Replies

RE "But then, a .32 in the eye would still likely penetrate the thin bone behind the eye and prove fatal. "

If you're really forced to defend yourself with a small caliber handgun, I'd suggest trying for a "punch shot".

IOW, actually punch the perp with the muzzle and pull the trigger. The expanding gases going into the bullet hole will actually cause more injury than the bullet in these small caliber weapons.

"IOW, actually punch the perp with the muzzle and pull the trigger. The expanding gases going into the bullet hole will actually cause more injury than the bullet in these small caliber weapons.-RatSlayer

PLEASE, NO!!! Do not promote this as a method of defense using a small caliber weapon... If you are dealing with a revolver, then yes, the expanding gases would enter the wound channel and cause more damage. You have also just put yourself within grasp of the bad guy - something best avoided all together. If you are using a pistol, jamming the muzzle of the pistol will (unless you are just barely touching him with it) move the slide of the weapon far enough back out of battery to cause it not to fire. (On many pistols, all it takes is a small fraction of an inch.) If that happens, you will likely find yourself in a struggle for the weapon - not good. If I can get my hand arond the slide of your weapon, I can get the slide out of battery and use my free hand to: (your choice) punch, stab, or bludgeon you.

Never get in to a physical scuffle with a perpetrator if you can distance yourself from him and eliminate the threat. In other words, back up using a "step and drag" retreat (preferably to the bad guy's "weak" side) while facing the perpetrator and firing at him. Distance is your friend if you are an accomplished marksman in an armed confrontation. Do not try to make up for poor marksmanship by moving closer to the bad guy. Make up for poor marksmanship by getting out to the range and practicing under "stress environment" conditions as much as possible.

Regards,
Raven6

PS: Carry a big enough caliber so that you do not have to think about using any other part of the pistol/revolver (or the by-product [expanding gases] of firing it) as a weapon. A 9mm is at the bottom end of that scale.

The expanding gases going into the bullet hole will actually cause more injury than the bullet in these small caliber weapons.

Bingo! Exactly correct. In fact, the resulting wound looks very much like a contact shotgun wound. The flesh is seared and ripped open. But you'll likely get only one shot as the flesh will also get all embedded into the action of the weapon and may likely foul it up. Very messy.