Handgun vs. Rifle

[MikeBjerum]

This morning as I was between barns, and listening to the radio, and ordering feed, and doing math in my head for stocking a barn, and a thousand other tasks, I heard a report about a police officer who found himself under attack by a "man wielding an assault rifle," and how another man did something to intervene and protect the officer.  I heard parts of this story twice over a three hour period, but now I cannot find any evidence of the story ever being out there.

Even though, here is one of the items the man who intervened stated, and the reporter jumped on:  The officer ONLY had a handgun, and was severely OUTGUNNED by the attacker who wielded an ASSAULT RIFLE.

Facts to consider this as you think on it, and evaluate if you find the story out there:

Power factors of different ammunitions:
     9mm Luger with 115 grain JHP - 140,875
     .45acp with 230 grain JHP - 202,400
     .223 with 45 grain JHP - 162,000

In terms of mobility, use of cover and concealment, and ability to maintain of control of the firearm in close quarter combat, the handgun wins with no problem.  Long range accuracy and ability to burn rounds through heavy materials (cover) at close range goes to the rifle.  However, the use of a rest makes the handgun nearly as accurate as the rifle out to 60 yards in the calibers law enforcement would carry.

I don't see evidence of the officer being outgunned.  True, he may have been pinned down in the fight, or not prepared to respond, but I feel he had an equal or better weapon for the fight, and he had an advantage in the fight.

I am glad the officer came out of it, but I am ticked that this story is being used by the media to create more hype concerning "assault rifles."

[les snyder]

in terms of accuracy, power, speed... I have considerably more accuracy and speed with my game rifle at any distance that I have the ability to maneuver the rifle... and in terms of power, at a distance of 150m or less where the 55grain bullet is traveling at least 2700fps devastating power... I'll pick the rifle any time

[alfsauve]

Kevin said it, he may have not been the first, that the purpose of the rifle is to move engagement further away from your doorstep. 

Of course when you're suddenly attacked you use what you got at the moment, but if you have time then you select the proper tool.  Anything other than right in my face, I'm going to select some form of long(er) gun, not only for it's ability to engage further out, but for both it's firepower and capacity.

[Solus]

"If I was expecting trouble, I'd have brought my rifle"

If the threat was around 10 yards out and closing, I'd want a handgun to appear in my grip....

Out past 10 yards and stationary or receding, I think I'd make it a 12ga.

Approaching 30+ yards, give me that rifle.

Effective range for each is about double that for rapid fire, but that is without incoming.

I don't expect to get nice center of mass hits on a moving target with either long gun, but I think the border line hits will be more effective with the shotgun at close range.

[tombogan03884]

The best choice is the one you will have with in arms reach. And that most likely will not be a rifle.
.357 Magnum and 10mm are both considered practical for deer size game out to 100 yards.
Learn to use the tools you've got I guess.

[Sponsor]

[PegLeg45]

Several things to consider: each individual case or scenario has its own set circumstances.


In a SHTF engagement, all bets are off the table and the farther away I am the better.... the rifle is my weapon of choice for many reasons: caliber power factor, range, accuracy, firepower, etc.

In a self defense situation, there are other factors to consider:
Outside the home, inside the home, in a walmart parking lot, etc....each has its own set of variables concerning distance and how you are being attacked or engaged.

One main concern to remember in a personal SD situation (especially outside the home), the farther away the antagonist, the more your actions will be called into question.


At the end of the day, I still personally defer to folks like Clint Smith who sum it up by saying, "The best use for a handgun is to fight your way to a long gun."

I'm still gonna carry my pistol everywhere I go, though.... because the weapon that is with you trumps the one at home.

[Hazcat]

Several things to consider: each individual case or scenario has its own set circumstances.


In a SHTF engagement, all bets are off the table and the farther away I am the better.... the rifle is my weapon of choice for many reasons: caliber power factor, range, accuracy, firepower, etc.

In a self defense situation, there are other factors to consider:
Outside the home, inside the home, in a walmart parking lot, etc....each has its own set of variables concerning distance and how you are being attacked or engaged.

One main concern to remember in a personal SD situation (especially outside the home), the farther away the antagonist, the more your actions will be called into question.


At the end of the day, I still personally defer to folks like Clint Smith who sum it up by saying, "The best use for a handgun is to fight your way to a long gun."

I'm still gonna carry my pistol everywhere I go, though.... because the weapon that is with you trumps the one at home.

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THIS!

[MikeBjerum]

Keep in mind two items.  I still do not have the report.  However, I have been given a lead where I may find it.  Second, this appeared to be a close up altercation. 

Yes, there is a place for a rifle, and it has its advantages in may situation.  However, the handgun can be superior as well.  My point with the ballistics was to show that in a close battle the handgun is a powerful as a rifle, and that there are advantages while fighting yourself to freedom.

[tombogan03884]

Close range a pistol is much better than a rifle. An opponent that gets inside the length of a rifles barrel is impossible to shoot.