9mm vs .45- This is still a thing?

Published on October 1, 2015
Duration: 14:47

This video from Regular Guy Training LLC compares 9mm and .45 ACP calibers, debunking myths and providing practical insights for self-defense and general shooting. The instructor, with extensive experience, highlights that handguns are generally poor at stopping threats and emphasizes the importance of shot placement and modern ammunition. Key takeaways include 9mm's advantages in capacity, cost-effectiveness for practice, and concealability, while .45 ACP excels in suppressor-friendliness due to subsonic rounds and its historical design for effectiveness with ball ammunition. The video stresses that recoil is a training issue and that neither caliber is a 'death ray.'

Quick Summary

Handguns are generally poor at stopping threats, with 6 out of 7 pistol-shot individuals surviving. The 9mm vs .45 ACP debate is often ego-driven. Modern 9mm hollow points are effective, while .45 ACP excels with subsonic rounds for suppression and historically effective ballistics. Recoil is a training issue, and 9mm offers better capacity and practice ammo cost.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 9mm vs .45 ACP Debate
  2. 00:14Why the Debate Exists: Handgun Ineffectiveness
  3. 00:40Hospital Trauma Study Findings
  4. 01:46Pros and Cons of Each Caliber
  5. 02:43Pros of 9mm: Capacity & Cost
  6. 03:28Modern 9mm Ammunition Improvements
  7. 04:299mm Concealability & Size
  8. 05:40Pros of .45 ACP: Suppressor Friendliness
  9. 06:23.45 ACP Subsonic Ammunition
  10. 07:10.45 ACP Design for Effectiveness
  11. 08:35.45 ACP Slow Velocity Benefits
  12. 09:18Home Defense Considerations
  13. 10:01Debunking Myths: 9mm & .45 ACP
  14. 10:41Recoil Management as Training
  15. 11:27Myth of .45 ACP as a 'Death Ray'
  16. 12:10Cons of .45 ACP: Cost & Capacity
  17. 13:07Personal Choice & Fanboyism
  18. 13:33Conclusion & Community Interaction

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 9mm handguns effective for self-defense?

While handguns are generally less effective at stopping threats than rifles or shotguns, modern 9mm hollow-point ammunition has significantly improved its performance. With proper shot placement and modern ammo, 9mm can be adequate for self-defense, especially when considering its advantages in capacity and practice ammunition cost.

What are the main advantages of .45 ACP for self-defense?

.45 ACP offers advantages in its historical design for effectiveness with ball ammunition and its tendency to be subsonic, making it ideal for suppressed firearms. Its slower velocity and larger diameter can also lead to more significant tissue damage and reduced over-penetration compared to some faster rounds.

Is recoil a significant factor when choosing between 9mm and .45 ACP?

The instructor emphasizes that recoil is largely a training issue. While .45 ACP generally has more felt recoil than 9mm, shooters can effectively manage it with practice. The ability to handle recoil is considered less critical than shot placement and the ability to get out of a dangerous situation.

Which caliber is more cost-effective for practice?

9mm is significantly more cost-effective for practice ammunition, often costing around 18 cents per round. This lower cost makes it easier for individuals to train frequently, which is crucial for developing proficiency with any handgun caliber.

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