The most powerful traumatic pistol - which one is better for self-defense

The problem of how to choose the right most powerful traumatic pistol (or OOPP) often faces people who care about self-defense issues.

At the same time, power is often not the most important selection factor. It is also necessary to consider:

• the presence of a trigger spoke, which reduces the ability to quickly remove;
• size;
• ease of pulling the shutter, which can be a problem for people who are not very physically strong (a revolver is more suitable for them);
• the ability to use both rubber and gas charges, which makes it convenient for a variety of situations;
• store volume;
• reliability and probability of misfires;
• finally, prices, which can fluctuate quite a lot.

In Russia, it is permissible to use a weapon whose muzzle energy does not exceed 85 J. The standard cartridge size is 9 mm.
It is important to know: a low level of energy will make the weapon less dangerous - but the likelihood of inflicting serious injury on the enemy, and therefore falling under self-defense, will also decrease.
When choosing, you must also take into account the reasons why it is purchased - for sports shooting and for hidden carrying for work (security guards, etc.) purposes or for self-defense purposes - different things.

This review will look at the most popular models that fire rubber and gas bullets.

Groza-01 and Groza-05

Contrary to the numbering order, the first pistol in this family was Groza-02. And only in 2009, 01 appeared, which intrigued with its simplicity of design, small dimensions - 95 mm, and reliability. The optimal distance for an accurate hit is limited to 5 m. At long distances, targeted shooting will not work.

But Groza-05 stands out among analogues of traumatic weapons. The presence of a smooth barrel ensures sighting accuracy at a distance of 15 meters. In addition, any ammunition is suitable; weapons can be said to be “omnivorous”, so they are often purchased for self-defense.

MP-355 Stechkin

As usual, traumatic weapons are made as analogues of military weapons. However, some are “remakes”, like the Stechkin MP-355 pistol. The model stands out from other weapons because it can easily be configured for automatic fire. The 163mm barrel is quite durable. Despite the fact that there are welded “teeth”, the flat area is long. Thanks to this, shooting accuracy is high.

“It’s not for nothing that they called it traumatic...”

There is an opinion that traumatic weapons are not capable of causing serious harm to your offender in self-defense. This is an erroneous statement. Traumatic weapons, when used correctly, pose no less a danger to human life and health than military weapons.

PRO magazine will tell you in detail about all the intricacies of traumatic weapons and which one is better for you to choose.

Classifications of traumatic weapons

Now, in the CIS countries, all trauma weapons are divided into barrelless and rubber-gun (gas pistols, with the ability to shoot rubber bullets, are also classified as rubber-gun).

Barrelless pistols with a false barrel, as well as a classic ignition system, also belong to the second group.

The market mainly sells rubber arrows, and the Osa complex is common among barrelless models.

Caliber

When choosing a traumatic weapon, you should start with its caliber. A larger caliber means a greater damaging factor, and a greater distance at which the weapon can be used effectively. But if we are talking about self-defense, then it is better not to overdo it with the caliber, since any traumatic weapon is suitable for self-defense at close range. The more compact the gun, the more convenient it is to carry with you and the faster you can use it if necessary.

Caliber 9mmRA

This caliber is most common in traumatic weapons. Unfortunately, some of these cartridges may have a design defect - unstable powder weight. This not only reduces shooting accuracy, but can also damage the weapon. It is best to purchase the most expensive cartridges, which practically guarantees trouble-free operation and safe shooting.

Cartridge 18x45

Some types of traumatic weapons are developed for the 18x45 cartridge (for example, the “Wasp”). This ammunition has maximum lethality and is superior to all tramatic ammunition. The lethality is maintained at a high distance, and the accuracy of fire is quite sufficient. The disadvantages include its unreliability with weapons of an electronic ignition system.

Revolvers

As with conventional weapons, revolvers are available in trauma weapons. They have significant advantages: the simple design makes the revolver reliable to use, which means the likelihood of misfire is low. If a misfire occurs, you can move on to the next cartridge by simply pressing the trigger. The drum will avoid the problem of a stuck cartridge case or a stuck cartridge. The revolver is very easy to maintain.

