The 3 most accurate firefights ever Filmed by Hollywood.

 

 I snagged this from "We are the Mighty", I thought it was pretty good.

It’s no secret that movies get a lot wrong about firearms and the ways they’re used in a fight. From every 80’s protagonist refusing to shoulder their rifles when they fire, to the seemingly infinite magazine capacity in every hero’s gun, filmmakers have long prized what looks coolover what’s actually possible in their work, and to be honest, it’s hard to blame them. After all, diving sideways while firing pistols from each hand does look pretty badass, even if it’s just about the dumbest thing someone could do in a firefight.

There are, of course, exceptions to the rule when it comes to Hollywood’s depictions of firefights–movies that manage to offer a realistic representation of how armed conflicts actually play out while still giving the audience something to get excited about. These movies may not be realistic from end to end, but each offers at least one firefight that was realistic enough to get even highly trained warfighters to inch up toward the edges of their seats.

1. Delta’s time to shine: “Sicario”

The border scene in 2015’s Sicario is worthy of study from multiple angles: as an exercise in film making, this scene puts on a clinic in tension building, and although some elements of the circumstances may not be entirely realistic, the way in which the ensuing firefight plays out offers a concise and brutal introduction to the capabilities boasted by the sorts of men that find their way onto an elite team like Delta.

Unlike the Chuck Norris depictions of Delta from the past, these men are short on words and heavy on action, using their skill sets to not only neutralize opponents, but to keep the situation as contained as possible. The tense lead up and rapid conclusion leaves the viewer with the same sense of continued stress even after the shooting stops that anyone who has ever been in a fight can relate to, despite the operators themselves who are seemingly unphased. As real special operators will often attest, it’s less about being unphased and more about getting the job done–but to the rest of us mere mortals, it looks pretty much the same.

2. The Gold Standard: “Saving Private Ryan”

When “Saving Private Ryan” premiered in 1998, I distinctly recall my parents returning home early from their long-planned date night. My father, a Vietnam veteran that had long struggled with elements of his service had been excited about the new Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg wartime epic, but found the opening scene depicting the graphic reality of the Normandy invasion of World War II to be too realistic to handle. My dad, who never spoke of his time deployed, chose to leave the theater and spent the rest of the evening sitting quietly in his room.

This list is, in spirit, a celebration of realism in cinema, but realism has a weight to it, and sometimes, that weight can feel too heavy to manage. A number of veterans have echoed my father’s sentiments about the film (he did eventually watch it at home by himself), calling that opening sequence, often heralded as a masterpiece of film making, one of the hardest scenes they’ve ever managed to watch.

3. Val Kilmer helps train Green Berets: “Heat”

The dramatic ten-minute shootout in “Heat” has become legendary in Hollywood for good reason. For six weeks, the film’s production team closed down parts of downtown Los Angeles every Saturday and Sunday to turn the city into a war zone, and the actors came prepared to do their parts. Production brought in real British SAS operatives to train the actors in real combat tactics at the nearby L.A. County Sheriff’s combat shooting ranges.

Legend has it that Val Kilmer took to the training so well that the shot of him laying down fire in multiple directions and reloading his weapon (without the scene cutting) has been shown at Fort Bragg as a part of training for American Green Berets. Marines training at MCRD San Diego have also been shown this firefight from “Heat” as a depiction of how to effectively retreat under fire.

 

 I got this link from Jordan Palka, the information is compliments of "Sportsman's Warehouse" I get nothing out of this, but I figured the information might be useful for my readers.

Rifle Recoil Table

A Guide to Rifle Recoil Energy, Velocity and Level

Recoil (often referred to as "kick") is the force a rifle exerts against the shooter when it is fired. As a rule of thumb, the heavier a rifle the lower the recoil. However, perceived recoil -- what the shooter feels -- is influenced by several factors including the powder load, bullet mass, projectile speed and stock shape. Recoil is measured by free recoil energy, and recoil velocity. Selecting the correct rifle and cartridge combination ensures that a shooter can shoot accurately without discomfort.

Rifle recoil not only impacts how accurately you shoot, it can also determine how many shots you can shoot in a day, and simply how much you enjoy using your rifle. You’ll want a lower recoil rifle for shooting practice, so that you can shoot for longer periods of time. You’ll also want lower recoil when you’re hunting over long days. If you’re hunting game where you’ll just need one well-placed shot, and you’re able to maintain your aim through the heavier recoil, a more powerful rifle with heavy recoil may be right for you.

The following chart provides a rifle's recoil level based on its recoil score*.

Recoil Score*	Recoil Level
1-2	Low Recoil
3-4	Moderate Recoil
5-10	High Recoil

The following table provides rifle recoil energy, recoil velocity and recoil score of various rifle cartridges based on respective projectile weight, projectile velocity, powder charge and rifle weight.

