The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - 9mm AP capabilities vs. M17 / M18 ammunition

TunnelRat · November 21, 2021, 08:05 PM

Here's some interesting background about those NATO pdw trials. Around the 9:00 mark the narrator talks about the 7N31. It's worth noting that neither the HK 4.6x30mm nor the FN 5.7x28mm were capable of defeating the Russian body armor of the time, as per independent testing after the fact:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py9MJUmdQ4o

I think in current times given the prevalence and affordability of plates rated for rifle threats (even on the US commercial market), threats that could potentially be defeated by a more powerful 9mm (use of which would liken shorten the life of service pistols) are relatively far down the list of concerns. The US military is concerned that near peer threats will be fielding body armor that will defeat 5.56x45mm, much less pistol rounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm0XId4kftg

Lastly, you can buy 9mm on the US commercial market that can defeat level IIIa body armor. Defeating higher level threats isn't as easy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr6h44Pu4sM

November 21, 2021, 08:05 PM	#3
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,212	Here's some interesting background about those NATO pdw trials. Around the 9:00 mark the narrator talks about the 7N31. It's worth noting that neither the HK 4.6x30mm nor the FN 5.7x28mm were capable of defeating the Russian body armor of the time, as per independent testing after the fact: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py9MJUmdQ4o I think in current times given the prevalence and affordability of plates rated for rifle threats (even on the US commercial market), threats that could potentially be defeated by a more powerful 9mm (use of which would liken shorten the life of service pistols) are relatively far down the list of concerns. The US military is concerned that near peer threats will be fielding body armor that will defeat 5.56x45mm, much less pistol rounds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm0XId4kftg Lastly, you can buy 9mm on the US commercial market that can defeat level IIIa body armor. Defeating higher level threats isn't as easy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr6h44Pu4sM __________________ Know the status of your weapon Keep your muzzle oriented so that no one will be hurt if the firearm discharges Keep your finger off the trigger until you have an adequate sight picture Maintain situational awareness