That's a rather old ballistic gel pic. With present day self defense ammo you can reasonably expect 14" penetration and an additional 50% expansion from a .45. Though, Hornady just released Critical Duty 135 grain +p 9mm that claims 16" penetration, designed to go through barriers, and outside sources have found it to be true. I plan on doing a few tests myself to see before I start carrying it. Besides, recoil is something like 60% mental. You think it's worse because you expect it to be and your performance is hindered because of it.