Quote:
Originally Posted by The Drew
While you are right that the formula for piercing soft body armor is surface area and velocity, NO handgun short of a FiveseveN with proper ammo should be considered reliable at piercing soft bodyarmor, and even then the effectiveness of the round is somewhat in question.
That being said, if you expect to run into guys wearing body armor, then the alternative should be a headshot.
The point though, is really what level can you comfortably carry and conceal and what type of handgun can you handle the best.
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Hi folks,
I'm absolutely new to this forum and found it by accident while researching the .357 Sig. I'm a rifleman at my core so pistols are secondary but I recognize the need and practice with them as much as possible so as to be able to deal with any situation that arises that should require deadly force. Oh, before I get going... my local range is home to many of the Federal Air Marshalls since their office is about 200 yards from it and last night I had the pleasure of walking in behind them while their targets were still in the shuttles. The guy I walked in behind had just scored a whopping 190. That's 190 out of 300 folks and the 5 ring on their target is quite large. I'm not poking fun but I shoot with these guys a lot and I've tried time and again to ask them why don't they slow down and learn to shoot before they try to race. I know that slinging lead is fun but it's a very serious occupation and you should strive to hit exactly what you intend to before you engage. Maybe that's the ex Recon Scout coming out in me.
Back to the .357 versus the 9 versus the .40 S&W. I carry all 3 of these pistols and for different reasons. The .357 was chosen by the Secret Service as their sidearm so all of the Treasury Department, Homeland Security, and TSA people get this round. They chose it based on penetration because they may have to shoot through car doors, airplane seat backs, etc. I carry a Sig 229 in .357 Sig when I'm on my motorcycle because my biggest danger is generally drivers with road rage. A .40 may well penetrate the windshield at the proper angle or a car door but it's risky whereas the .357 Sig has a much better potential. A .357 magnum would be more appropriate but I need concealment and a 229 is what I shoot several times a week. When I'm in a situation where soft targets would be the threat I choose the .40 S&W for greater frontal area and less penetration and collateral damage.
Now then I am indeed in the market for a .45 ACP. At least I think I am. I generally make a 2 inch ragged hole with 200 rounds at the range at distances less than 15 and I'll open up to 5 inches at the 25 but that seems to be reasonable compared to shooters around me. My question would be whether it is worth buying a .45 for sport use and accurate target shooting or should I stick with my .40 since the ballistics are comparable? It's a lot of money but I really liked .45s.
Thanks... and I'm glad to be here.
Ran