With all the advantages, the design of the revolver is not without some disadvantages. The revolver's rate of fire is relatively low. When shooting with self-cocking, you need to make significant efforts, as a result, accuracy decreases. The relatively small number of rounds and high reload time will not allow you to fire the maximum number of shots. However, these shortcomings are not very relevant for trauma, which will be used for self-defense from a potential aggressor.

Pistol or revolver

If you are not sure whether to choose a revolver or a pistol, pay attention to the advantages of each type of injury weapon. Of course, reliability is the main trump card of a revolver. In addition, by choosing a revolver, you can almost completely forget about preventive maintenance. The main advantage of the pistol is its ease of carrying, since the absence of a drum makes it much more compact, despite the fact that both types of traumatic guns are approximately equal in weight. The pistol is best suited as a universal weapon with a high rate of fire.

Now let's talk about some models of traumatic weapons worthy of attention:

Traumatic pistol TT "Leader"

One of the most reliable traumatic pistols, however, needs periodic lubrication, otherwise problems begin. If you choose this model, be sure to clean it at least once a week, and if used, on the same day. The advantages include 2 bullet cartridge. But the lack of self-cocking is a clear drawback. The fuse is not located very well. To put the weapon on safety, you need to cock the trigger and release it.

Traumatic pistol "Makarych"

A very convenient fuse and self-cocking make this model one of the most popular. In addition, the Makarych does not suffer from cartridge sticking, which can often happen with other models of traumatic guns. Quite demanding in terms of care, this model must be kept clean. The disadvantages include a weak trigger. In addition, you must constantly monitor the firing pin; it must be dry and clean, which will prevent misfire. The power of destruction is lower than that of other models.

Traumatic pistol "Naganych"

The absence of a safety lock can be considered an advantage; the pistol is always ready for use, and the probability of a spontaneous shot is low. “Naganych” is protected from misfires; if it happens, you can immediately fire the next shot, the weapon will not jam. The model has high lethality, is simple in design and reliable. The disadvantages include a fairly tight trigger and a long reload time.

Reck Mod. 60 Chief's Special (Viking)

This weapon is also assembled in our country and is quite popular. True, attention is immediately drawn to the low strength of silumin, from which most of the parts of this model are made. The pistol can break even as a result of a normal fall, however, its low weight makes it more comfortable to carry. In addition to its light weight, the weapon is small in size and can be worn on the belt or under the arm. The model has low lethality.

Self-defense weapon complex "OSA"

The high energy of the bullet and its large diameter simultaneously increase the lethality and avoid penetrating wounds. "Wasp" is a very light and compact weapon; it can be carried in a handbag or in any pocket. The body is made of durable alloy, which makes the weapon's lifespan relatively long. This model is considered one of the most unpretentious and requires virtually no maintenance.

The disadvantage is that the contacts are prone to oxidation, so they need to be cleaned periodically. The Wasp magazine only holds 4 rounds, and the reload time is long. However, this particular traumatic pistol can be called universal and recommended to ladies as the most compact and very effective traumatic weapon.

MP-461 "Guardian"

This barrelless pistol has a special cassette with 2 charges. Externally, the pistol is similar to the Wasp, but has a safety lock. A coin cell battery is used as a detonator. The main advantages include weight and dimensions; when fully loaded, the Strazhnik weighs less than 200 grams, which allows you to carry it completely unnoticed. The main drawback: the presence of only 2 cartridges, however, the cartridge cassette can be changed much faster than reloading the Wasp. Some pistols have an artificial delay of up to 2 seconds between shots.

TT-T

8 years ago, an analogue of the legendary TT appeared in catalogs of traumatic weapons. It is noteworthy that not a single part was made from scratch, which indicates the durability of the model. The only thing is that during adaptation, the automation circuit has undergone changes, and the TT-T now works with a blowback shutter.

A special pin was added in the barrel to eliminate smoothness as this would interfere with certification. There are two advantages. The first is complete external similarity with the original military weapon. The second is effective shooting. AKBS 10x28 cartridges with a small amount of gunpowder are used. High-quality ammunition ensures range and good aiming.

