RE: Low Tech Scenarios

On Wed, 20 May 1998, Thomas Barclay wrote:

> I take your point, but I don't want to be unduly sarcastic in 
> suggesting that a doctor (another "real" professional) might choose a 
> scalpel, but I don't think anyone was speaking in such terms. 

I thought it self-evident I was talking about professional *killers*.
I'll
try to make a point of being more specific in the future. And make that
firearm of choice. 

> No army I'm aware of has made the .22LR or the .22 short the calibre 
> of choice for issue sidearms. 

No army I'm aware of uses .600 H&H Nitro Express either, but that
doesn't 
mean any of these rounds couldn't kill a man. 

> Most military spec ops probably use 
> either a silenced .45 or a silenced 9mm with low velocity rounds for 
> controllability and tissue damage if they are using pistols at all. 

They don't use pistols at all if they can help it. 9mm and .45 (and all 
pistols with non-fixed barrel) are incredibly prone to malfunction with 
the weight of the silencer attached -- nevermind that an effective 
silencer also obscures your sights and is long enough to turn your
pistol 
into a stockless SMG. Better take a silenced MP5 if you can.

But still, "hush-puppies" are often .22LR guns.

> 5.56 NATO is an Assault Rifle round for modern infantry combat. .22LR 
> is a varmit hunting round - you wouldn't use it on wild boar, deer, 
> bear, or the like.

Actually, .22LR is good enough to administer coup-de-grace to elk. 

> In truth, it isn't the size, calibre or capability of the weapon that 
> makes it dangerous, its the carrier. His training, skill, and 
> experience can turn a .22 LR into a one-shot mankiller, or turn a 
> 7.62mm full auto weapon into a combat ineffective ammo burner. 

Well, I agree. If could have perfect shot placement all the time, even
relatively wimpy rounds will do. But usually undcer battlefield
conditions
you have to take any hit you can, and have a weapon powerful enough to
make most of it. 

I believe I already addressed the stopping power vs. killing power
issue.

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