Larger Caliber Carry Gun ?

[frjeff]

OK, I'll try not to open a can of worms - I know there are many different camps on this. But I need to try and sort out the hype, and make a decision. So, I will listen to all input and appreciate the thoughts shared.

My CHL should be here within the week. I currently own a Kahr P9 (9mm) and S&W 642 (.38SPL). Either would be decent carry guns. I had thought the Kahr would be my primary carry until I got the 642. I like the 642 as it fits so well in a pocket (Nemesis or Uncle Mikes). The 642 also has a CT Laser grip which is why it is the bedside gun as well.

However, I keep hearing that the bigger cal (.45) is better (or, maybe I just want to buy another gun). Remember, I have only been into handguns now for maybe six months. I shoot the Kahr and the S&W weekly and am improving both sight shooting and point and shoot.

I have been seriously studying the compact .45 semi autos and leaning toward buying one. On the other hand, if I am OK carrying what I have, maybe my little bit of money would be better spent on a 1911 or a primarily target gun.

Any advice for this soon to be carrying priest?

[Mithras61]

Generally, anything of at least .38Spl/.357Magnum/.357Sig or larger is considered by experts to be adequate if your shot placement is good.

I personally prefer the larger caliber pistols, but I'm a pretty good sized fellow, and don't have any issues with wrist/arm strength or controlling the larger pistols.

The most important feature of a carry gun is that you carry it. A .22LR in your pocket beats a .50GI in your safe every time (well, unless you're having a gun fight in your safe... ).

Remember that the cost of ammunition is greater for a .45ACP than for a 9mm or a .38Spl. Not a huge amount, but it can add up (especially if you're like some folks & shoot a few hundred rounds per range trip).

Try before you buy. If you haven't fired a .45 ACP, find a friend who has one (or rent one at the range) and try it out. See if you like it. Remember that each pistol is different (weight, felt recoil, etc), so try to find one to try out that is similar to what you're considering buying.

[USA1]

.45

[AEA]

My normal carry is a .45 ACP with +P's, but I do carry a .38 Spc with +P's for backup on occasion.

If I am carrying a 9mm which I do sometimes for nostalgia, it is a BHP with 13 rounds and another spare 13(+P+'s).

My thought is that with the larger .45 ACP there is less need for as many rounds (for a single attacker). And with the 9mm it is best to have more rounds and better shot placement.

[AEA]

Now.......
That's what I call shot placement USA1 !!!

[USA1]

Now.......
That's what I call shot placement USA1 !!!

i think it looks like a lovely bouquet of flowers .

[joe817]

Now.......
That's what I call shot placement USA1 !!!

i think it looks like a lovely bouquet of flowers .

That's what I thought until I took a double take!

[Cosmo 9]

Father, I carry my PM9 with +P hollow points and I don't feel under gunned at all. That said I just bought a G36 and have started carrying it some but the Kahr is more comfy.

[joe817]

Father, I carry my PM9 with +P hollow points and I don't feel under gunned at all. That said I just bought a G36 and have started carrying it some but the Kahr is more comfy.

Your PM9 don't forget, shoots the most popular defensive round in the world, and has been around longer than any other defensive round....ever. That should tell you something.

(the above is a purely bias opinion)

[shootthesheet]

Either sound like good choices.

If you want another gun then get one if your budget allows. The choice of caliber is a personal one and no one else can answer it for you. I like a .45 but carry smaller at times. I don't really think I am less effective with a 9mm or even .380 because I don't expect anything from a situation where I might be forced to shoot someone. If it ever happens I will have to adapt and judge the best I can if that first, second or who knows what round did the job. There are really too many variables to know what will be best in any given situation. .45 has a record of success that cannot be argued with. But, how often does it bring down a very large criminal on drugs? Would anything short of a rifle or shot to the head bring the guy down? I think by the time I reach my last round whether it is the 7th or the 17th I will know I have to put a few rounds in the guys head. Would a .22 at point blank range work better than a 9mm or .45? Who knows, so I carry what I have seen works historically and in tests and practice as much as I can. Everything else is up to God or fate or luck if you want. Not to say I don't appreciate those who constantly look to make better guns or ammo.

[C-dub]

I split the difference and went with .40 to have caliber and rounds on my side. Hopefully.

[fm2]

I try to break down the SD budget with Ayoob's priorities in mind. Those being: 1)Mindset, 2)Tactics, 3)Skill, 4)Equipment.

It sounds like you've gotten some equipment, as long as its dependable, I would suggest working up the priority list.

[.45mac.40]

Congrats on your (soon) CHL !
Might as well reward your self, and get your the "Winter" carry gun.
Like you, I also prefer my Kahr (CW40) for 24/7 carry.
The last week or so, I've been carrying my Big Daddy XD . 45, it carryies and feels like a boulder compared to the CW40 ...
Just get a good holster and belt !
Me ?? ... I would reward my self with some thing such as the XD//XDm .45 !!!!
Good luck !!!
Mac .45 >>>>>> #%%%%#

[MoJo]

Padre,

You already own two reliable firearms in acceptable calibers why not spend your money on ammo and training? The gun you carry and the ammo loaded in it is only 10% of the equation. Mindset, situational awareness, being able to hit what you are shooting at under all kinds of adverse conditions makes up about 85% the other 5% is simply the luck of the draw.

Find a reliable self defense load that runs your Khar and a good +P load for your J frame put 100 rounds of each in stock and shoot practice rounds that replicate these loads until you are proficient then if you need to buy a .45 get a full size 1911 as the compacts are a little finicky.

Remember, there are no magic bullets and no magic guns only proficient CHLs.

[Mike1951]

Look at it this way. Many of us spend a lot of money buying guns along the way before we realize that what we carry most is a snubby.

You're just ahead of the game.

I'm a big bore person myself, so I've collected snubbies in .41 Mag, .44 Spc, and .45 Colt. These are pocket carried, but the .41 Mag and .45 Colt take larger pockets. Otherwise, I carry the .44 Spc or my 642. When driving, I sometimes carry another snubby crossdraw.