what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense - The Firearms Forum

llama.45 · 01-26-2005, 07:15 PM

what do yall think?

Marlin · 01-26-2005, 07:18 PM

Head and shoulders - - .45 ACP.

HiPressure · 01-26-2005, 09:39 PM

12 gauge! But assuming we're only considering sidearms.....One caliber doesn't suffice for all situations. In most instances I would go with a 45 but that would interchange with a 40SW. During the summer months here in the Phoenix area a bigger firearm gets a little hard to carry and hide, so the minor calibers come into play. Out in the desert, range starts coming into play so I prefer the 357 Mag, with a heavy loaded 45 Colt a close second. Of course, when I'm out stomping the boonies I will almost always have a long gun, which is better than any handgun I can think of.
HP

azsigman · 01-27-2005, 06:23 AM

The one you have with you and can shoot accurately. While I do not carry one, I would prefer my wife have a .22 rather than nothing. After that, this discussion will go on for pages with everyone having a different idea. Personally, I carry a 9mm Sig or a .45 Kimber. My wife has a .38 spl Taurus.

MtJerry · 01-27-2005, 06:29 AM

#1 - 12 gauge

#2 - .45 ACP

Xracer · 01-27-2005, 07:30 AM

The largest caliber you can shoot accurately and comfortably.

Marlin · 01-27-2005, 07:55 AM

12 gauge is a great thought. However, I don't have a short version. That's why the .45 acp 1911 is our first line.

358 winchester · 01-27-2005, 08:35 AM

Rule # 1 if you are going to a gun fight HAVE A GUN

Rule # 2 be capable of using that gun with some ACCURACY

Rule # 3 DON'T PANIC PLACE YOUR SHOTS
and the bottom line is practice with what you carry

I have a 45acp as the basic carry

and at night by the bed a 357 model 19 (just pick it up and pull the trigger) and close at hand a 12ga. pump( the sound of the slide alone will make most run away). I would rather have my 5 shot 22mag North American Arm revolver single action 5 shot then a stick in a gun fight.
It is hard to beat a wheel gun for protection, no worries just pull the trigger.
Just my 2 cents

Ron

Gunfyter · 01-27-2005, 09:32 AM

My Rules For Gunfighting
1. Bring a Gun - preferably a .45ACP
2. CHEAT

rvtec88 · 01-27-2005, 03:37 PM

S&W 500 MAG!!! ONE SHOT STOPS EM ALL! THATS EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO FIRE, MOST WILL RUN JUST AT THE SITE OF THAT MONSTER!!!!

undefined

Jay · 01-27-2005, 03:47 PM

I agree with Xracer......except the other way around......

If it's not comfortable, you're not gonna carry it, or want to parctice with it. If you don't practice with it, you can't be accurate with it. I'm 6' 1'' and weigh 200 lbs......I carry a .45 cal Kimber ProCDP. My wife is 5' 2" and (not gonna get hurt) and she carries a S&W SW99 in 9mm.

exexpat93 · 09-12-2005, 04:37 AM

XRacer is right.

I used a 9mm Makarov up to recently because I knew I could hit someone center of mass at distance with it and it was potent enough to stop.

Barry Sadler carried a 380 Beretta up to and when he was killed in Mexico and he was a weapons nut and part time mercenary. (He was ambushed so was caught with his pants down in more than one way when killed if you've read the stories.)

I have used 380, 9mm Mak, 9mm Para, 40SW, and 45 ACP at differant times and pistols.

I'm using 9mm Para currently in my CZ.

If it feels good, you can put rounds in a center of body mass target, and is 380 and above - go with it.

Country101 · 09-12-2005, 09:08 AM

A .45 if you can shoot with it.

AGB · 09-12-2005, 01:11 PM

The one You're good with. No sense using a .50 if You barely can shoot it once. And miss the aim. I feel quite confortable with a .380, second would be a 45 acp. But at night, the 12 ga is always at hand.

