RE: 9mm or .45
 

This "argument" between the two camps has been going on for a very long time. Prior to the existence of good expanding bullets that functioned reliably in auto pistols.....there was in fact.....some merit to bigger is better. And even today if "bigger" means that you can effectively "dump energy into the target more rapidly"......then it still holds water. But documented shootings have shown that good, expanding, higher velocity, mid-caliber bullets do a respectable job of stopping. The number one rated load for one shot stops is the "plain version" of Federal's 125 grain hollow point in .357 Magnum. There are some other loads, in various calibers, that are right on it's heels. And with bullet technology improving.....and as the number of recorded shooting incidents are tracked.....we may yet see some other more effective ammunition.

Yes, it has been said, "you don't carry a gun to be comfortable....but rather carry a gun to be comforting". But the plain truth of the matter is this. If a person buys a handgun for CCW and they find it too bulky, too uncomfortable, to hard to conceal with their everyday clothing....it will become more and more likely....that the gun will be left somewhere......more convenient. In a car, in a desk drawer, in a nightstand, anywhere but on their person. The best gun to have when you face a life threatening assault.....is the gun you have with you. And you should have it with you at "all times". (We don't just buy fire insurance for our homes......the day before we know the house will burn!) If you are not in the habit of carrying it all the time. You can be certain...the time you need it....it won't be with you! (It sucks how life does that....huh?)

I am not advocating everyone should carry a "mouse gun". But today we have a better selection of reasonably effective mid caliber, very portable, very reliable handguns. And this really is a place that "false economy" could be much more expensive than spending a few extra bucks.

I personally like the .45 ACP a great deal. I carried it for years in the military (until we refitted with 92F's in 9mm). And I have great confidence in a .45 and I am comfortable with it. But if I knew there was trouble brewing....and I couldn't retreat from it....I would much rather have a "patrol rifle" as a primary weapon. And then a handgun as a back up.

For CCW....whatever you decide to carry. Carry it all the time!

And practice alot!

RE: 9mm or .45
 

One other thing that I'm not sure if it was mentioned....or not. But for a person that "isn't a gun person"......I mean someone that doesn't frequently handle firearms. A revolver is usually much more "certain" of not having malfunctions or stoppages then an autoloader.

I know everyone that carries should practice frequently.....and alot. But in simple truth even some law enforcement personnel don't shoot or practice any more than they are required to. And many CCW holders.....practice even less. There are many wonderful semiautos that are so reliable......they are monotonous. And that is a good thing. But even good autoloaders require more "user skills" to put and keep them in battery. (And regardless of its impeccable reliability.....if you are going to carry a semi-auto.....you must know how to clear stoppages and malfunctions. As well as manipulate any safeties it may.....or may not....have.) And in this regard....none of them are as straight forward trustworthy and simple as a good revolver for the first five or six shots.

For someone that shoots, and practices, alot.......this is not necessarily a consideration. But for someone that shoots less frequently....is "less interested" in the gun itself, (other than as a means for protection)......and spends less time handling the gun. It is still hard to beat a small revolver for CCW.

We have a number of guns to choose from....but my wife invariably picks...and carries a Smith & Wesson 642....loaded with five Federal HydraShoks....110 grain personal defense loads. (And also carries a Bianchi speed strip with a reload.) She shoots it once every month or two, (usually from between 50 to maybe a couple hundred rounds). And is proficient with it. But she is not a "gun person"......is not interested in all the intricasies of firearms.....and generally is only interested in being able to protect herself. She has several options for carry.....depending on how she is dressed....and can present the gun from any of them. That IS ALL she cares about. (Though she has displayed some interest in the lasergrip sights from CTC).

It is certainly not the "best" gun for going into a gun fight. But it is a gun that she always has....knows how to use....is reasonably proficient in "presenting...shooting.....reloading". And is at least aware of tactical considerations!

Something to think about!