concealed carry

Arms, I know and I actually agree - my point was that with that many sidearms in 9mm being out there, there is going to be a lot of test in the field. For every GI that would prefer a 45 to the 9, I am sure there is one that is perfectly happy with the 9. It is not to say that a 45 wouldn't do the job better. In terms of defense ammo, a wound by a 9mm and 45 are almost the same. A 45 will create a larger temp cavity due to its mass, but neither a 9mm nor a 45 reaches a high enough velocity to cause major damage to the tissue that flexes from the temp cavity - it is just too flexible. A rifle round is a different story. A 45 isn't THAT much larger of a bullet than many other calibers, looking at the math it is minute - but it is an advantage. There is no point carrying a 45 if you can't shoot it worth a flip though. Again, the largest caliber you can shoot proficiently is the way to go.

38 special works, 357 magnum works, 357 sig works, 9mm works, 40 s&w works, 45 acp works, "insert your favorite caliber that isn't a mouse gun" - IF you get good shot placement.

and for reference -
Handgun_gel_comparison.jpg
 
I think you're chart is incomplete, insolentshrew. See the attached photo for the full version.

attachment.php


In all seriousness, though, carry what you are comfortable with. Hits in vital areas are what is important, not misses with big bullets. Personally, I prefer with .45acp or .327Mag, depending on whether I want an autoloader or revolver on me.
 

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i've seen those gelatin tests and while they give a good idea of what the wound looks like, how far they penetrate is going to be a lot different once clothes and bones are introduced. a 200 grain .45 jhp will normally expand to about 1-1.1 inches in a human and penetrate 4-5 inches, according to my cop buddy while a 125 grain .357 jhp will normally expand to about .6-.7 inches and penetrate about 12 inches in a person. both are deadly if hit in the right spot, but with the .357 you don't have to be as accurate.
 
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I like that pic mahoo, depending on the thread though and who posts it, that last test could be said for 357 sig, or 45 acp as well. I personally am not biased towards any caliber 9mm and larger, just depends on the gun & how it shoots. I do like my mag capacity though so I lean towards 9mm and 40 double stacks, but again thats just me. I rather have a 17+1 ready to go, and not have to carry a spare mag =)
 
I'll second all the folks that say go with the 45 and for all their reasons, but if you really want a 357 go with either a Ruger or S&W.

You may also want to look at the 357sig.
 
I've carried both and I've fired both and by far, I prefer the .357. Being 6'-260 lbs, the alleged recoil is not a problem. I also prefer the revolver because of the simplicity and ease of maintenance...no failure to feed, no failure to eject, no safeties, if you have a mis-fire, there's no tap-rack...just pull the trigger on the next round. You can leave a revolver loaded indefinitely and have no regard for magazine springs taking a "set". As far as reloading is concerned, I have become profecient enough with a speed loader, I can reload almost as fast as most can with an auto-chucker. There is also no concern about "limp-wristing" a revolver. Above all, I just prefer the power of the .357. No scientific studies, just my preference. As far as concealment is concerned, my size allows me to easily conceal my snubbie with no problem, either in a IWB or a OWB belt slide, and if the need arises, I can go to the ankle rig. For me, the revolver is a better all around choice for everyday carry.
 
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i've seen those gelatin tests and while they give a good idea of what the wound looks like, how far they penetrate is going to be a lot different once clothes and bones are introduced. a 230 grain .45 jhp will normally expand to about 1-1.1 inches in a human and penetrate 4-5 inches, according to my cop buddy while a 125 grain .357 jhp will normally expand to about .6-.7 inches and penetrate about 12 inches in a person. both are deadly if hit in the right spot, but with the .357 you don't have to be as accurate


Ermmm..What? a .45 penetrates 4 to 5 inches? Either you miswrote that or your buddy is full of it.
 
Five shots of .357 DT in one second from an SP101, all within the 9 ring? That's impressive. Not sure why you'd need advice.
 
@ straightshooter

that's another reason i forgot to mention, the revolver's reliability. there's no worrying about the gun not working when it's a revolver. i have only ever had one failure to fire with a .45 but not even once has my revolver not fired and i've shot a lot more .357 than .45

also @Lokpyrite

yes that was a typo, i meant the 200 grain jhp in .45. it expands too rapidly and slows down too much in people. i have no idea what the 230 grain does, he's never talked about it and i haven't shot a person with it lol.

and @ mleake

lol it wasn't dt ammo that i was shooting that fast, i'm pretty sure my hand would break from that recoil at that speed >.<. it was fiochi ammo, just your run of the mill .357s
 
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