Below you will find a complete reproduction of the FBI’s “Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness” report. This is a useful document for any shooter as it details the FBI’s thinking and policy on the deployment of lethal force via handgun.
S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation
HANDGUN WOUNDING FACTORS AND EFFECTIVENESS
FBI ACADEMY FIREARMS TRAINING UNIT
FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT DISSEMINATION ONLY
Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness
Special Agent UREY W. PATRICK
FIREARMS TRAINING UNIT FBI ACADEMY QUANTICO, VIRGINIA July 14, 1989
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWARD…………………………………………………………………………………………….1
TACTICAL REALITIES…………………………………………………………………………….3
MECHANICS OF PROJECTILE WOUNDING …………………………………………….4
MECHANICS OF HANDGUN WOUNDING ……………………………………………….5
THE HUMAN TARGET …………………………………………………………………………….8
AMMUNITION SELECTION CRITERIA…………………………………………………..11
THE ALLURE OF SHOOTING INCIDENT ANALYSES …………………………….13
CONCLUSIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………..16
FORWARD
The selection of effective handgun ammunition for law enforcement is a critical and complex issue. It is critical because of that which is at stake when an officer is required to use his handgun to protect his own life or that of another. It is complex because of the target, a human being, is amazingly endurable and capable of sustaining phenomenal punishment while persisting in a determined course of action. The issue is made even more complex by the dearth of credible research and the wealth of uninformed opinion regarding what is commonly referred to as “stopping power”.
In reality, few people have conducted relevant research in this area, and fewer still have produced credible information that is useful for law enforcement agencies in making informed decisions.
This article brings together what is believed to be the most credible information regarding wound ballistics. It cuts through the haze and confusion, and provides common-sense, scientifically supportable, principles by which the effectiveness of law enforcement ammunition may be measured. It is written clearly and concisely. The content is credible and practical. The information contained in this article is not offered as the final word on wound ballistics. It is, however, an important contribution to what should be an ongoing discussion of this most important of issues.
John C. Hall Unit Chief Firearms Training Unit
