Compensated pistol in close quarters?

[John Carp]

With typical Law Enforcment Ammuntion IE Speer Gold Dot, Federal HST, Winchester Ranger, you will not receive the bright white muzzle flash that sporting ammunition might exhibit.
Typically the high energy flash resistant propellants that are used in LEO ammunition produce a dull orange red flash.
As Mr. Pincus stated, my concern would be the direction of the gas ejecta.
You may have gasses, burned and un burned propellant directed towards your eyes.
Additionally, in a muzzle contact or near muzzle contact shot, the super sonic, super heated gas plume can in and of it self cause a devistating conical wound.
The over pressure entering the human body can burn and rupture organs and push soft tissues past were the natural elasticity will allow.
I carry a Sig P229 in .357 Sig.
When shooting with friends, the fellows typically will not stand closer then six feet to my right and left, because of the muzzle blast!
My two cent would be, carry your current platforms unless you can receive a "whole" trade to the non comp versions and invest in plenty of training ammunition, with the load that you use/carry.
Be sure that you are as proficient as you can possible be with your choice of weapon.

John
Firearms Instructor
Tactical Instructor
Less Lethal
Tactical Team Member
United States Department of Justice

[MAUSERMAN]

I never use copmensators on any of my handguns because the blast that close could burn me and light up my clothing. I carry a G26 9mm filled with tap fpd ammo and hardly notice any flash when it fires.

[twyacht]

Thank you John, Welcome to DRTV. The comp. pistols for SD have been debated here many times, and any non orthodox shooting stance, could cause injury, temp blindness at night, and what you described.

In regards to ammo, I have seen some difference in flash with the only ported pistol I own which is an EAA Witness .40.


It is a sound pistol, that functions without fail. Federal and Speer exhibit more gas/smoke, while the Magtech and Winchester White Box, have more flash, (daylight shooting only)...but very prominent.

It is not my primary SD carry pistol, by any means,  but is a reliable pistol with any .40 caliber ammo.

I need to get a non comp'd barrel for it.

In any other stance, firing a ported/comp barrel could be very dangerous for the shooter.

[billt]

I have both the Glock Model 21, and the 21-C, (Compensated). Both are equal handguns except for the compensated barrel. I use the compensated 21 as primarily a range gun. The above photo shows why. If I fire the pistol in an indoor range with handloads with Unique powder, the flash is quite brilliant. In bright sunlight you can barely notice it. The standard Glock 21 is what I usually carry.  Bill T.

[Kid Shelleen]

Great pic Bill. Perfect demonstration.

[Sponsor]