What Is the Best Caliber for Self-Defense?

[Mike H.]

Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “What Is the Best Caliber for Self-Defense?” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/most-practical-caliber-for-self-defense/.

 

[Keystone19250]

Here we go again.

The horse is dead……..

 

[belladonna]

One of my first firearms instructors told me that the best self defense caliber/gun, is the one you carry. I understand the concept of what he meant. This always stuck with me. He said that it’s not that important what you carry, but that you carry.

 

[mikep]

Why’d you go and do this? It’s Sunday!!!

I’ll start things off… .22lr!

 

[Annihilator]

 

[TidalWave]

The .45 cal.
In a 1911.

Problem solved, thread closed.

 

[Hammer67]

 

[Bassbob]

12 gauge

 

[Recusant]

Whatever gun you can get your hands on should the occasion arise! At that point caliber doesn't really matter.

 

[Old_Me]

 

[Old_Me]

Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “What Is the Best Caliber for Self-Defense?” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/most-practical-caliber-for-self-defense/.

 

[youngolddude]

Did you notice how it changed from practical to "best?"

 

[Recusant]

Sorry Mike H. but we are a hard crowd to please!

 

[The Night Rider]

View attachment 48837

Go Big or Go Home

 

[youngolddude]

"Practically speaking," 9mm is a decent round that can be found most anywhere. I haven't compared price of premium bullets, but range ammo is dirt cheap for 9mm.
I favor big bullets for the grin factor, but as far as cost goes, I can shoot a lot 9mm for what the .45 costs.
I hate "best" articles, reviews, opinions, etc. It comes down to what works for you. My back doesn't permit me to carry a 1911, but the Shield .45 is doable.

 

[Talyn]

The one that stops the threat.

 

[Jester560]

The one that stops the threat.

^^^this^^^

 

[Old_Me]

"Practically speaking," 9mm is a decent round that can be found most anywhere. I haven't compared price of premium bullets, but range ammo is dirt cheap for 9mm.
I favor big bullets for the grin factor, but as far as cost goes, I can shoot a lot 9mm for what the .45 costs.
I hate "best" articles, reviews, opinions, etc. It comes down to what works for you. My back doesn't permit me to carry a 1911, but the Shield .45 is doable.

true,,,what is "best" or "worst" is the opinion of the reviewer/critic.

 

[Cedric]

Again, if you have the inclination and can find them, check the writings of Col. Fackler for wound ballistics. He would agree with the author that "stopping power" or "shock effect" is a minor aspect of wounding. But like you folks have said, it's what works for you. FWIW, I've seen a sniper on campus over 50 years ago kill one and seriously wound five with a .22LR.

 

[Old_Me]

Again, if you have the inclination and can find them, check the writings of Col. Fackler for wound ballistics. He would agree with the author that "stopping power" or "shock effect" is a minor aspect of wounding. But like you folks have said, it's what works for you. FWIW, I've seen a sniper on campus over 50 years ago kill one and seriously wound five with a .22LR.

Kent State..????