Quote Originally Posted by Irving View Post
I'd like to have some water jugs set out that far. I'm curious how much penetration power is left in a handgun round at distances over 50 yards. That seems like a pretty important part of this scenario. If you can get head shots perfectly every time at 65 yards, you still shouldn't be taking those shots if the round is just going to be bouncing off of the targets skull. Might as well be throwing rocks then.
We used to shoot a course (different agency) where the final stage of fire was 50 yards. Granted, we were shooting semi supported against a barricade or from the kneeling while semi supported against a barricade. Most pistol rounds will still do significant damage out to 100 yards, even out of short barrels. The biggest problem is the inability of almost all shooters to consistently hit even man sized targets past 50 yards. Put some stress and make the scenario dynamic and shooting < 5" barrel pistols over 25 yards and I can't help but question your thought process. Use the right tool for the job. This is what submachine guns were developed for, 35 to 100 yard shooting. SMGs can and are used at closer distances very effectively, but they don't conceal very well and tend not to be very comfortable over prolonged periods of time. Pistols can be used at distance greater than 35 yards, but they are difficult for average shooters to place rounds on target with any consistency, and they increase the possibility of hitting innocent bystanders.

I'm sure there is a ballistic app available that would compute the force of any given round at any given distance out of a 5" barrel. Should be a simple physics problem.

That said, if anyone wants to bring some density targets (milk jugs, phone books) they would be welcome. I would like to see someone who can consistently hit a milk jug or phone book at 65 yards with a compact pistol. That would be impressive.