Why are larger calibers harder to shoot accurately?

F

FUD

Moderator
I've been thinking (not a good sign), when you fire a gun, the firing pin hits the primer creating a spark and causing the gunpowder to explode sending the bullet on it's merry way. However, at the time of the explosion before the recoil has had a chance to kick in, the bullet has already left the barrel. Therefore, in theory, I should be able to shoot a .45ACP as accurately as a .380ACP (assuming the .380ACP is a full-szie model -- something like the Browning BDA380 and not a pocket pistol) but this is not the case -- especially if you hand the two guns to a beginner. What am I missing here?
Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD
fud-nra.gif
 
Actually, I think you are simplifying the issue. Caliber alone doesn't determaine how well you shoot. I shoot my .44 magnum more accurately , at a distance, than my 9mm. A lot has to do with the weapon. That being said...anticipation plays a part in some instances, and recoil can affect follow up shots.

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I am not a dangerous psychotic!
I just play one at work.
 
I'm not talking about follow-up shots.

I was at an indoor range with all the time in the world. I moved the target out to 75 feet and fired one shot with my S&W5906 and got it almost dead center. Brought the target back to see how I did and then repeated the process for the remainder of the magazine. All of the bullets pretty much ended up in the same place.

Repeated this with my S&W4006 (same exact gun with regard to weight, shape, size, operation, etc.; except for the caliber) and the bullets ended up in the 7 & 8 rings.

Although the "anticipation" of the heavier kicked might have had something to do with it.

FUD
fudeagle.gif
 
Hello. Recoil begins the moment that the bullet begins moving from the case and continues the rearward "push" until it leaves the bbl and is no longer in contact with the bbl. Also contributing to the kick is the ejecta (gasses & unburned powder) which is generally larger for the larger caliber than the small one. This can contribute more than one might suspect. Best.
 
Isn't the 4006 a DAO? If so, that may be your problem. One of my favorite guns is the 4013, but the accuracy on them isn't supposed to be that good. I've also heard that the .40 in general isn't as accurate, but I'd still take it over the .357 Sig.

take care FUD,
Ben

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Almost Online IM: BenK911
ICQ # 53788523
"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target"
 
Ben, the 4006 is DA/SA and the 4046 is DAO. Additionally, the 4013 is DA/SA while the 4053 is DAO. Regards, FUD
 
oops. Well, I still like the S&W 4013 best ;) ** S&W isn't listing their 4013 in their online catalog anymore... God I hope that's a mistake :( Let me know if you've heard differently.

Ben

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Almost Online IM: BenK911
ICQ # 53788523
"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target"

[This message has been edited by Ben (edited June 15, 2000).]
 
FUD,

From a scientific point of view, there are way too many variables to possibly account for here. To *truly* test your hypothesis, you would first have to use identical firearms but each in different calibers (now how you gonna do that?). Now some may argue, for example, that you could use a Glock in a larger caliber and one in a smaller caliber, but even though they are the same make, they aren't the same gun. Next you would have to vice* the guns down, then take a mean score of numerous ammo types in the respective calibers of choice and then measure your results. Then you would need to repeat the whole process with other calibers in the big vs. smaller categories. Even so, there still are so many variables to consider with just the bullets, powders, case design, etc. Essentially, there are just too many variables to control.

Now we can always go to the good ol' gun range anecdotal stories and base our beliefs on that. You know what I'm talking about--"Well all I know is that such and such happened to me (or friend, or whomever) so it MUST be a universal truth!"

[*assuming that is okay, otherwise to answer your question, there are numerous "human" variables to take into account that would be hard to statistically control and I believe this is the crux of your question.]
 
The main reasons big bore guns are not usually fired as accurately is that they beat the bejabbers out of the shooter. It takes a lot of experience and practice to do well with a tool that dishes out that kind of punishment. How well would you do with an electric drill that had a short circuit that shocked you when you used it?

Jim
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ben: ... S&W isn't listing their 4013 in their online catalog anymore. God I hope that's a mistake :( Let me know if you've heard differently ...[/quote]Ben, I have their 2000 paper catalog right here in front of me as I type this and the 4013TSW is in there. I also picked one up recently (about a month or two ago) that I had on lay-away. Additionally, it's listed on web site in their Tactical section so I suspect that it is still available. Even though I own one, I'm not too fond of double stack compact pistols. I like double stack in full-size pistols (such as the 5906 and the 4006) but when it comes to compact models, I prefer the single stack ones such as the 3913 and the 4513. If you want to share more of your thoughts, comments & ideas with regard to S&W products, why don't you come join us at the Smith & Wesson Firearms Enthusiast's Web Board, which is no way affiliated with the Smith & Wesson Company of Springfeild, MA.
 
The REAL reason harder recoiling handguns are harder to shoot accurately is this;

More recoil magnifies your shortcomings as a pistol shot. An improper hold on a hard kicking handgun is multiplied many times compared to the minimal effects it would have while shooting a .22lr. The same applies to other mistakes made while shooting as well.

This is basic Elmer Keith stuff.



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Just one of the Good Guys
 
Two weeks after I bought my 9mm, I went shooting with a guy who owns a very nice Kimber .45. The first time I picked up his gun, I shot it better than my own 9mm.
 
the .40cal is not as inheritantly accurate as the 9mm. on top of that the 9mm has a flatter trajectory. so it will hit more on the point of impact farther away.

also bigger bullets tend to be louder and have more recoil. this may cause at least a beginner to flinch more and be off target.

finally recoil does start instantaniously when the explosion happens. if you take a long 6 or 8" revolver and fire a really heavy load and a really light load in the same caliber the heavier load will tend to hit higher. this is because it will go slower and take longer to exit the muzzle and by the recoil pushed the muzzle higher up by just a little bit. but then at farther distances the lighter load will hit higher because of the velocity.

.45s are as accurate as 9mms but i don't know about .40.

[This message has been edited by Russell92 (edited June 16, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Russell92 (edited June 16, 2000).]
 
Most excellent... thanx FUD.

Ben

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Almost Online IM: BenK911
ICQ # 53788523
"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target"
 
FUD....I think the answer to your question is pretty much " all of the above "

The larger caliber handguns are probably more difficult because of problems with consistancy of grip for each shot.

The recoil commences at the same instant that the bullet starts to move. Action/reaction.

That said, arguably the most accurate handgun cartridge is the .44 special.

Sam
 
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