. AWARENESS counts big time. Condition White will get you assuming room temperature PDQ regardless of armament and training(Tho if you stay in Condition White your training $%&'d).Yellow and a committment to win counts most when the chips are down.

And all of that is more crucial then if your weapon of choice is a 1911, Glock, Sig, or a Rambo Signature Model Loudenboomer SP Magnum.

 

[Dave T]

Dave McC,

May I borrow your "Rambo Signature Model Loudenboomer SP Magnum" for my CCW classes. That is so great for the cammo, more is always better crowd.

Shawn has it right. The true winner of a gunfight never fires a shot. He/she avoids the use of force by use of brain.

By the way - where on earth do you find a 357 Mag load that pushes a 158g bullet at 1300 fps from a snubby. In fifteen years of chronographing all kinds of stuff, I ain't never seen such a critter!

Dave T
PCSD Ret

[This message has been edited by Dave T (edited September 06, 2000).]

 

[Dave McC]

Dave, no problem, just give credit when it's due. I've few original ideas so I like folks to notice when I do.Consider this verbal permission to use this as you see fit.

And the Loudenboomer SP was first a shotgun, with all the bells,whistles, fuzzy dice and fender skirts. Now it's generic to all forms of firearms. Consider it a pseudonym for wretched excess...

Dave AKA
Lt B D McCracken(Ret), Md Dept of Public Safety and Correctional Services...