Principle of operation

All traumatic pistols can be divided into two categories.
The first of them are systems of original design that do not in any way resemble military weapons. Traumatic pistol "Wasp". The cassette is folded back, the weapon is ready to reload

A classic example is the Osa self-defense complex. This traumatic pistol does not have a barrel, and its role is played by the cartridge case of each cartridge. Ammunition is placed in a special four-seat cassette, which has a hinged connection to the frame and can be folded down for reloading. There is no trigger mechanism in this weapon, and the ignition of the capsules occurs as a result of exposure to an electric discharge. The first samples of the “Wasp” used a regular battery for this, which was later replaced with a magnetic pulse generator that was triggered when the trigger was pressed.

Some other models of non-lethal weapons, for example, the Shaman rubber arrow, have a similar operating principle.

The second category of traumatic pistols includes all “copies”, that is, samples that are almost indistinguishable in appearance from their combat prototypes. The internal structure, at first glance, may seem identical, but this is not entirely true.

Traumatic pistol Phantom T 10x22, a copy of the famous Glock

Indeed, the automation circuit is most often the same, however, it must be taken into account that traumatic cartridges have a significantly reduced powder charge, and therefore cannot ensure the operation of the usual reloading mechanism.

In this regard, and also in order to increase the level of safety, the following changes are being made to the design of “non-lethal” pistols:

1. The shutter and other moving parts are made of lightweight materials;
2. Weakened return springs are used;
3. The barrel is installed without rifling. This contributes, in particular, to a significant limitation of the sighting range, because for the purposes of self-defense one has to shoot almost point-blank;
4. A special “tooth” is made in the barrel bore. It does not interfere with the passage of a rubber bullet, but is guaranteed to stop a lead bullet. Sometimes “traumatic” barrels have a conical longitudinal section with a narrowing towards the muzzle hole.

In general, trying to shoot live ammunition from such a pistol does not bode well: excess energy can tear out the bolt or even tear the weapon apart. Unfortunately, similar troubles also occurred when using standard ammunition. Most often, the chamber was inflated, which is almost safe for the shooter, but the “injury” after this can be thrown away.

Traumatic pistol "Makarych", damaged by an overly powerful cartridge. The location of the defect is highlighted with a red circle

The rubber bullets themselves can be monolithic or with a steel core. The second option is not permitted for use by civilians today, although the Osa was once created specifically for such cartridges.

Jorge

This is the Russian version of the legendary Fort-12R. In 2006, after the appearance of this injury in catalogs, it became in demand among sports shooting enthusiasts. This is due to the reliability and durability of the model. All parts in the assembly are of high quality; plastic is used only in the overlays. Of course, as a result, the weight “suffered” - 830 grams, which can burden the owner with constant wear.

In 2007, Jorge was slightly improved by replacing the trapezoidal barriers in the barrel with two solid ones. This made it possible to use more powerful ammunition without losing sight accuracy. For self-defense, the manufacturer recommends using 9mm PA cartridges.

Top 5 traumatic pistols

In this selection we have collected the best, in our opinion, traumatic pistols that can be found on our market.

1. Grand Power T12

The selection opens with a Russian-Slovak creation – Grand Power T12. The entire line of these injuries deserves attention, but it is the T12 model that has become the quintessence of the best developments and quality. Grand Power T12 is distinguished not only by its excellent construction and excellent design. “Native” Slovak pistols chambered for 10x28 were the most powerful on our market before legislative innovations nerfed the injury characteristics in general. In accordance with the same restrictions, the production of pistols was localized in our country after 2011. The Grand Power T12 is very durable and can easily withstand up to 100 thousand shots.

2. Thunderstorm-021

Groza-021 is a kind of clone of the Ukrainian Fort-12 pistol. This is an extremely simple and reliable weapon with a double-action trigger, a safety lever and a double-row magazine. Model 021 features a new EVO barrel with excellent shooting accuracy. It is characterized by undemanding quality and type of cartridges and stably stacks a compact “pile” of any ammunition.

3. R226T

Techkrim, perhaps, can be called the most breakthrough company in the arms market. Its weapons and ammunition often fall out of the “great” domestic trio - PM-AK-SVD. This also applies to the P226T pistol chambered for 10x28, which is developed on the basis of the SIG-Sauer P226. A simple design based on a free-stroke shutter ensures reliable operation in any conditions. A high-quality barrel is distinguished by the highest survivability. The operation of the automation is impeccable, and you can hang a flashlight or laser center on the Weaver under-barrel rail.

