Featured Disabling a Gun with a Bullet Recoil Staff July 15, 2016 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. We've all seen the scenes in the movies — someone shoots a gun out of a bad guy's hands, or a sniper puts a round through the scope of another sniper's optic. Such events are, most of us know, extremely improbable — but not impossible. Last January an off-duty Jefferson County (CO) Sheriff's Deputy proved it's possible, though not on purpose. Deputy Jose Marquez exchanged gunfire with two armed subjects in the city of Aurora, shooting one of the suspects, Jhalil Meshesha, and suffering two gunshot wounds himself during the exchange. Thankfully Marquez survived, recovered, and was cleared yesterday of any wrongdoing, but what is particularly interesting about this gunfight is the “one in a billion” hit made by one of Marquez's bullets. At some point during the fight, a .45 caliber bullet from the deputy's pistol traveled down the barrel of the suspect's .40 caliber pistol, striking a chambered round, disabling the weapon. Truth is often stranger than fiction. Disabling a gun with a bullet Cover photo courtesy of the 18th Judicial District District Attorney's Office. “Deputy Marquez reasonably believed that his life was in danger and acted reasonably in shooting Meshesha, and that he used an appropriate level of physical force. I further find that Deputy Marquez’s actions were justified and he did not violate Colorado law.” Arapahoe County Deputy District Attorney Rich Ormon. Remember this? We'll discuss whether this was an appropriate or responsible shot at another time. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