Note: Bw = Bullet Weight; Mv = Muzzle Velociy; Rw = Rifle Weight

Cartridge (Bw;Mv;Rw)	Recoil Energy (ft-lbs)	Recoil Velocity (fps)	Recoil Score*
.17 HMR (17; 2550; 7.5)	0.2	1.5	1.02
.17 Hornet (20; 3650; 8.5)	0.6	2	1.08
.17 Rem. (25; 4000; 8.5)	1.6	3.5	1.24
.204 Ruger (33; 4225; 8.5)	2.6	4.4	1.38
.218 Bee (45; 2800; 8.5)	1.3	3.1	1.20
.22 LR (40; 1165; 4)	0.2	1	1.00
.22 WMR (40; 1910; 6.75)	0.4	1.5	1.04
.22 Hornet (45; 2800; 7.5)	1.3	3.3	1.20
.222 Rem. (50; 3200; 7.5)	3	5.1	1.45
.223 Rem. (45; 3500; 8.5)	2.6	4.5	1.38
.223 Rem. (55; 3200; 8)	3.2	5.1	1.46
.223 Rem. (62; 3025; 7)	3.9	6	1.57
.223 Rem. (70; 2900; 8)	3.6	5.4	1.52
.224 Wby. Mag. (55; 3700; 10)	3.6	4.8	1.49
.22-250 Rem. (55; 3600; 8.5)	4.7	6	1.65
.22-250 Rem. (60; 3500; 12.5)	3.1	4	1.41
.220 Swift (50; 3900; 10.5)	3.7	4.8	1.50
.220 Swift (55; 3800; 8.5)	5.3	6.4	1.72
.223 WSSM (55; 3850; 7.5)	6.4	7.4	1.87
5.6x50 Mag. (60; 3300; 7.5)	4	5.9	1.58
5.6x52R (70; 2800; 7.5)	3.7	5.7	1.54
5.6x57 RWS (60; 3800; 7.5)	6.9	7.7	1.93
6mm BR Rem. (80; 3100; 8.5)	5.2	6.3	1.71
6mm Norma BR (95; 2914; 8.5)	5.9	6.7	1.80
.243 Win. (75; 3400; 8.5)	7.2	7.4	1.95
.243 Win. (95; 3100; 7.25)	11	9.9	2.43
.243 Win. (100; 2960; 7.5)	8.8	8.7	2.16
6mm Rem. (100; 3100; 8)	10	9	2.29
.243 WSSM (100; 3100; 7.5)	10.1	9.3	2.31
.240 Wby. Mag. (100; 3406; 8)	17.9	9.7	3.09
.25-20 Win. (86; 1460; 6.5)	1.3	3.5	1.21
.256 Win. Mag. (75; 2400; 7.5)	2.4	4.5	1.36
.25-35 Win. (110; 2425; 7.5)	6	7.2	1.83
.25-35 Win. (117; 2230; 7.5)	7	8.3	1.97
.250 Savage (100; 2900; 7.5)	7.8	8.2	2.04
.257 Roberts (100; 3000; 7.5)	9.3	8.9	2.22
.257 Roberts (120; 2800; 8)	10.7	9.3	2.37
.257 Rob. Imp. (115; 2900; 8)	10.8	9.3	2.38
.25 WSSM (120; 2990; 8)	13.8	11.1	2.75
.25-06 Rem. (100; 3230; 8)	11	9.4	2.41
.25-06 Rem. (120; 3000; 8)	12.5	10	2.58
.257 Wby. Mag. (100; 3602; 9.25)	15.8	10.5	2.92
.257 Wby. Mag. (115; 3433; 9.25)	17.7	11.1	3.13
.257 Wby. Mag. (120; 3300; 9.25)	15.1	10.3	2.84
6.5mm Grendel (120; 2600; 7.5)	8.9	8.8	2.18
6.5mm Grendel (123; 2590; 8)	7.9	8	2.05
6.5x54 M-S (140; 2400; 7.5)	11.1	9.7	2.43
6.5 PRC (143; 2960; 6.1)	15.7	11	2.93
6.5x55 Swede (129; 2700; 8)	12.5	10	2.58
6.5x55 Swede (140; 2650; 9)	10.6	8.7	2.34
6.5x55 Swede (140; 2735; 8.5)	12.1	9.6	2.52
6.5x55 Swede (160; 2300; 8)	12.7	10.1	2.60
.260 Rem. (120; 2860; 7.5)	13	10.6	2.65
.260 Rem. (140; 2360; 8)	9.5	8.8	2.23
.260 Rem. (129; 2900; 8.25)	12.5	9.9	2.57
.260 Rem. (140; 2750; 8.25)	11.9	9.7	2.51
6.5x57 (140; 2700; 8)	12.5	10	2.58
6.5mm-284 Norma (140; 2920; 8)	14.7	10.9	2.83
6.5mm-06 (140; 2800; 8)	13.9	10.6	2.74
6.5mm Rem. Mag. (120; 3100; 8)	13.1	10.3	2.65
6.5mm Rem. Mag. (140; 2900; 8.5)	13.9	10.3	2.73
6.5x68 S (140; 2990; 8.5)	16.8	11.3	3.05
.264 Win. Mag. (140; 3200; 8.5)	19.2	12.1	3.32
.26 Nosler (129; 3400; 8.5)	23.9	13.5	3.84
6.5-300 Wby. Mag. (140; 3395; 9.5)	21.1	12	3.50
6.8mm Rem. SPC (115; 2625; 7.5)	8	8.3	2.07
.270 Win. (120; 2675; 8)	10	9	2.29
.270 Win. (140; 3000; 8)	17.1	11.7	3.10
.270 Win. (150; 2900; 8)	17	11.7	3.09
.270 WSM (130; 3275; 8)	18.7	12.3	3.28
.270 WSM (150; 3000; 8)	18.9	12.3	3.30
.270 Wby. Mag. (130; 3375; 9)	21	12.3	3.50
.270 Wby. Mag. (150; 3000; 9.25)	17.8	11.1	3.14
7x57 Mauser (139; 2700; 8.75)	11.7	9.3	2.47
7x57 Mauser (140; 2660; 8)	13.5	10.4	2.69
7x57 Mauser (145; 2725; 8.5)	13	9.9	2.62
7x57 Mauser (175; 2500; 8)	15.5	11.2	2.92
7mm-08 Rem. (120; 3000; 7.5)	12.1	10.2	2.55
7mm-08 Rem. (140; 2860; 8)	12.6	10.1	2.59