4. Strela M9T

The M9T arrow chambered for 9PA can be called a tough answer to the PM. The Izhevsk power of a pistol is due to weakening of the barrel or its specific configuration. In order to comply with legislation, only an inconspicuous pin is installed in the barrel, which does not have a significant effect on the accuracy of fire. Reliability, high accuracy and good quality - this is how the Strela M9T can be characterized.

5. P-M17T

The selection closes with the P-M17T, a high-quality descendant of the unforgettable Makarov pistol. The travmat differs in appearance from its ancestor in the interesting coating of metal parts, additional notches in the front part of the bolt and enlarged front sight and rear sight. In addition, the trigger is mounted on an axle, and not on a trunnion, as in an authentic PM. The model pleases with the good quality of processing of metal parts, and when shooting it shows good accuracy.

Streamer 1014

Turkish production, but the use of metal alloys in parts makes consumers wary of it. At the time of release - 2008, there were often negative reviews due to the frank marriage. However, Target Technologies subsequently took into account the disadvantages and promptly eliminated them. One of the positive aspects is that the magazine holds 13 rounds of 10x22T. This sets the Streamer 1014 apart from others, where the chamber is designed to hold 10 rounds of ammunition.

Osa PB-4-2 and OSA PB-4-1 ML

The main difference between the PB-4-2 modification is the cartridges used. These are 18.5x55T action bullets, which are large-caliber rubber with a core made of reinforcing metal. Of course, the enemy will not receive serious bodily harm from a distance of 1 m. However, it will have a stopping effect in any case.

Stronger power - 93 J puts the PB-4-2 in an advantageous position compared to the 85 Joules of the previous PB-4-1 ML. The new version is longer and features horizontal groove chambers. There is also a laser pointer. The safety bracket has been enlarged, allowing a person to fire shots while wearing gloves. Otherwise, these versions are no different and are common among barrelless weapons.

Guard MP-461

The only pistol family to use electric primer cartridges. The guard is staying afloat, although by traumatic standards it is considered obsolete. The manufacturer IzhMekh set a goal to “outdo” the popular “Osa”, so it reduced the dimensions for greater convenience. However, because of this we had to sacrifice the number of cartridges.

As a result, instead of 4, only 2 fit, also located vertically. However, there are also undeniable advantages of the Guardian over the main mentioned competitor. Thus, the contacts that conduct current to the cartridges are retractable, which has a positive effect on shooting technique.

Shaman

According to technical characteristics, this is the most powerful traumatic pistol. Firstly, the advantage lies in the caliber of 2 cm. And the energy of the model is 120 J. Speaking of practical characteristics, the “shaman” can knock down a heavy opponent from a distance of 1.5 meters. And, if we compare the power of this model with the “Wasp”, then the first is three times superior in all respects. Thanks to such power, the pistol was popularly called a “gun.”

Shaman design

In terms of design, this is a typical “weapon-cartridge” complex. The main cartridge has a caliber of 20.5x45. But the gun also comes with an adapter. It allows you to load the weapon with cartridges of a different caliber (18x45). Moreover, these can be not only traumatic, but also cartridges for signal, lighting, and light-noise purposes.

The advantage of the “Shaman” lies precisely in its large-caliber. The muzzle energy of the pistol is 12 J. At the same time, the mass of the bullet is only 15 grams. At a distance of 5 meters, the dispersion of cartridges can be a maximum of 15 centimeters.

“Shaman” does not have an electronic unit, as well as microswitches. By the way, they are typical for barrelless pistols “Aegis”, “Osa”, “Guardian”. But the absence of electronic components and the above-mentioned devices allows us to achieve better operational reliability and greater reliability. By the way, after relevant events, international experts recognized that the most powerful and reliable traumatic pistols are produced in our country.

The location of the chambers of the “Shaman” is vertical. This is a two-shot weapon. The cartridge case plays the role of the barrel. The pistol clips hold two cartridges. The main caliber cartridges are loaded directly.

