Different calibers will have different strengths and weaknesses...there's no "war" in my opinion...just people voicing their opinions on what suits their needs. I love reading these...let the discussions continue!! The more info, the better!!
I went with a .40 for my first handgun last year. I bought mine for self-defense...and I wanted that first shot to count...I dread having to send out multiple bullets, but I will if I have to.
One thing that struck me was this ex-cop, now-mortitian who does over 8 autopsies per day, year round. He says that if the dead BG has one bullet in him, it's probably a .40 or .45 (the .45 had the edge). If there's multiple bullets in him, it's probably a 9mm or .38.
http://www.gunthorp.com/Terminal Ballistics as viewed in a morgue.htm
Again, I don't view this as a caliber war. Personally, I want the best first shot capability.
For me, for personal defense in
my situation, I got a full-sized all-steel, a whopping 2.4 lbs., .40 cal semi (a CZ SP-01 Tactical). It shoots like a 9mm...very little recoil due to the weight. My second choice would be a Springfield XDm in .45 with their double stacked mags - 14 rounds of .45.
I've never been a police officer. Just speculating...if I were, I'd probably go with something lighter if I had to carry all day. I have no idea! And since I'm so new to guns, I might totally change my mind this year!
Anyway, I was thinking with all the meth freaks, etc. out there, I want a big first shot. The .40 generally has more kinetic energy than either the 9mm or .45. Every shot has it's risks...I'd rather have a bigger first-shot, and then rely on a really heavy gun to make any subsequent shots feel like 9mm shots. THis way I have the best of both worlds. I just don't have to carry a heavy gun all day, so I'm fine with a very heavy .40!