Best Caliber for Self Defense

Published on February 18, 2016
Duration: 6:23

For self-defense, 9mm is the recommended caliber due to its balance of capacity, cost, and effectiveness. While .45 ACP is easier to shoot than .40 S&W, both offer lower capacity and higher costs than 9mm without significant real-world stopping power advantages. .380 ACP is deemed ineffective for its cost and size trade-offs compared to modern 9mm pistols.

Quick Summary

For self-defense, 9mm is the most logical choice due to its superior balance of capacity, cost, and effectiveness. It allows for higher round counts in firearms like the Springfield Armory XDM (20 rounds) and is physically manageable for most shooters.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Caliber Controversy
  2. 00:53.380 ACP Analysis
  3. 01:53.40 S&W Analysis
  4. 03:10.45 ACP Analysis
  5. 04:029mm: The Top Choice
  6. 05:33Conclusion and Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best caliber for self-defense?

For self-defense, 9mm is the most logical choice. It offers the best balance of capacity, cost, and effectiveness, and is physically manageable for almost any shooter, making it superior to calibers like .380 ACP, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.

Why is 9mm better than .45 ACP for self-defense?

While .45 ACP is easier to shoot than .40 S&W, 9mm offers a better cost-to-benefit ratio. You can fit more 9mm rounds in the same-sized frame, and ammunition is generally cheaper, without sacrificing significant real-world stopping power.

Is .380 ACP a good self-defense caliber?

.380 ACP is generally not recommended for self-defense. Its projectiles are similar to 9mm but with lower velocity and pressure. Modern 9mm pistols are easily concealable, making the .380's higher cost and lower effectiveness a poor trade-off.

What are the advantages of 9mm for concealed carry?

9mm is ideal for concealed carry due to its balance of effectiveness and manageable recoil. It allows for higher capacity magazines in compact firearms, and ammunition R&D focuses heavily on 9mm, ensuring consistent performance and availability.

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