Mathematics and the Handgun

By: Joseph Brewer

Math 1030
Fall Semester 2014

Mathematics and the Handgun

When analyzing the Handgun and the Shooting dynamics that are used there are several
mathematics that apply. There are several factors that influence the accuracy and effectiveness

when shooting the handgun, such as recoil, controlling recoil and others factors that utilize
mathematics such as geometry and physics in order to have better control over the weapon when
firing it. These factors will be broken down, first the factors of the handgun and the physics
involved with it. Next the techniques involved in shooting the weapon and why these techniques
utilize certain mathematic principles to offer the best control and precision over the firearm.
Handgun mathematics
Ballistics
Every gun size has several different types of ammunition that is available depending on
the calculated outcome desired. Powder is weighted in grains and has been mathematically
calculated to deliver a predetermined energy burst. Based on load tables, ammunition is loaded
with x amount of grains of powder to deliver velocity, impact force and range. The size and
dimension of the bullet itself also contributes to velocity and momentum of the shot fired. For
example a .45 caliber round is larger and heavier than a 9mm round, because the .45 caliber is
bigger, heavier and less aerodynamic it requires more smokeless powder to propel it, it travels
slower and it carries more inertia with it. The 9mm round is more aerodynamic, weighs less and
requires less powder to propel it. The 9mm round travels much faster than the .45 cal and carries
less inertia.
When referring to the title of a specific type of ammunition, the name refers to its
dimensions, for example a 9mm means the round has a diameter of 9mm. When a bullet is
referred to with a specific caliber this is a measurement in inches. For example a bullet which is

a .45 cal means it has a .45 diameter.

Recoil
Based on the principle for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction
Newton, this same principal is seen in firearms but with the title of recoil. Specialized recoil
springs are developed to counter act the force of the exploding powder, in combination with this
spring and the weight of the gun the estimated recoil can be calculated. For example a large
caliber handgun will produce more recoil than a smaller caliber handgun but if the larger caliber
handgun is heavier and has a tougher spring (these contribute to reducing the recoil) then that
particular firearm will have reduced recoil compared to lighter handgun of the same caliber with
the same spring.

Rifling
Without rifling (the spiral grooving of a barrel) the bullet or slug would be limited in
range, speed and aerodynamic stability. Based on the barrel length and bullet size the rifling
intervals and groves are calculated to deliver to maximum stability, speed and efficiency of a
round fired. Some Firearms depending on bullet size and barrel length require a faster twist rate
to stabilize the shot fired. Rifling measured according to its twist rate and it is given in a ratio.
For example a 1:10 rifling means the bullet will complete one full turn in ten inches.
Grouping
This is the term used to describe the groups of shots hit on a target, a large grouping
indicating the shots are spread out wider on the target making a larger circumference if a circle is
drawn around the shots on the target. A smaller grouping indicates better shot placement (The
shooter tries to shoot in the same spot to gauge his accuracy) with a tighter grouping the
circumference of the circle drawn around the shots is smaller and the shots are spread out over a
smaller area.
Accuracy and precision
Accuracy is gauged by how close you are to the point where you are aiming. Perfect
accuracy would mean the shot that is fired landed right where you aimed, the farther the distance
is from the point of aim, the less accurate your shot was, Therefore accuracy can be calculated by
finding the relative distance a shot is made from the point of aim. Precision is measured by
grouping (see above) the closer the grouping is then the more precise your shots are made.

Shooting Dynamics Mathematics

Grip
When firing the handgun, the shooter needs a solid grip on the weapon. The preference is
to use what is called a 100/100 grip, which means you are putting 100% grip with both hands on
the gun for maximum control, any deviation results in a lower percentage of grip and lower
control. If only one hand is on the gun that would be a 100/0 grip, because one hand is fully on
and the other is completely off. It is important that the shooter maintains consistency when
gripping the gun to ensure that proper grip is established as much as possible. When gripping the
firearm it is important to grip as high up as possible, this way when the gun fires the recoil will
be absorbed straight back into the arms. The recoil will move to the path of least resistant

therefore if there is a low grip on the gun the recoil will push the muzzle of the gun upward
creating a fulcrum effect because of the position of the hands.

Form
An effective way to maintain control of the handgun is assuming an isosceles stance,
setting yourself up like an isosceles triangle. This is effective because with your arms
outstretched and your body square to the target it creates a stable stance to absorb the recoil of
the weapon. In this position, because the arms are both stretched out evenly, they absorb the
recoil evenly which helps to cancel out the recoil pushing the gun off to the right or to the left.
When the shot is fired, recoil is distributed evenly between both arms which helps to keep the
gun pointing straight
Through the use and study of mathematics and its application to the handgun, we are able
to create Firearms that are more accurate, more controllable and more effective. There are many

factors that contribute to the effectiveness of a handgun and math helps to measure that
effectiveness and improve upon it. Through math we are also able to develop techniques that
help us to more effectively use the firearm and analyze the techniques used.

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