Pond James Pond
New member
Rather than trying to dissect the perceived merits of one calibre over another in a real world setting where actual gun choice can have a huge impact on calibre choice I decided to provide us with a hypothetical weapon platform that should set up an equitable stage for comparing relative performance:
A single shot pistol...
There are 3 calibres I hear mentioned in many concealed carry situations that are common, despite not having the punch of the ubiquitous 9x19:
.38Spl, 9x18 and 9x17.
Now again, some of these come as HPs but I understand none make the fullest use of a hollow-point's possible expansion so let's also say these all had to be FMJs.
I will allow variation in bullet weight and profile, as long as they are FMJs and standard pressures: no +Ps.
We can suggest the most popular range of bullet sizes, so 125-158gr for the .38 and 80-100gr for the .380ACP
The Makarov I'm less familiar with so I will go with the same as .380ACP: 80-100gr.
So if, for whatever reason you choose to imagine, you were restricted to a single shot pistol for concealed carry, which weight of FMJ would you carry in which calibre?
When we cut through innumerable variations and try to get to the essence of what each can provide, which would you prefer. You don't even need to justify it!!
Before you ask why I will tell you: curiosity.
A single shot pistol...
There are 3 calibres I hear mentioned in many concealed carry situations that are common, despite not having the punch of the ubiquitous 9x19:
.38Spl, 9x18 and 9x17.
Now again, some of these come as HPs but I understand none make the fullest use of a hollow-point's possible expansion so let's also say these all had to be FMJs.
I will allow variation in bullet weight and profile, as long as they are FMJs and standard pressures: no +Ps.
We can suggest the most popular range of bullet sizes, so 125-158gr for the .38 and 80-100gr for the .380ACP
The Makarov I'm less familiar with so I will go with the same as .380ACP: 80-100gr.
So if, for whatever reason you choose to imagine, you were restricted to a single shot pistol for concealed carry, which weight of FMJ would you carry in which calibre?
When we cut through innumerable variations and try to get to the essence of what each can provide, which would you prefer. You don't even need to justify it!!
Before you ask why I will tell you: curiosity.