Ballistics testing: M9 vs.1860 Army

Published on August 5, 2013
Duration: 8:27

This video provides an expert-level ballistics comparison between the modern Beretta M9A1 (9mm) and the historical 1860 Army cap-and-ball revolver (.44 caliber). The analysis, presented by an authority with deep technical knowledge of both firearm types, utilizes professional equipment like a chronograph and Clear Ballistics gel to quantify performance differences in velocity, penetration, and wound channel creation over 125 years of firearm development.

Quick Summary

Expert ballistics testing compares the Beretta M9A1 (9mm) and 1860 Army (.44 caliber) revolver. The M9A1 achieved 1138 fps and 29 inches of gel penetration, while the 1860 Army averaged 752.7 fps and 23 inches of penetration, highlighting significant advancements in velocity and terminal ballistics over 125 years.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Comparison Setup
  2. 01:081860 Army Function Check
  3. 01:37Chronograph Testing
  4. 02:52M9A1 Ballistics Gel Test
  5. 03:41Loading the 1860 Army
  6. 05:071860 Army Ballistics Gel Test
  7. 06:00Bullet Recovery and Analysis
  8. 06:51Final Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key ballistic differences between the Beretta M9A1 and the 1860 Army Revolver?

The Beretta M9A1 (9mm) averaged 1138 fps with a 115gr round, penetrating 29 inches of gel. The 1860 Army (.44 caliber) averaged 752.7 fps with a 140gr lead ball, penetrating 23 inches of gel, demonstrating significant advancements in velocity and terminal ballistics over 125 years.

How does the wound channel differ between the 9mm M9A1 and the .44 caliber 1860 Army?

The 9mm round from the M9A1 tumbled multiple times, creating a wider wound track in the ballistic gel. The .44 caliber round from the 1860 Army created a narrower, straighter wound channel with minimal projectile deformation, highlighting differences in projectile design and performance.

What equipment was used for the ballistics testing in the video?

The video utilized a Shooting Chrony chronograph (Beta Model) to measure muzzle velocity and Clear Ballistics gelatin blocks to simulate tissue penetration and wound channel creation for both the Beretta M9A1 and the 1860 Army Revolver.

What was the expert's assessment of the 1860 Army's performance compared to modern firearms?

Despite its age and cumbersome loading process, the 1860 Army was deemed a potent weapon. However, the expert concluded that the modern M9A1 offers superior penetration, wound cavity, reliability, and reload speed, showcasing the evolution of firearm technology.

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