Category: Fieldcraft
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Kit Carson has nothing on him!
I talk a lot about lethal force, and one concept comes up almost universally. I call this idea the leg shot syndrome. The leg shot syndrome is expressed by the statement “I wouldn’t aim to kill; I would shoot the robber in the leg.”
I believe I know where this thought comes from. It comes from the fact that everyone I give firearms classes to comprise the “good guys.” Good guys don’t go around killing, robbing, raping and hurting people. They believe that everyone has redeeming qualities. Good guys don’t want to kill people, they didn’t start the encounter, and if they had their way, the bad guy would just leave.
Now before I get tons of hate mail, let me say that I understand the reason people think this, and I wish everyone in the world felt that way. If there were no bad guys, there would be no crime. I could then put more energy into my primary job of preparing for natural disasters instead of diverting energy to preparing for criminal disasters. While understanding and admiring this idea, I want to emphasize that this is not a good way to apply this concept.
There are many reasons why this philosophy is not sound in the lethal force arena. Some of these reasons are legal, some tactical, and some, yes, are even moral. I will jump into what I hear as the most widely used reason why the leg shot syndrome should not be used, legal.
A handgun is a lethal weapon. Unlike a baseball bat, a butcher knife, or a policeman’s baton, there is no less lethal way to use a handgun against another human. The law does not distinguish the difference between shooting a person in the head, and shooting a person in the chest. If there is not legally defensible motive and the person dies it is still murder. A bullet cannot be recalled once it leaves the barrel, and the person who fired the bullet cannot decide what it does upon entering a person. There is a major artery in the human leg (the femoral artery), which if severed can kill a person as quickly as shooting them in the chest.
Tactically manipulating a firearm under lethal force pressure is extremely hard. Quite a few books and statistics from a vast amount historical data show that only about 1/3 of the rounds fired impact on the target. This doesn’t seem to be that bad, until you look at other statistics that show approximately 90% of gun fights happen under 7 yards and comprise less than 3 total shots. How realistic is it then that when most people can would be lucky to hit their attacker, you are going to hit one of the smaller areas, and an area that is most likely to be moving?
Tennessee (and every other state I have found that has a defined handgun training curriculum) specifies shooting center-mass with the intent to stop. This involves two concepts.
The first being center-mass, which means aiming your projectile to impact inside the largest target area (the chest), since this is the area you have the greatest ability to actually hit. Also, a hit in the chest area has the greatest probability of stopping your attacker.
Intent to stop means neither aiming to kill, or shooting to wound. Either of these are irrelevant; your legal self defense right is centered upon the attacker being able to kill you, and trying to kill you. If the mere presence of your legally owned firearm cause the attacker to stop, it has done its job. If one well placed round to center mass persuades the criminal to stop, that’s okay. However, if it takes 3.5 boxes of cartridges to stop a drug crazed, gangbanging, terrorist from killing you, then so be it.
This intent to stop is the first half of my moral argument. The other reason comes from plain street sense. I have spent a few years working in corrections. These years are split between entry level corrections, working on the recreation yards and cages listening to inmates talk about themselves and their crimes, to working as a supervisor in maximum security units and applying inmate psychological knowledge to help keep the prison running smoothly.
Criminals do what they do because it works for them. If a mugger or a rapist tries to talk you into leaving with him, it’s because it has worked for him before. Believe me, a violent criminal hasn’t decided to start being a violent criminal just because you are there; a criminal starts small and works up gradually, becoming more violent. If a criminal gets away with hurting you, he will do it to someone else.
I am not saying that vigilante justice is okay. I am not advocating deadly force as a punishment for a criminal, either. What I am saying is that you are a reasonable person, with an inalienable right to life and liberty, minding your own business, living a peaceful life. You have a right do what you need to do to be safe, to go home to your family. This criminal attacked you, tried to hurt you for no reason other than his personal gain. You’re not trying to kill him, only making him stop trying to kill you. That is not wrong, that is right. Your family needs you, make sure you do what needs to be done to be there for them.
Choosing the right caliber for self-defense can be daunting, especially with so many options available. One round that consistently stands out is the .45 ACP. Trusted for over a century by military personnel, law enforcement and civilians, the .45 ACP has earned its reputation for delivering powerful stopping power in critical moments. But is it the best option for protecting yourself and your loved ones?
Let’s break down the key advantages of the .45 ACP for self-defense, addressing common concerns like capacity and recoil, while highlighting why it remains a go-to choice for many experts. Whether new to firearms or a seasoned shooter, you’ll learn how this trusted round can enhance your personal protection.