GotGlock · 09-18-2005, 07:37 PM

Can't foreget the wheelgun loads, 357 magnum will do the job anyday of the week. I personally carry a 9mm, I can get 15 shots rapid fire on target from 25 feet away.

TheIceMan · 09-19-2005, 11:26 AM

I carry my 9mm with 16 +1 FMJHP 130gr.

mutt · 10-03-2005, 08:10 AM

.45 Colt, .45 Auto, .357mag .

ducky · 10-04-2005, 10:35 AM

My daily carry is a govt model in .45ACP, but there are times when I carry one of my govt models in .38 super. For all intents, .38 super is just as good as anything else for a handgun defense round, and virtually recoil free (IMO).

ron8903 · 10-04-2005, 02:05 PM

.357 any day

glocknut · 10-04-2005, 06:18 PM

The .50 GI.....

Expensive though.

mike
gn

ducky · 10-04-2005, 07:30 PM

I forget the name of the show, but it was on OLN or something where they tested the .50GI and found that with velocity/energy it was really no different than a stout .45ACP load. Of course, I can't take this as gospel since I've never even seen a GI Model 1 up close, let alone fired one.

user_error · 12-20-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GotGlock

Can't foreget the wheelgun loads, 357 magnum will do the job anyday of the week. I personally carry a 9mm, I can get 15 shots rapid fire on target from 25 feet away.

I hear that. 9mm Beretta, here.

Pistolenschutze · 12-20-2005, 07:17 PM

Best "caliber" is a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with #4 buckshot! Those are a wee bit difficult to carry concealed, however, so I usually carry a .45 ACP for that purpose. My newest acquisition is a Taurus Millennium Pro PT-745 and I'm beginning to fall in love with it, I think.

Small, easy to conceal, yet it gives me 7 rounds of .45 persuasion should that be needed.

jeep45238 · 12-20-2005, 09:21 PM

Anything bigger than a .380.

bambihunter · 12-22-2005, 10:57 PM

For the balance between power (velocity and energy), capacity, and weight I don't think there's many pistol calibers out there that will beat the powerful 10mm; even moreso in the auto pistols.

I agree with the comments above that there are different reasons to shoot and own various calibers for CCW use.

I carry a Kel-tec P3AT (.380) to work every day. In this role, it was imperative that it wouldn't print even as I bend over, reach, crawl around on the floor running wires, etc. For that role, obviously a very small lightweight gun filled the bill.

For deep concealment, but not necessarily as "deep" as I need at work I am thinking about starting to carry a 9mm Firestar. I recently got it on trade and was just going to sell it but it has a nice balance to it and is quit small.

When I am dressed for it, and/or have a bad omen, I prefer the powerful 10mm auto. I don't think there's any reasonable CCW gun that can compare to the balance of power and capacity in a lightweight gun (particularly the Glock 20 and 29).

In the end, it is what the person that will be carrying it wants. They have to have a reliable firearm, one that fits both the shooter, and the role it is intended, and it should be powerful enough to do its job. That said, for the most part I think ANY gun could possibly tip the balance in your favor should something bad happen...

01-26-2005, 09:39 PM	#3
HiPressure Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 11	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense 12 gauge! But assuming we're only considering sidearms.....One caliber doesn't suffice for all situations. In most instances I would go with a 45 but that would interchange with a 40SW. During the summer months here in the Phoenix area a bigger firearm gets a little hard to carry and hide, so the minor calibers come into play. Out in the desert, range starts coming into play so I prefer the 357 Mag, with a heavy loaded 45 Colt a close second. Of course, when I'm out stomping the boonies I will almost always have a long gun, which is better than any handgun I can think of. HP

01-27-2005, 06:29 AM	#5
MtJerry Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 8	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense #1 - 12 gauge #2 - .45 ACP

01-27-2005, 07:30 AM	#6
Xracer TFF Admin Staff Mediator Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Minn-eeee-sota, ya, sure, you bet! Posts: 9,144	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense The largest caliber you can shoot accurately and comfortably.

