Exodus (20:13) & The Imperative of Minimizing Over-Penetration in Public

A Real-World Citizen Involved Shooting Case for Pilgrim Ammunition

In the realm of self-defense, protecting oneself and loved ones is a sacred duty, often requiring split-second decisions in high-stakes situations. Yet, this responsibility carries a profound obligation to ensure that defensive actions do not harm innocent bystanders or escalate danger. A critical risk in such scenarios, particularly in public or confined spaces, is over-penetration - when a bullet passes through its target and continues with enough force to strike unintended objects or people. This danger underscores the importance of selecting ammunition designed to minimize over-penetration, such as Pilgrim Ammunition, which boasts an unprecedented record of zero over-penetration to date. The real-world impact of this technology is vividly illustrated by the experience of Shannon Ritch, whose story, combined with biblical principles and practical considerations, highlights why minimizing over-penetration is not just a tactical choice but a moral necessity.

The Bible provides clear guidance on the sanctity of life and the ethics of self-defense. The Sixth Commandment, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13), prohibits the unlawful taking of life, emphasizing the value of every human soul. However, scripture also acknowledges the right to protect oneself from imminent deadly threats, with passages like Exodus 22:2 permitting the use of necessary force to defend against an intruder. This balance - upholding life while allowing for self-preservation - requires discernment, especially in the choice of tools used in defense. Ammunition that minimizes collateral damage aligns with this biblical ethic, ensuring that the force used to protect life does not inadvertently violate the commandment against murder by endangering others.

Over-penetration is a significant concern in defensive shootings, particularly in public settings or confined spaces like homes, apartments, or crowded urban areas. When a firearm is discharged, the shooter is accountable for every round, including its final resting place. A bullet that passes through a target - whether a person, a wall, or furniture - can travel far, potentially striking innocent bystanders, family members, or critical infrastructure. In high-stress scenarios, such as a home invasion at night or a confrontation in a busy public space, adrenaline and rapid decision-making can hinder a thorough assessment of the target’s background. As James Wilkoszewski form Pilgrim Ammunition notes, these “challenging shooting conditions” heighten the risk of unintended consequences, making the choice of ammunition a pivotal factor in ensuring safety.

Pilgrim Ammunition addresses this challenge with a design engineered to drastically reduce over-penetration. Their 9mm rounds are crafted to deliver stopping power while minimizing the likelihood of exiting the target, achieved through advanced bullet construction that prioritizes controlled expansion and energy dissipation. The result is a round that neutralizes threats effectively but is far less likely to cause collateral damage. Pilgrim’s claim of “zero over-penetration to date” underscores the reliability of their design, offering peace of mind to those who carry or keep firearms in environments where others may be nearby. This technology aligns with the biblical call to protect life responsibly, ensuring that defensive actions remain within the bounds of necessity and proportionality.

The real-world significance of this ammunition was demonstrated in a dramatic self-defense incident involving Shannon Ritch, a professional MMA fighter known as “The Cannon.” On June 15, 2024, in a Phoenix, Arizona, restaurant parking lot, Ritch faced a life-threatening situation. An assailant, 32-year-old Alejandro Samplina, allegedly chased Ritch with a knife after a dispute. Ritch, acting in self-defense, fired a single round of Pilgrim Ammunition 40 S&W from his Glock 23 at a distance of two feet, striking Samplina in the front of the neck. The bullet fatally wounded the attacker but did not exit the back of his neck, preventing it from potentially striking bystanders in the crowded area. The Phoenix Police Department investigated and found Ritch’s actions justified, releasing him without charges. Ritch’s choice of Pilgrim Ammunition likely prevented a tragic outcome, demonstrating the value of ammunition designed for safety. He will share his insights on this incident and the role of ammunition choice on Survival Dispatch News this coming Friday (5-16-25). James Wilkoszewski, Dave Kemp (retired SWAT team leader), Jon Wheaton and Chris Heaven will round out the panel.

Ritch’s experience highlights the importance of preparedness and ammunition selection, echoing Pilgrim’s adage, “Chance favors the prepared.” In public spaces, where the density of people and structures increases the risk of collateral damage, low-penetration ammunition can mitigate legal, ethical, and societal consequences. A stray bullet that harms an innocent person can complicate a justified self-defense case, leading to legal battles and emotional devastation. By choosing Pilgrim Ammunition, shooters can reduce these risks, aligning their actions with both practical responsibility and the biblical mandate to value life. This is especially critical in home defense, where thin walls and nearby family members heighten the danger of over-penetration. Studies show that standard handgun rounds can penetrate household materials, posing risks to loved ones or neighbors. Pilgrim’s zero over-penetration record makes it an ideal choice for protecting homes without endangering others.

The broader implications of minimizing over-penetration extend to societal safety. Defensive shootings, even when legally justified, face intense scrutiny. Ammunition that prevents unintended harm supports the shooter’s intent to protect life without violating the sanctity of others, reflecting the biblical balance of self-defense and restraint. In urban settings, where neighbors live in close proximity, or in public spaces like malls or streets, the use of low-penetration rounds can prevent tragedies that erode public trust in responsible firearm use.

In conclusion, minimizing over-penetration is a critical aspect of responsible self-defense, aligning with both practical safety and biblical ethics. The Bible’s prohibition on murder and allowance for necessary force underscore the need for tools that protect life without causing unintended harm. Pilgrim Ammunition’s 9mm rounds, with their proven zero over-penetration record, offer a solution that balances stopping power with safety. Shannon Ritch’s experience in Phoenix illustrates how this technology can make a life-saving difference in real-world scenarios. As he prepares to discuss his story on Survival Dispatch News, the message is clear: responsible self-defense requires preparation and the right tools. By choosing ammunition designed to protect both the defender and the community, we honor the sanctity of life in an unpredictable world.

Click the image below to buy Pilgrim’s 9mm ammunition and use discount code SURVIVALDISPATCH10 to get 10% off. If you buy four boxes you’ll get an additional free box between now and May 31st, 2025. Please note, this article was not sponsored by Pilgrim. Also, Survival Dispatch does not receive any affiliate commission or other monies from Pilgrim. We heavily recommend Pilgrim on a routine basis because of the specific content covered in this article. After a gazillion test rounds shot into gel blocks and ballistic dummies with outstanding results, it’s truly the best option for self-defense sidearm ammo in our opinion.

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Chris Heaven, CEO
Survival Dispatch