7mm-08 Rem. (150; 2750; 7.5)	13.9	10.9	2.75
7x65R (175; 2600; 8)	17.1	11.7	3.10
.280 Rem. (140; 3000; 8)	17.2	11.8	3.11
.280 Rem. (150; 2900; 8)	17.4	11.8	3.13
.280 Rem. (160; 2800; 8)	17	11.7	3.09
.280 Ackley Imp. (150; 2930; 8.5)	16.3	11.1	3.00
7mm Rem. SAUM (160; 2931; 8)	21.5	13.2	3.59
7mm WSM (140; 3200; 8)	20.7	12.9	3.50
7mm WSM (160; 3000; 8)	21.9	13.3	3.63
7mm Rem. Mag. (139; 3100; 9)	19.3	11.8	3.32
7mm Rem. Mag. (140; 2700; 8.5)	15.5	10.8	2.90
7mm Rem. Mag. (150; 3100; 8.5)	19.2	12.1	3.32
7mm Rem. Mag. (154; 3035; 8.5)	20.3	12.4	3.44
7mm Rem. Mag. (160; 2950; 9)	20.3	12	3.42
7mm Rem. Mag. (175; 2870; 9)	21.7	12.5	3.58
.275 H&H Mag. (160; 3050; 8.5)	19.5	12.2	3.35
7mm Wby. Mag. (140; 3300; 9.25)	19.5	11.7	3.33
7mm Wby. Mag. (160; 3200; 9)	25.6	13.5	4.00
7mm STW (160; 3185; 8.5)	27.9	14.6	4.27
.28 Nosler (160; 3200; 8.5)	29.4	14.9	4.43
.30 Carbine (110; 1990; 7)	3.5	5.7	1.52
.300 Blackout (135; 2085; 8)	3.32	4.95	1.47
.30 Rem. (170; 2120; 7.5)	9.8	9.2	2.28
.30-30 Win. (125; 2175; 7.5)	6.6	7.5	1.90
.30-30 Win. (150; 2364; 8)	9.4	8.7	2.22
.30-30 Win. (150; 2400; 7.5)	10.6	9.5	2.37
.30-30 Win. (160; 2400; 7.5)	12.7	10.5	2.62
.30-30 Win. (170; 2200; 7.5)	11	9.7	2.42
.307 Win. (150; 2600; 7.5)	13.7	10.9	2.73
.308 Marlin Express (160; 2660; 8)	13.4	10.4	2.68
7.5x55 Swiss (150; 2800; 9)	12.9	9.6	2.60
.308 Win. (125; 2675; 8.75)	9	8.1	2.16
.308 Win. (150; 2800; 7.5)	15.8	11.7	2.97
.308 Win. (165; 2700; 7.5)	18.1	12.5	3.23
.308 Win. (180; 2610; 8)	17.5	11.9	3.15
.30 T/C (150; 2900; 8.5)	13.9	10.3	2.73
.30-06 Spfd. (150; 2910; 8)	17.6	11.9	3.16
.30-06 Spfd. (165; 2900; 8)	20.1	12.7	3.43
.30-06 Spfd. (180; 2700; 8)	20.3	12.8	3.46
.30-06 Ackley Imp. (180; 2985; 8.5)	23	13.2	3.74
.300 RCM (180; 2900; 8.5)	22.3	13	3.66
.300 Rem. SAUM (180; 2960; 8.25)	23.5	13.6	3.80
.300 WSM (150; 3300; 8.25)	22.5	13.3	3.69
.300 WSM (180; 2970; 7.25)	27.1	15.5	4.23
.300 WSM (180; 2970; 8.25)	23.8	13.6	3.83
.308 Norma Mag. (180; 3000; 8.5)	25.9	14	4.05
.300 Win. Mag. (150; 3320; 8.5)	23.5	13.3	3.79
.300 Win. Mag. (165; 3110; 8)	26.2	14.5	4.10
.300 Win. Mag. (180; 2960; 8.5)	25.9	14	4.05
.300 H&H Mag. (180; 2920; 8.5)	23.1	13.2	3.75
.300 Dakota (180; 3100; 8.5)	28.3	14.7	4.32
.30 Nosler (180; 3112; 9)	26.9	13.9	4.15
.300 Wby. Mag. (150; 3400; 9.25)	24.6	13.1	3.89
.300 Wby. Mag. (180; 3240; 9)	31.6	15	4.65
.300 Ultra Mag. (180; 3230; 8.5)	32.8	15.8	4.80
.300 Norma Mag. (180; 3317; 8.5)	35.5	16.4	5.09
.30-378 Wby. Mag. (180; 3300; 9.75)	42.6	16.8	5.80
7.62x39 Soviet (125; 2350; 7)	6.9	8	1.95
7.62x53R Finn (150; 2800; 9)	13.1	9.7	2.62
7.62x54R Russian (150; 2800; 9)	13.1	9.7	2.62
7.62x54R Russian (174; 2600; 9)	15	10.4	2.84
.303 British (150; 2700; 7.5)	14.2	11	2.79
.303 British (180; 2420; 8)	15.4	11.1	2.91
.32 Spec. (165; 2410; 7.5)	13.2	10.6	2.67
.32 Spec. (170; 2250; 7)	12.2	10.6	2.57
8x57 Mauser (170; 2400; 8)	13.6	10.4	2.70
8x57JS Mauser (150; 2900; 8)	17.1	11.7	3.10
8x57JS Mauser (195; 2500; 8)	18.5	12.2	3.26
.325 WSM (180; 3060; 7.5)	33.1	16.9	4.88
.325 WSM (220; 2840; 7.5)	37.5	17.9	5.35
8mm Rem. Mag. (200; 2900; 8.5)	32.9	15.8	4.81
.33 Win. (200; 2100; 8)	13.9	10.6	2.74
.338-57 O'Connor (200; 2400; 8)	19.2	12.4	3.33
.338 Marlin Express (200; 2400; 8)	16.2	11.4	3.00
.338 Marlin Express (200; 2600; 8)	22	14	3.67
.338 Federal (200; 2660; 8.5)	19.3	12.1	3.33
.338 Federal (210; 2630; 8)	21.9	13.3	3.63
