help me choose a caliber
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
So im going to buy my first conealed pistol. Mostly to carry in my truck, and on ocasion to pack around in public. I've narrowed my choices down to three but would like some input from all of you. The choices are 9mm,.40, or .45. I want something with not alot of "kick" and plenty of knowdown. Let me know your thoughts on each of these calibers, thanks!
#2
Typical Buck
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 677
Likes: 0
From: SE Wisc
this will depend on what you find comfortable concealing in the first place. If you are tall and thin how will you conceal a full size .45. it's not comfortable and you will print.
I purchased a .380 and use corbon defense loads. I know, not the most powerful but better than nothing and its not to bad to carry. Bersa Thunder .380
I purchased a .380 and use corbon defense loads. I know, not the most powerful but better than nothing and its not to bad to carry. Bersa Thunder .380
#8
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 0
Usually not much recoil difference. It really depends on what weapon you decide to go with. My wife has a Smith & Wesson 9mm that kicks more than my XD 45acp. You really need to find a weapon that fits you.
The big difference will be in the knockdown power, in that department the .40beats the 9mmeverytime.
The big difference will be in the knockdown power, in that department the .40beats the 9mmeverytime.
#10
ORIGINAL: bigdawgwill44
So im going to buy my first conealed pistol. Mostly to carry in my truck, and on ocasion to pack around in public. I've narrowed my choices down to three but would like some input from all of you. The choices are 9mm,.40, or .45. I want something with not alot of "kick" and plenty of knowdown. Let me know your thoughts on each of these calibers, thanks!
So im going to buy my first conealed pistol. Mostly to carry in my truck, and on ocasion to pack around in public. I've narrowed my choices down to three but would like some input from all of you. The choices are 9mm,.40, or .45. I want something with not alot of "kick" and plenty of knowdown. Let me know your thoughts on each of these calibers, thanks!
IF you want knockdown in a handgun, you will have to master the recoil of a round like the .45 ACP. Kimbner makes some really nice little, easily concealed .45's!IMO, in a semi-auto this is about the best you can do.
However, the 9mm and .40 S&W will work pretty well, IF you learn to shoot them well enough to put the bullet somewhere that results in a fast stop of the fight! Both of these cartridges lend themselves much better to makinga small hideable pistol.


