Preferred handgun caliber for civilian SD

Preferred caliber for civilian (not LE) self defense

  • .380 Auto

    Votes: 4 2.2%

  • .38 Special / .357 Mag

    Votes: 36 19.8%

  • 9mm x 19

    Votes: 41 22.5%

  • .40 SW

    Votes: 23 12.6%

  • .44 Special / .44 Magnum

    Votes: 4 2.2%

  • .45 ACP

    Votes: 61 33.5%

  • Other (please specify)

    Votes: 13 7.1%
  • Total voters
    182
Creature:
The design is for carrying the gun with a loaded chamber, hammer down. It's passed the drop test, so you pretty much HAVE to cock the hammer, and pull the trigger to fire the gun.

The advantage is that you can sweep the hammer back easily with the cutout, without hitting the rear sites. I've found with mini 1911's that carrying condition one has the hammer sticking out, and, adds size to the gun that you don't really need. The way I carry it, a beavertail, or hammer cocked is literally a pain.

The guns are hyper-accurate anyway, and, even at longer then combat ranges, if you do your part, the gun will work.

When I shoot, most of my concentration is one the location of the FRONT site, and, the position of the rear sites doesn't seem to be any hinderance at all.

Also, the Detonics CombatMaster does not have a grip safety, and, carrying condition one a couple times I found the thumb safety had worked it's way off, so I was about 2 pounds of trigger pressure from a ND. That did NOT give me the warm and fuzzies...
 
I think the ultimate would be a Smith & Wesson Model 500 Stainless 5 Round 500 S&W Magnum w/8 3/8" Barrel/HiViz Sight.

:D:D:D:D:D:D:
 
A 9mm in any high quality JHP. I started out with a .45 went down to a .40 and then settled on the 9mm. My choice is based on the high capacity of the 9mm mags and the fact that personally I just shoot a 9mm better than anything else.
 
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.357/38

but I usually carry a 9mm because of the small size

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My carry/HD guns 9mm and .45, mostly the .45. I think either is suitable, and it really comes down to what you are comforatable shooting.
 
I'm partial to 45 ACP and 400 Cor-Bon in my 1911s, 9mm in my BHPs (FN & FM), and 357 Mag in my S&W 681-1.

Cor-Bon is very close by and helped me dial in my 1911 conversions when the round was first introduced. I handload for them too but only use factory fodder for SD. Never any issues with that cartridge BTW :)

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--Bob
 
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#1 What ever you actually carry and can shoot best.


#2 Based on history and experience: 357, 40, and 45, for me.
 
Personally, I prefer .45 acp, .45colt, .357, 10mm.

My concealed carry guns are either .45acp or .357.
My outdoors carry is .45 colt, plan to add a .357 at some point.
I very much like the 10mm, but need to get a smaller gun for anything other than range-use.
 
My home defense handgun is a .357 (GP100 4"), but I just started carrying a Blackhawk .41 Mag for open trail, and my ccw is usually a .380 LCP, as it's the biggest I can pocket carry without printing. Different calibers for different circumstances I guess.
 
my first choice ideally would be .45acp or maybe even a 10mm. but depending on the individual and what fit's/suits them then .45gap, .40S&W, .357sig, or 9mm are all good choices.

I really don't like anything less than a .380 unless it's a BUG/last resort but a .32 in the hand is better than a .45 in the safe.

if you're more a revolver guy than .357 mag would be my first choice or a 10mm but if you can find a way to hide one on you than .45acp, .44spl, .41 mag, or maybe a .45colt with light loads is great too.

when are ruger and S&W gonna get off their duffs and make a medium frame 5-shot .45 auto and .45 colt revo?!?
 
I voted 9mm, I am able to fire it and keep the bullets on target.
Not too much recoil, and with the right hollowpoints, if I do my part, the bullet will do its part.
My second choice would be 45ACP.
 
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