best self denfense gun
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Posts: 1,051
RE: best self denfense gun
I'll give you what I believe to be the best calibers. Loads are mostly preference now days. I rank them by two factors. Stopping power, and ease of shooting. Some w/ great stopping power will do you no good if you can't get off a needed second shot. And easy handling won't do you any good if you need more than 1 or 2 shots to stop an attack.
1. .357 Magnum (just about any load).
2. .45 acp, any 230 grain hollowpoint.
3. 10mm (if you can handle the recoil.
4. .44 Magnum (if you can handle the recoil)
5. .44 Special
6. .40 S&W
7. .38 Special
8. 9mm Parabellum
9. .32 acp.
Anyway, there they are. But that's just my opinion and you'll get many. Good luck sorting thru it all.
1. .357 Magnum (just about any load).
2. .45 acp, any 230 grain hollowpoint.
3. 10mm (if you can handle the recoil.
4. .44 Magnum (if you can handle the recoil)
5. .44 Special
6. .40 S&W
7. .38 Special
8. 9mm Parabellum
9. .32 acp.
Anyway, there they are. But that's just my opinion and you'll get many. Good luck sorting thru it all.
#3
RE: best self denfense gun
I came across these reads yesterday while looking up terminal ballistics for different personal defense hand gun ammo. You can get to any of the other pages from the forst but these three are pretty informative.
http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs.htm
http://www.firearmstactical.com/hwfe.htm
http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs31.htm
http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs.htm
http://www.firearmstactical.com/hwfe.htm
http://www.firearmstactical.com/briefs31.htm
#4
RE: best self denfense gun
I personally like either a 45ACP or the 40S&W.My primiary carry gun is a Glock M-27 loaded with Federal Hydra Shok.In my 45 I carry Hydra Shok 230 grain .I don't have much use for a 9mm for a defense round.Allot carry the 9mm but to me the 40S&W is a much better choice.
Ruger Redhawk
Ruger Redhawk
#6
RE: best self denfense gun
If I were to rank them it'd go like this...
1.) .357 Magnum (if you prefer a revolver) with any premium defensive JHP or frangiable bullet (i.e. Glasier Safety Slugs).
2.) .45ACP (if you'd rather have a semi-auto), preferably with 230gr. JHP's. 185gr +P's are OK too.
3.) .40S&W
4.) 9mm Luger (9x19)
5.) .44 Special
6.) .38 Special
7.) .380ACP
I can't recommend the 10mm or the .44Mag. Both of them just have more recoil than most people can handle in a handgun small enough to be practical for carry or to keep in a desk or nightstand. The flash and muzzleblast are also a bit much as well. Since the gun will most likely be used at night, muzzle flash is an important consideration because you don't want your first shot to blind you. Overpenetration is also an issue with these high powered rounds.
Are you looking for a carry gun or a home defense gun?
If the gun is only for home defense then I'd stick with #1 or 2. I'd also suggest that you consider a 12ga. shotgun for the house. Shotguns shooting buckshot are vastly superior to any pistol for short range firepower, are easier to aim and shoot under stress, and with the right loads overpenetration isn't too great of an issue.
Mike
1.) .357 Magnum (if you prefer a revolver) with any premium defensive JHP or frangiable bullet (i.e. Glasier Safety Slugs).
2.) .45ACP (if you'd rather have a semi-auto), preferably with 230gr. JHP's. 185gr +P's are OK too.
3.) .40S&W
4.) 9mm Luger (9x19)
5.) .44 Special
6.) .38 Special
7.) .380ACP
I can't recommend the 10mm or the .44Mag. Both of them just have more recoil than most people can handle in a handgun small enough to be practical for carry or to keep in a desk or nightstand. The flash and muzzleblast are also a bit much as well. Since the gun will most likely be used at night, muzzle flash is an important consideration because you don't want your first shot to blind you. Overpenetration is also an issue with these high powered rounds.
Are you looking for a carry gun or a home defense gun?
If the gun is only for home defense then I'd stick with #1 or 2. I'd also suggest that you consider a 12ga. shotgun for the house. Shotguns shooting buckshot are vastly superior to any pistol for short range firepower, are easier to aim and shoot under stress, and with the right loads overpenetration isn't too great of an issue.
Mike
#10
RE: best self denfense gun
My two choices would be .357 (in revolvers)
and .45 ACP (in semi auto)
Both are great stoppers without excessive recoil or taking out someone in the next room or next door!
and .45 ACP (in semi auto)
Both are great stoppers without excessive recoil or taking out someone in the next room or next door!