The Biomechanical Reality of Incapacitation
An evidence-based overview of terminal ballistics, anatomical barriers, shot placement, penetration, and physiological incapacitation.
Terminal Ballistics
Rapid Physiological Incapacitation and Torso Shot Priority
Rapid physiological incapacitation depends on interrupting blood flow. Why the heart area and great vessels matter in torso targeting.
What to Look for in Ballistic Gel Tests
Useful ballistic-gel testing focuses on penetration, projectile condition, documented protocols, and repeatable results—not dramatic slow-motion effects.
Why Jacketed Hollow Points Are Used for Defense
Jacketed hollow points balance sufficient penetration with controlled expansion, greater frontal resistance, and a more defined permanent wound path.
5.7×28: Useful Cartridge, Not a Wonder Round
The 5.7×28 cartridge offers low recoil, capacity, and accessibility advantages, but pistol performance should be judged by evidence rather than P90 mythology.
Understanding Bird Shot Is Not For Defense
Comparing the FBI ballistic standards and the idea of birdshot being an effective defensive tool shows the profound ignorance of people pushing for the birdshot. The FBI standards establish reliable penetration of 12-18″ in verified ballistic gel from reasonable ranges beyond contact distance. Birdshot can (can- not will) create lethality at contact distance, but diminishes … Read more
P&S ModCast 438 — YouTube Ballistics: Misinformation or Ads
P&S ModCast 438 examines ballistic misinformation and advertising presented as education on YouTube and similar platforms. Mark Fricke, Chuck Haggard, Steve Shields, and Matt Landfair discuss how viewers can evaluate claims about ammunition and terminal performance with more care, context, and skepticism. Released: August 29, 2025Runtime: 2 hours, 33 minutesHost: Matt LandfairPanel: Mark Fricke, Chuck … Read more
P&S ModCast 400 — The Return of DocGKR
P&S ModCast 400 reunites Dr. Gary Roberts, Chuck Haggard, Fred Lucas, and Matt Landfair for a long-form discussion of pistol terminal ballistics.
A Missing Terminal Ballistic Frame of Reference
There is an interesting pattern with people who are looking for the best possible defensive pistol ammo and yet are drawn to questionable unproven solutions that feature misleading information to sell it. They buy the questionable ammo and defend it while repeating advertising claims without having an understanding of how it actually compares to known … Read more
P&S ModCast 308 — Pistol Bullet Performance
Dr. Andrew D. Fisher, Mark Fricke, Chuck Haggard, Dr. Sherman House, and Matt Landfair discuss pistol-bullet wounding and performance.