Is There Any Animal That Can’t Be Killed by a Well-Aimed Point-Blank Pistol Round?

With the proper shot placement, any animal can be killed with a single shot from a handgun. This is a topic that can spark lively debates among hunting enthusiasts and those who are simply interested in the capabilities of firearms.

Can a .22 LR Pistol Kill an Animal at Point-Blank Range?

Me: Shoot me at point-blank in the butt with a .22, and I’ll survive.

Technically speaking, the .22 Long Rifle (LR) is not a pistol round, although it is often fired from pistols. The .22 LR is a rimfire cartridge, commonly used in small firearms. As such, it is not designed to be as powerful as traditional pistol rounds. However, if one were to attempt such a feat, the outcome would be highly uncertain.

Factor in proper shot placement, and there are scenarios where a .22 LR might be effective. For instance, hitting the base of the brain or the upper spinal cord with a .22 short could potentially do the job. However, the ferocity and size of the target would play a significant role in determining the outcome. Shooting a cape buffalo with a .22 short would be highly improbable and dangerous without specialized knowledge and anatomy.

Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of a Pistol Shot

Knowing the 3D anatomy of the animal is crucial for successful hunting or hunting simulations. Different animals have varying anatomical structures:

Cattle: A well-placed shot through the point line between each eye and the base of the opposite horn can be lethal. A 22 short or other smaller caliber bullets can effectively kill cattle. Elephants: Larger, more dangerous animals like elephants can be killed with rounds from powerful cartridges such as the .44 Magnum and .454 Casull. Proper shot placement is critical here, as even the most powerful ammunition can only be effective if the brain or spinal cord is hit correctly. Bison and Water Buffalo: These animals have a more robust skull, making it harder to reach vital areas without specific knowledge of anatomy and the correct shot angle.

Other factors to consider include the large or small size of the animal and whether it is dangerous or not. Rifles typically have higher velocity, which can provide more hydrostatic shock to affect the animal's vital organs.

Ethical Considerations and Practicality

The short answer is “no.” While any animal can be killed with a sufficiently powerful pistol, the practical and ethical considerations should be paramount.

Here are some key points to consider:

Animal Size and Danger: Larger and more dangerous animals require careful planning and appropriate ammunition. Penetration Ability: Some animals have thick hides or armor that can resist even powerful rounds. Shooting Position: A hunter must be in a secure position, such as in a tree or behind cover, to avoid accidental injury or endangerment. Ammunition Caliber: Selecting a pistol caliber that is at least nominally capable of killing the target is crucial. Speed of Execution: Depending on the animal’s ability to react and defend itself, a quicker and more certain kill is often preferred over a less immediate one.

Ultimately, it is wise to exercise caution and respect for the animals one hunts or considers. Proper training, understanding of the animal’s anatomy, and using appropriate equipment are key to ethical and responsible hunting practices.

Conclusion

No animal is invincible to a well-aimed shot from a pistol, given the right conditions. However, the choice to attempt such a feat should be made with utmost caution and respect for both the animal and the hunter. Understanding the complexities of anatomy and the practical considerations that come with hunting is essential.