The History of the .45 ACP
The .45 ACP has a rich and compelling history that adds to its appeal as a self-defense round. Developed in 1905 by the legendary firearms designer John Moses Browning, the .45 ACP was created to meet the U.S. military’s need for a more powerful sidearm. The result was a round providing significantly more stopping power than its predecessors. This led to adopting the M1911, a .45 ACP handgun, which became a staple for the U.S. military from World War I through Vietnam and beyond.
The .45 ACP’s battlefield performance solidified its reputation as a hard-hitting, reliable round that could neutralize threats with minimal shots. Its larger, slower-moving bullet made it particularly effective at close range, where self-defense situations often occur. Despite the rise of smaller, higher-velocity rounds like the 9mm, the .45 ACP has maintained popularity due to its historical success in real-world combat scenarios.
Stopping Power: The Main Advantage of the 45 ACP
When discussing self-defense calibers, the term “stopping power” is often a key consideration, and the .45 ACP is renowned for its ability to stop threats quickly. The cartridge typically fires a larger and heavier bullet weighing 185 to 230 grains, which transfers significant energy upon impact. This energy transfer can incapacitate an assailant more effectively than smaller, faster rounds. This stopping power can be critical in life-threatening situations where the goal is to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible.
(Photo: HOP Munitions – 230 grain JHP)The .45 ACP’s larger diameter also creates a wider wound channel, causing more tissue damage. This often leads to faster incapacitation, even if only one or two rounds are fired. Many proponents of the .45 ACP argue that it requires fewer shots to stop a threat than smaller calibers like the 9mm, making it a strong candidate for personal defense.
Moreover, modern ammunition advancements, such as jacketed hollow points (JHP), have further enhanced the stopping power of the .45 ACP. These rounds are designed to expand upon impact, reducing the risk of over-penetration and increasing the likelihood of the round staying within the target—an important factor in self-defense to avoid unintended harm.
Accuracy and Controllability
While the .45 ACP is known for its stopping power, it also offers a surprising level of accuracy and controllability, making it a solid choice for self-defense. One might assume that a larger, heavier round would produce excessive recoil, but this isn’t always true. The .45 ACP operates at a relatively low muzzle velocity (typically around 830 feet per second for a 230-grain bullet), which helps manage recoil and makes it easier for the shooter to stay on target.
For many shooters, especially those with experience, the .45 ACP can feel more controllable compared to smaller, faster rounds like the 9mm. The slower recoil impulse allows for better follow-up shots, a critical factor in self-defense scenarios where accuracy and quick reaction times are essential.
Additionally, many .45 ACP pistols are built with ergonomics and weight distribution in mind, further aiding in recoil control. Guns like the 1911, a popular platform for the .45 ACP, are often praised for their balance, which can help shooters maintain precision even under stressful situations.
While novice shooters may initially find the .45 ACP’s recoil more challenging, proper training can mitigate this concern. Once a shooter is accustomed to the feel of the .45 ACP, they often appreciate its manageable recoil and accuracy at close to medium distances, the most common ranges for self-defense encounters.
Reliability: Trusted for Self-Defense
Reliability is one of the most critical factors when choosing a self-defense caliber, and the .45 ACP shines. Whether used in military, law enforcement, or civilian applications, the .45 ACP has a proven track record of dependable performance. In high-stress, life-or-death situations, the last thing you want is a firearm malfunction, and the .45 ACP’s reputation for reliability makes it a trustworthy choice.
One reason for this reliability is the round’s low-pressure design, which helps reduce wear and tear on firearms. Many pistols chambered in .45 ACP, such as the iconic 1911, or modern polymer-frame handguns like the Glock 21, are designed to be durable. These handguns are tested rigorously to ensure they function consistently, even in harsh conditions. This is why many law enforcement officers and military personnel have relied on .45 ACP pistols for decades.
Additionally, the wide variety of ammunition types available for the .45 ACP adds to its reliability. Whether using full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds for practice or jacketed hollow points (JHP) for personal defense, you can find a reliable load that functions well in your firearm. Modern ammunition manufacturers have optimized .45 ACP rounds to ensure smooth feeding, reduced misfires, and enhanced performance, making them a round you can count on when it matters most.
Addressing Common Criticisms: Capacity and Recoil
While the .45 ACP offers many benefits, a few common criticisms are often raised when discussing its suitability for self-defense—primarily its lower capacity and higher recoil compared to smaller calibers like the 9mm.
