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FLA2760 · July 9, 2005, 03:14 PM

Hi
I know what you mean about stopping power being a perplexing subject.
If you ever have to use your gun in a defensive situation the goal is to have the attacker STOP their aggressive behavior IMMEDIATELY! The point that you make about a .22 head shot is a good one. A small caliber round can do this with an extremely well placed shot, (picture an upside down triangle on the target's face from the eye sockets down to the bottom of the nose) a shot or shots (double and triple taps) here would most likely shut them down.
That said; consider the fear factor that would be gripping you along with the adrenaline dump you would experience and that shot that was a breeze at the range is now MUCH more difficult. A big bore round would be able to penetrate heavy clothing much more reliably than a small caliber and deliver a hard hit to the center body mass that is easier to hit in a stressful encounter. Also, many times the SIGHT of the business end of a big bore handgun will be enough. Rember Dirty Harry's " this is a .44 Magnum and it will take your head clean off, so do you feel lucky punk"? Hope It was helpful.
Steve

July 9, 2005, 03:14 PM	#34
FLA2760 Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2005 Location: Hernando County, Florida Posts: 574	Re stopping power Hi I know what you mean about stopping power being a perplexing subject. If you ever have to use your gun in a defensive situation the goal is to have the attacker STOP their aggressive behavior IMMEDIATELY! The point that you make about a .22 head shot is a good one. A small caliber round can do this with an extremely well placed shot, (picture an upside down triangle on the target's face from the eye sockets down to the bottom of the nose) a shot or shots (double and triple taps) here would most likely shut them down. That said; consider the fear factor that would be gripping you along with the adrenaline dump you would experience and that shot that was a breeze at the range is now MUCH more difficult. A big bore round would be able to penetrate heavy clothing much more reliably than a small caliber and deliver a hard hit to the center body mass that is easier to hit in a stressful encounter. Also, many times the SIGHT of the business end of a big bore handgun will be enough. Rember Dirty Harry's " this is a .44 Magnum and it will take your head clean off, so do you feel lucky punk"? Hope It was helpful. Steve