Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness

**QuackXP** · March 22nd, 2013, 03:20 PM

I haven't seen this FBI paper cited recently in any discussion and I think it is a must read for anyone choosing a handgun for defensive purposes.

Enjoy.

http://www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi-hwfe.pdf

**PAMedic=F|A=** · March 22nd, 2013, 04:11 PM

Thanks for the info

**SauerGrapes** · March 22nd, 2013, 06:52 PM

I read that report a while ago. I found it very interesting.

**PowerPM** · March 22nd, 2013, 07:27 PM

First I read it....

"the brain can survive after an attack for 10 to 15 seconds after the heart is destroyed"

"the power of a 45 hitting a person is the same as a 10 pound weight dropped for 1.73 inches"

I thought it would be a one page report saying...

"9mm is the best. Throw those 40's away"

**Carnes** · March 22nd, 2013, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by PowerPM

"the power of a 45 hitting a person is the same as a 10 pound weight dropped for 1.73 inches"

Does it state the power of a 9mm hitting a person in relation to the distance of a dropped 10 pound weight?

**PowerPM** · March 22nd, 2013, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by Carnes

Does it state the power of a 9mm hitting a person in relation to the distance of a dropped 10 pound weight?

Actually it does. 9mm is the same as 10 pound weight dropped from .73in. I need to edit my 45 quote. I miss typed.... 45 is the same as 10 pound weight at 1.37in.

**fortysix** · March 22nd, 2013, 10:04 PM

Fascinating. A lot of the statistics and studies he asks for in the now almost 25 year old paper have been manufactured by now I'm sure. I'd love to see an update on that paper. Even a comparison of his theories on damage and a relation to evidence gathered over 25 years of law enforcement and war-related shootings, with both handgun and rifle ammunition.

We were taught shot placement, and the consensus always was center of mass, then head if you could. For careful placement that affected a desired motion, shots to the shoulder near the brachial nerves and artery, but this was with rifles and care, not pistols in a firefight.

I'd definitely like to see some follow-up studies. Thanks for the info!