Lecture Notes: Kentucky Ballistics - Shotgun Power Test

Introduction

• Presenter: Scott from Kentucky Ballistics
• Objective: Test the perceived power of sawed-off shotguns as depicted in video games and movies versus standard shotguns.
• Tools: Ballistic dummy lab zombie torso with lifelike flesh, bones, and green blood.

Equipment Used

• Shotguns:
  • Remington Road Warrior 12 gauge with 10-inch barrels (Sawed-off)
  • 10 gauge sawed-off shotgun
  • Remington 887 Nitro Mag (Standard 12 gauge)
  • 10 gauge Goose gun (Standard with long barrel)

Experimental Setup

• Distances Tested: 20 yards, 10 yards, and point-blank range.
• Ammo Used: 12 gauge and 10 gauge double-aught buck (9 pellets for 12 gauge, 18 pellets for 10 gauge).

Observations and Results

20 Yards

• Sawed-off Shotguns:

  • Hard to aim, larger spread, fewer hits on target.
  • 12 gauge sawed-off: 3 out of 9 pellets hit.
  • 10 gauge sawed-off: Several hits but not all pellets hit.

• Standard Shotguns:

  • More centered and tighter shot patterns.
  • 12 gauge standard: More pellets hit with tighter spread.
  • 10 gauge Goose gun: Almost all pellets hit, very effective.

10 Yards

• Sawed-off Shotguns:

  • Tighter group than at 20 yards, indicating better performance at closer range.

• Standard Shotguns:

  • Very tight group, more pellets hit the target effectively.

Point-Blank Range

• Sawed-off Shotguns:

  • Extremely tight group, significant damage.
  • Sawed-off 10 gauge delivered noticeable energy, moving the target.

• Standard Shotguns:

  • More damage, especially with the Goose gun.
  • Significant exit damage observed.

Conclusion

• Sawed-off shotguns are not necessarily more powerful than standard shotguns.
• Standard shotguns are more effective over longer distances and still effective at close range.
• Sawed-off shotguns have a unique spread and energy distribution at close range but lack the control and effectiveness of standard shotguns at distance.

Personal Commentary

• Scott notes the cold weather made shooting conditions uncomfortable.
• Additional commentary on the sponsor: Aura – a company that helps protect personal information online.

Closing Remarks

• Scott encourages viewers to share their thoughts on which shotgun type is superior.
• Expresses challenge in recording due to the cold conditions but provides thanks to viewers.

Additional Notes

• The importance of safety and controlled environments when testing firearms is implicit throughout the demonstration.
• The practical application of these findings is mostly in understanding shotgun effectiveness for defensive or recreational use.