Is caliber important ?

[willbird]

I was at Gander mountian today handling an xd-45c, the kind of young clerk at the counter asked me "is caliber important" when I asked if he had a 5" compact in stock. Perfect opening for a smart aleck reply "caliber is VERY important"............the other older clerk who I have talked to quite a bit was Laughing his asterisk off heheheh


Bill

[jeepinbanditrider]

Being able to handle and fire the weapon proficiently is WAY more important than caliber.

Most research shows very little difference in "stopping power" between the major defensive calibers such as 9mm .40 .45. .357mag seems to be the best when it comes to one shot stops.

[willbird]

I agree, the wimpy folks that do not shoot much SHOULD stick to small calibers.


Bill

[mrtoadzwildride]

I agree with Jeff Cooper and Massad Ayoob on this one, shoot the biggest caliber you can handle! Bigger bullet=bigger wound channel. Bigger wound=better likelyhood of incapacitating your attacker. I would rather train to shoot well with a .45 than be over confident with a 9mm. This is merely an opinion I'm not trying to start some big caliber debate, just answering your original post.

And always keep in mind:“The 1911 pistol remains the service pistol of choice in the eyes of those who understand the problem. Back when we audited the FBI academy in 1947, I was told that I ought not to use my pistol in their training program because it was not fair. Maybe the first thing one should demand of his sidearm is that it be unfair.” — Col. Jeff Cooper, GUNS & AMMO, January 2002

I definatly consider 10rds of .45acp hollow points unfair in a gunfight with a common criminal. I can conceal the svc model I have 14 plus a reload, I sure as hell wouldn't want a fair fight!

[t_rueter]

The only "fair fight" is the one I win!

[cid_ayrbourne]

Originally Posted by t_rueter

The only "fair fight" is the one I win!

How true it is, how true it is...

While certain things - such as concealablity or pistol vs revolver - my play a factor in your choice of gun; for self-defense purposes, you should always shoot the biggest round you feel comfortable firing.

Ofcourse, you could argue that some rounds (44 Mag) are over-kill; but if you're certain you can hit your target with it, it's liable to put your target down no questions asked.

[Hemidart]

People bag on the 9mm a lot....and mostly by people that have never used a handgun to defend themselves. The 9mm with the proper ammo and proper shot placement will stop a threat just as fast as a 45 acp.

While I like the 45 ACP and shoot very well with it, I would have no problem staking my life on the 9mm. Plus when it come to small concealable handguns I would rather carry a 9mm because in such a light gun the 9 will be easier to follow up with.

[Reeek]

Originally Posted by Hemidart

People bag on the 9mm a lot....and mostly by people that have never used a handgun to defend themselves. The 9mm with the proper ammo and proper shot placement will stop a threat just as fast as a 45 acp.

While I like the 45 ACP and shoot very well with it, I would have no problem staking my life on the 9mm. Plus when it come to small concealable handguns I would rather carry a 9mm because in such a light gun the 9 will be easier to follow up with.

I haven't near the handgun mileage of most forum members here but I tend to agree with you 100%. That is exactly why I went with the XD45 Service first. For the caliber, the XD45's reputation and pretty good carry concealability but when I went for my second XD I ended up with the XD9 Sub and I actually am happy I have that 9mm but probably because I have the 45 too.

I wanted another 45 but there was too much similarity between my Service the the Compact and when I walked around the house practicing with an IWB holster I learned two things. First, to me, the grip length has the most impact with concealability. Second, the barrel length had everything to do with MY comfort while carrying. (I don't have my CCW yet so I'm just adjusting to CCW at home in the meantime). I noticed that with my body type the barrel length meant a lot with the comfort element when I sit down. Standing is no big deal with barrel length of course but sitting down, that extra inch or so meant not digging into my thigh or groin area witht the holster at 2:30. It wasn't as bad at 4:00 but the the print was more distinguishable when I sat down.


I'm pretty big but not fat. 245 lbs, 6' 2" and consudered strong. I don't wear tight clothes but I don't wear them real baggy either. I think I'm starting to learn that body type is very dictating on how someone conceal carrys because so far, except for my Galco Flecth and Hume 711 OT (both belt holster) nothing is "comfortable" from an IWB yet. Doable? Yes. Comfortable? No. Maybe over time I will adjust. I'm hoping my in build High Noon Tailgunner is going to hel that issue.

[TexicanKid]

Originally Posted by willbird

I was at Gander mountian today handling an xd-45c, the kind of young clerk at the counter asked me "is caliber important" when I asked if he had a 5" compact in stock. Perfect opening for a smart aleck reply "caliber is VERY important"............the other older clerk who I have talked to quite a bit was Laughing his asterisk off heheheh


Bill

Here's a chart:

.22 Cal Accuracy very important, must hit vitals
9mm Accuracy somewhat important, should hit torso
.45ACP Accuracy still important, but less so than above, try to hit limbs or torso
10 Gauge Shotgun Accuracy mildly important, any hit is good
16inch battleship shell Accuracy not too important, try to be within 75 yards of target

So, the above gives you a picture that accuracy is a lot, but not everything. Power has its place as well. As the late Jeff Cooper used to say, "Accuracy, Speed, Power". They all go together.

[Frisco Pete]

One thing not mentioned is the bullet type. The 9mm really came into its own as a stopper when good HP bullets (some shot at +P velocities) came into being in the '80's. Even now, with the military FMJ ball 9mm has its share of failures in the sandbox if placement is a bit off.

Now with the .45 Auto the larger diameter HP is truly terrific, but if you can only get FMJ ball ammo - that too has worked very well for over 100 years due to the rather large frontal area of the caliber. And +P isn't even necessary. Something to think about perhaps.

Lastly, "power" isn't the only concern. You have to be able to place a (reasonably powerful) bullet in the K-zone and might really appreciate the quick follow-up shot of a quick and controllable second round. This might be one reason a .460 S&W or even .44 Mag is a bit "much" at times with their long recoil recovery times. The .45 Auto is a very nice compromise here as well.