Handgun vs AR 15 vs Shotgun For Home Defense...

Published on November 3, 2021
Duration: 9:22

This video, presented by Kevin Michalowski, Director of Content for USCCA, demonstrates a critical home defense consideration: over-penetration. Through a series of tests using simulated interior walls, the effectiveness and potential risks of common handgun, rifle, and shotgun rounds are evaluated. The findings emphasize the importance of accurate shooting and understanding the trajectory of your projectile in a residential environment.

Quick Summary

A home defense test by USCCA's Kevin Michalowski evaluated over-penetration risks of handguns, AR-15s, and shotguns. Most common defensive rounds (9mm, .223, 00 buck, slugs) penetrated all five simulated interior walls. Only 12-gauge birdshot stopped early, but its defensive power is questionable. The test stresses accurate shooting and awareness of what's behind the target.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Home Defense Over-Penetration
  2. 01:079mm Handgun Testing
  3. 03:07AR-15 .223 Testing
  4. 04:5312-Gauge Shotgun Testing
  5. 06:3512-Gauge Birdshot Testing
  6. 07:58Conclusion and Safety Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary concern addressed in the home defense firearm test?

The primary concern is over-penetration, which is the risk of a projectile passing through a target and continuing its trajectory into unintended areas, potentially harming unintended individuals or causing property damage within a home.

Which firearm and ammunition types were tested for over-penetration?

The test included 9mm handguns (FMJ and JHP), AR-15s (.223 FMJ and polymer-tipped), and 12-gauge shotguns (00 buckshot, slugs, and birdshot) against simulated interior walls.

What was the key finding regarding common defensive rounds and over-penetration?

The key finding was that most common defensive rounds fired from handguns, AR-15s, and shotguns will penetrate multiple interior walls, highlighting the significant risk of over-penetration in a home defense scenario.

What is the only tested round that did not penetrate all simulated walls?

The 12-gauge #7.5 birdshot was the only load tested that did not penetrate all five simulated interior walls, stopping after the second wall. However, its effectiveness as a defensive round is often debated.

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