Drywall penetration for various pistol calibers?

[WALTHERGUY]

Does anyone know how many walls made of 2" x 4" wood studs and (2) layers of 1/2" thick drywall would be penetrated by the following pistol calibers assuming a 3" to 4" barrel:

.22 long rifle
.380 ACP
9 mm
.357 magnum
.45 ACP

I have friends who live in town houses and apartments and they are concerned about collateral damage to neighbors if they need to shoot in self defense.

Thanks for your help on this and I really appreciate the PA specific firearms info on this forum.

[GRoPA]

I don't know off hand but I know one hell of a fun way to find out.

Sounds like time for some practical testing.......

[TonyF]

Search here http://www.firearmstactical.com/tactical.htm.

Tons of info.

[KeithPA]

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/theboxotruth.htm

[mjd932]

Originally Posted by DeltaII5

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/theboxotruth.htm

Beat me to it.

[Frenchy]

I was going to give through the box too, I know its some thing like 8 or 9 sheets of 1/2 gyprock... chances are if there is a cement wall on the outside that will be the actual stop point.

[Justin]

it really depends on the bullet as well. obviously a HP would penetrate less than a fmj, but some of the newer frangible rounds are really advanced, and have about 1/3 of the penetration of a standard jhp.

dont quote me on this, its just hearsay. look into some frangible rounds for best results.

[SCOUT]

Hollow points often fill up with gypsum and fail to expand when fired through drywall. My solution to overpenetration and concern for injuring neighbors is to use a shotgun with birdshot for home protection. It is deadly at close range, and will not penetrate nearly as much as a solid round, plus a shotgun is easier to use under extreme stress.

[chalmitch]

Originally Posted by SCOUT

Hollow points often fill up with gypsum and fail to expand when fired through drywall. My solution to overpenetration and concern for injuring neighbors is to use a shotgun with birdshot for home protection. It is deadly at close range, and will not penetrate nearly as much as a solid round, plus a shotgun is easier to use under extreme stress.

+1 - that is the best advise for close quarters or high density living as in an apartment or town house.
Best regards,
chalmitch

[tes151]

Originally Posted by WALTHERGUY

Does anyone know how many walls made of 2" x 4" wood studs and (2) layers of 1/2" thick drywall would be penetrated by the following pistol calibers assuming a 3" to 4" barrel:

.22 long rifle
.380 ACP
9 mm
.357 magnum
.45 ACP

I have friends who live in town houses and apartments and they are concerned about collateral damage to neighbors if they need to shoot in self defense.

Thanks for your help on this and I really appreciate the PA specific firearms info on this forum.

I thought all townhouses and apartments had concrete block firewalls between all units as per state code. I suppose old apartments located in old houses may not.