What Caliber Should I Carry? (.22 vs .380 vs 9mm vs .40 vs .45 vs 10mm)

Published on January 15, 2025
Duration: 25:08

This video compares common handgun calibers for self-defense, concluding that 9mm Luger offers the best balance of capacity, recoil, and ballistics for most users. While .380 ACP is suitable for beginners and deep concealment, and .45 ACP offers significant stopping power, their capacity and recoil can be drawbacks. Powerful calibers like 10mm are best reserved for specific threats like animal defense due to extreme recoil.

Quick Summary

For most concealed carry needs, 9mm Luger is the recommended caliber due to its optimal balance of manageable recoil, high capacity, and effective terminal ballistics. While .380 ACP is good for beginners and .45 ACP offers power, 9mm remains the industry standard.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Handgun Caliber Debate
  2. 01:05.22 Caliber (.22 LR & .22 Magnum) for Self-Defense
  3. 04:12.380 ACP: Entry-Level Concealed Carry
  4. 07:439mm Luger: The Industry Standard
  5. 12:50.40 S&W: History and Obsolescence
  6. 16:03.45 ACP: Power vs. Capacity
  7. 19:3510mm Auto: Powerful Woods Defense
  8. 21:30Conclusion: Training is Key

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best handgun caliber for concealed carry?

For most people, 9mm Luger is considered the best all-around caliber for concealed carry due to its excellent balance of manageable recoil, high capacity, and effective terminal ballistics. It's the industry standard for a reason.

Is .380 ACP a good caliber for self-defense?

.380 ACP is a viable option for concealed carry, especially for beginners or those needing a smaller firearm. It offers less recoil than 9mm, making it easier to shoot accurately, and is suitable for deep concealment.

Should I carry a .45 ACP for self-defense?

.45 ACP offers significant stopping power and is favored by many for its perceived effectiveness. However, firearms chambered in .45 ACP often have lower magazine capacities and can be larger and heavier than 9mm counterparts.

What is 10mm Auto best used for?

10mm Auto is a very powerful handgun caliber, often described as a 'hand cannon.' It's ideal for defense against large predators like bears or mountain lions in wilderness settings, but its intense recoil makes it challenging for most to carry daily.

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