More Pistols in same caliber or More Calibers?

J

J.T.King

New member
So I have been contemplating my next pistol purchase. Currently I own:

.45ACP HK USP45f (home defense, jeeping gun)
.38sp S&W 342ti (backpacking gun)
.380 Sig P230 stainless (wife's gun)
.357 Ruger Blackhawk (POS with pitted finish)
.22/.22mag Ruger single six (POS, pitted finish)

I am wanting to add another high quality auto to my stable. I am interested in a compact in either .45 or 9mm. This is where my question comes in:

In the occasion of a calamatous event (flood, fire, earthquake, war, insurrection), do you think it is a better philosophical idea to have multiple pistols in the same caliber for nice cross-platformability (the .45) or more availible calibers so as to better utilize whatever ammunition supply you come across?

Take your time.

Yes, I am serious!

J.T.


PS.. I dont have a firm opinion right now, otherwise I would probably already have bought my gun! :P
 
Hello, Mr. King. You have a nice selection already. Nothing's wrong with either plan you mention, but I might suggest getting a 9mm as there are so many out there and therefore, ammunition. The little Kahrs are very nice in the smaller guns. Since you mention "compact," I'd really look at the compacts from CZ. Their full size CZ 75 is a favorite and while I don't own the compact, I've fired a couple and they seem fine too, utterly reliable and accurate. best.
 
Consider the caliber of ammo stored in National Guard armories...

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
Well, when I go looking for a new gun, I usually go for one in a caliber I don't already have. I currently have six: .32ACP, 9x19mm, .45ACP, .40 *&*, .357SIG, and 10mm auto. My next will probably be a Ruger Bisley Vaquero in .44mag or a *&* Model 10 heavy barrel .38spl...

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"..but never ever Fear. Fear is for the enemy. Fear and Bullets."
10mm: It's not the size of the Dawg in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog!
 
I would think that in the event of Apocalypse, etc. if you were to find a cache of ammo, you would probably find the appropriate firearm with it (ie with a dead owner).
 
I say go with the same caliber becouse if you are worried about something like that you should already have your ammo stockpiled. Another gun in the same caliber serves as a backup in case the primary breaks with no gunsmith around.

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keep your options open &
never miss!
 
Do you reload? If you do, I'd say to get the same caliber, because then you can just crank out the rounds for whatever, and use it in several guns. If you don't reload, consider getting started, but if that's not at all a possibility, sure, get something different. Truly, consider using the money you've saved on the new gun on a good press and all the accoutrements.
 
I just added .380 and 9x18 to my inventory problems. Usually I try to simplify, but now that I've emerged from my y2k mental bunker, maybe I could go for a 9x19 that wasn't a Glock, or a .45 that wasn't a 1911, or a non-*&* revolver.... Nah.
 
I go with the same ammo for the same reasons as stated above. If you reload it saves you money and you don't need to reload for multiple calibers. If you are paranoid about lack of ammo you already stock piled, so it is better to have one caliber. Say you stock piled a bit for each caliber but the one gun you have in 9mm brakes, well then you have a bunch of worthless ammo. But if you have all your guns in 9mm, then it is still good. Also if you carry, and have a back up gun, that is the same caliber, then all the ammo you carry is good, if your primary is gone for some reason, you can still single load in your back up till you are out.
 
My theory on new guns is two-fold: buy for defense and buy for fun!

It seems like what you are missing is a mid-size or compact semi-auto. Not sure if you carry or not, but something that you could carry if you wanted to. The HK .45 is a little big to carry around, but the 342ti isn't much for power or accuracy (I have one; love to carry it but hate to shoot it). I'd go with a mid-sized or compact gun (ie, Glock 19/23/26/27, Walther P99, Kel-Tec P11/P40, Sig 228/229, etc. Most of those are 9mm or .40 caliber.

Hope that helps!
 
I personally see no reason to own more than two guns in the same caliber (one full-size for home defense & one compact for concealed carry) unless you already have all the serious calibers covered, then it's time to move onto three (or maybe four) guns per caliber.

Looking at your collection and taking into account your concern about calamatous events, I would recommed a compact .45 for concealed carry to go along with your HK USP45f. I would also suggest getting rid of the Rugers (as it appears that you are unhappy with them) and replacing them with a full-size 9mm -- prior to the sell-out I would have recommended a S&W 5906 (all stainless steel would make it desireable with regard to rust in the event that you can't clean it for long periods of time such as during a insurrection), but now I would suggest a Beretta 92 along with some pre-ban hi-cap mags.

Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD
fud-nra.gif


By the way, there are no widespread breakdown of society predicted until 1/18/2038 (at around 10:14PM EST) but these sort of things can come up unexpectedly so it's best to be prepared.
 
I am going to go with the add a caliber option. Which one and which pistol? I am very partial to the Glock 27 in 40 S&W. This little pistol in its various guises can do it all. If I stayed with the 9mm I would opt for a good Browning High-Power. In 45acp I like my Glock 30 gust fine. Regards, Richard.
 
I'm surprised that if you're concerned about survivalability that you don't have the 9x19 cartridge.

The 9mm round is the most widely used round in the world. Get something chambered in 9mm like a nice Glock 19.

Most reloaders only shoot two or three cartidges because it keeps it simple and safe for us.

9mm - without a doubt - Glock, Kahr, Beretta, Sig - you choose!

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The Seattle SharpShooter
 
My present calibers are:

.22
.32
.38/.357
9mm
30-06
12 ga

Except for the long rifle, I have at least two guns that will shoot each caliber. I really don't plan on adding to the list, it's long enoughas it is!

For my carry pieces, I have two identical of each caliber plus key spare parts. Like any mechanical device, any gun will at some point in time have a problem. The key is to have some spare parts. Due to limited resources, I have limited this to the carry pieces, Kel-Tec P-11 and P-32. Unless somebody gives me one or I win one, a "45" is not in the picture. Through practice, I am proficient with the Kel-Tec's and am confortable with them. I practice at least once a week which definitely helps. I have also learned to become comfortable with "tinkering" around with my carry pieces.

I notice that you are getting the spread of opinions on this issus, but isn't that what you wanted? Just remember, free advice is often worth what you pay for it.

As with most things, don't get hung up with too many different calibers or different gun or you will find yourself strung out. ITSHTF, I expect many - most - of our "plans" will change dramatically - and quickly.

Cheers.

"From my cold dead hands" C. Heston
 
I agree with jtduncan. The 9mm round should be the easiest to come across on 1/18/2038 (at around 10:14PM EST)[FUD: Thanks for the heads up]. It's what the bad guys all carry, isn't it? It's not only U.N. ammo, it's gangsta ammo too! My 9mm? CZ-75.
 
jtduncan said

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>I'm surprised that if you're concerned about survivalability that you don't have the 9x19 cartridge.

The 9mm round is the most widely used round in the world. Get something chambered in 9mm like a nice Glock 19.[/quote]

I agree 100% with this. Consider a USPC 9mm, Kahr, Hi-Power, CZ75 or Glock 17, 19 or 26.
 
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