.338-06 A-Square (200; 2800; 8)	23.9	13.9	3.85
.338-06 A-Square (250; 2500; 8.5)	28.2	14.6	4.30
.338 RCM (200; 2800; 8)	26.1	14.5	4.09
.338 Win. Mag. (200; 2950; 8.5)	32.8	15.8	4.80
.338 Win. Mag. (225; 2780; 8.5)	35.2	16.3	5.06
.338 Win. Mag. (250; 2700; 9)	33.1	15.4	4.82
.338 Lapua Mag. (225; 3000; 9.5)	37.2	15.9	5.24
.338-378 Wby. Mag. (250; 3040; 11.75)	41.1	15	5.58
.340 Wby. Mag. (200; 3100; 8.5)	29.6	13.8	4.41
.340 Wby. Mag. (250; 2940; 9)	43.4	17.6	5.91
.38 Special. (158; 1100; 7)	1.7	4	1.27
.357 Mag. (158; 1650; 7)	4.7	6.6	1.67
.357 Mag. (180; 1550; 6.5)	5.5	7.4	1.79
.35 Rem. (200; 2050; 7.5)	13.5	10.8	2.71
.358 Win. (200; 2490; 8)	20.9	13	3.52
.358 Win. (250; 2260; 7.5)	23	13.9	3.77
.35 Whelen (200; 2675; 8)	22.6	13.5	3.71
.35 Whelen (225; 2525; 8)	25	14.2	3.97
.35 Whelen (250; 2400; 7.5)	27.9	15.5	4.31
.350 Rem. Mag. (200; 2700; 8.5)	22.3	13	3.66
.350 Rem. Mag. (225; 2550; 8.5)	24.2	13.5	3.87
.350 Rem. Mag. (250; 2500; 8.5)	29	14.8	4.39
.358 Norma Mag. (250; 2723; 9)	31.2	15	4.61
9.3x57 (232; 2330; 8.5)	19.8	12.2	3.38
9.3x62 (250; 2450; 8.5)	25.7	14	4.03
9.3x62 (286; 2360; 9)	28	14.1	4.26
9.3x64 (286; 2650; 9)	36.5	16.2	5.18
9.3x66 (286; 2559; 9)	36.3	16.1	5.16
9.3x74R (250; 2550; 9)	29.1	14.4	4.38
9.3x74R (286; 2400; 8.25)	34.3	16.6	4.98
.370 Sako Mag. (286; 2550; 8.5)	35.2	16.3	5.06
.375 Win. (220; 2200; 7.5)	17.1	12.1	3.12
.375 Ruger (270; 2840; 9)	41.3	17.2	5.69
.375 Ruger (300; 2550; 8.5)	44.8	18.4	6.08
.375 H&H Mag. (235; 2700; 9)	29.5	14.5	4.43
.375 H&H Mag. (270; 2690; 9)	36.1	16.1	5.14
.375 H&H Mag. (300; 2530; 9)	37.3	16.3	5.26
.375 Dakota (300; 2600; 8.5)	44.5	18.4	6.06
.375 Wby. Mag. (300; 2700; 10)	47.3	17.5	6.29
.38-40 Win. (180; 1100; 7.5)	3.1	5.2	1.46
.404 Jeffery (400; 2170; 10.25)	41	16.1	5.62
.405 Win. (300; 2200; 8)	30.6	15.7	4.58
.41 Rem. Mag. (210; 1775; 7)	9.5	9.4	2.26
.416 Taylor (400; 2350; 10)	47.8	17.5	6.34
.416 Ruger (400; 2390; 9)	58.1	20.4	7.47
.416 Rem. Mag. (400; 2400; 10)	52.9	18.5	6.88
.416 Rigby (400; 2400; 10)	58.1	19.3	7.42
.416 Dakota (400; 2500; 10)	59.2	19.5	7.54
.416 Wby. Mag. (400; 2700; 10.25)	83	22.8	10.00
.44 Rem. Mag. (240; 1760; 7.5)	11.2	9.8	2.44
.44 Rem. Mag. (275; 1580; 7.5)	11.4	9.9	2.47
.444 Marlin (240; 2400; 7.5)	23.3	14.2	3.81
.444 Marlin (265; 2200; 8.5)	22.1	12.9	3.64
.444 Marlin (265; 2325; 8.5)	27.6	15.4	4.28
.45 Colt (255; 1100; 8)	4	5.6	1.56
.45 Colt +P (250; 1500; 6.5)	11.1	10.5	2.46
.458 SOCOM (300; 1840; 7.5)	20.2	13.2	3.46
.45-70 (300; 1800; 7)	23.9	14.8	3.89
.45-70 (350; 1900; 7)	37.9	18.7	5.42
.45-70 (405; 1330; 7.5)	18.7	12.7	3.30
.450 Marlin (350; 2000; 7)	37.2	18.5	5.35
.450 Marlin (350; 2100; 8.5)	33.6	16	4.89
.450 N.E. (465; 2150; 11)	55.5	18	7.11
.458 Win. Mag. (400; 2050; 9)	41.7	17.3	5.74
.458 Win. Mag. (500; 2100; 9)	62.3	21.1	7.91
.458 Lott (500; 2300; 10)	70.4	21.3	8.71
.470 N.E. (500; 2150; 11)	69.3	20.1	8.55
.480 Ruger (325; 1450; 6.25)	16.4	13	3.08
.50 BMG (647; 2710; 30)	70	12.3	8.29
*Recoil score is calculated as a function of recoil energy and recoil velocity using a weight average which is then normalized between 1-10. See below for a detailed explanation. Recoil energy and recoil velocity figures are taken from various sources including the recoil nomograph in the Handloader's Digest 8th Edition, online recoil calculators, or calculated from the formula provided in the Lyman Reloading Handbook, 43rd Edition.

