Educational Video 9mm Penetration Test 4" Vs. 4.5" Vs. 5.5" Vs. !6" Barrel

Published on May 7, 2018
Duration: 9:52

This video conducts a 9mm penetration test comparing four different barrel lengths: 4-inch (Glock 19), 4.5-inch (Glock 17), 5.5-inch (Glock 34), and 16-inch (AR-9 carbine). Using standard Federal Champion 115-grain FMJ ammunition, the test aimed to observe the impact of barrel length on projectile penetration through multiple reams of paper. The results showed varying degrees of penetration, with longer barrels generally achieving greater depth, though not always consistently between similar lengths.

Quick Summary

A 9mm penetration test compared barrel lengths of 4", 4.5", 5.5", and 16" using Federal Champion 115-grain FMJ ammunition. The 16-inch barrel consistently achieved the deepest penetration through multiple reams of paper, while shorter barrels showed varying degrees of penetration, with the 4" and 4.5" barrels penetrating less than the 5.5" barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:199mm Penetration Test Overview
  3. 00:24Firearms Used: Glock 19 (4")
  4. 00:33Firearms Used: Glock 17 (4.5")
  5. 00:38Firearms Used: Glock 34 (5.5")
  6. 00:44Firearms Used: AR-9 (16")
  7. 01:03Test Medium: 8 Reams of Paper
  8. 01:38Ammunition: Federal Champion 115gr FMJ
  9. 02:09Barrel Specifications: Standard Factory Lengths
  10. 02:51First Test: Glock 19 Shot
  11. 02:57First Test: Glock 17 Shot
  12. 03:05First Test: Glock 34 Shot
  13. 03:12First Test: AR-9 (16") Shot
  14. 03:20First Test Results: Paper Penetration
  15. 04:02First Test Analysis: Glock 19 Penetration
  16. 04:06First Test Analysis: Glock 17 Penetration
  17. 04:14First Test Analysis: 16" Barrel Penetration
  18. 04:41First Test Analysis: Glock 34 Penetration
  19. 05:17Second Test Setup: More Paper
  20. 05:47Second Test: Glock 19, 17, 34, AR-9 Shots
  21. 06:10Second Test Results: Paper Penetration
  22. 06:36Second Test Analysis: Glock 19 & 17 Results
  23. 06:47Second Test Analysis: Glock 34 Bullet Placement
  24. 06:53Second Test Analysis: 16" Barrel Bullet Placement
  25. 07:06Second Test: Second Ream Penetration
  26. 07:25Second Test Analysis: 16" Barrel into Second Ream
  27. 08:10Detailed Second Test Analysis: Penetration Depths
  28. 08:59Conclusion: Interesting Results and Consistency
  29. 09:06Why Paper Was Chosen for Testing
  30. 09:27Outro and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What ammunition was used in the 9mm barrel length penetration test?

The 9mm penetration test utilized standard Federal Champion 115-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) round nose ammunition. This choice was made to use a common, easily accessible round that represents typical self-defense or range ammunition, rather than a specialized load.

How did different 9mm barrel lengths affect bullet penetration in paper?

The test compared 4", 4.5", 5.5", and 16" barrels. Generally, longer barrels showed increased penetration. The 16" barrel consistently penetrated the furthest, while the 4" and 4.5" barrels showed less penetration, with the 5.5" barrel performing better than the shorter ones but not always as much as expected.

What firearms were used for the 9mm penetration test?

The firearms used were a Glock 19 with a 4-inch barrel, a Glock 17 with a 4.5-inch barrel, a Glock 34 with a 5.5-inch barrel, and a 16-inch barrel AR-9 carbine. All barrels were standard factory lengths without threading.

Why was paper chosen as the medium for the 9mm penetration test?

Paper was chosen for its consistency as a test medium. Unlike materials like drywall or wood, paper is less likely to contain knots or denser variations that could skew penetration results, providing a more uniform surface to measure the projectile's energy transfer.

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