Handgun Caliber

[Deerhuntr]

It seems that when the "what to buy" question comes up for handgun calibers, most people think the 9mm should not be used for self defense. Keep in mind I said most, not all. What deems the 9mm ineffective? I understand stopping power as well as other factors that are beneficial when you go with a larger caliber. BUT a lot of law enforcement, as well as the United States Military put the 9mm to good use. It seems to me that ppl that have to rely on their weapons would not use an ineffective cartridge. I shoot my 9mm that I have owned for three weeks better than I shoot my .45 that I have owned for 5 years. I am no shooting expert, but with the difference in recoil the 9mm is way easier to handle. I would gladly rely on my 9mm over my .45 any day, any situation. So what is it about the cartridge? Any good info welcome.

[baltz526]

in general people can shoot the light recoil 9mm more consistantly. practice ammo is cheap

[Fish Wheels]

There is nothing wrong with a 9mm for self defense. It's stopped a lot of bad guys. You MUST use good hollow point ammo for self defense and use the fmj for practice only.

[WoodShampoo]

Come on ya limp-wrister... Step it up a notch!!! Yes, I prefer a .40 or a .45. Keep in mind that "knock down power" doesn't exist in handguns. That bullet hits with the same force as the recoil felt at the gun. (For every action there is an opposite, but equal reaction). The bigger calibers give you a little more margin for error, as they cause more damage and are able to punch through things like car doors, bones, and other hard objects better than the 9mm. As far as your ability to shoot it accurately... I would pick the caliber you wanted, then learn to shoot it accurately. If you ever find yourself in a shooting you will never feel the recoil, so I wouldn't worry about the slight differences in that. Don't go cheep on carry ammo. I prefer Speer Gold Dots in my .40. As far as practice ammo... Shoot anything but Wolf and just clean well after each day of shooting.

Brian

[Ifishsum]

For self defense against 2-legged critters, the 9mm is just fine. In the woods, I'll carry something bigger, if only to make myself feel more secure

[bigjake_888]

I use a 9mm for self defense. It is the gun I shoot the most and I am most comfortable. I think alot of people don't like the idea of autos for this anyway. Like the reliablility and simplicity of a revolver. Must admit I do that way myself some times.

[Crooked Hook]

I agree with most of what has been said. In my opinion a 9mm is the smallest I would want to have to use as self defense. That being said, bullet placement is way more important than the caliber used. I would suggest you continue practicing with your 9mm so you are very proficient and confident. If so you will be able to take care of yourself if/when the time comes.

[duckboy]

I prefer a .38 spcl/ .357 mag

I can shoot both out of my little snubby revolver. The .357 has loads of punch, and the .38 spcl is light enough to practice with.

[1pump]

The only handgun I own at the moment is a Colt Anaconda in 44 Mag. Sure, it'll lay waste to anything that tries to stop that bullet, but good luck trying to hit anything more than a few feet away with any accuracy. Not to mention what the muzzle blast will do to your ears, especially indoors. And the bullet will leave your house and go through half the houses on the block before it stops.
A great intimidation caliber, but I'd rather have a 9mm or a .40 cal for the house.

[Bobberman]

I think for 2 legs 9mm is fine, and for 4 legs in oregon, 10mm is my go to. What can I say, I like the metric system

[Irish Pennant]

A lot of 9mm's have hi-cap mags. The 9mm may not have the umph that a larger caliber will have but the 9mm will keep you in the fight longer. The more led you throw down range the greater your chances are of hitting what you need to hit.

But nothing beats a shotgun for home protection

[HiTekRdNek]

I agree a 9mm is fine for home defense. Shotgun is the safest.
On a cartridge for the 9. I would suggest a staggered clip with FMJ And HP. That way you get both pentration and impact. Slower moving the better. You don't need stray rounds going thru walls and hitting other family members or neighbors.

[PIR8 Hook]

Fact from a deputy friend: .22 LR kills more people in the USA than any other......That said I carry a .380 aka (mm Kurtz)....It worked for James Bond for years and the SAS carries the 9mm too...double tap

[Incredible_Bulk]

I use .45 for personal protection and always will. 9mm just doesn't have the stopping power for me, but I do agree. For personal carry (2 legged critters) a 9mm or .357 with hollow points would work perfect. I carry in the woods primarily, and just like the idea of a .45 hollow point versus 9mm against bears, or the occasional rogue chipmunk.

As was one said to me, "9mm is a .45 set on stun."

