Size Doesn't Matter

[Johnnyo]

Ran across this interesting article on the CTD website that goes against conventional wisdom re handgun caliber in self defense situations.

http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=...um=Email&utm_campaign=Chronicle+Vol+1+Issue+1

 

[Southpaw76]

Ran across this interesting article on the CTD website that goes against conventional wisdom re handgun caliber in self defense situations.

http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=...um=Email&utm_campaign=Chronicle+Vol+1+Issue+1

Good read. Thanks!

 

[IfItFliesItDies]

I noticed that 10mm isn't on here.

 

[Hitman]

Age old argument.

Survey says - metal @ a caliber of .17 and larger ripping through the human body at high speeds can/will be fatal.

Placed in the right spot and it can be fatal, quicker...

With today's choices of Defense Ammo, I don't think anyone should have any fears of carrying anything below the infamous .45 ACP

 

[hdfinder47]

I feel kinda foolish practicing with / carrying 38, 40 and 45 all these years when a lowly, cheap 22 would do essentially the same thing.

 

[Hitman]

I feel kinda foolish practicing with / carrying 38, 40 and 45 all these years when a lowly, cheap 22 would do essentially the same thing.

Well 'essentially' is indeed the key word. While yes a .22 will kill ya just as fast, Blood Loss can also play a major factor. So if you only get one shot off, you might want it to provide the biggest hole possible via .45. Therefore giving a completely legitimate reason for carrying a .45

 

[SpeedRacer]

It's actually more common knowledge now. It's the uninformed occupying internet that perpetuate the "stopping power" crap. Ask anyone who "knows" an they'll tell you getting good hits matters, caliber doesn't.

 

[Scott.Thornton]

A well placed .22 will work better than a miss with a 9mm. This was the reason behind me always leaving my wife my mark III until we found a 9mm she liked shooting. Now to find a 45 she likes that doesn't have the 1911 battery of arms to deal with.

 

[LA_Huntsman]

Yes... but what if you only get ONE "good hit"? Don't argue about the cause; let's simply stipulate that you can only get off one round in the time before YOU are hit, etc., etc. Then, caliber damn sure CAN matter.

This is why I still go to the trouble of toting a .45. Yeah, I know all of the stories/techniques regarding "shoot them to the ground", etc., etc. I've seen a few results of just that; it works. But what if you cannot, for WHATEVER reason?

I'm fortunate in that I can dress pretty much how I choose, and therefore can dress around a larger pistol with no issue. Most folks who conceal carry do have that luxury; I get that. Which is why I'm usually silent on this topic... that, and I'm weary of arguing with i-experts who have never seen human meat hit.

But this is a slippery slope. Using the logic laid out here, one can easily "justify" a .380/.32/.22 as "enough"... and anyone with a lick of senses knows that is laughable.

.

yeah... not gonna trade my .357 or .44 for one of those NAA mini revolvers now.

 

[Gus McCrae]

But this is a slippery slope. Using the logic laid out here, one can easily "justify" a .380/.32/.22 as "enough"... and anyone with a lick of senses knows that is laughable.

.

Oh hell no. I'm going to start carrying a Beretta Tomcat in .22 Short now. It'll work just fine. Like the article says, you don't need anything else. Caliber doesn't matter!

 

[hdfinder47]

Well 'essentially' is indeed the key word. While yes a .22 will kill ya just as fast, Blood Loss can also play a major factor. So if you only get one shot off, you might want it to provide the biggest hole possible via .45. Therefore giving a completely legitimate reason for carrying a .45

Thanks, I needed that.