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There are fewer topics on a shooting forum that can induce "vigorous discussion" like conversations about "the best caliber." I used to be one of those people that felt the 40S&W was the ideal tradeoff between caliber and capacity. Now, I only carry pistols that use 9mm.

This link (http://www.thebangswitch.com/why-nine/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) gives a great list of reasons why 9mm is perfectly suitable for a pistol caliber, and why you might even want to consider switching from 45ACP to 9mm.

Now, I know some of you will likely jump up and quickly come to the defense of the venerable 45ACP. "It's _proven_ effective", "More stopping power!", etc. I get it (even though I don't agree). I'm not trying to force you to change, but I am asking you to read this article with serious consideration. In the end, some of you may rightfully invoke "Credo Consolans" while hugging your 45ACP 1911 Commander tightly (with safety engaged, naturally ). I'm ok with that. However, if you have somebody that comes to you for advice on "which caliber to choose" for a handgun, consider the salient arguments put forth in the above-mentioned article.

As for me... I need to figure out what to do with all this brass, bullets, powder, and primers I have to load 2000 40S&W cartridges.

Oh my gosh! You'll be recommending fully synthetic over dino next.

Good article though. I enjoyed it.

Old Cannon... Thanks for the great article and I fully agree with the points made especially if one is a LEO. That said I will keep my compact .45ACP as EDC because I think a BG looking down the bore may decide to take his bad act elsewhere. I practice shooting on the move weekly and I consistently get more rounds COM on a B-27 target at 7 yards with my Glock 19 than with my Kimber CDP II, which is probably to be expected given 15 rounds in the Glock to 7 in the Kimber. I can shoot the Glock dry in the same move distance as with the Kimber. Never owned a .40S&W, only 9mm and .45ACP for defensive purposes. My son is a LEO and carries a full size .45ACP instead of the department issued Glock 17. He has one OIS in 15 years while carrying his .45ACP and hit the BG (Iraqi gang-banger) with 4 COM out of 6 rounds fired while on the move. Bottom line, what to carry is an individual choice. I am beginning to like my XDS .45ACP more after every range session and wonder what would be the value of a few more rounds in the 9mm version of this pistol.

BigGuy wrote:Oh my gosh! You'll be recommending fully synthetic over dino next.

Good article though. I enjoyed it.

Actually, I'm a big proponent of Amsoil, so.....

AndyC wrote:9/40/45/whatever. My opinion - folks will happily obsess endlessly over caliber and bullet selection but will rarely go to the range and practice - when the latter would do them far more good.

That was an interesting read and I agree with the sentiment.
As a young man, the first handgun I ever bought was .45 and I carried a bias for larger calibers for many years. It has only been recently that I have abandoned that mindset. I now take a lot of ribbing from my buddies for my appreciation of 5.7x28.
Andy is right though. Really becoming proficient in whatever caliber we carry by getting professional training when possible and putting in serious range practice regularly is the most important thing we can do to prepare for a real engagement. Because there are no magic bullets we need to rely on steady hands, good tactics and calm/clear minds. Practice, practice, practice.

OldCannon wrote:
As for me... I need to figure out what to do with all this brass, bullets, powder, and primers I have to load 2000 40S&W cartridges.

You could have made a killing on that stash a few months ago!!

Out of all the rounds, .380 is the only one I choose not to carry. I'll carry 9, 40, .45, .38, .357, or my 10mm Glock.

nyj wrote:Out of all the rounds, .380 is the only one I choose not to carry. I'll carry 9, 40, .45, .38, .357, or my 10mm Glock.

.380 is for back up guns ONLY but then again i have two sigP938's which most would consider a BUG anyway. 7+1 in the ext mag on the primary and 6+1 in the BUG plus two more ext mags for 14 rds (so 29 rds total for the size and weight it can't be beat)

BigGuy wrote:Oh my gosh! You'll be recommending fully synthetic over dino next.

Good article though. I enjoyed it.

Royal Purple for me

AndyC wrote:9/40/45/whatever. My opinion - folks will happily obsess endlessly over caliber and bullet selection but will rarely go to the range and practice - when the latter would do them far more good.

AndyC. I totally agree with you!

Why 9mm? Cause you can have a 20 rd mags in a sub-compact grip.

Good article. Thanks for posting to the group. I have .40 and .45 handguns and end up carrying a 9mm as my EDC, although I enjoy shooting them all. Modern 9mm defensive rounds do just as well as the .4x rounds. It is all about shot placement, placement, placement, which comes down to regular, focused, practice.

OldCannon wrote:As for me... I need to figure out what to do with all this brass, bullets, powder, and primers I have to load 2000 40S&W cartridges.

Dibbs!