Internet Firearms BS : The Over Penetration Myth

Published on September 20, 2016
Duration: 6:57

This video debunks the myth of overpenetration as a primary concern for self-defense ammunition. The instructor argues that the likelihood of overpenetration causing harm to unintended targets is statistically very low, especially when compared to the probability of missing a target. He advocates for carrying the most capable ammunition for stopping a threat, rather than compromising performance due to remote risks.

Quick Summary

The overpenetration myth is often based on ballistic gel tests that don't reflect real human anatomy. The probability of a bullet overpenetrating and harming a bystander is statistically very low, especially compared to the higher likelihood of missing a target during a self-defense encounter.

Chapters

  1. 00:07Introduction to the Overpenetration Myth
  2. 00:15Viewer Criticism and Underwood Ammo
  3. 00:57Testing Extreme Penetrator Ammo
  4. 01:18Concerns about Legal Liability
  5. 02:03The Math and Logic Behind Overpenetration
  6. 02:16Hunting vs. Self-Defense Ballistics
  7. 02:50Real-World Pig Test Example
  8. 03:14Probability of Secondary Hits
  9. 03:37Difficulty of Hitting Targets
  10. 04:02Choosing Optimal Ammunition
  11. 04:27Risk Assessment for Ammunition Choice
  12. 04:36Overpenetration vs. Missing Target Likelihood
  13. 05:30Legal Liability Nuances
  14. 05:57Conclusion: Prioritizing Threat Stopping
  15. 06:31Applying Logic to Ammunition Decisions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overpenetration myth in firearms?

The overpenetration myth suggests that certain self-defense ammunition penetrates too deeply, posing a risk to unintended targets. However, this is often based on simplified tests and doesn't account for the complex resistance of human tissue and bone, making it a statistically low probability event.

Why is ballistic gel not a perfect representation of a human body?

Ballistic gel primarily simulates soft tissue. It doesn't accurately replicate the resistance provided by bone, dense muscle, and internal organs, which significantly affect bullet trajectory and penetration depth in a real-world scenario.

What is more likely: overpenetration or missing a target?

Statistically, missing a target entirely during a high-stress self-defense situation is far more likely than a bullet overpenetrating the primary target and then striking a secondary target behind it.

Should I choose ammunition based on the risk of overpenetration?

Experts advise against compromising ammunition performance due to the remote risk of overpenetration. The priority should be selecting ammunition that is most effective at stopping the immediate threat, as the probability of missing or other factors are more significant concerns.

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