Calculating Rifle Recoil

We're all familiar with Newton's third law which states for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Newton's third law explains why when you shoot a gun it kicks. The bullet explosion exerts an incidental force on the gun which in turn transfers a reciprocal force onto the shoulder. Mathematically, this relationship is explained by the equation F(i) = -F(r), where F(i) represents the 'incident force' (bullet force on the gun) and -F(r) represents the 'reciprocal force' (gun force on shoulder). This force is referred to as Recoil, or in industry vernacular "kick". How much kick a rifle generates when discharged is a function of two measurements: Recoil Energy and Recoil Velocity.

Recoil Energy

Recoil energy is the kinetic energy transferred to the shooter when a gun is discharged. It's the propulsive force generated when the powder charge within a firearm chamber combusts. Recoil energy is measured in Joules (J) but is more commonly expressed in foot-pounds of force (ft-lbf). Recoil energy is sometimes referred to as "free recoil". While similar, the two terms are different. Recoil energy is the measurement of gross energy produced by the discharge of a firearm. Free recoil is the measurement of net energy produced by the discharge of a firearm--or gross energy less recoil energy loss due to various energy transferring inhibitors such as recoil reducing butt pad; muzzle break; recoil suppression tube; recoil operated action vs gas operated action; etc. In other words, free recoil energy is the actual energy absorbed by the body of the shooter.

Each shooter perceives free recoil energy slightly different. Some of the factors that influence perceived recoil energy include but are not limited to: size of the shooter; shooting style and position; suppression equipment (as previously mentioned); firearm fit; and other environmental stressors. For example, a 240lb muscular man is not going to experience the same amount of perceived recoil energy when shooting a .30-06 Springfield rifle as will a 130lb woman with a smaller body frame and structure. This isn't because the woman is not as strong as the man, but simply because the same energy transfer is being met by the man's greater mass.

Rifle weight is also a very important factor in determining and managing free recoil. Rifle weight is inversely proportional to a rifle's recoil. All things being equal, the heavier the rifle the lower the free recoil energy. Inversely, the lighter the rifle, the greater the free recoil energy. Therefore, rifles that shoot heavier rounds are typically manufactured with more weight. If you purchase a lightweight rifle that shoots heavier rounds, expect it to pack a punch.

Recoil Velocity

Where recoil energy determines how big of a punch the shoulder will feel, recoil velocity determines how abrupt of a punch the shoulder feels. Recoil velocity is the speed at which the stock of the rifle impacts your shoulder. A rifle that produces high recoil energy, but low recoil velocity, is going to pack a large slow punch. Inversely, a rifle that produces low recoil energy, but high recoil velocity, is going to pack a small fast punch. Recoil velocity is measured in feet per second (fps).

Recoil Score

If you've never shot a rifle before, or have limited experience shooting rifles, it can be difficult to conceptualize based on Recoil Velocity and Recoil Energy measurements alone what it's going to feel like to shoot a particular rifle. In our opinion, rifles that generated over 20 lbs of recoil energy when discharged may cause shooters to develop a sore shoulder. A maximum 15 lbs of recoil energy and 10 fps recoil velocity is probably the most an average shooter can comfortably handle for long-term hunting or target shooting. However, it's the combination of both recoil energy and recoil velocity that generate the overall impact a shooter feels when shooting a rifle.

Recoil score combines recoil energy and recoil velocity measurements into a single value. While rifle recoil scores are subjective, they are useful for gauging the perceived "kick" of one rifle relative to another. If you've ever shot a .257 Roberts with a recoil score of 2.37 (low recoil) it's easy to conceptualize how it will feel to shoot a .338 Lapua Magnum with a recoil score of 5.24 (high recoil).

Recoil level is calculated as a function of the weighted average of recoil energy and recoil velocity at a ratio of 7:3, respectively, to generate a recoil score. The recoil score is then normalized between 1 and 10 using the normalization equation xnormalized=(b−a)*((x−min(x)/max(x)−min(x))+a where xnormalized denotes the measurement to be scaled, min(x) denotes the minimum of the range of the measurement, max(x) denotes the maximum of the range of the measurement, b denotes the highest value and a denotes the lowest value. Recoil level is than assigned on a scale from 1-10 with ranges of 1-2 (low recoil), 3-4 (moderate recoil) and 5-10 (high recoil).

Disclaimer: Sportsman's Warehouse assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions of the information on this page. Although we strive to provide the most accurate information as we can the information contained in this page is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. There are many quantitative and qualitative factors that influence rifle recoil and how it impacts the individual shooter. Do not use this guide as a basis for purchasing a rifle. It is design for informational purposes only.

 

"What to Say After You Had To Defend Yourself"

 I got this link in my email and Massad Ayoob is a legend in the "Gun" community, I met the man at NRAAM and he was really gracious with us shooters asking him questions.  From All accounts, he is a class act.  I personally have a good friend who is a good lawyer and deals a lot with police officers and other first responders and don't mind getting into it with city governments and county governments when they try to railroad a client and he I will call but the principle is the same, "Diarrhea of the mouth will put you in prison."

 

Back in the very early 1980s, when I founded Lethal Force Institute, I formulated a “five point checklist” of things that need to be said to responding authorities at the scene after you have defended yourself or others with force, perhaps even deadly force. 

In the four decades since, that advice has worked remarkably well.

Defense lawyers often tell you “Never talk to the police.” You have to understand where that advice comes from. In forty-plus years as an expert witness in homicide cases, including many years of teaching CLE (Continuing Legal Education) for practicing attorneys, and a couple of years as Co-Vice Chair of the Forensic Evidence Committee of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, I’ve gone into this matter deeply with a helluva lot of defense lawyers. Many of them have NEVER defended a truly innocent person who fired in self-defense. Those who have done that sort of case generally agree with my advice, which is to establish a Five-Point Checklist of things right there at the shooting scene from the get-go.

Unfortunately, the gun-related internet is full of people who have bought into the “never talk to the police” narrative, and mis-interpret my advice as “Babble as much as you want and answer every question you are asked.”

 

A couple of years ago, my friend John Correia hosted me and my colleague Marty Hayes to do a Deadly Force Instructor class for John and his staff and some other attendees. While we were doing that in Phoenix, Arizona, John recorded the following video with me:

Please take a few minutes to review.

If anyone tells you “Never say anything after you defended yourself, because you’ll be so stressed out that your brain will turn into feces,” ask them this:

“We can all agree that when someone is trying to kill you or your loved ones, you’ll be under MORE stress than ‘talking to cops.’ If our brains melt into diarrhea under stress, how the hell did we defeat an apex predator in a life-or-death battle, to begin with?”

And ask that person the question I put to John Correia at the end of the video: If you think your brains melt into feces under stress, why the hell do you keep deadly weapons for defense of yourself or others in the first place?

