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Pistols: What caliber do you choose and why?

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shooter07 View Drop Down
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    Posted: November/10/2010 at 17:58
So i've been doing a lot of studying up on ballistics of the major players in the automatic handgun world and thought this would be an interesting topic to discuss. I don't want to start a damn "45 is better than 40" argument, rather just some insight to why you carry/own the handguns you do.

People's choices will vary due to a variety of reasons. Location (city/country), cold or warm weather climate, gun law restrictions, whether its a carry pistol or target shooter....


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ed Connelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2010 at 18:18
 
 
 
 
I have a 45.  For knocking people down.  My favorite, however, is a 22 for bouncing tin cans.....and those pesky rattlesnakes.......   Bucky  
 
 
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SamC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2010 at 18:33
Although I own pistols and revolvers chambered in 22, 38,357, 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP, during the summer I tend to carry a S&W Model 340PD in 357 Mag (pocket carry) and in the winter I usually carry a Glock 23 in 40 S&W (IWB). IMHO all calibers listed above except the 22 are fine for self defense as long as you can shoot them straight. I do like the 22 for camping or fishing trips.
Sam


Edited by SamC - November/10/2010 at 18:36

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2010 at 19:21
I carry for personal defense from 22lr to the 45 and 10mm.   Its not always the size of the bullet or energy packed but the placement of the shot.  Get something you can practice with comfortably to become highly efficent.  I do not carry a gun for personal protection I can't keep 10shots inside a 4" circle at 50ft.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote martin3175 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2010 at 19:52
Got a Sig 245 in 45ACP and 9mm 228 ... occasionally a 4" 357 S&W 357 ... if I had to pick just one ..Probably the 45
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tman1965 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2010 at 20:04
I carry a S&W M&P .40 for personal defense, and a Ruger 44 mag for back up when hunting. I carry the M&P for accuracy, firepower and stopping power, the 44 for accuracy and sheer power. My wife carries a Taurus millenium pro .45 because she is deadly accurate with it, and for its legendary stopping power.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote csacpt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2010 at 20:05
Close to home usually my PPK in 380, or Glock 23 in 40S&W. Just easier to carry concealed. However, if I am going "downtown" to the big city, Para P13 in 45 acp. Any of these will do what is needed with proper "gun control." I figure they just let me fight my way back to my rifle anyway! In the end it is really mostly about mass and momentum! And that is all I really know about physics. LOL
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shooter07 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2010 at 21:23
Graham brings up a great and most important point. Shot placement and being able to hit what you're aiming at consistently trumps any other factor. I do think there are some interesting points as to why a person chooses different calibers. Having a military background and having a brother in Spec Ops provides me with some great insight as to what our guys are using in the real world.

Getting something that fits your hand and is comfortable to you is the first step. I personally can't stand glocks and it has nothing to do with their reputation as it is excellent. Rather i do not like how they feel in my hand and thus i won't carry one. Would i trust my life to one if the feel was better? Sure, they have the resume to make that statement, but again, if it doesn't feel right i won't carry it on my person.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/10/2010 at 22:53
 Of all the many guns I have carried I never felt under gunned with  either a 1911 .45acp or a S&W  629 44mag. 
 
So  no matter which brand you select stay with .44 or .45  10mm  .357 or 41 mag. While a 40 S&W will do it is not the gun the others are.  

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 05:34
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Edited by 300S&W - November/11/2010 at 08:08
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 07:01
Pistol:  .357Sig/.45 ACP with .45 GAP close behind
Wheel gun: .44Mag (S&W Stainless 629)/.357Mag (S&W Stainless 686)

Far behind, 9mm Glock

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shooter07 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 07:16
Speaking with members of Spec Ops i know the .357 Sig is becoming incredibly popular. It's replacing the 9mm/.45 acp in many departments around the country and having shot them a handful of times recently, i would have to say it is my favorite round from an automatic pistol. Some will argue that is is a bit much in terms of civilian self defense as it's penetration is superior to other rounds and thus will go through many barriers. This is of great value to our armed service members and police as they are more likely to get into situations where they need to shoot through something to hit their target, but i still love the round. It's an extremely flat, fast, accurate round and it strikes like a lightning bolt. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdaddy0381 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 09:19

45 ACP daily in. For fun sometimes I tote my 500 S&W. it is a tad big for carry but in a jacket no one knows. plus if SHTF all you have to do is shoot close.

