Is 9mm really that great?

Published on May 3, 2026
Duration: 10:28

Eric from Iraqveteran8888 discusses the enduring popularity and effectiveness of the 9mm Luger cartridge. While acknowledging newer, potentially higher-performing calibers, he emphasizes 9mm's 'caliber of convenience' due to its widespread availability, affordability, low recoil, and high magazine capacity. He notes that modern advancements in powders and projectile design have significantly improved 9mm's performance, making it a reliable choice for self-defense and general use, even when compared to more specialized cartridges.

Quick Summary

9mm Luger is often called a 'caliber of convenience' due to its widespread availability, affordability, and ease of use. Modern advancements have significantly improved its performance, offering a good balance of manageable recoil, high magazine capacity, and sufficient power for self-defense and general use.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction and Topic Setup
  2. 00:32Sponsor: Sonoran Desert Institute
  3. 01:109mm as a Caliber of Convenience
  4. 02:22Are There Better Carry Rounds?
  5. 02:349mm as Day-to-Day Transportation
  6. 03:04Proven Performance and Data
  7. 03:15The Meaning of Parabellum
  8. 03:36Why 9mm Works Well
  9. 04:02Comparison to Other Calibers (30 Super Carry, 45 ACP, 357 Sig, 40 S&W)
  10. 04:24Capacity Advantage of 9mm
  11. 04:45The 9mm Goldilocks Zone
  12. 05:02Power vs. Capacity Trade-offs
  13. 05:16Benefits: Firepower, Follow-up Shots, Low Recoil
  14. 05:21Commonality and Cost of Ammunition
  15. 05:34Continuity of PCC to Handgun
  16. 05:52Modern PCC Caliber Advancements (4.6x30mm, 5.7x28mm)
  17. 06:16Antiquated PCC Ideas
  18. 06:26Superior Subgun Performance (MP7, P90)
  19. 06:48Modern PCC Caliber Preferences
  20. 07:159mm in PCC Realm vs. Newer Calibers
  21. 07:41Recent Resurgences in 9mm Technology
  22. 08:19Technology Applied to Other Cartridges
  23. 08:51Open-mindedness to New Calibers
  24. 09:08FN 5.7 and P90 Discussion
  25. 09:39Continuity of PCC to Sidearm Importance
  26. 10:05Beyond Convenience in PCCs
  27. 10:13Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 9mm considered a 'caliber of convenience'?

9mm Luger is called a 'caliber of convenience' because it is widely available, relatively inexpensive, and offers a good balance of manageable recoil and sufficient power. This makes it easy to obtain ammunition and firearms chambered in 9mm, simplifying ownership and training for many users.

How has 9mm ammunition improved over time?

Modern advancements in projectile design, powder formulations, and propellants have significantly boosted the performance of 9mm ammunition. These innovations allow for increased velocity and energy while remaining within safe pressure specifications, making 9mm more effective than its older counterparts.

What are the advantages of 9mm in a Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC)?

Using 9mm in a PCC offers logistical advantages, such as magazine and ammunition commonality with a handgun. This simplifies training and defensive preparations. However, newer intermediate rifle cartridges in PCCs often provide superior penetration and velocity.

Are there better carry cartridges than 9mm?

Yes, there are cartridges that offer more power or specialized performance than 9mm for personal protection. However, 9mm remains a top choice due to its excellent balance of capacity, manageable recoil, affordability, and widespread availability, making it a practical and effective option for most.

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