The Truth About Handgun Calibers and Defensive Use

A string of recent comments on some of TTAG’s articles have made it clear there is a lot of misunderstanding out there with regard to how handgun calibers stop threats. Admittedly, it’s a subject steeped in a lot of myths and bad information that was backed by a serious lack of science for many decades. … Read more

Why Range Ammunition Is A Bad Choice For Your Self-Defense Gun

Don’t use range ammo as self-defense ammo. There are a number of good reasons why it’s a bad idea. Range ammunition — meaning full metal jacket or fragmenting ammunition in center fire rifles and pistol, target or bird shot in shotguns — is a generally poor self-defense ammunition choice. Not that there aren’t good uses … Read more

Combat Medic: Shoot the Heaviest Rifle Round You Can, Shoot What You Can Hit, Then Shoot it Again

[Ed: The subject of “stopping power” is a never-ending debate amongst gun guys and gals. JWT, a former combat medic, wrote this back in 2014 and it’s well worth sharing again.] RF, a few friends, and I were shooting out on my range at a dueling tree. After having to shoot one steel paddle no … Read more

Stopping Power: What It Is and Why You Shouldn’t Care

By Connor Hayes If you work in firearm sales like I do, then you’re bound to cater to plenty of new shooters. And when you do, you’re going to encounter a particular question very quickly: “Which is better? X MM, XX S&W or XX ACP?” My initial answer is usually short and while it may … Read more