Aiming is provided by mechanical devices, as well as unregulated means. There is an additional laser target designator. It is activated by grasping the handle. Below the trigger there is a button to activate it.

The target designator is powered by a lithium battery. “Shaman” is initially equipped with a special indicator that shows the charge level at one time or another. The indicator is located on the left side.

Among the disadvantages is the small capacity of the clip. An experienced shooter will notice that the recoil is quite strong when shooting main caliber cartridges. But the very small dimensions (and for such a caliber this is simply an achievement) and low weight, high reliability and ease of use completely compensate for the shortcomings.

Grand Power T12

The project of the Slovak designer Jaroslav Kuracin is included in the top 5 most powerful ones. The 10x28T caliber used brings this model closer to the K100 combat model. In addition, there are guides on which it is easy to install a guidance unit and a tactical flashlight, which allows the Grand Power T12 to be positioned not only as a self-defense pistol, but also as a sports pistol.

Thanks to innovative materials in parts, the weight of the structure is reduced and the service life is increased. The magazine is designed for 10 rounds, and the built-in power in close combat will immediately stop the enemy due to the painful effect. Disadvantages include the large size, which makes it impossible to hide the pistol from strangers.

Taurus LOM-13

Traumatic revolver made in Brazil. The drum has recesses for five 9-gauge cartridges. The material of the parts is steel. The reloading speed is determined by the presence of plate clips. The barrel is a non-removable structure made of one piece.

Shooting occurs when the hammer is cocked, or by automatic self-cocking. A distinctive feature of the Taurus LOM-13 is its proprietary security system, which makes the presence of mechanical fuses unnecessary. The versatility of the weapon is also worth noting. Both cartridges equipped with rubber, gas and noise are used. The Taurus LOM-13 has proven itself to be a reliable, accurate and compact revolver.

VPO (501) "Leader"

The development of this injury was carried out on the basis of the legendary Tula Tokarev. This is a self-loading device designed for self-defense. The use of 10x32T ammunition is allowed. Each cartridge has 2 bullets weighing 0.7 grams. The “alteration” is of quite high quality, and in appearance it is practically indistinguishable from the “TT”. The speed of the VPO shot (501) is 308 m/sec, and the energy is approaching 100 J.

Viking

A very small - 54 mm revolver is one of the cheapest traumatic ones. Ammunition suitable for the Viking is 380 GUM. This caliber produces weak shot power, so the Viking, although positioned as traumatic, is limited in capabilities. In theory, it is possible to use 50 J cartridges, but then the durability is called into question. The weapon cannot bear such a load, so it is recommended to take a closer look at ammunition with a kinetic energy of 30 J. In principle, for an inexpensive price, the Viking is adequately designed. And the ease of carrying in a pocket due to its small size often attracts representatives of the fairer sex when choosing a weapon for self-defense.

How to choose a traumatic pistol for self-defense

Oddly enough, but choosing a traumatic pistol turns out to be much more difficult than other types of self-defense equipment. Today there are quite a lot of non-lethal pistols on the market, and unlike military weapons, there is the possibility of individual selection of weapons. The fact is that in a critical situation, when the countdown is on a fraction of a second, a correctly selected weapon will give you a better chance of winning the fight.

So what should you first pay attention to when choosing a traumatic pistol for personal self-defense?

Experts say that in 80% of cases, if there is a personal weapon, it does not come to use. Even if, for the purpose of self-defense, the gun was removed from the holster and ready to fire. Another thing is that in the remaining 20% ​​of cases. Half of this 20% resulted in the attack being stopped after a warning shot was fired, and in the remaining half, between 3 and 6 shots were fired, with only 2 shots reaching their target. As you can see, in most cases, the display of a pistol was decisive in stopping the attack, and therefore a possible crime. That is why security experts advise purchasing a traumatic pistol or revolver that is very similar to a real-life combat analogue.

The second point is that in a critical situation the force of the shot and the power of the ammunition play a big role. The larger the diameter of the bullet and the more powerful the force of the shot, the higher the stopping power - the attacker feels a sharp pain, and a state of shock in which further aggressive actions are unlikely. Thus, another important point is the caliber of the weapon and its power.

