Full Size vs Compact vs Subcompact Pistols!

Published on June 11, 2018
Duration: 4:33

This video compares the ballistic performance of Federal HST 9mm ammunition fired from three different-sized handguns: a subcompact Glock 43 (3.5-inch barrel), a compact Sig Sauer P320 (4-inch barrel), and a full-size Glock 17 (4.5-inch barrel). The experiment aimed to quantify the difference in bullet penetration and expansion based on barrel length. While a slight increase in penetration was observed with longer barrels, the differences were minimal, suggesting barrel length has a limited impact on overall bullet performance in this specific test.

Quick Summary

A ballistic gel test comparing 9mm barrel lengths showed minimal differences in bullet penetration. A 3.5-inch barrel achieved 11 inches, a 4-inch barrel achieved 12 inches, and a 4.5-inch barrel achieved 11.5 inches. The instructor concluded that small variations in barrel length have a limited impact on Federal HST 9mm performance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Barrel Length vs Bullet Performance
  2. 00:33Firearm 1: Glock 43 (Subcompact, 3.5" Barrel)
  3. 00:42Firearm 2: Sig Sauer P320 (Compact, 4" Barrel)
  4. 00:52Firearm 3: Glock 17 (Full Size, 4.5" Barrel)
  5. 01:08Ballistics Gel Test Setup
  6. 01:17Ammunition: Federal Premium HST 9mm
  7. 01:29Test 1: Glock 43 Ballistics
  8. 02:10Test 2: Sig Sauer P320 Ballistics
  9. 02:57Test 3: Glock 17 Ballistics
  10. 03:20Results Comparison: Penetration Depths
  11. 03:47Conclusion: Barrel Length Impact Analysis
  12. 04:22Viewer Questions & Future Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

How does barrel length affect 9mm bullet performance?

In a test using Federal HST 9mm ammunition, a 3.5-inch barrel (Glock 43) achieved 11 inches of penetration, a 4-inch barrel (Sig P320) achieved 12 inches, and a 4.5-inch barrel (Glock 17) achieved 11.5 inches. The differences were minimal, suggesting barrel length has a limited impact on penetration for this ammunition.

What is the penetration depth of Federal HST 9mm from different barrel lengths?

From a 3.5-inch barrel (Glock 43), Federal HST 9mm penetrated about 11 inches. From a 4-inch barrel (Sig P320), it penetrated about 12 inches. From a 4.5-inch barrel (Glock 17), it penetrated about 11.5 inches in ballistic gel.

Does a longer barrel always mean more bullet penetration?

Not necessarily. In this test, the Glock 17 with a 4.5-inch barrel did not achieve deeper penetration than the Sig Sauer P320 with a 4-inch barrel. While longer barrels can increase velocity, other factors also influence bullet performance.

What firearms were used in the barrel length comparison test?

The test utilized a subcompact Glock 43 (3.5-inch barrel), a compact Sig Sauer P320 (4-inch barrel), and a full-size Glock 17 (4.5-inch barrel), all chambered in 9mm.

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