Originally Posted by
bronko22000
This is like comparing apples to oranges IMO. Both very capable as a defensive weapon but the .44 wasn't designed as such. It was more to be used as a hunting round or defense against bears. Something I would not want to use the 45ACP for. IMO penetration of the 45 is horrible. It is definitely good enough as a man stopper but not too good on Mr Bruin unless you're lucky enough to get a brain shot without the bullet glancing off the skull. As far as a quick second shot - facing a charging bear from a holstered handgun you;ll be lucky to get even one shot off. I'd prefer to have a good hard cast .44 mag over a FMJ 45ACP
Totally agreed it's apples to oranges. Honestly, I don't think nearly as many people would think twice about using the 44 Mag for self-defense if the producers of Dirty Harry didn't want a huge revolver on their movie poster. I believe a man should use whatever tool he needs to get the job done, but I do wish more new shooters would take recoil and over-penetration into account when they pick out a nightstand gun.