The third important point is that the transience of events requires that in a short period of time it is necessary to assess the situation, make a decision, take out a weapon, warn of the intention to use it, fire a warning shot if possible, and shoot to kill. This algorithm of actions suggests that:

• The shooter must have certain skills in handling weapons;
• The pistol or revolver must be in a convenient position - in a belt or operational holster, or in a bag, but at the same time the shooter must not only quickly get it, but also bring it into a firing position;
• The dimensions of the weapon must be optimal - the handle must fit perfectly in the hand, manipulations to remove the safety catch should, if possible, be performed with one hand.
• The aiming process must be fast, which means that the sighting devices must be visible and distinguishable;
• When firing several shots in a row, recoil should not prevent the shooter from holding the pistol and quickly repeating the aiming process.

Thus, when choosing a traumatic pistol, an important point is the ability to hold the pistol in your hands and fire several shots.

In addition to these basic tips for choosing a self-defense product, experts advise paying attention to the following characteristics:

• Weapon weight is a parameter that affects the ability to constantly carry a pistol with you and correctly hold it during use;
• The size of the weapon - to scare off an attacker, the solid appearance of a weapon similar to a Stechkin pistol will be one of the decisive factors, but will it be convenient to carry it in a handbag or a holster on a belt without attracting the attention of others?
• Recognizability of the weapon - for people on whose TV screens the image of a Makarov pistol is constantly flashing, the sight of the pistol will show that they are facing a real threat of receiving a bullet, even a rubber one. Another thing is that the type of special equipment Osa or Guard will be perceived by many as a mockery, until the moment the 14 mm rubber ball puts or most likely puts the attacker in place.
• Availability of weapon care skills. Alas, the culture of handling weapons among the population has been very weak since the 1970s. If immediately after the war there were quite a lot of weapons on hand, for example, railway workers of the commanding staff handed over their personal weapons to the armory rooms of the commandant’s offices only in 1952. Today, many people remember mainly the Makarov pistol, the Tokarev Tula pistol and the Stechkin automatic pistol from their experience in the army. That’s why many people try to purchase well-known weapons.

Phantom-T

Another Turkish creation that claims to be a powerful traumatizer. The ammunition, indeed, has high kinetic energy, as well as a standard 10x22T caliber. Convenient magazine capacity – 10 rounds. Engineers paid special attention to the issue of safety. An automatic safety is provided, and shots are fired both by self-cocking and by trigger.

New weapons 2022: Taurus Spectrum self-defense pistol

With enviable stability, every year the Brazilian company Taurus tries to make a “revolution” in the self-defense weapons market. In the previous year, it was a compact Curve pistol, which had an arc shape, as stated by the manufacturer, for more comfortable constant carrying of the weapon. Apparently experience has shown that the market is not yet ready for such “revolutions,” so this year the designers of the Brazilian company limited themselves to an ordinary compact pistol chambered for .380 ACP.

This pistol was presented at the SHOT Show 2022. If you do not take into account the previous pearls of the Brazilian company, the new pistol turned out to be really interesting and it can finally be called a normal, full-fledged weapon for self-defense. But it is worth noting that the Brazilian company still tried to give its weapons individuality and makes them in a wide variety of colors. Although among blue, pink and orange there are standard dark tones.

If we talk about the main feature of the Taurus Spectrum pistol, then it is certainly not the wild colors of the linings on the weapon, although the name says otherwise. The main feature is maximum ease of use while maintaining small dimensions and weight of the weapon. And the Brazilian designers succeeded.

Since a self-defense pistol is a weapon that is carried constantly, certain requirements for such a pistol are imposed by weight. Thanks to the plastic frame and light alloy bolt casing, the weight of the pistol without cartridges is only 280 grams. But you need to understand that a weapon without cartridges is useless; with such a weight, even hitting an enemy will be ineffective. The actual constantly worn weight will be around 360-380 grams.

It is also important for self-defense weapons that there are no protruding elements that could get caught when removed. The Taurus Spectrum pistol is also in perfect order with this. The only controls on the sides of the weapon are the magazine release button and the bolt release button. Both elements are made flush with the surface of the pistol, which makes it easier to press them, but the pistol will not catch on clothing, and the overall thickness of the weapon is less. Sights consist of a small rear sight and a front sight with smoothed corners.