 

Black Friday Gun Sales Can best be Summed up in Two Words ....

 

 From what I have seen, the market is still very hot, according to my friend Mack "it is F**king crazy right now". 

 

Source: AP Photo/Andrew Selsky

Holy shrimp! No, that’s not the two words I’d used to describe Black Friday gun sales, but it’s close. It was a good day for the gun industry and American civil rights. With Democrats back in power and acting like idiots, they’re back to being the best sales team for the number one item they hate: firearms. Seriously, it’s hilarious to see such an anti-gun party do everything they can to make sure that everyone rushes to buy firearms and thereby forever killing chances of shredding the Second Amendment. Democrats pay for their anti-gun antics. We’ve seen it.  

With economic security in doubt, lawlessness in our cities, and violent crime spiking, it’s no shock why Americans are rushing to gun stores to procure means of protection. With a new COVID lockdown possible, it just gives Americans yet another reason to stock up. Stephen Gutowski of The Reload wrote about the Black Friday sales, which could be summed up with two words: “truly remarkable” (via Reload):

Additionally, the total for the week leading up to Black Friday topped 687,788 checks.  The numbers indicate the demand for guns has not decelerated significantly since last year, according to the industry.

“We’re still seeing a very strong appetite for firearm ownership in America,” Mark Oliva, a spokesman for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, told The Reload.

While most months in 2021 have seen lower gun sales numbers than 2020, they haven’t dropped far and still occasionally outstrip 2020 demand. That indicates the new normal for gun sales will remain well above what it had been pre-pandemic. In fact, more guns were sold through September 2021 than all of 2019.

“This figure of over 687,000 background checks is truly remarkable,” Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, said in a statement. “This year has already been shaping up to be the second strongest year for firearm sales on record, second only to 2020’s record-breaking number of 21 million background checks for a firearm sale. We anticipate, based on annual data, that firearm sales will rise during the final month of the year coinciding with hunting seasons and holiday sales.”

The industry has struggled to keep up with the unprecedented demand seen throughout the country since March of last year. Long lines formed, and store shelves were stripped dry as the coronavirus accelerated the urgency to provide for their own safety while facing meat and supply shortages. When rioting came in summer 2020, the lines started up again, and millions more Americans became first-time gun owners.

The surge has left manufacturers scrambling to increase production. Many of the biggest gun companies have been able to significantly increase production and profits. Smith & Wesson banked the first billion-dollar year for a gunmaker in American history.

Bartozzie said the number of sales on Black Friday “underscores” not just sustained demand but the “resilience of the firearm and ammunition industry to meet that demand.”

It’s as American as apple pie. Yet, the supply chain issues might put a wrinkle in some purchases. On top of that, there was already a massive ammunition shortage. Due to the COVID pandemic, we saw some nine million new gun owners in 2020. These first timers put pressure on the ammo market, which already doesn’t have 9mm and .223/5.56 ammunition readily available. The price of copper and materials have hit 50-year highs. Both calibers are some of the most used by gun owners—and we could see these shortages last for another 18 months to two years. 

Still, great to see Americans go out and continue to exercise their constitutional right to own firearms.

 

AR-15 Barrel Length Explained

I shamelessly poached this from Classic Firearms, I have bought pistols from them before as well as parts and found them as a good source.  I haven't bought anything recently during the kung-flu so I don't know how they are doing.  I have been exceedingly frugal with my firearm dollars because of the unknown nature of what to expect.

This entry was posted on May 1, 2020 by Travis Pike.

Barrel length and the AR-15 

The AR-15 is a fascinating rifle. Not just its long history of service, or the fact that it’s America’s favorite rifle, but also from an engineering perspective. The rifle is incredibly modular, and you can pick and choose parts like no other weapon out there. One major change you can make is with the barrel length. There are a wide variety of barrel lengths you can use for your gun, so we’ve broken them down here. 

The Rifles 

24 Inches 
A 24-inch barrel is an odd one, and when it comes to a 5.56 AR, there are not many advantages to the four extra inches of barrel. However, in calibers like 6.5 Grendel, the extra barrel length can get you extra velocity, which adds extra range and hitting power. 

AR-15 .224 Valkyrie 24" Barrel

20 Inches
Twenty inches is what the original 223 Remington round was built for. 20-inch barrels allow you to maximize the velocity of a 5.56 or 223 Remington round. The extra barrel length not only provides extra velocity and range, but offers you a softer shooting, smoother handling rifle. 

The Weird One

18 inches
Eight inches is an odd barrel length, but it’s a cool idea rooted in Special Operations. The 18-inch barrel allows you to use a rifle-length gas system, which gives you the same recoil and muzzle rise impulse as a 20-inch barrel. It’s also two inches shorter, giving you a more handy rifle. 18-inch barrels are popular in the competition world due to their smooth shooting. 

AR-15 20" Barrel 6.5 Creedmoor

The Civilian Carbine Standard 

16 Inches 
16-inch barrels are the shortest a civilian can legally go as a title 1 firearm. Any shorter necessitates a pistol or short-barreled rifle. Sixteen inches gives you a light and handy rifle that makes good use of the 5.56 cartridge. It’s the most popular AR-15 barrel length. 

AR-15 7.62x39 16" Barrel

The Military Carbine Standard 

14.5 inches
14.5-inch barrels are the standard for the military’s M4 program. They are popular with civilians as well, but they have to be pistols SBRs, or a third option is choosing a 1.5-inch long muzzle device and pinning and welding it to create a 16-inch barrel. Like 16-inch barrels, the 14.5 is light and handy, and still retains decent velocity and range capability.

AR -15 .223 Wylde 14.5" Barrel

The Shorties 

12.5, 11.5, and 10.3 inches
These three lengths are super short and commonly found on rifles purpose-built for clearing rooms. All of these lengths require a pistol build or SBR. These three lengths all have reduced velocity, and therefore range, but are so light and handy they are perfect for inside of 300 yards. They can hit targets beyond that range, but they aren’t optimal for those distances. 