Magazine Capacity
One of the main trade-offs of carrying a .45 ACP handgun is its reduced magazine capacity. Due to the larger size of the .45 ACP round, most handguns chambered for it hold fewer rounds per magazine. For example, a standard 9mm pistol might hold 15 to 17 rounds, while a .45 ACP pistol typically holds between 7 and 10 rounds.
However, it’s important to note that the need for high capacity can be mitigated with proper training and practice. In many self-defense situations, accuracy and shot placement are far more important than the number of rounds. With the stopping power of the .45 ACP, fewer rounds may be needed to neutralize a threat. Many modern pistols, like the Glock 21, offer extended magazines, bridging the capacity gap between .45 ACP and 9mm handguns.
Recoil
Recoil is another factor that often deters some shooters from using the .45 ACP. The larger round produces more felt recoil than a 9mm, which can be intimidating for novice shooters. However, this disadvantage can be overcome with training. Many experienced shooters find the recoil of the .45 ACP to be manageable, especially when using pistols designed with recoil mitigation features.
The relatively slow velocity of the .45 ACP, combined with modern advancements in handgun design, has made it easier for shooters to maintain control and fire accurate follow-up shots. Guns with recoil springs, weight distribution and ergonomic grips help manage the recoil and keep the firearm on target.
Shooters Weigh in on using .45 ACP for Self Defense
The .45 ACP has been a popular self-defense round for decades, but opinions on its effectiveness and practicality vary widely. Here’s a look at what experienced shooters and firearms enthusiasts think about using the .45 ACP for self-defense, based on real-world feedback.
Training and Familiarity Matter More Than Caliber
One consistent theme among users is that your proficiency with a firearm is more important than the caliber. As one person put it, “If you can shoot it often enough to get good with it, then caliber becomes less important as training and skill increase.” This sentiment underscores that practice and familiarity with your chosen firearm will have a greater impact on self-defense outcomes than whether you’re using a .45 ACP or a 9mm.
Capacity and Ammunition Availability
While .45 ACP is seen as effective, many users highlight its limitations in capacity compared to 9mm. A .45 ACP handgun typically holds fewer rounds, which can be a concern in high-stress self-defense scenarios. As one user noted, “You’ll have less ammo in the mag than a similarly sized 9mm, and ammo to train with will be more expensive”
Magazines of .45-Caliber rounds are layed out as they are loaded during an exercise for Special Reaction Team, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Aug. 21. The exercise was intended to familiarize the Marines of the team with the M45 1911 A1 pistol as they transition over from the standard issue Beretta M9A1 pistol.
Ballistics and “Bigger Holes”
One of the selling points of the .45 ACP is its ability to create larger wounds due to its larger diameter bullet. However, modern advancements in ballistics have narrowed the gap between the effectiveness of different calibers. One experienced user explained, “I used to be way into .45 ACP because, as people like to say, ‘it makes bigger holes.’ But most modern handgun cartridges have very similar ballistics“
The Role of Overpenetration
Concerns about overpenetration are common in home defense. One shooter remarked that the .45 ACP’s slower velocity could make it less likely to penetrate walls or other barriers, making it a safer choice in some situations
Suppression and Recoil Considerations
The naturally subsonic nature of .45 ACP rounds makes them a popular choice for suppressed firearms, with some users specifically mentioning their preference for .45 ACP in home defense setups that include a suppressor
Heckler & Koch Mark 23 .45 cal SOCOM pistol (Photo: Creative Commons)Overall, the .45 ACP is still considered a viable self-defense option, especially for those familiar with and confident in using the caliber. However, for many, the higher capacity, lower recoil, and cheaper training costs of 9mm handguns make them the preferred choice for everyday carry and home defense. As one user put it, “Regardless of which is actually better, how well it’s used is going to be vastly more important“
It remains a solid self-defense option for those comfortable with the .45 ACP and willing to practice regularly. However, modern 9mm offerings provide capacity, recoil management, and affordability advantages, making them a more well-rounded choice for most situations.
Why the 45 ACP Is a Strong Choice for Self-Defense
When it comes to self-defense, choosing the right caliber is essential, and the .45 ACP makes a strong case for itself. Its combination of historical reliability, stopping power and accuracy makes it one of the most trusted rounds for personal protection. While the criticisms regarding magazine capacity and recoil are valid, they are manageable with the right training and firearm selection. For those prioritizing a proven round that can quickly stop a threat, the .45 ACP remains a top contender.
Ultimately, the best self-defense round is the one you feel most comfortable and confident with, but the .45 ACP offers a balance of power and performance that few other calibers can match. With modern advancements in ammunition and firearm design, the .45 ACP continues to evolve, making it an even more formidable option for those looking to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Own the night — knowing a few tricks can help your eyes work much better in the darkness.
