Pistol vs Carbine ( Velocity)

Published on May 13, 2012
Duration: 9:41

This expert guide details a practical comparison between a 9mm carbine and a 9mm pistol, demonstrating how barrel length significantly impacts muzzle velocity. Utilizing a chronograph, the video shows the Beretta CX4 Storm achieving 1232 fps while the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield registers 1048 fps with the same ammunition. The instructor, drawing on extensive experience, explains the ballistics behind this difference, concluding that the carbine delivers a substantially harder-hitting projectile.

Quick Summary

A 9mm carbine with a 16.6-inch barrel, like the Beretta CX4 Storm, can achieve significantly higher muzzle velocity (1232 fps) than a 9mm pistol with a 3.1-inch barrel (1048 fps) using the same ammunition. This difference, nearly 200 fps, is due to the longer barrel allowing more time for powder combustion and pressure build-up, resulting in a harder-hitting projectile.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Velocity Comparison
  2. 01:15Shooting Steel Targets
  3. 03:15Ballistics Explanation
  4. 05:35Chronograph Testing: Carbine
  5. 07:10Chronograph Testing: Pistol
  6. 07:42Results and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in muzzle velocity between a 9mm carbine and a 9mm pistol?

Using the same 9mm Luger 115gr FMJ ammunition, a Beretta CX4 Storm carbine with a 16.6-inch barrel achieved an average velocity of 1232 fps. A Smith & Wesson M&P Shield pistol with a 3.1-inch barrel averaged 1048 fps, showing a difference of nearly 200 fps.

Why does a carbine have higher muzzle velocity than a pistol with the same caliber?

Longer barrels, like those found on carbines, allow gunpowder more time to burn and build pressure behind the bullet. This extended pressure application results in higher acceleration and thus greater muzzle velocity compared to shorter pistol barrels.

What ammunition was used in the 9mm carbine vs. pistol velocity test?

The test utilized Remington UMC 115 grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition for both the Beretta CX4 Storm carbine and the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield pistol to ensure a fair comparison of barrel length effects on velocity.

What tools are needed to measure firearm velocity?

A chronograph is essential for measuring muzzle velocity. In this video, a Pro-Tach chronograph was used to accurately record the speed of bullets fired from both the 9mm carbine and the 9mm pistol.

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