Strange question
- Thread starter Lead hammer
- Start date
I suppose you really should direct a question like this to an ER doctor or a trauma pathologist. I don't know the answer, but I suspect if you suffer some catastrophe that blows out the grips of a pistol, if they're made of wood, aluminum, rubber or plastic, I think the only real difference in damage to the shooter is how many of what kind of cartridges are detonated. Like just about everything else, I guess you could find information of this sort on line somewhere, but it certainly isn't something you'd run into very often.
The few guns I've seen, that have "let go", generally the charge seems to be directed up, back and/or, to the sides. Usually the mag will get blown clear of the gun, too. If there's sufficient pressure directed through the handle, (which I suppose could happen - though I've not seen it) - aluminum would have the best chance of containing it. There's a lot of variables though - the construction of the gun, the materials used, etc. If it's a real concern, rather than just a curiosity - stick with a steel frame gun. My buddy use to work for the Eastern Canada importer for Glocks and a couple of those came back, after a "catastrophic failure" - glad I wasn't holding onto it when it happened. Ever see what happens to a 'Vette, when it hits a hydro pole, or bridge abutment ? That's what it reminded me of.
OccasionallyOnTarget
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Burnaby, BC
Hopefully it never happens, but I would guess that rubber plastic grips would be easier for shrapnel to pass through.
trubluscrew
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
I've only heard, then seen the aftermath of a KB once.
I was on the other end of the range and this guy's vintage Colt 1911 went boom. He had wood grips and it left an ugly mess. His hand was shredded pretty good and most of the wood was large pieces (and splinters about 1" long). He was trying out some hot handloads he had made up.
He picked out the big chunks, wrapped his hand in gauze and went to the hosp. He had x-rays done and there was no foreign matter in his hand. so they cleaned and bandaged it.
Anyway, back to the original question. I don't think it matters much; like MTF said, it depends on the cartridge and how well the grips absorb the explosion. Any foreign matter in the body is bad
I was on the other end of the range and this guy's vintage Colt 1911 went boom. He had wood grips and it left an ugly mess. His hand was shredded pretty good and most of the wood was large pieces (and splinters about 1" long). He was trying out some hot handloads he had made up.
He picked out the big chunks, wrapped his hand in gauze and went to the hosp. He had x-rays done and there was no foreign matter in his hand. so they cleaned and bandaged it.
Anyway, back to the original question. I don't think it matters much; like MTF said, it depends on the cartridge and how well the grips absorb the explosion. Any foreign matter in the body is bad
