The Box O' Truth Hurts – All Weapons Have Limits Inside the Home
Previously, I have penned numerous articles focusing on testing various firearms in use throughout a home. Most testing has been completed using drywall, but that is about as realistic as using ballistics gelatin – that testing simply fails to capture the complexity of most structures including pipes, wires, studs, furniture, etc. Other testing has been a bit more valid – but proves a later point here in a moment.
But, they all have one thing in common – we, as gun people, are principally arguing over the penetration difference between rounds of a single wall, at most two. The truth is (at least in my ever so humble opinion) is that this really does not matter as the practical effect of a round in a home is devastating if it misses. People are highly likely to be well within a wall or two of the engagement if on the same floor.
The Box o’ Truth has completed a similar drywall test, one that I find a good illustration of this point, as it uses only four pieces of drywall, therefore, removing the argument of how many drywall pieces a round will penetrate. Simply put, all rounds tested including mil-spec XM-193, soft point, buckshot,.30 carbine, etc all penetrated all the walls presented. Only a frangible round and birdshot, both of which are not considered “fight stoppers” had any reduced penetration.
The truth hurts – any round is dangerous inside a house. I say plan to hit the round you consider most effective and stop worrying about drywall penetration. Inside your house, it really won’t matter and the changes of anything hitting anything outside the home are astronomically low.
One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.
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Bullets go through stuff? Who'da thunk that?
Really well put, Nathan. All the hubbub about which round to use to prevent over penetration is just a lot of noise. Any round will go through the typical sheet rock walls of American houses. Just be cognizant of what's downrange and shoot accordingly.