In order to make the gun not only comfortable to carry, but also to hold properly, the Taurus company added rubber pads to the design of the weapon in those places where a reliable grip of the weapon is necessary. One of the main problems of compact pistols is the lack of a normal grip due to the low height of the handle; this in the Spectrum pistol is partially compensated by an extended magazine, which increases the overall height of the weapon, but makes the grip more confident and adds another additional cartridge. The standard magazine holds 6 rounds, the extended one holds 7 rounds.

The ammunition for such a baby was chosen more than sensibly - this is the .380ACP cartridge. You can often find compact versions of self-defense weapons chambered for 9x19, .40S&W and even .45ACP ammunition. There is another extreme - pistols chambered for .25ACP or even .22, which is clearly not enough to confidently defeat the enemy due to the low kinetic energy of the bullet. The .380ACP cartridge looks like a more than suitable ammunition, especially considering that there are variants of this cartridge with a hollow-point bullet. The basis for the new pistol was a blowback automatic, which is the best option both in terms of reliability and ammunition.

The Brazilian company Taurus approached the issue of safety when handling a pistol in a standard manner for such weapons. The pistol does not have any safety devices other than an automatic safety on the trigger. In this case, the trigger mechanism of the pistol is striker-fired, double-action only. That is, each shot of the weapon is self-cocking and with a heavy trigger stroke, which provides protection against an accidental shot, even if the cartridge is in the chamber. The use of self-cocking should inevitably affect the accuracy of shooting from a pistol, but since in self-defense the weapon is used at short distances, this feature can hardly be taken as a serious drawback. Plus, the short barrel of the pistol (71 mm) already hints that the weapon is clearly not high-precision.

Typically, Taurus installs their proprietary lock on their weapons, which locks individual parts of the pistol, making it completely safe. This possibility is an undeniable plus for weapons, especially if they are deposited when visiting places where there is a strict ban on carrying firearms. It would also be a good idea to lock the trigger when storing the pistol in a safe at home. But all this has one big drawback. Such a lock does not have a “secret”, which means that if desired, you can open it with a simple screwdriver or another key from other Taurus weapons. In order not to puzzle over what to use, the Brazilian company abandoned its proprietary lock, or rather, the key for it. The lock is now shaped like a bolt head and can be opened or closed with a regular coin.

If we evaluate this pistol, then it is, of course, a simple and reliable weapon for self-defense. The convenience of constant wearing also leaves no questions, as does the effectiveness of use. Questions may arise about the reliability of fastening the rubber pads to the gun. On the one hand, rubber is just the material that is needed for a confident grip even with wet hands, but on the other hand, if these pads come off after a few months, then sitting and thinking about how to glue them on is not the most interesting thing. Although a self-defense weapon does not require daily use, it is clearly necessary to at least practice with it, which means that the pistol will be actively used for some time, which will show its resistance to wear.

The price stated by the manufacturer is less than $300, which is generally not much, but whether this price will affect the quality is a question.

Fort-12RM

The most popular model among injuries, characterized by a pleasant design. The material of the parts is steel, with the exception of plastic linings, which already characterizes the weapon as durable. The manufacturer specifies a resource of 50 thousand shots. In terms of power, Fort may well be included in the ranking of the most effective. Also attractive is the ability to fill the magazine with 12 rounds.

Walther P22T

The appearance of this model allows a person ignorant of weapons to mistake the pistol for a toy. The extreme lightness of the design plays a positive role in everyday wear. Speaking about the history of creation, the Walther P22T became the first injury weapon converted from a gas pistol. Therefore, finding ammunition for it is not an easy task.

In the practical sphere, the use of traumatic cartridges is possible only in theory. Despite its positioning, this German invention remained a gas pistol. Accordingly, there is no need to talk about self-defense, and even less so about sports shooting.

