Quick Hit: Is Knockdown Power Real? | GUNS Magazine Podcast #38 | Presented by Kimber

This podcast episode debunks the myth of 'knockdown power' in firearms, explaining that stopping power is primarily achieved through significant blood loss leading to oxygen deprivation to the brain (Type 2 stop) or direct central nervous system trauma (Type 1 stop). Experts emphasize that actual physical force from recoil does not 'knock down' a target in the way depicted in movies. The key to effective stopping power lies in achieving adequate penetration to cause sufficient tissue damage and bleeding, rather than relying on kinetic energy or momentum alone.

Quick Summary

The concept of 'knockdown power' in firearms, where a bullet's impact physically throws a target backward, is largely a myth. True stopping power is achieved through physiological effects like central nervous system trauma or significant blood loss, not from the force of the bullet pushing the target. Experts emphasize that adequate penetration to cause rapid bleeding is key.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Guns Magazine Podcast
  2. 00:28Sponsor: Kimber Firearms
  3. 01:00Topic: Knockdown Power Discussion Begins
  4. 01:55Physics of Recoil vs. Knockdown
  5. 03:46Introduction to Terminal Ballistics
  6. 04:00Taylor's Knockout (TKO) Formula
  7. 04:43Modern Terminal Ballistics: Dr. Fackler
  8. 07:05Kinetic Energy vs. Momentum
  9. 08:15Hunting Experience: Large Game Impact
  10. 09:27Momentum Calculations: Handgun vs. Golf Ball
  11. 10:46What Physically Stops a Target
  12. 11:01Type 1 vs. Type 2 Stops
  13. 13:07Hunting Anecdote: Heart Shot Doe
  14. 14:21Handgun Defense: Expect Nothing to Happen
  15. 15:08Why the Knockdown Myth Persists
  16. 16:08Demonstrating Recoil vs. Knockdown
  17. 17:10Body Armor Tests: Debunking Myths
  18. 18:13The Key: Permanent Wound Cavity
  19. 21:17The Pinprick Analogy
  20. 21:36Mythbusters and Ballistics Demonstrations
  21. 23:22The Real Key to Stopping Power
  22. 23:32Bullet Placement and Damage
  23. 25:21Choosing the Right Firearm and Ammunition
  24. 26:16Conclusion and Podcast Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'knockdown power' in firearms, and is it real?

The concept of 'knockdown power,' where a bullet's impact physically throws a target backward, is largely a myth. While bullets impart energy, the recoil experienced by the shooter is equal and opposite. True stopping power comes from physiological effects like central nervous system trauma or significant blood loss, not from the force of the bullet pushing the target.

How does a bullet actually stop a person or animal?

Stopping power is achieved through two main mechanisms: Type 1 stops, which are direct hits to the central nervous system (brain or spine), and Type 2 stops, which involve significant blood loss leading to a drop in blood pressure and oxygen to the brain. The goal of effective ammunition is to create sufficient permanent wound cavity to cause this bleeding rapidly.

What is the difference between kinetic energy and momentum in ballistics?

Kinetic energy relates to the destructive power of a moving object, often measured in foot-pounds. Momentum, however, describes an object's ability to move another object. While both are important, momentum is a better indicator of an object's capacity to push or move something, which is often misconstrued as 'knockdown power'.

What is the recommended penetration depth for effective ammunition?

For effective stopping power, particularly for Type 2 incapacitation, a bullet should achieve between 12 to 14 inches of penetration in tissue. This depth is generally sufficient to reach vital organs and cause the necessary blood loss to incapacitate a target.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from GUNS and American Handgunner Magazines

View all →