Best handgun round

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2024's Favorite CCW? | PSA Micro Dagger

Posted: 9/16/2001 10:16:20 AM EDT

Without the mag ban, overall what is the best round for a handgun? Considering not too long ago 45 auto mags where comming very close to the same amount as most 9's I have a hard time figuring whats best. Also I heard the 10mm has both a very good size to power ratio, any comments there?

Posted: 9/16/2001 10:39:49 AM EDT

[#1]

I was reading an article yesterday about what guns and caliber the state highway patrol agencies around the Unites States use and the .40 was the most popular...

It's the one I prefer, with .45's being a close second.

Posted: 9/16/2001 10:40:03 AM EDT

[#2]

10mm or .357 Magnum seem to be the best compromises of all in my opinion. However, I'll stick with my G23 in .40 S&W and have two other great choices - 9mm & .357 Sig via conversion barrels.

Posted: 9/16/2001 10:40:22 AM EDT

[#3]

If I could only choose one (i.e. nuclear fallout), I suppose I'd have to pick a 9mm. It's a universal load, many handguns can hold up to 17rds with the appropriate hi-caps, and the 124gr. FMJ-NATO round has a muzzle energy in between that of a typical .40 and .45 cal. That's plenty of power, and more than enough rounds to get the job done.

Next choice would still be a .40 though

Posted: 9/16/2001 10:50:33 AM EDT

[#4]

45 acp

Posted: 9/16/2001 10:52:24 AM EDT

[#5]

I vote for the 9mm. I believe it is the person behind the gun that matters most (concerning stopping power). Also, the 9mm is "universal" and, because of it's size, well suited for hi-cap mags (less reloads, carry more ammunition).

Tyler

Posted: 9/16/2001 10:53:16 AM EDT

[#6]

The .45--- When you care enough to send the very best!

Posted: 9/16/2001 10:53:29 AM EDT

[#7]

10mm

[pistol]

Posted: 9/16/2001 3:06:55 PM EDT

[#8]

btt

Posted: 9/16/2001 3:12:09 PM EDT

[#9]

The one you can double tap the quicket and most accurately. (My preference is the .357 for self-defence and the .40 for combat)

Posted: 9/16/2001 7:30:23 PM EDT

[#10]

Colt 1911 .45

Nuff said

Posted: 9/16/2001 7:36:10 PM EDT

[#11]

IM a fan of 1911s as I shoot them well and the recoil does not bother me in the least and am partial to the .45 ACP. The real answer is the round YOU shoot the best. You have to hit the target in the right spot before it is at all effective.

Posted: 9/16/2001 7:36:10 PM EDT

[#12]

.25ACP

Posted: 9/16/2001 7:40:30 PM EDT

[#13]

I like the .45 - proven stopping power without excessive recoil.

Posted: 9/16/2001 7:46:46 PM EDT

[#14]

the one that hits the bad guy

Posted: 9/16/2001 8:52:46 PM EDT

[#15]

9mm....

Posted: 9/16/2001 8:59:33 PM EDT

[#16]

9mm in semi, .357 in wheelgun
Reason: wide availabilty and relative low cost.

Posted: 9/16/2001 9:00:34 PM EDT

[#17]

Glock 23 .40

[soapbox]

Posted: 9/16/2001 9:01:23 PM EDT

[#18]

For a Revolver: 475 Linebaugh or 500 Linebaugh.
For a Semi Automatic: 45 Super or 50 AE

Posted: 9/16/2001 9:03:32 PM EDT

[#19]

Quoted:
.25ACP

View Quote

Thats a cap gun, might as well have a bb gun.

[kill]

Posted: 9/16/2001 9:22:13 PM EDT

[#20]

The .22 lr of course.

costs .02 cents per round, practice makes perfect

you can pack thousands

very accurate

recoil is easy to control, quadrouple taps center mass are very effective

more deaths attributed to this caliber than any other

conversion kits are available for any firearm, except the M2.50 cal

Posted: 9/16/2001 9:48:46 PM EDT

[#21]

Quoted:
9mm in semi, .357 in wheelgun
Reason: wide availabilty and relative low cost.

