9mm or 45cal

[SGT Rocket]

I've thought about the 40cal, but for some reason, it just doesn't spark my fancy. I did find this online. I haven't heard the audio because the kids are sleeping and I don't want to disturb them. But, it is interesting ballistics.

[Johnnysan]

With the exception of military and law enforcement personnel, I'm always left to wonder why the issue of "stopping power" is such a determining factor in the purchase of a handgun. I understand the thought that if confronted in a "deadly force" situation, an individual will want to stack the deck to their advantage by availing themself of the most firepower they can muster to end the situation quickly and walk out alive. But, really, how often does the average citizen find him or herself in that kind of situation?

To me, it's about carrying what you're most comfortable with and most successful with in terms of putting rounds on target. I have fired nearly every handgun cartridge made and I'm certainly not against the larger calibers...they have their place and do the job that they were intended for. But for everyone who will tell you that a .22, or a .25 auto, or a .32, or a .380 isn't a lethal round, there's a corpse somewhere whose existence tells a different story.

For me, the 9mm would be the way to go. It's less expensive to shoot, which means you can afford more range time. More range time translates to more familiarity with the weapon which, in turn, leads to better accuracy and control. And, in an actual firefight, I'll give the edge to the guy who can hit the target over the guy who is carrying a cannon that he can't control.

[scooter]

I'm with Johnnysan. Hit what you're aiming at and you'll stop it/him. If the Marines (and I am a retired Marine) find that the 9mm is satisfactory, I figure that's all I need to know. Hell, a pellet gun to the kneecap or the forehead will stop anyone I can imagine, then you can finish him off at your leisure if you choose.

[sheeplady]

You mentioned home defense. Are you planning on being the only one to fire this weapon, or will it possibly be used by others in your household as well?

[Johnnysan]

Hell, a pellet gun to the kneecap or the forehead will stop anyone I can imagine, then you can finish him off at your leisure if you choose.

I like the way you think, brother!

[TomS]

Hi:

There are folks here certainly better able to offer an opinion on this matter than I. Having said that, I'm a police firearms instructor, and have been for about 25 years. I've done a little bit of shooting in that time, and I would suggest the .45. I am personaly aware of one situation where an individual wearing a leather jacket was unharmed by two direct hits from a "nine", and I've heard of other similar situations as well. I dont imagine that hits from a .45 would have been deflected by a leather jacket irregardless of the thickness of the leather.
Best,
Tom

[SGT Rocket]

You mentioned home defense. Are you planning on being the only one to fire this weapon, or will it possibly be used by others in your household as well?

I will most likely be the only one, as my wife has her own gun.
I've been looking at bullet costs, and I'm thinking the 9mm is the way to go. If I need more than that, heck, I do have a .357 wheel gun. My uses a 6 shot 38cal S&W that we inherited from my mom.

[SGT Rocket]

Hi:

There are folks here certainly better able to offer an opinion on this matter than I. Having said that, I'm a police firearms instructor, and have been for about 25 years. I've done a little bit of shooting in that time, and I would suggest the .45. I am personaly aware of one situation where an individual wearing a leather jacket was unharmed by two direct hits from a "nine", and I've heard of other similar situations as well. I dont imagine that hits from a .45 would have been deflected by a leather jacket irregardless of the thickness of the leather.
Best,
Tom

Hi Tom,
Was the person with the 9mm shooting FMJ or hollow-points?

[1961MJS]

Hi

Someone on the 1911 forum has a tag line reading "A 9mm may expand, but a .45 sure won't shrink,"

I carry a Beratta .22LR and a 1911 in .45 ACP. The .45 because I like the trigger, and the .22LR because I can conceal it wearing shorts and T-shirt.

Later

[Gene]

Agreed with Johnnysan. The debate is ridiculous, I've even had people say "If someone shot me with a .38 it would just make me mad." Riiiiiiight.

A gun you are comfortable with, regardless of caliber.