sighting in on: Understanding Bullet Performance
laminated. Prior to 2012, only the front and rear windows were laminated. If the side windows of a car were shot at, they would shatter and additional bullets could pass through with little eff ect on the bullet. T is is an important tactical tip to keep in mind when dealing with vehicles in the future. Also present during the testing was Dr. James Williams, a surgeon and Head of Emergency Medicine, who runs the “Tacti- cal Anatomy Systems” training program. Dr. Williams also taught a class at the confer- ence on using anatomical knowledge when shooting entitled, “Tactical Anatomy.” With his knowledge of emergency medicine and having seen the results of gunshot wounds up close and personal as a surgeon, he was a valuable asset to the training. He agreed with Boden’s conclusions throughout the ballistic testing.
For whatever reason, duty weapon cali- ber continues to be a hot debate topic in law enforcement circles and I don’t think that will change anytime soon. Ammunition has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. How- ever, not everyone is aware of the changes and their opinions may be based on outdated in- formation. T is training provided offi cers an opportunity to see the results of bullets utilizing the FBI Protocol for themselves. I know that all of the offi cers found it interesting and informa- tive and that more than a few of the SWAT cops will be attempting to make changes in their departments’ choice(s) of ammunition. Personally, I carry Federal 147-grain HST in my Glock because I am faster and more accurate with a 9mm than a .40 S&W. I have small hands, so a large frame doesn’t fi t me well. When I started in this profes- sion many years ago, I carried a .45 ACP,
fi rst chambered in a 1911, then in a S&W 4506. Both of those weapons had a single stack magazine that fi t my hand. I prefer carrying as many bullets as pos- sible and a double stack magazine in 9mm fi ts my hand the best. I know of a number of large agencies that regularly engage in multi- ple gunfi ghts each year and they have found the round to be very eff ective. Based on that, Boden’s recommendations, and the ballistic results seen at the workshop, I will continue to carry the HST 9mm with confi dence. PM
Duane Wolfe has a BS in Criminal Justice and an MS in Education. He recently retired after 26 years as a police officer. He has been a full time trainer for the last 20 years. He is a firearms and Use of Force instructor.
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29 The Police Marksman May-Jun 2014
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