01-27-2005, 07:55 AM	#7
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,854	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense 12 gauge is a great thought. However, I don't have a short version. That's why the .45 acp 1911 is our first line. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

01-27-2005, 08:35 AM	#8
358 winchester TFF Admin Staff Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pensacola Fl. area Posts: 7,335	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense Rule # 1 if you are going to a gun fight HAVE A GUN Rule # 2 be capable of using that gun with some ACCURACY Rule # 3 DON'T PANIC PLACE YOUR SHOTS and the bottom line is practice with what you carry I have a 45acp as the basic carry and at night by the bed a 357 model 19 (just pick it up and pull the trigger) and close at hand a 12ga. pump( the sound of the slide alone will make most run away). I would rather have my 5 shot 22mag North American Arm revolver single action 5 shot then a stick in a gun fight. It is hard to beat a wheel gun for protection, no worries just pull the trigger. Just my 2 cents Ron __________________ Administrator & Owner RangeDay.com Proud, White, Heterosexual, Gun Owning, Southern American, Christian. Any question about where I stand?

01-26-2005, 07:15 PM	#1
llama.45 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: sewanee,tennessee Posts: 406	what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense what do yall think? -->

01-26-2005, 07:18 PM	#2
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,854	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense Head and shoulders - - .45 ACP. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

01-27-2005, 06:23 AM	#4
azsigman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 320	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense The one you have with you and can shoot accurately. While I do not carry one, I would prefer my wife have a .22 rather than nothing. After that, this discussion will go on for pages with everyone having a different idea. Personally, I carry a 9mm Sig or a .45 Kimber. My wife has a .38 spl Taurus.

01-27-2005, 09:32 AM	#9
Gunfyter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Western Maryland Posts: 1,956	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense My Rules For Gunfighting 1. Bring a Gun - preferably a .45ACP 2. CHEAT __________________ Anything worth shooting once, is worth shooting again. If it ain't broke, break it. Someone needs the work

01-27-2005, 03:37 PM	#10
rvtec88 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 4	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense S&W 500 MAG!!! ONE SHOT STOPS EM ALL! THATS EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO FIRE, MOST WILL RUN JUST AT THE SITE OF THAT MONSTER!!!! undefined

01-27-2005, 03:47 PM	#11
Jay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,286	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense I agree with Xracer......except the other way around...... If it's not comfortable, you're not gonna carry it, or want to parctice with it. If you don't practice with it, you can't be accurate with it. I'm 6' 1'' and weigh 200 lbs......I carry a .45 cal Kimber ProCDP. My wife is 5' 2" and (not gonna get hurt) and she carries a S&W SW99 in 9mm. __________________ "For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected cannot taste." "USMC 8652, 2531, RVN Jun '67, - May 69"

09-12-2005, 04:37 AM	#12
exexpat93 Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 27	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense XRacer is right. I used a 9mm Makarov up to recently because I knew I could hit someone center of mass at distance with it and it was potent enough to stop. Barry Sadler carried a 380 Beretta up to and when he was killed in Mexico and he was a weapons nut and part time mercenary. (He was ambushed so was caught with his pants down in more than one way when killed if you've read the stories.) I have used 380, 9mm Mak, 9mm Para, 40SW, and 45 ACP at differant times and pistols. I'm using 9mm Para currently in my CZ. If it feels good, you can put rounds in a center of body mass target, and is 380 and above - go with it.

09-12-2005, 09:08 AM	#13
Country101 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dardanelle, AR Contributor Posts: 2,045	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense A .45 if you can shoot with it. __________________ Gainfully employed= shooting somebody elses bullets and getting paid for it Country101

09-12-2005, 01:11 PM	#14
AGB V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Brasilia, DF, Brasil Posts: 144	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense The one You're good with. No sense using a .50 if You barely can shoot it once. And miss the aim. I feel quite confortable with a .380, second would be a 45 acp. But at night, the 12 ga is always at hand.