 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 09:58



The debate is much the same as the rifle debate, there are favorites and "trusted tools", but in the end it comes down to mission: use the right tool to complete the mission.

Be aware that your needs and the needs of the military folk are not the same - probably not even similar.  As civilians, we seldom need to advance to contact, shoot through multiple barrier types, engage armor-clad enemies, and fortify and hold positions.  All that to say, don't put too much stock in "the military is using ____ now, so it must be the best for my purposes too."

That said, I am a 1911 guy, I have trained with it extensively, I shoot it almost instinctively, and I have seen what a well-placed .45+P round does on target.

As I have told many before, 1911 is unique in that it is easy to learn, difficult to master.  I wouldn't recommend it as a learning gun or a plinker.

At the end of the day, the only shot that matters is the one that found its target.  If you shoot a .22LR really well, carry a .22LR.  Kinetic energy and efficiency of energy transfer is irrelevant if the round can't find its mark.

Finally, also know that the singular purpose of a pistol is to fight your way back to your rifle.  Just as Rule#1 of the gun fight is bring a gun, Rule#2 is have a rifle handy.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stickbow46 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 16:36
My main distance as a civilian to protect is 21'.I practice alot at bad breath distance & my choice is a S&W 638 +P in the summer & a S&W 640 in 357 in winter.Both are pocket pistols & my feeling is if you can't get the job done with five rounds,20 rounds is not going to help[the reason for lots of practice].
 
I will always be a 1911 guy,taught it in the service have put at least 100k rds down range,but it's just to heavy to carry all day long.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 19:07
I live in California, so my chance of having a CCW license is effectively zero.

I am primarily a rifle guy, but that having been said, I own a few handguns chambered for 22LR, 22Winmag, 9mm, 357Sig, 45ACP, 38Special and 38Special/357Mag.

If I had to do it all over, I would probably have either one 9mm semi-auto (likely a Sig) with a 22LR conversion kit or a couple of revolvers chambered for 38Special/357Mag instead of the assortment I currently have.

The best I can tell, with properly selected ammunition, on humans, superior effectiveness of 45ACP vs 9mm, 40S&W, 357Sig and other similar calibers is a myth.  

If you are looking for a handgun any of these calibers is perfectly fine.  Pick the gun that fits your hand the best, does not jam and is cheap enough to run so that you can practice.  If you can get a CCW, make sure it is small and light enough for you to carry.

While we are at it (and to throw some fuel onto the fire Devil), I thoroughly despise 1911s.  Aside from historical significance, it is quite underwhelming.  In my particular case, there isn't a 1911 in existence that actually fits my hand (I got my hands onto every 1911 exhibited at SHOT).  The only 45ACP that does (and that is the one I own) is Sig P220, although Baby Eagle is not bad either.

As time goes on, I am becoming more of a revolver guy, since semi-autos will be banned here in PRK a fair bit sooner.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote shooter07 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 19:42
The 1911 would be a near perfect pistol if it didn't employ that damn grip safety....I love the feel of them in my hand (personal preference) but the safety there just bothers me for some reason. I can imagine a handful of scenario's where you are compromised and can't quite get a solid grip on the gun...guess what, she won't go bang. The newer XDm's that Springfield came out with are awesome but i can't bring myself to buy a pistol that has the grip safety on it. But i'd still take a 1911 with that feature over a glock which i can't stand in my hand.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 19:42
Below are some of my fav's to shoot, they fit comfortably in my hand and are very accurate.

HK USP (.45apc)
Colt Python (.357)
Glock 19 (9mm)
Ruger Mark II (.22lr)



Mitch Rapp shoots a 9mm Glock. Bucky
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 19:46
with more people carrying, good people and bad, and the changes of confrontation of one sort or another more likely, (road rage, where both parties are "innocent) something else should be considered. To underestimate your opponent isn't a good thing, so assuming he or she is at least as good as you are, there remains 3 outcomes of the confrontation, win, loose and draw. Your chances of winning are only 331/3 %. Choose your training well.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: November/11/2010 at 19:49
Not here in Kali, only the bad guys are packing...  Roll Eyes
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