[alaskan]

The 9mm got a bad reputation years ago as not having a real good 1 shot stop ratio. The little full metal jacket bullets will zip right thru a person and not impart a lot of shock, compared to a slower bigger diameter bullet like a 45. Shok is what will disable a person and stop an attack. Sure you can fill them full of little holes and they will bleed out eventually, but you may be hurt or killed in the meantime.
With today's greatly improved bullets, the 9mm does a good job if you do your part.

I got this information from Massab Ayoobs book. He is know for being an expert on ballistics and self defence.

[motocykill]

My only concern with a 9mm is over penitration, Small bullet lots of speed. I personaly prefer the 45 acp 200grn 800 fps hits like a volkswagen

[SOL]

I don't trust a handgun for stopping power, when you come through my door this is what you get...









*The above is sarcastic humor of course*

[12244]

You are right on here. My S&W 22a is just an extension of my hand. No thinking involved. I can afford to shoot so many rounds, its second nature. Why do you think spies carry em? I can put out 13 faster than most other handguns. And just a short pause for 12 more. I dont shoot to kill.



Couple that with a box of 525 round Remington 22LR Brass Plated hollow points for small change, good to go, fun or safety.

Originally Posted by PIR8 Hook

Fact from a deputy friend: .22 LR kills more people in the USA than any other......That said I carry a .380 aka (mm Kurtz)....It worked for James Bond for years and the SAS carries the 9mm too...double tap

[69scout]

I own both 9 and 45, but I mainly carry my 9mm for self defense. I'll take my 45 if I'm deep in the woods in case of larger predators.

As for 9mm not having enough stopping power ? I would think not, if you're dead on accurate and hit the target dead center. It'll take a knee anytime. If not,you can always empty the whole mag just in case it doesn't fall.

That's my...

[ampersat]

For you guys who look down on smaller calibers:
You go stand over there and I'll shoot you with this (insert wimpy cartridge name here) and we'll see whether your opinion changes.

[12244]

Something about a supersonic accurate round for dingin bells at distance without aiming, is indeed very intimidating. My eyes are on the target not the gun.

Originally Posted by ampersat

For you guys who look down on smaller calibers:
You go stand over there and I'll shoot you with this (insert wimpy cartridge name here) and we'll see whether your opinion changes.

[Gus Orviston]

Must be reading another site.. most of the discussions about handguns that result in poo poo 'ing the 9 double m (my rap talk) is hunting. Self defense.. no problem.. it barks loud, easy to handle, and holds a bunch of ammo, bad guys won't be assessing your stopping power in foot pounds.

I think the cops were forced to use it in most cases aren't they? that is what led to the LA nightmare a few years back. but that is an extreme case.

gus

[River Ranger]

Originally Posted by KevinsDriftboat

You are right on here. My S&W 22a is just an extension of my hand. No thinking involved. I can afford to shoot so many rounds, its second nature. Why do you think spies carry em? I can put out 13 faster than most other handguns. And just a short pause for 12 more. I dont shoot to kill.



Couple that with a box of 525 round Remington 22LR Brass Plated hollow points for small change, good to go, fun or safety.

Why would you not shoot to kill?

RR.

[fishinmachine]

Shooting to wound is bad. Center mass...three shots. Stop the threat...all the way. As far as home defense is concerned, 12 ga with 3" magnum turkey loads. If they get downstairs and open my bedroom door before I can get out of the house their going to have a bad day. I have read a few articles about stopping power of different hand gun calibers and one would be very surprised with some of the power smaller calibers can dish out. I googled it a bit but I couldn't find what I had read. If I remember correctly a .32 caliber had something like a 85 or 90 % one shot knock down with a hydroshock compared to 90-93 % with the same round in 45 acp. I'll have to keep looking. The type of round you choose plays as much or more of a role as the caliber you choose.

[duckshot]

I have the 9mm, a couple 357 mags, a 45 LC, and a 45 ACP Sig. I carry the 45 Sig more often than any other gun. It's a bit large and harder to conceal but I have shot A LOT with my 45 and am very comfortable with it. Likely I would feel the same way about the 9MM if I had shot it as much. My wife has a real easy to conceal S&W 357 hammerless stainless that she carries and is good with. I'd never carry it because I just can't get comfortable with it.

I think for most people the real issue would be what you are most comfortable and accurate with in regards to a personal protection gun. Any other ones talked about here will do the job with proper placment. You have to be quick and accurate. It won't matter which if you miss. Then, as has been said before above, the next important question is what bullet you would pick for the desired effect. I very much like the heavier hollow points like the hydra shock.