T4 Terminator

Another model that is closer to gas weapons. It was created on the basis of a pump-action shotgun and has a menacing appearance. The caliber of cartridges is 12 mm. In addition, the shortened shape increases the traumatic effect. If we talk about practical use, this is definitely not a model for daily wear. Due to the enlarged barrel, the T4 Terminator is better suited for protecting property; it can be stored at home or in a car.

“Wasp” design

The role of the trunks, like that of the “Shaman,” is played by cartridge cases. They are sufficiently thick and made of aluminum. The chamber is connected by a hinge joint to the frame. The node is located at the bottom of the block at the back. The charge occurs alternately, 1 cartridge at a time.

Reloading the chamber is quite simple. To do this, you just need to fold it down. Reminds me of reloading a double-barreled shotgun. The cartridges jump out quickly enough without getting stuck. Structurally, this is ensured by the operation of a spring-loaded ejector. But the cartridge case does not fly out completely; the shooter himself must pull it out completely.

“Wasp” has an open sight. The simplest thing you could think of. Inside the channel there is a front sight that is painted white. Modifications of a later type have laser designators that increase shooting accuracy. They are powered by lithium batteries. Operation is also ensured by a magnetic pulse generator, which, by the way, does not require an external power source.

Mauser HSc mod.90T

The German manufacturer presented this traumatic weapon in catalogs in 2005. Buyers were skeptical, as they are with any injury not made of solid steel. But one cannot help but list the advantages - light weight, small size and attractive appearance. But that, unfortunately, is all. The 10x22T caliber turned out to be an unbearable burden for the Mauser, so 9mm cartridges are optimal.

What is a traumatic weapon

As you know, the police in most cases do not seek to destroy the offender, but to detain him for subsequent investigation and trial. It was law enforcement agencies that were the first to talk about “non-lethal weapons.” This meant anything, from an ordinary baton to a stun gun.

In Russia, such devices were usually called “special means.” The term “traumatic weapon” is not official, but it usually means pistols (less often carbines and shotguns) adapted for firing rubber bullets. All other “non-lethal means” (shock guns, pepper and gas sprays, etc.) have different principles of action.

Different types of rubber bullets

R226T TK-R

This is an expensive injury, which except for the barrel is completely manufactured by Sig Sauer. The company specializes in the production of firearms. The forged body provides a resource of 100,000 shots. During the tests, it was revealed that the R226T TK-R is capable of firing ammunition with a power of 300 J without subsequent deformation. Thus, this model is the most durable among traumatic weapons in the world. The magazine holds 10 rounds, and the aiming capabilities allow you to shoot with accuracy at a distance of 20 meters.

Best models

Of course, any rating of traumatic pistols will be subjective. Previously, they could be classified at least according to such a parameter as the muzzle energy of the bullet, but after the introduction of restrictions, this characteristic is no longer so important.

Traumatic revolver "Ratnik". Doesn’t require “pulling the shutter”, but doesn’t differ in aesthetic appeal either

Nevertheless, there are several models that enjoy a high reputation:

1. "Wasp". Despite its unsightly appearance, this traumatic device has repeatedly proven its effectiveness. True, it was originally equipped with cartridges delivering 120 Joules, but even in a weakened version such a weapon is quite competitive;
2. "Shaman". This pistol is in many ways similar to the Osa, but differs favorably from it in its ergonomics and compactness. In addition, the Shaman uses larger caliber cartridges. The main drawback is that there are only two charges in the cassette;
3. Izh-79-9T "Makarych". It is a copy of the famous PM. The first samples of these weapons were equipped with very weak cartridges, but modern modifications are capable of firing ammunition with a power of up to 85 Joules;
4. "Warrior". It is not a pistol, but a revolver with a five-cylinder cylinder. The main advantage is the ability to immediately open fire without chambering a cartridge. The main disadvantage is that the weapon is too thick, making the weapon uncomfortable to carry;
5. Grand Power T12. This pistol was originally designed to fire cartridges providing a muzzle energy of 150 Joules, and was the most powerful of all available types of traumatic weapons. After the restrictions were introduced, its attractiveness decreased.

Traumatic pistol Grand Power T12 and cartridges for it

Thus, preference should apparently be given to powerful and large-caliber samples, since they have the most significant stopping power, but at the same time are unable to inflict deep penetrating wounds, which usually lead to death.