AR -15 .450 Bushmaster 10.5" Barrel

The Super Shorties 

7.5 inches and Below 
The super shorties are a little silly when your AR-15 is a 5.56. Rounds like the 300 Blackout and 9x19 can be effective from these super short barrels. These short barrel lengths make the guns even handier inside structures, but also easy to conceal in bags. These super short barrels can be a lot of fun, and when paired with a suppressor, you still get a light and short rifle. 

AR-15 9mm 7.5" Barrel

Suit Up 

Barrel length can completely change how a weapon handles, how it recoils, and even its legal status. Different calibers work with different barrels in different ways, so when you choose a barrel, you need to observe your purpose, your caliber, and your overall intent. Then you need to come to Classic Firearms and find the barrel or rifle you need. 

"Picked the wrong Girl" Glock Commercial....and Brain Freeze and other musings

I was trying to pick my brain for something to post,  I am sure that other bloggers have those moments where there is soo much you want to post about but there is a mental dis-connect between the brain and the fingers hovering over the keyboards.  I wanted to continue something with my Hitler and 2nd Amendment thingie that I have been running with and just had "vapor lock".  Well I also wanted to post about the "selfies" that the first Grifter was doing at the funeral of Nelson Mandela. 

  The recent budget deal that the wimp establishment republicans pushed through that basically kicked sequestration to the curb.  The GOP is afraid that they would get mauled in another budget showdown with the Democrats so they rolled over and let the Democrats steamroller them.  The Democrats I believe were hoping for a budget showdown to get the bad publicity of Obamacare off the news...for a while.  

 The Election year Democrats are running scared of this election year cycle, because they will have to answer for Obamacare that was passed strictly on a party line vote, there were no GOP votes..Even the RINO's stayed away from this.....Surprisingly.  They were hoping to force a budget fight to get the onus back on the GOP on the runup before the 2014 elections.

     Speaking of Obunglercare...Here is a tidbit I got talking to another parent at my sons scout troop.  This person was talking about a  major software upgrade roll out they they are worried about and I commented " as long as your roll out works better than the Obamacare website roll-out , then y'all would be fine."    This person replied that " My company is the one that rolled out the ACA website."   *Oh Snap*   I thought.   I replied " You work for CGI Federal?"   This person nodded in the affirm, I without thinking immediately asked " What happened, was there any test of the system before the roll-out?"  This person replied " there was soo much bureaucratic interference in the program, all these people wanted their input into the product, but then wouldn't make a decision and punted it to another bureaucrat who then shuffled it to another one.  We had no guidance on exactly what they wanted...Just vague *suggestions*.  We were stumbling around trying to do what they asked.  There were no leadership or direction given.  We kept changing the codes, adding things and then removing things....per their many request, but no firm guidance. And they would not change the date of the rollout, political considerations"     I was thinking.*yep, the bureaucrat play...Duck and cover....Don't make a decision...you might be held responsible by those above you and get demoted.*    And people want the government to run your healthcare?

Well I was surfing around looking for something to go with my Hitler and 2nd Amendment thingie...and in a flash of insanity *ahem* brilliance I thought of Glock, they are an Austrian import...As was Hitler...*.Tada!* this fit the *Hitler and 2nd Amendment* thingie I was looking for.  So I was surfing Glock and ran across this video. 

"Somebody picked the wrong girl."
You'd think the party that claims to support strong, independent women would love her. OK, no you wouldn't. Because they don't. The party in question loves a woman who knows where to go to get government benefits. A woman like this is doing it all wrong:

It's actually a lot more dramatic and intense than you might have expected. Every time she goes back to the couch (if you are wondering what she is watching, it is the "somebody picked the wrong diner" commercial by Glock and R.Lee Ermey) and sits down, only to hear that ominous knock on the door once again, you're really starting to get concerned that the perp might get in before she's armed and ready.
The first time I watched (spoiler if you haven't already hit play), I was actually expecting her to shoot him dead. Now that would have been attention-getting, but it is a commercial after all, and I don't suppose that's really the association Glock is looking for. It's about protecting yourself, not about killing someone. Granted, without the threat of the latter you can't really do the former, but I do think it's accurate that in the circumstances envisioned here, it would not be necessary to ever pull the trigger the vast majority of the time. The perp is either going to run or put his hands on his head and give up.
A lynchpin of the liberal argument against gun rights is that the average gun-toting citizen is more likely to get shot by his/her own gun than to use in successfully in self-protection. This ad really exposes the thinking that drives that argument. The left simply doesn't believe that a young woman like this could handle herself in the situation depicted. In their minds, there is no way she's pointing the gun at the door when the bad guy gets it open - poised and ready. And that goes for a 40-year-old dad looking to protect his family too. These dopes would just end up getting shot by their own gun, so they're better off not being allowed to own it in the first place. That's the argument. They are better off calling the Police and hope they get there in time.
I will say this: If I'm her, I'm not waiting until the third time I hear the noise to get the gun. The first time I might write it off as something harmless, but the second time I'm getting the Glock. Why does she wait so long? Just for the ad's dramatic effect?  That has been a complaint with all the scary movies that I see...When somebody goes looking for the *bump in the night* they go unarmed.   In the real world, Jason or Freddie would have ate either a few shots of 00 buck or some other form of projectiles.
Anyway, if that's the strongest criticism of the ad (and it would be mine), that's not an anti-gun control argument. It's an argument for getting that thing in your hands sooner.

     And here is the "Somebody picked the Wrong Diner" video that a blurp was shown in the preceeding video.

Gun Owners get discount on Pizza..

I saw this on Yahoo news.  This is for us Gun Owners, We can vote with our $$$ as a bunch of companies are pulling out of NY or refusing to sell in places that try to limit the rights of Lawful Gun Owners. 

• 
  View PhotoAssociated Press/The Virginian-Pilot, Amanda Lucier - Denice Tarrant holds her two-week-old grandson Maxwell Reed as she pays for dinner at All Around Pizza in Virginia Beach, Va., on Monday, Feb. 18, 2013, …more 

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) — A Virginia Beach pizza shop owner is showing his support for firearm rights by giving gun owners a 15 percent discount.

