Best caliber for self defense - Page 6

Sigkid79 · May 4, 2024, 01:51 PM

I’ve seen people die from a single .22 round, and seen people survive multiple shots from a .45

The Verminator · May 4, 2024, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sigkid79

I’ve seen people die from a single .22 round, and seen people survive multiple shots from a .45

Where do you live that you witness so many gun battles?

1972RedNeck · May 5, 2024, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Where do you live that you witness so many gun battles?

Join your local ambulance crew and you might be surprised at the number of gunshot wounds in your area.

The Verminator · May 5, 2024, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44 AMP

The 9mm was the FBI's choice, then it wasn't, now it is, again.

Don't forget that any organization's choice is going to be what they feel is best for the organzation, and may not be the best choice for a specific individual's needs.

Of course.

But........the FBI has a lot of experience in choosing firearms, maybe even more than some of us..........and their choice has to be something that will work for a general cross section of human beings.

The 1986 Miami shootout was instructive.........the 9mm slug that stopped just an inch or two short of the heart of the killer who went on to blow away several agents.

Apparently they trust today's ammo more than what was available at that time.

This link has some good info on the history that informs the FBI........it's a lot.

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/fbi-guns-ammo-history/

The Verminator · May 5, 2024, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

Join your local ambulance crew and you might be surprised at the number of gunshot wounds in your area.

No, they don't see much around here.

We're a peaceful lot.

**Mike Irwin** · May 7, 2024, 10:00 AM

For many, many years my primary CCW cartridge has been .38 Special in a Smith & Wesson J frame Centennial.

My other primary has been a Taurus PT-22 in .22 Long Rifle.

Yes, I have carried other guns over the years, chambered in .357 Mag, 9mm, and .32 ACP.

I've felt suitably armed with each of them.

Why?

Two reasons.

1. I know the guns are reliable in service.

2. I know that I can handle them well and hit with them repeatedly at likely combat distances.

PatientWolf · May 7, 2024, 07:43 PM

After extensive research I’ve found with 100% certainty that the best caliber for self defense is the one you have with you (as opposed to the one you left at home).

The Verminator · May 7, 2024, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatientWolf

After extensive research I’ve found with 100% certainty that the best caliber for self defense is the one you have with you (as opposed to the one you left at home).

Unless you left a better one at home.

Then you just made a bad choice.

georgehwbush · Yesterday, 03:42 PM

well, i think: there should be some questions asked first.

1. are you going to practice with the weapon more than one box full of ammo in a life time ?

this will indicate the probable cleaning and care rutine, which will in turn indicate the action type and style of gun to reccomend.

2. can you handle _____ cal weapons...

this will indicate the upper end limitations.

3. are you willing to have the weapon taken away from you and used on you, if you make a stupid mistake with it... (try to bluff with it...)

this will hopefully cause the person asking the question, to think about the consequences of as well as the responsibilities of carring a weapon.

3. what caliber do you like ?

and that will settle the issue for most people.

just remember "senior members" while we are not a few, we may very well be the minority in the gun owners community.

just one more thing, when i think about caring my 1911 45acp i remind myself "it's not about the odds, it's about the stakes" the odds are you wont need it. the stakes are life and death.

**44 AMP** · Today, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Which one is better? 45 acp or 40 SW?

This is the OP's question.

Also stated was "all my other pistols have been 9mm" so the OP is not unfamiliar with handgun ownership, and the basic questions beginners need to ask and answer.

For me, the .45ACP is better.

I never cared for the .40S&W, and don't own any. Yes, I have shot them, just didn't find them to do anything I didn't already have well covered, and that I had well covered for 30+ years before the .40S&W existed.

I'm not a cop. I'm not the FBI. Haven't been a solider in 45+ years. I don't need a round that "most people" can use, I don't need a round that works best for a law enforcement organization's rank and file. What I need is what works best, for me, and the .45ACP covers every base, more than well enough.

Feel free to disagree.

May 7, 2024, 10:00 AM	#131
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,393	For many, many years my primary CCW cartridge has been .38 Special in a Smith & Wesson J frame Centennial. My other primary has been a Taurus PT-22 in .22 Long Rifle. Yes, I have carried other guns over the years, chambered in .357 Mag, 9mm, and .32 ACP. I've felt suitably armed with each of them. Why? Two reasons. 1. I know the guns are reliable in service. 2. I know that I can handle them well and hit with them repeatedly at likely combat distances. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

Yesterday, 03:42 PM	#134
georgehwbush Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2023 Location: down town USA Posts: 208	well, i think: there should be some questions asked first. 1. are you going to practice with the weapon more than one box full of ammo in a life time ? this will indicate the probable cleaning and care rutine, which will in turn indicate the action type and style of gun to reccomend. 2. can you handle _____ cal weapons... this will indicate the upper end limitations. 3. are you willing to have the weapon taken away from you and used on you, if you make a stupid mistake with it... (try to bluff with it...) this will hopefully cause the person asking the question, to think about the consequences of as well as the responsibilities of carring a weapon. 3. what caliber do you like ? and that will settle the issue for most people. just remember "senior members" while we are not a few, we may very well be the minority in the gun owners community. just one more thing, when i think about caring my 1911 45acp i remind myself "it's not about the odds, it's about the stakes" the odds are you wont need it. the stakes are life and death. __________________ "if you have a good shooting stance, you are not using cover correctly" father frog

May 4, 2024, 01:51 PM	#126
Sigkid79 Member Join Date: November 5, 2020 Location: Tampa, fl Posts: 61	I’ve seen people die from a single .22 round, and seen people survive multiple shots from a .45

May 7, 2024, 07:43 PM	#132
PatientWolf Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Location: NC Posts: 949	After extensive research I’ve found with 100% certainty that the best caliber for self defense is the one you have with you (as opposed to the one you left at home).