The one thing missing from most of the "critiques" of M&S is the thing I was most looking for from this thread: how would you do it better?
The first thing I realize, is that it really doesn't matter. So I wouldn't even try to validate such a theory on 1 shot kills. Why? Self defense and shooting an attacker, is NOT MATHEMATICAL. And as such, statistics will play very little in finding the truth. On the other hand, physics and biology are 2 areas that do play an important part in determining if an attacker can be stopped or not.
1) Self defense; shooting another human being; and their psychological response based on numerous factors at that time and place; makes such a theory as "1 Shot Stops" a non-mathematical reality. In other words; no two people shot with the same caliber bullet, in the same exact location, are going to have the same exact REACTION to the shot.
2) Everyone agrees that shot placement is the most important factor when using a handgun for self defense. Whether the gun is a 45acp or a 25acp; if shot in the proper location, the target WILL CEASE their attack on you. And counter to that; even the 44mag or 50cal shot in a non-vital area will allow the target to continue their advancement towards you.
3) No human in their right mind is going to attempt "1 Shot Stops". if they do, they are crazy. Yes, if the criminal took off running after the 1st shot; you shouldn't be chasing them and continuing your shooting. But if they are still in the same spot they were when you made the first shot, then you should be continuing your shots until the attacker is no longer a threat, or when you run out of ammunition.
Even with hunting rifles/rounds where the effects of hydrostatic shock (If you go with that belief) doesn't kill an animal with one shot if they aren't shot in the proper location. Anyone who's hunted, has undoubtedly had to track an animal they have shot. And sometimes, we don't find the animal. And that shooting is done with a similar weight 140-180 grain bullet; that happens to be averaging 2200-3000 fps. And worse yet, the animal doesn't experience the same rationalizing psychological responses that human have. Meaning; They might be motivated by instinct and fright, but they aren't affected by a fear of dieing that humans go through.
The one and only truth when it comes to self defense shooting, is the law of physics and biology. The BIGGER the bullet, the more "POTENTIAL" blood loss the shooting victim will experience. If the shooting victim is mentally aware of it, it will "PROBABLY" have a psychological affect also on their behavior. This psychological behavior can happen from being shot with ANY CALIBER cartridge; however; some of the smaller caliber bullets aren't as effective in "Getting the attention of the shooting victim". In other words, like I mentioned earlier, the shooting victim has to be MENTALLY AWARE that they've been shot for the psychological affect to kick in. But other than that, the larger the bullet the more blood loss it can potentially can cause; and thus the quicker the person being shot will stop advancing and being a threat.
But sometimes we have to compromise on the size of the caliber we are carrying for protection. Carrying a 12 gauge or assault rifle isn't practical, so we choose handguns. Sometimes carrying a full size auto or revolver like a 1911A1 or a S&W 686 4" isn't always a practical gun to carry. So we sometimes go with a smaller caliber gun. Sometimes the availability of the ammo, price, etc... is a factor. Maybe it's a gun passed down to you. Maybe the person isn't comfortable with the kick of a larger caliber; or psychologically, they aren't comfortable without having 15-18 rounds in the magazine. Whatever the reason to use a smaller caliber gun, certain compromises must exist. Just like having a handgun at all, compared to a shotgun, is a compromise. The smaller the caliber, the better marksman we need to be. But if you're good, then a smaller caliber will work just fine.
I consider my "Self Defense" guns very logical. I'm not saying they are the best available. I'm saying they are logical for MY USE. The BIGGEST holes (Collectively) I can put into a human body is made by a shotgun. So I have a 12 gauge shotgun using either #4 or #00 buck. If that isn't possible or feasible; then if I'm at home; then it's a S&W Model 13-1 357 magnum with 158 grain Hydra-Shocks in it. It's a compromise from the 12 gauge, but it's more easily available; simpler to shoot for my family members when stress/fear/etc.... are involved in the situation. For me, when I'm carrying, I try and carry my SigSauer P220 45acp. It's the biggest caliber bullet efficiently available. (No, I won't consider a 50 cal). The 45acp with a JHP, will create the largest hole possible. And the larger the hole, the more blood loss and the better the odds are that I can hit a vital organ or the CNS. But sometimes the 45acp isn't practical. So I carry either the 32acp walther/feg PPK or the CZ-82 9mm Makarov. As for diameter, both are generally going to make about the same size hole as the 9mm, 38spl, etc... As for the 40/10mm; if I can go that big, I'd go with my 45acp. I doubt there's a 40/10mm the size of a walther PPK that wouldn't be about the most uncomfortable thing to shoot. So for civilian use, I find the 40/10mm to just be a waste of a caliber. Same with many of the calibers like the 327, 357 sig, 45gap, etc... Police, FBI, etc... can do quite well with a 9mm if they need magazine capacity; and a 45acp if they were content with 8 rounds. Anyway, that's another issue. Point is; my compromise when using the 32acp or 9mm makarov is that I have to improve on my accuracy, being the hole is smaller. But when shooting ANY HANDGUN, we have to improve on accuracy because of the simple fact that it's a handgun.
So, M&S or anyone else can do all the studies and make all the stats they want. And if you believe that the stats have meaning, then by all means get the gun they say is the best for 1 stop shots. And because your confident level will be so high, you can have the Barny Fife arrogance and only put one bullet in the gun. Me personally; I'll be using my FMJ in my 32acp; HP in my 9mm makarov and 45acp; and #4/00 buck in my 12 gauge. IF; let me emphasize the word IF: I choose to actually pull out a gun on someone and pull the trigger; no M&S stat will mean anything. Because I WILL empty the entire magazine/Cylinder into that person's body. I even practice at least once a month, being able to shoot a magazine of 8 rounds, into a paper plate, at 20-30 feet, all in less than 2 seconds. If I can't hit all 8 in the plate, then I need to keep practicing. Then I practice 3 different plates. 3+2+3. Anyway; that's why I don't need to do such stats and why I believe that a 1 stop shot theory is a waste of time.