View Quote

Ditto. The perp you shoot is not going to know if a 9mm, 40, or 45 hit him. I have heard of perps being pumped full of .45 ball and still being able to attack. Its about shot placement. You could kill a man with one shot from a .22 if you are skilled.

Posted: 9/16/2001 9:52:59 PM EDT

[#22]

I like the 45acp Federal Hyda-Shock 165gr. The 10mm that I have shot(about 7)have all had some sort of malfuction problem. But I'm sure there are some very reliable 10mms out there. Probly the 9mm for my 2nd choice then 40cal.as for hi-caps there great but not the first thing I look for in a reliable self defense handgun.

Posted: 9/16/2001 10:17:04 PM EDT

[#23]

I'm actually having a hard time figuring out what round I am going to get for my Carry gun. I currently use .40 out of a H&K USP. Thinking of getting a 1911 in .45.

Posted: 9/16/2001 11:47:12 PM EDT

[#24]

.45

'nuff said

Posted: 9/17/2001 8:12:39 AM EDT

[#25]

I'm fond of .40S&W for self defense. All my pistols are .40's. I plan on picking up some conversion kits for both 9mm and .357sig for the ones that support either. Thinking about it objectively, it doesn't make sense to not have a 9mm pistol. It's far to common a round, especially in a combat situation.

For a SHTF set, I'd carry a .40 and a 9mm. Most local law enforcement carries either .40 or 9mm, and 9mm is ubiquitous to world armed forces.

God Bless Texas

Posted: 9/17/2001 8:44:20 AM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:
The .22 lr of course.

costs .02 cents per round, practice makes perfect

you can pack thousands

very accurate

recoil is easy to control, quadrouple taps center mass are very effective

more deaths attributed to this caliber than any other

conversion kits are available for any firearm, except the M2.50 cal

View Quote

That's the best argument for .22LR I've ever heard, and all very true. I'm convinced, 22 is definately a very potent round if used correctly (i.e. good placement and PLENTY of shots!)

Posted: 9/17/2001 9:11:36 AM EDT

[#27]

9mm for amount in service, availability, capacity, good power.

If the US switched to .40 or back to .45 then it would be that.

Zaz

Posted: 9/17/2001 9:32:58 AM EDT

[#28]

45 is the good old hit em and they stay down round. I like the 10mm it'd got power and accuracy:) The range of loads is also impressive. You can have a 135gr. which is just movin' out of the barrel or as high as the 200gr. which is a lot of lead comin' your way.

Posted: 9/17/2001 10:00:07 AM EDT

[#29]

.45ACP or .40s&w

Posted: 9/17/2001 10:01:45 AM EDT

[#30]

what! I can not believe one of you has not suggested the .50 AE

You guys are slipping!

Posted: 9/17/2001 11:59:11 AM EDT

[#31]

.50AE is almost $1/round, ammo for it isn't exactly easy to locate, and firing a gun chambered in .50AE isn't something you could do much of in a stress/combat situation.

That being said, the look of a Desert Eagle .50 sure does look intimidating. And it gets lots of "ooohs" and "aaahs" at the range.

God Bless Texas

Posted: 9/17/2001 1:15:27 PM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:
That being said, the look of a Desert Eagle .50 sure does look intimidating. And it gets lots of "ooohs" and "aaahs" at the range.

View Quote

Plus, it's the gun all the better pimps are carrying. The gold plated DE is given as a prize to 'Pimp of the Year' ("I'm gonna get you, sucka" reference)

Posted: 9/17/2001 1:45:54 PM EDT

[#33]

I knew I would get some kind of reaction!

Posted: 9/17/2001 1:57:48 PM EDT

[#34]

As someone already mentioned, everyone should have at least 1 gun chambered for 9mm. Speaking of "Stopping Power," I wonder how many of these people advocating the 50AE or other such nonsense for a self defense/ good handgun round have actually shot through an IPSCC or similar event withh one of these things.
As Jan Libourel said in his column, there is not much difference between one shot stops (Fuller Index) for 9mm, .357SIG, .357 mag, .40, or .45, as long as you choose a good load for that caliber. Load selection is much more important than caliber selection (within reason-I'm not advocating the .380 Glaser as a real manstopper).

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