The Best handgun caliber?

Charlie · Aug 17, 2018

Won't disagree with that! :green:

Moonpie · Aug 17, 2018

Best handgun caliber?

The one I have in my hand when I need it.

Adding to Charlie's comment...…..caliber is somewhat irrelevant.
The important thing is to have a gun when you need it.
That .22 NAA mini-revolver in your pocket is lightyears
ahead of that $4500 Wilson Combat 1911 back home in the gun safe that you don't want to get holster wear on when you meet up with a goblin.

SQLGeek · Aug 17, 2018

Lunyfringe said:
What I'd like to see researched is most popular calibers in states with mag capacity limits...

If I'm limited by the state to 8 or 10 rounds, I'm going to choose a powerful caliber that may be limited to that capacity anyway... or a NY reload.

That was my rationale when I moved from TX to CA and was limited to 10 rounds. I traded out a Glock 19 for an M&P 45.

Darkpriest667 · Aug 17, 2018

It's interesting how many people are killed by the 22 caliber round. The stats bare out that it doesn't incapacitate or STOP an attacker 1/3 of the time, but it kills them a LOT. I really liked your 32 ACP moonpie... so much I almost bought a Keltec P32, but I started doing some research on it and apparently 32 doesn't get the job done. Don't get me wrong. I carry my shield EVERYWHERE, but sometimes I'd like something even smaller than that.

Moonpie · Aug 17, 2018

Darkpriest667 said:
It's interesting how many people are killed by the 22 caliber round. The stats bare out that it doesn't incapacitate or STOP an attacker 1/3 of the time, but it kills them a LOT. I really liked your 32 ACP moonpie... so much I almost bought a Keltec P32, but I started doing some research on it and apparently 32 doesn't get the job done. Don't get me wrong. I carry my shield EVERYWHERE, but sometimes I'd like something even smaller than that.

I think the old .32acp gets a bum rap.
It is more effective than you'd think.
For decades it was considered enough for police work. Even some military people used it.
With FMJ's it penetrates pretty good. I'd argue better than a .380. Excluding the +P loadings.
Is it ideal? Of course not.
With the plethora of mini-9mm's these days the old .32 is overshadowed but it works just fine.

V-Tach · Aug 17, 2018

Which is the best caliber?

ALL of them...........

benenglish · Aug 17, 2018

Moonpie said:
Best handgun caliber?

The one I have in my hand when I need it.

I remember an old magazine piece that I've since seen re-stated everywhere, just like I'm about to do. I think it originated with Jeff Cooper but I wouldn't bet on it.

Which would you rather have when you're attacked by a single, determined assailant - the best fighting handgun in the world OR a functional but otherwise POS .32? If you pick the .32, you get 10 seconds warning before you need to use it.

Anyone with a brain picks the .32. In 10 seconds, I can lay an ambush or vamoose or whatever. I will prevail or, at least, survive.

My point? In a serious situation, damn near everything is more important than caliber choice.

topduarte · Aug 17, 2018

10mm followed by 45acp. 9mm is for the pansy asses. JK. Lol

Ole Cowboy · Aug 17, 2018

Moonpie said:
I think the old .32acp gets a bum rap.
It is more effective than you'd think.
For decades it was considered enough for police work. Even some military people used it.
With FMJ's it penetrates pretty good. I'd argue better than a .380. Excluding the +P loadings.
Is it ideal? Of course not.
With the plethora of mini-9mm's these days the old .32 is overshadowed but it works just fine.

My dad took 9 .32 ACP and lived

Vaquero · Aug 17, 2018

Poppycock

Lunyfringe · Aug 17, 2018

Vaquero said:
Poppycock

How do you know that's where he was hit?

Vaquero · Aug 17, 2018

Balderdash

smittyb · Aug 17, 2018

There too?

txbirddog · Aug 17, 2018

I like .22 for hunting and teaching newbies. 9mm for defensive carry and general range time and .45 for going to commiefornia with 10 rounders.

Vaquero · Aug 17, 2018

.357 magnum
Revolvers
Semi autos [ok, that's limited, but they're there]
Lever action rifles

Plus the. 38 special is a kinder, gentler alternative .

Byrd666 · Aug 17, 2018

Doesn't matter if you carry a single shot .22 whatever, or can somehow figure out how to carry an A-10 Warthog in your back pocket, it matters that you are carrying it, and willing to use it when it's required.

LOCKHART · Aug 22, 2018

Beretta Tomcat, loaded with Hornady .32 HP did the job for me! One shot and he was floppin in the gravel parking lot, doing a superb funky chicken. You just gotta hit in the right place the FIRST shot!

BRD@66 · Aug 22, 2018

It is of some concern to me that a guy from Lockhart recognizes a superb funky chicken.

LOCKHART · Aug 22, 2018

Hahahahahaha!

LOCKHART · Aug 22, 2018

Guess I should have said "squawking" chicken, cause that's what he sounded like.

The Best handgun caliber?

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