Miscellaneous Questions

[See original article for a nice illustration and chart. Note that some of the information is factually incorrect. - SPG]

Miscellaneous Questions: "Q. How effective is the P90 'submachinegun' used on Stargate?
A. Despite all the manufacturer's hype and Hollywood glitz it is not as effective as they want you to believe. Weighing about 6.5 pounds with a loaded 50 rd magazine, it was originally designed as a 'personal defense weapon' for rear echelon troops and vehicle crew members that would be easier to to shoot effectively than a handgun.
The SS190 ball penetrates between 11 and 13.5 inches of gelatin, but the wound resulting from this projectile is a relatively small. The permanent cavity at its largest is either a .22 cal hole or simply a . 22 caliber flat slit the length of the projectile (2.1 cm) caused by the projectile tumbling. Although the 5.7 x 28 mm SS190 round penetrates soft body armor, its wound trauma incapacitation potential is at best like a .22 LR or .22 Magnum. Even 9mm NATO FMJ makes a larger wound--and I'm sure you know of the awe inspiring incapacitation potential of M882 FMJ 9 mm ball from the M9. While it's stated 'effective' range is listed as 200 meters this is pushing things a bit. While it can deliver a severe wound at that range, even up close it lacks the 'stopping' ability of most regular pistol rounds.

The 'civilian' 40 gr softpoint 5.7 mm rounds may be a bit more effective in creating a permanent cavity but penetration would be reduced. I haven't seen any tests of this round, but they too will reportedly penetrate some body armor.
The P90 is also available in a non-fully automatic civilian version with a 16' barrel as opposed to the 10' military version. The 16' barrel gives about 140 f/s greater velocity with the SS197 ammunition. Below is a table of currently available ammunition. Only the now discontinued SS196 and SS197 variants are available on the civilian market.
SS190SS191SS193 SubsonicSS195LFSS196SRS"