Why did you choose the caliber that you use?

[simon]

I shoot a lot ...the 9mm is a little more inexpensive as I don't reload anymore..so 9 it is..

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[ccw9mm]

Why did you choose the caliber that you use?

Basically, for the best mix (for me) of reliability, number of rounds available to me in a given gun, my practical ability to bring a given gun and a certain amount of firepower to bear, as well as common availability of the ammo (worldwide). That it's less expensive for training is a nice bonus. I'm all for a bigger punch, but not by giving up various other aspects in the mix. To my way of thinking, suitability of a given round for defensive purposes is not about caliber. It's about the whole package.

Previous thoughts ... click.

[wmhawth]

Depends on the gun. 357 Mag in my 4" GP100. 38Spl +P in snub nose revolvers. The 357 in 125gr JHP fired from my GP100 is controllable enough for me and I consider it to be an effective manstopper. In smaller, snub nose revolvers I stick to 38Spl +P for better control with multiple shots. I own autoloaders but prefer to stake my life on good revolvers as my personal carry option.

[nuparadigm]

.45 ACP because I'm a sentimental slob.

[Louis]

.45 because I got tired of dragging the 105 around. Seriously, .45/4" 1911 with copper jacketed solids in the winter (lots of thick coats here), .45 G36 with JHP spring and fall (don't laugh but I seem to shoot the G36 faster than the 1911. The barrel line sits a little lower in my hand and I can get the second shot off quicker.) .38 snubby with JHP if my wife is along, since that is what she carries. Keltec P32 with copper jacketed solids if nothing else can be concealed or as BUG.

[SatCong]

I carry 45 acp, because I have seen the results.

[rmarkob]

My EDC is 9mm. I tried a Glock 27 when I updated my armory about a year ago, but found I couldn't control it well. The instructor at a Defensive Pistol course saw what was happening and let me use his G19 for the rest of the day. The combination of larger grip/less recoil made all the difference in getting back on target for follow-up shots. I traded the 27 in for a 19 on my way home from the class (yay Cabelas' 14 day return policy!).

Lower cost of ammo and larger capacity are side benefits.

[strider72]

9mm 124 gr. +P Gold Dot HP. Has a good record, hits good at longer distance, and I have always been a 9mm fan. Also little cheaper to shoot than others.

[brandy_easttx]

Kimber 1911 .45 cause I love the gun and the 45 power. (Winter Concealment) or with loose shirt over (not tight) jeans

S&W 908 w/jeans or shorts because it is easier and more comfy than the 1911

Glock 26 or S&W 642 W/laser Grip in Galco Conceal Purse

As for the calibers, its because 45, 9mm, and 38 are what hubby and yall have said are popular and sufficient carry calibers.

[ShadeAngel]

.45 for me, to make the biggest hole possible, as long as I have a full sized gun.

Under a 5" barrel the .45 gets a little too slow for my tastes.

So in a compact or sub-compact I go 9mm for the capacity. And I trust modern 9mm ammo.

[matiki]

I carry:

1.) The biggest caliber I can control
2.) The biggest caliber I can conceal

In that order of priority.

8/10 times that's my .45, the other 2/10 it's a .40 or 9mm (used to be a .38spl before getting my Kahr).

[micahsrad]

I have done extensive research on stopping power and you would be surprised that as long as your bullet goes deep enough you shouldn't have a problem with stopping power(if you put it in the right spot). Shot placement far out-ways the caliber advantage of your weapon. I wont say what the best caliber is because that depends on the shooter. More time should be spent on proficiency than money on the perfect caliber.....Just my 2cents!!!!!!

[sniper58]

I carry a 1911 in .45 ACP because:

1. I can control it better than any other pistol
2. I can conceal it very well
3. It's combat history is unparalleled though some may argue the 9mm is steeped in tradition as well.
4. Personally, I like the stopping power that comes with a properly-placed shot.

I know 9mm is cheaper to shoot, but I don't correlate that cost savings with the value of my life. The bottom line is that #1 & #2 above are my primary reasons.

[SatCong]

I carry a 1911 in .45 ACP because:

1. I can control it better than any other pistol
2. I can conceal it very well
3. It's combat history is unparalleled though some may argue the 9mm is steeped in tradition as well.
4. Personally, I like the stopping power that comes with a properly-placed shot.

I know 9mm is cheaper to shoot, but I don't correlate that cost savings with the value of my life. The bottom line is that #1 & #2 above are my primary reasons.

Very well said.

[cdwolf]

I carry the The USPc in .40 , 12+1
And Kmber compact in .45 7+1
There is a difference between 124 gr and 180 gr I will keep my .40
The most important factor is shot placement, The USPC platform is perfect for the round. Small enough to conceal and 13 rounds of 180 gr (pick a flavor).I think the .40 was very well designed and will be around here for a while, if not my Kimber Will do Fine.