And for a further word about the 9 mm (cont).

I bought a .45 'cause the first gun that was available, fit my hand well, had the features I wanted and was nicely priced was a used Sig P220. If it had been a P226 (or whatever the number is for a full-sized 9mm) or a Hi-Power or CZ in 9mm, I'd have gotten that instead.

Having said that, I do think the .45 has the advantage. Then again, while I'll probably never shoot through glass or other barriers, I do live in Illinois where intruders would be wearing heavy coats most of the year. As someone pointed out to me, .45 bullets come pre-expanded. But I think we're mostly agreed that this nonsense of insulting or belittling people who shoot a smaller caliber than you choose is just plain dumb.
 
I can only speak for myself and no one else and yes the 9mm is an effective caliber.

My method for choosing the .45ACP has no scientific grounds and is just plain objecttive but it worked for me.

You may want to try it to. Go to your favorite gun store, line up all of the cartridges you are considering on the counter side by side. Look at each and compare. Then, choose the one you like. I hate to say it but I just like the way that big-ole bohunkin' .45ACP stacks up! :eek:

PS: all hanguns kick to me except for a .22 Long Rifle so recoil is not that crucial to me ----------- within reason of course.

------------------
"When guns are outlawed;I will be an outlaw."
 
I just saw a report in a book about tests conducted by German Kriminalpolizei with various calibers against a Ford (German made) compact of 60s vintage.

A .45 (1911), .44 Mag (S&W 29), 9mm (P38), .357 (S&W 66), .38 (S&W 10), and .22 (TPH) were utilized.

All, except LRN .38 penetrated at least one door, and .44, .45, 9mm, and .357 went through both, though .44 mag stopped at the exterior panel of opposite door.

All went through glass.

.45, 9mm, .44 and .357 went through the trunk, backseat and driver's seats. The .357 was stopped only by the radiator.

The engine was started and enough RPMs were given to simulate tire rotations at 100 KPH. 9mm and .357 were the only rounds that went through the rim, with the edge going to 9mm.

The most effective barrier was 40mm, three layer plexiglass. No round went through more than 1 layer.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by B Shipley:
I just saw a report in a book about tests conducted by German Kriminalpolizei with various calibers against a Ford (German made) compact of 60s vintage.[/quote]

Bunch of Chevy fans, are they? :)

Interesting idea, none the less. I wish they'd tried a .380 and .32 as well, those are very common in Europe and I'd like to see how they stack up.

The fact that all calibers went through auto glass is irrelevant; I know a .22 will go through auto glass. What matters is, once they get through the glass, do they still have enough velocity/energy to stop a bad guy?

I'd also like to know whether the auto rounds were FMJ or JHPs. Hardball will go further through this stuff, naturally.

Is the full study available on the Web somewhere?
 
FMJ for all autos, lead and jacketed for wheelguns

They used fiber board as a backstop, and all rounds that went through glass also went through this material.

Strictly in an obscure book I found in the library branch across town.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top