More on Self Defense Pistol Caliber Selection

Opinion

Ft Collins, CO –-(Ammoland.com)- Addendum my recent article on 380Auto as a self defense round:

In response to my Quip on the 380Auto cartridge, and various pistols chambered for it, I’ve received many comments.

Some comments, negative and positive, about the 380Auto are based on personal experience, and I surely have to respect that. For most of us, personal experience always trumps “statistical studies.”

Yet, most “personal experiences” are singular. That is, we’re basing our opinion upon a single occurrence, which may or may not be “typical.” I don’t know anyone who has been personally involved in dozens of gun battles, and is still alive.

As my esteemed colleagues, Evan Marshall and Ed Sanow, pointed out years ago, “information” upon which we base critical judgments with regard to caliber choice are largely anecdotal accounts, mostly second and third-hand.

Testimony by trauma surgeons about bullet wounds they have personally examined and treated are helpful, but only tell part of the story, probably only a small part.

In accumulating a credible statistical base (assuming that is even possible), the most critical information is represented by what the person who is shot actually does during the proceeding five seconds. When he is shot multiple times, that, of course, complicates the analysis.

Precious few actual shooting incidents are captured on video in real time! What we rely upon mostly is aftermath testimony of people who were actually there and personally witnessed the event.

Unhappily, even such “direct” testimony is often hopelessly compromised by personal agendas, and a host of perceptual distortions that we know affect almost everyone.

And, if you’re wondering if there is a point lurking in all this:

We’re never going to know much about “stopping power.” There is no shortage of opinions, as noted (including mine), but solid, credible, reliable statistical data does not exist, and probably never will!

And even when it does, such data will only give us “likelihood percentages”

It’s similar to playing poker! With each hand, there is a lot you don’t know, and you base decisions with regard to betting, or folding, upon statistical odds, and a host of other factors.

For good players, some of those decisions are right.

But, as they say in ads for contraceptives, “Your results may vary!”

/John

About John Farnam & Defense Training International, Inc
As a defensive weapons and tactics instructor John Farnam will urge you, based on your own beliefs, to make up your mind in advance as to what you would do when faced with an imminent lethal threat. You should, of course, also decide what preparations you should make in advance if any. Defense Training International wants to make sure that their students fully understand the physical, legal, psychological, and societal consequences of their actions or inactions.

It is our duty to make you aware of certain unpleasant physical realities intrinsic to the Planet Earth. Mr. Farnam is happy to be your counselor and advisor. Visit: www.defense-training.com