Top 10 Most Popular Handgun Calibers

Published on May 29, 2022
Duration: 6:10

This video details the top 10 most popular handgun calibers, providing historical context, ballistic data, and common applications for each. It highlights the dominance of 9mm, the utility of .40 S&W for law enforcement, the historical significance of .45 ACP with the 1911, and the growing popularity of the 10mm Auto. Rimfire options like .22LR and .22 WMR are discussed for their accessibility and training value, while revolver cartridges like .38 Special and .357 Magnum are covered for their enduring appeal. The list concludes with the compact .380 Auto and the powerful .44 Magnum, emphasizing their respective niches in the handgun market.

Quick Summary

The 9mm caliber is the most popular centerfire autoloading cartridge, featuring a 9.01mm bullet traveling at approximately 1100 feet per second, delivering around 400 foot-pounds of energy. It's widely used due to its balance of power, manageable recoil, and availability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Handgun Sales Surge
  2. 00:31Top 10 Most Popular Handgun Calibers
  3. 00:421. 9mm: The Dominant Choice
  4. 01:092. 40 Smith & Wesson: Law Enforcement Favorite
  5. 01:443. .45 ACP: Classic Powerhouse
  6. 02:104. 10mm Auto: Growing Popularity
  7. 02:405. .22LR: The Ubiquitous Rimfire
  8. 03:126. .22 WMR: The Magnum Rimfire
  9. 03:397. .38 Special: The Revolver Staple
  10. 04:048. .357 Magnum: The Powerful Revolver Round
  11. 04:399. .380 Auto: The Pocket Pistol Choice
  12. 05:0310. .44 Magnum: The Big Daddy
  13. 05:45Conclusion & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular handgun caliber in the world?

The 9mm caliber is the most popular centerfire autoloading cartridge globally. Invented in 1901, it features a 9.01mm bullet traveling at approximately 1100 feet per second, delivering around 400 foot-pounds of energy, making it a versatile choice for many handgun applications.

Why is the .40 Smith & Wesson popular with law enforcement?

The .40 Smith & Wesson, developed in 1990, offers a balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, making it a preferred choice for many law enforcement agencies. It fires a .40 caliber bullet at speeds comparable to 9mm but with increased energy due to its larger diameter.

What is the difference between .38 Special and .357 Magnum?

.38 Special is a classic revolver cartridge known for its manageable recoil and accuracy, firing a .357-inch bullet at around 1000 fps. The .357 Magnum is a more powerful variant, firing the same diameter bullet at over 1500 fps with significantly more energy, originally developed for increased penetration.

Which handgun caliber is best for self-defense in a compact pistol?

For compact, pocket-sized pistols, the .380 Auto is the most popular choice. It offers a good balance of manageable recoil and sufficient energy (around 260 foot-pounds) for self-defense in a small, easily concealable firearm.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from GFG

View all →