The discount is given to anyone who brings a gun or concealed handgun permit to All Around Pizzas and Deli.

Owner Jay Laze tells news media outlets that he'd planned on offering the discount for a limited time. But he says the response has been overwhelming and he might make it permanent.

Since the discount began last Friday, Laze says 80 percent of his customers have brought guns into the pizza shop. He says one customer came in with an AK-47.

Laze is a gun owner and says he's always been a supporter of the right to carry firearms.

Arizona Gun Store owner message for Obama voters.

    This Store Owner has stones, lemme tell you.  That being said, a person that voted for Obama will not patronize a gun store anyway because they believe in the tooth fairy expect government to take care of them, change their diapers, burp them, provide for their every need.



An Arizona gun store has a simple message for Barack Obama voters: you’re not welcome here.
The Southwest Shooting Authority in Pinetop, Ariz. posted a sign on its door and took out a newspaper ad declaring that if you voted for the president last week, you’re not allowed in.
“If you voted for Obama, please turn around and leave! You have proven that you are not responsible enough to own a firearm!” the sign states.

Image source: Facebook

Owner Cope Reynolds conceded that he can’t really tell who voted for Obama unless they “own up to it” — but if they do, they’re out.
“If they don’t say anything, we’ll never know,” Reynolds said in an email to the Phoenix New Times. “However, if they own up to it, we will not serve them.”
He said in an explanation on AmmoLand that he did it to “demonstrate once again that the bottom line for our business is principle, not money. Yes, it has been damaging at times but our values are intact.”

Image source: Phoenix New Times

Reynolds told Fox News that as a small business owner, “If you are dumb enough to vote for Obama again – after four years of this — I don’t think you are responsible enough to own a firearm. I don’t care who it makes mad.”
He said he’s gotten support for his new policy from around the country — including one person who ordered hundreds of dollars worth of ammunition — but that there have also been lots of “vile, rude and hateful comments.”
“I hate it because my 17-year-old son answers the phone and they light into him,” Reynolds said. “They call us stupid rednecks and racist.”
Reynolds told Fox that no matter what happens, the sign is staying up.
“If we lose the whole business it doesn’t matter,” he said. “The bottom line is — my values.

Tactical lessons from Aurora

This was compliments of the Cheaper than dirt newsletter that shows up in my e-mail.  After reading this, it reminds me that I need to order more ammo since the busy bodies in congress are trying to limit online sale of ammo.  It ain't the governments business how much ammo I have.  As long as I pay for it legally and not steal it or anything like that, it doesn't concern them.  The legal tender thing...pay cash for stuff that I want...the basis of free trade, in this case I trade my hard earned money for some stuff....the stuff ain't illegal so it ain't their business.   Sorry for the rant, back to the article...I will cut and paste:)

     

Brandon Webb, president & executive media director at Sofrep.com blog and a Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (Class 215), offered perhaps the best survival advice we’ve seen regarding The Joker shootings in Aurora, Colorado.
Sofrep.com (Special Operations Forces Report) covers and comments on the US and Allied Special Operations Community. In the item Navy SEAL Lessons From Aurora, Webb wrote: “As I continue to read about the terrible tragedy in Aurora, Colorado, I can’t help but think there’s some lessons from my time as a Navy SEAL that I can pass on to the average citizen. So here goes…”

Don’t Make Yourself an Easy Target

When at sporting events, concerts, and the movies, choose seats that give you a tactical advantage always. What do I mean? Choose seats that allow good and easy vantage points and a hasty exit point. Always stack the odds in your favor. It’s the reason I still combat park (back in to a space) and sit with my back to the wall when I’m eating.

Active Shooter Scenario Advice

Take cover, and not concealment. Concealment hides, cover hides AND protects. It’s the difference between hiding behind a movie seat or a concrete wall. Don’t lie there with your eyes closed and get shot. Think and move. A good decision executed quickly is better than a great one never executed. Violence of action, as we call it in the Spec Ops community, will often change the odds in your favor.
During close-quarter-combat drills, we’d draw a gun with someone over 20 feet away running at us. In most cases you can be on someone before they can draw and take a shot. I’m not advocating running straight at someone but if you have the tactical advantage (jam, re-loading, distraction or the shooter isn’t paying attention) then take the shooter down or get the hell out of there.
In Aurora, the shooter was severely weighted down with armor and his helmet would have also limited his vision. You can use all this to your advantage.

Flashlight anyone?

I have one for daily carry and take it everywhere with me. It’s become another extension of me and has diffused at least two potentially violent confrontations in a non-lethal way. For most of you, the best bet is to buy a good tactical flashlight, there are plenty on the market.

Specifications

At least 200+ lumens, waterproof, LED, and a 3-volt lithium battery. Use and carry your light with you at all times. I recommend the Surefire P2X Fury Dual Output LED… I would have pulled my high-lumens pocket flashlight and blinded this guy.

Concealed Carry

If you’re lucky enough to live in a state like Texas that not only allows concealed carry, but supports the use of deadly force, then train to use it. FYI, shooting paper at the local range will not prepare you for a defensive shooting situation. Rehearsing defensive scenarios is the only thing that will prepare you.

Learn From an Expert

There are plenty of former Military and Law Enforcement that have great self-defense skills. Just vet your instructor carefully, ask for references and proof of service.

Alter Your Lifestyle

Avoid opening-night and large crowds that make easy targets. It sucks to live this way sometimes, but ask the survivors from Colorado if it’s worth a minor lifestyle change.

Don’t Be a Victim

Rehearse emergency scenarios before there’s an emergency, the time to practice is NOT when it’s happening. The world is a dangerous place these days. Be prepared. A great book I’d also recommend is, Escape The Wolf by Clinton Emerson.
My condolences to the victims and their families in Aurora, Colorado.
Brandon Webb is a former Navy SEAL, and worked as a Special Operations intelligence & security specialist in Iraq during 2006-07. He is also author of the New York Times Best Seller, The Red Circle. Used with permission.