Of the five senses, eyesight is arguably the most important, and during potential emergencies, it’s critical. While other senses play an important role, your eyes are absolutely necessary to locate and evaluate threats, maneuver within your environment, use cover to advantage and effectively target your weapon if necessary.
Sight is so critical, yet it has a serious shortfall — it doesn’t work well at night. Though human eyes aren’t as efficient during low light as a cat or raccoon, there are things you can do to maximize your abilities within the limitations of our species. First, let’s look at the physiological facts.
Anatomy 101
The light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of the eyeball is called the retina, the equivalent of the film in a camera. This layer is comprised of two types of cells: rods and cones. The cones require a large amount of light to operate, can distinguish all colors in the spectrum and primarily function during daylight or bright situations. Unfortunately, they are nearly useless at night.
The rod cells serve the opposite function. They incorporate a light-sensitive protein known as Rhodopsin, often called “visual purple,” which activates the rod cells and allows you to see at night. Cone cells can be thought of as a high-quality video camera, while rod cells are essentially low-resolution black-and-white webcam.
The greatest abundance of low-light rod cells are a few degrees off the central axis of the eyeball,
so looking a bit away from your center of attention will actually produce a better image.
Rod (night) vision is not as effective as cone (daylight) vision and only allows you to distinguish black, white, shades of grey and the general outline of objects. Our eyes contain mostly cone cells, concentrated at the rear of the eye where most light falls. The more specialized low-light rod cells are scattered throughout the retina.
Several factors affect night vision. Exposure to bright light quickly breaks down the visual purple and ‘blinds’ the rod cells until the protein regenerates. Rhodopsin is chemically related to vitamin A, so a deficit of this vitamin can decrease night vision. Illness, headaches, fatigue, drugs, alcohol and heavy smoking also reduce your ability to see at night.
Thermal imaging devices literally highlight warm objects, but they are also bulky, delicate, depend on batteries
for power and are incredibly expensive!
In The Dark
Most folks already realize night vision does not start working immediately after the lights go out. It takes about thirty minutes for the rod cells to produce enough visual purple to reach maximum effectiveness. Thus, if you know you’re going to be operating in low light, it is important to spend at least a few moments in the dark before setting out. If you can spare 20 minutes, your night vision will be much improved.
One common night-vision-killer is your vehicle’s interior lights. Opening a door instantly leads to a flood of white light, which quickly ruins your night vision. Fortunately, there are workarounds.
You can purchase red or blue interior bulbs, use red lens-repair tape from an automotive store or remove them altogether. Fortunately, most relatively new vehicles have a switch to disable interior lights.
Leaving the interior lights off is standard procedure on police and military transportation and isn’t a bad idea if you feel like you might reasonably encounter 2-legged danger around your vehicle. Risky situations aside, this is also a smart idea for avid hunters, pre-dawn anglers, morning joggers or anyone else traipsing about during the darkness hours. If you need the interior lights to find your lost glove, you can always turn them on!
Putting a filter over the lens of a flashlight is great for protecting night vision when you don’t need a strong burst of light. Many flashlights of the ‘tactical’ and hunting variety do so, while most small Everyday Carry (EDC) lights do not. This problem falls into the category of “Do the best you can with what you have on hand.” I’ve found a fat finger or two makes a nice, adjustable, improvised low-light filter. But be careful, as some LED lights get quite hot!
You’ll never have the night-vision of a coyote but by using some of the techniques mentioned, you can operate effectively
at night without thermal imaging or light-intensifying devices.
Sight Tricks
Even without artificial light, there is usually enough ambient illumination for your eyeballs to work to some degree or another. Rod cells are not located in the center of the retina — the most dark-sensitive region is located six to ten degrees off-axis. This is why the technique of “Off-center vision” works. For example, if you want to examine someone’s face in the dark, you will need to look at their ear. When evaluating a landmark or object, look several feet left or right of it. It takes some practice, but you will be amazed at how well this works.
You must also “scan” with your night vision. Even in dim light, the visual purple eventually bleaches out within 4 to 10 seconds, causing individual rod cells to cease functioning. To compensate, simply shift your glance every few seconds and avoid staring. You have probably noticed that the harder you stare at something in the dark, the more it will seem to float and jump and finally disappear. This is due to the degradation of visual purple.
While electronic night vision devices have evolved to the point where darkness doesn’t pose any substantial hindrance, the old Mark I eyeball is still less bulky, easier and much faster to deploy. Practice these techniques, and you’ll be surprised at how well you can “own the night.”
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Clever!
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