The penetration of various materials can be of great assistance in the investigation of shooting incidents. It is also of considerable general interest if for no other reason than to show how often the movie makers and novel writers make appalling blunders. In the past, one of the standard tests performed to assess bullet and cartridge performance was the penetration of pine boards of various thicknesses. This, as with any other type of penetration test, is plagued with inaccuracies. Many factors, including the moisture content, knot content, tree age and even the separation of the boards, can give rise to highly variable results.

Proceed to References. Examination of Gunshot Residue. Firearms Tutorial menu.

Stopping power is the ability of a weapon — typically a ranged weapon such as a firearm — to cause a target human or animal to be incapacitated or immobilized. Stopping power contrasts with lethality in that it pertains only to a weapon's ability to make the target cease action, regardless of whether or not death ultimately occurs. Which ammunition cartridges have the greatest stopping power is a much debated topic.