Low Down

This article contains graphic images from real cases which may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.   Handguns are low-velocity, low-energy weapons having muzzle velocities generally below 1400 ft/sec. Advertised velocities of revolver cartridges traditionally have not been accurate because they are obtained in test devices that have no cylinder gap. Even in well-made revolvers, this gap will cause a velocity loss of approximately 100 to 200 ft/sec, depending on initial velocities and pressure as well as the construction tolerances of the weapon. Advertised velocities for semiautomatic pistols are more accurate as there is no cylinder gap from which gas can escape. The length of the barrel also influences muzzle velocity. The longer the barrel, the greater the velocity. Advertised Muzzle Velocities Versus Actual Velocities Cartridge Advertised Muzzle Velocity (ft/sec) 2-in. Barrel 4-in. Barrel 6-...

Man y countries believed that Saddam Hussein remained a military threat even after more than a decade of efforts by the United States and the United Nations to disarm Iraq.   The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States finally provided the impetus for a U.S. drive for war against Iraq. This time, however, unlike the 1991 Gulf War, U.S. goals included not only disarming Iraq but also toppling the regime of Saddam Hussein. September 11, 2001, and the war on terrorism ,  terrorist attack by the terrorist group al-Qaeda proved to be the turning point for American policies on terrorism. Shortly after th is terrorist attack, U.S. president George Bush declared war on terrorism in an address to Congress and the nation, promising to use every resource and tool, even war, to disrupt and defeat the global terror network. In addition, Bush signalled a U.S. intention to conduct a military strike on countries that harbor terrorists or support ...