If you were equally comfortable with all of them then I thinnk the 45 ACP would be the better choice. I'm less concerned about the total number of rounds each will hold because you hopefully will only use three shots in quick succession and be finished. I carry two extra clips with me anytime I carry anway. I can't help but feel the 45ACP with a heavy hollow point will do more damage than the 9MM. This gives some additional "insurance" the person shot will stay down if you don't get real good bullet placement. - Johnny

[Clyde]

Hitting the target is key...lazer grips and pratice are great for that. 9MM...that'll be just fine...I like less recoil.

[fishbait]

There are some good books with factual data on the subject. Can't remember the name but I know Catching Nermo has a copy.

Remember it is MV squared. No so much the size of the bullet but the velocity.

In terms of one stop stopping power the .357 Mag is pretty much the tops due to velocity.

Most important thing is hitting what and where you want.

[Beginners luck]

With all the new ammunition technology? I would say the 9mm is fine. What ever you shoot, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Shot placement is the key. I like the phrase "A .22 in the head beats a .44 in the foot hands down." Put one in the snot locker!!!
Did I say PRACTICE?

[Cliff D.]

I don't understand (I don't shoot to kill ). Dad taught me right off never to point a gun at something I wasn't willing to kill or destroy.

[River Ranger]

Originally Posted by Cliff D.

I don't understand (I don't shoot to kill ). Dad taught me right off never to point a gun at something I wasn't willing to kill or destroy.

Your right there.
RR.

[12pulls]

Answering a question like this opens one self to endless arguments and theories. Here is a link to some great information, much more concise and better than what you can receive in most forums. I suggest that you make a copy of the entire article, make sure you get to the handgun selection, the article is 9 pages or so. Enjoy!

http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm

[fishbait]

Deerhunter,

be sure to read the ling.

This from the link:

The most effective handgun round on the market - regardless of caliber - is the Federal .357 Magnum 125 grain jacketed hollowpoint (357B). This load has more stopping power than any other handgun bullet (and this includes more powerful rounds like the .41 and .44 Magnums). I advise all experienced revolver men to carry the legendary Federal 357B in a .357 revolver, or the equally good Remington full-power 125 grain semi-jacketed hollowpoint (R357M1).

You need at least a 4 inch barrel mininum, for this round to be effective.

[69scout]

Shooting to mame is just another way of torturing.

[Davy]

They make "safety" rounds in several calibers I believe. Atleast they use to, huntin partner had some in elk camp one year .They have Nitro tips in the bullet that explodes on impact with anything== such as a wall or a body. This prevents misshots from hittin your sleepin kid in the otehr room.

I agree with HyTek , nuthin like a 18" 12 ga double 00 for HD. Take's missing and most likely maiming out of the equation.

[feisty's wife]

Originally Posted by SOL

I don't trust a handgun for stopping power, when you come through my door this is what you get...









*The above is sarcastic humor of course*

Is that a 20mm Lahti?Shade's of Henry Bowman.UC...right on!

[Davy]

now that's firepower

[willierower]

Here is what I have. 16 rounds of 230 grain Hornady TAP at the ready. Para Ordnance LDA 14-45 with +2 mags.

[HntnFsh]

At Wally World you can get 100 rd packs of winchester ammo for $19.99 for 9mm,$26.99 for 40sw.Or $31.99 for 45acp.

Sure makes it a lot easier on the wallet when practicing with the 9 if you dont reload.And its amazing how fast you can go through a 100 rounds.

[Silver Hilton]

Any gun is better than no gun. My own choice, which is the most popular choice with la enforcement, I believe, is the .40 S&W. There is nothing wrong with the 9mm, it's a lot better than no gun at all. I've read studies that show that the 40 S&W has much better stopping power than the 9mm, and better stopping power than the 45 acp with the hardball bullets that everyone uses in the ACP to get it to feed reliably.

[Silver Hilton]

Originally Posted by motocykill

My only concern with a 9mm is over penitration, Small bullet lots of speed. I personaly prefer the 45 acp 200grn 800 fps hits like a volkswagen

The .45, particularly with hardball ammo, has much worse overpenetration than 9mm's. Most 9's will shoot JHP bullets reliably, and the law enforcement loads you can get will dump their energy quickly. Every .45 I have known, which I will admit isn't that many, has required round nose ammo to feed reliably, and that's a recipe for poort energy transfer and over penetration.

There's a good book out there, Handgun Stopping Power, which has a lot of good data on this subject.