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Choosing the Right Caliber for Self-Defense

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If you’re looking into getting a handgun for home or personal protection, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is what caliber to go with. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to determine the best round. In this article, I’ll break down the key factors to consider and provide my recommendations based on over 15 years of experience in the firearms industry.

Stopping Power

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The number one priority when choosing a self-defense caliber is stopping power – you want a round that can effectively stop a threat. In general, larger calibers with more kinetic energy tend to perform better in this regard. Some of the top performers include:

  1. .45 ACP – The classic .45 has great stopping ability due to its large size and slow expansion. It’s a favorite of law enforcement and many experts.
  2. .40 S&W – A notch below the .45 in terms of capacity but still delivers ample stopping power.
  3. 9mm – Often overlooked but modern hollowpoint 9mm ammo is quite capable and you get a higher bullet capacity compared to .40 or .45 caliber guns.

You’ll also find support for reputable calibers like .380 ACP and .38 Special, which provide sufficient stopping power for lawful self-defense if you prefer a subcompact carry gun. The key is choosing an established caliber and high-quality hollowpoint ammo designed for self-defense.

Capacity

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While pure stopping power is important, ammo capacity should also factor into your decision. All else being equal, more shots means more opportunities to neutralize multiple threats or engage a threat accurately under stress.

Pistols chambered for 9mm, .380, and sometimes .38 Special will generally hold more rounds compared to .40 S&W or .45 ACP guns. In a real-life defensive scenario that requires multiple shots on target, having those extra rounds ready to go could make all the difference. Striking the right balance between capacity and one-shot stopping ability is the goal.

Controllability

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Consider how easy a given caliber/gun combo will be to control during a high-stress encounter. Heavier guns that kick more tend to be tougher to shoot accurately when adrenaline is pumping. This is where the 9mm really shines for many people.

Its stout bullet provides good stopping performance in modern loads, and the reduced recoil compared to .40 or .45 calibers allows most shooters to get multiple rounds on target more quickly and reliably in an emergency. Controllability is especially critical for smaller-framed or less experienced shooters.

Cost and Availability

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Ammo costs and availability are also factors worth weighing. As one of the most popular calibers globally, 9mm ammo is economical and widely stocked even during times of shortages. This gives peace of mind for ongoing training and keeps enough in the supply for real-world use.

Comparatively, .45 ACP or .40 S&W ammo isn’t as affordable to stockpile in bulk. So while the initial purchase of a gun in a premium caliber may seem fine, over time the added cost and scarcity of those cartridges could become prohibitive to maintaining proficiency.

My Recommendations

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Taking into account the above criteria, here are the calibers I usually suggest:

9mm: For the majority of self-defense situations, 9mm delivers the optimal blend of power, capacity, controllability, and affordability in my opinion. It’s effective in all size pistols from compacts up to full-size.

.38 Special +P: For concealed carry guns, the snubbie revolvers that chamber .38 Special make an excellent choice. Leveraging heavy .38 +P loads provides sufficient power in a smaller package.

.380 ACP: As the most potent round for subcompact semi-autos like theKel-Tec P380, .380 ACP earns a spot provided high-quality defensive ammo is chosen.

From my experience helping folks choose self-defense firearms, 9mm wins out for the majority. But shot placement is what counts most. Choose a caliber you can regularly train with and are accurate with under duress.

But What About .22 LR?

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While .22 LR is extremely affordable and available to train with, I’d advise against relying on it for protection. Its limited power often results in poorly expanded bullets that can fail to immediately stop aggressive threats. Unless facing an imminent lethal force scenario with no alternatives, higher-powered defensive calibers offer an ethical ‘stopping power edge’ that .22 lacks.

In summary, consider capacity, controllability, cost, your skill set – and most importantly, choose a proven perforating round. Then practice, practice, practice with that caliber to become truly proficient if you want the best chance of stopping a threat safely and humanely. Stay safe out there!

Top Self-Defense Calibers

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Caliber .380 ACP 9mm .38 Special .40 S&W .45 ACP
Stopping Power Low Average Average Above Average High
Capacity 10-13 rounds 8-20 rounds 5-6 rounds 10-15 rounds 6-8 rounds
Recoil Low Low Medium Medium-High High
Accuracy Fair Good Good Very Good Very Good
Availability Wide Widest Limited Wide Wide

FAQ

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  1. What is generally considered the best caliber for self-defense?

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    While opinions may vary, many experts agree that 9mm is a great choice for self-defense. It provides adequate stopping power while allowing for higher magazine capacities compared to larger calibers like .45 ACP. At the same time, 9mm has less recoil than .45 ACP so it’s easier to shoot accurately under stress.

  2. Is .38 Special sufficient or do I need a larger caliber?

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    Honestly, .38 Special can get the job done if you pick the right ammunition. Those little snubnose revolvers can fling lead pretty good. While it may not be as powerful as some beefier rounds, shot placement is key. If you’re accurate with a .38, it’ll serve you nicely for self-defense. Of course, a 9mm or .40 has more stopping power, so maybe consider those instead if you want an edge.

  3. Is .380 ACP too weak for self-defense?

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    Some folks argue that .380 ACP lacks the stopping power of larger calibers like 9mm or .38 Special. Nevertheless, modern expanding .380 ammunition has improved greatly and can indeed get the job done if you have no other option. The real question is shot precision under duress. If you train diligently with a .380 and confidently hit your target, it’d probably suffice for self-defense at typical encounter distances.

  4. What about .45 ACP? Is it too much gun?

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    On one hand, the mighty .45 ACP has long been considered the ultimate man-stopper. It churns out brutal energy levels. However, the hefty recoil can make follow-up shots difficult, and high-capacity guns in this caliber are rather chunky. So some feel it’s more firearms than the average person truly requires for self-defense, where speed and accuracy matter more. If you prefer a real butt-kicker but can handle the snap, .45 is a fine choice.

  5. Between 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, which is the best?

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    Basically, any of these 3 classic pistol rounds could work depending on your needs. The 9mm offers less recoil and higher capacity compared to .40 or .45. Meanwhile, the .40 has a bit more thump than the 9mm. As for the .45, it really packs a wallop but is snappier. For most self-defense situations within home defense ranges, 9mm may suffice. But your skills with any caliber ultimately matter most.

  • What about smaller calibers intended for concealed carry like .380, .38, or .32?

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    Those mini rounds sure are convenient to tote discreetly, ain’t they? While they may seem a bit tame compared to the heavier hitters we discussed, modern hollow-point ammo has solved most of the problems with anemic rounds. As long as you’re an ace shot and understand your gun’s range limits, even a little .32 could do in a pinch. Practice is key with any caliber. What matters at the end of the day is your ability to place accurate shots on target.

  • Which calibers have too much penetration risk for home defense?

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    When considering self-defense ammo for around the house, you gotta keep over-penetration dangers in mind. Heavy rounds like full-power .357 Magnum or hot-rodded .44 Magnum loads may sail clean through bad guys and keep on trucking if you miss your target. This makes ’em less than ideal between the walls of your home where innocent folks could be downrange. Stick to hollow-point ammo in less esoteric pistol or shotgun loads if you ask me.