09-18-2005, 07:37 PM	#15
GotGlock Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Tampa Bay, Florida Posts: 11	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense Can't foreget the wheelgun loads, 357 magnum will do the job anyday of the week. I personally carry a 9mm, I can get 15 shots rapid fire on target from 25 feet away. __________________ *Velox Mortis* Glock 19

09-19-2005, 11:26 AM	#16
TheIceMan Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pike County PA. Posts: 29	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense I carry my 9mm with 16 +1 FMJHP 130gr. __________________ SW9VE Taurus 24-7 .45acp Beretta .32 Tomcat (wifey's gun) Marlin 925 BOYCOTT SEARS.. THEY HAVE A NATIONWIDE ANTIGUN LAW IN ALL OF THEIR STORES.

10-03-2005, 08:10 AM	#17
mutt Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: South Central Texas Posts: 8	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense .45 Colt, .45 Auto, .357mag .

10-04-2005, 10:35 AM	#18
ducky V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tejas Posts: 271	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense My daily carry is a govt model in .45ACP, but there are times when I carry one of my govt models in .38 super. For all intents, .38 super is just as good as anything else for a handgun defense round, and virtually recoil free (IMO).

10-04-2005, 02:05 PM	#19
ron8903 Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: fl Posts: 27	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense .357 any day __________________ eyes,ears open/mouth closed

10-04-2005, 06:18 PM	#20
glocknut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: THE FORUM MASCOTT... Posts: 12,482	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense The .50 GI..... Expensive though. mike gn __________________ Where O where are you tonight? Why have you gone and left me alone? I searched to world over and a thought i found true love... You met another and PTThhh you were gone....

10-04-2005, 07:30 PM	#21
ducky V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tejas Posts: 271	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense I forget the name of the show, but it was on OLN or something where they tested the .50GI and found that with velocity/energy it was really no different than a stout .45ACP load. Of course, I can't take this as gospel since I've never even seen a GI Model 1 up close, let alone fired one.

12-20-2005, 07:17 PM	#23
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense Best "caliber" is a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with #4 buckshot! Those are a wee bit difficult to carry concealed, however, so I usually carry a .45 ACP for that purpose. My newest acquisition is a Taurus Millennium Pro PT-745 and I'm beginning to fall in love with it, I think. Small, easy to conceal, yet it gives me 7 rounds of .45 persuasion should that be needed. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

12-20-2005, 09:21 PM	#24
jeep45238 Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 48	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense Anything bigger than a .380.

12-22-2005, 10:57 PM	#25
bambihunter V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 197	Re: what does everybody think is the best caliber for self defense For the balance between power (velocity and energy), capacity, and weight I don't think there's many pistol calibers out there that will beat the powerful 10mm; even moreso in the auto pistols. I agree with the comments above that there are different reasons to shoot and own various calibers for CCW use. I carry a Kel-tec P3AT (.380) to work every day. In this role, it was imperative that it wouldn't print even as I bend over, reach, crawl around on the floor running wires, etc. For that role, obviously a very small lightweight gun filled the bill. For deep concealment, but not necessarily as "deep" as I need at work I am thinking about starting to carry a 9mm Firestar. I recently got it on trade and was just going to sell it but it has a nice balance to it and is quit small. When I am dressed for it, and/or have a bad omen, I prefer the powerful 10mm auto. I don't think there's any reasonable CCW gun that can compare to the balance of power and capacity in a lightweight gun (particularly the Glock 20 and 29). In the end, it is what the person that will be carrying it wants. They have to have a reliable firearm, one that fits both the shooter, and the role it is intended, and it should be powerful enough to do its job. That said, for the most part I think ANY gun could possibly tip the balance in your favor should something bad happen...