I am posting my answer to the member here. Feel free to share your thoughts on what you are looking for in a handgun. If you own one, let us know what kind it is and why you chose that one.
"Anyways, to answer your questions: You are asking the age-old dilemma of calibre. The short answer is that there are so many factors, from the purpose of your handgun (sports, self-defense, will it be carried concealed), to its size and applications, that will determine what type and calibre you may want to carry. For example, if I carry a back up that I want to wear on my ankle and use as a last ditch resort tool, a .380 (9mm short) is fine. it allows for a few rounds in a small package. If it is my primary handgun that I carry for duty, then a larger round with a larger capacity magazine is needed.
People carry 9mm because they want more rounds (up to 17 for example in a Glock 17), or they choose a 45ACP because the want the larger round (arguably more stopping power) but sacrifice how many they can carry (most single stack 45 magazines carry 7-8 rounds, exceptions do apply). Para-Ord actually came with a double stack 45 magazine which allows to carry about 12 rounds. By the way, the 40S&W was developed to allow officers (FBI at the time, 1990) to carry more rounds in a larger calibre, somewhat of a compromise one may say. the 40S&W was developed to mimic the 10mm round. Most LE agencies carry 40S&W today.
Another thing to consider is cost. In today's economy and high price for ammunition, one must consider that when deciding on a handgun. There is no doubt that the more common rounds will be cheaper (9, 40, 45) than the less known ones (45gap, 10mm, etc.). and 9mm is a lot cheaper than 45CAP, so if you are planning on shooting a lot, this is definitely something to consider.
Bottom line, regardless of calibre, what matters most is shot placement. Hit someone in the cranium and it doesn't matter what size the round was. Israeli security forces carry 9mm short by the way.
In terms of Glock versus 1911: this is solely a personal preference thing. I personally don't like the way glocks feel in my hand. I love my kimbers. they are two different animals. there is no doubt that straight out of the box, for the price (about $650) glocks are a great tool. There's a reason most LE agencies use them. Want to go a bit more expensive and you go with sigs (federal agencies use those), want to spend between $1,000-$3,000 and you get a 1911 (SF forces use these). But price doesn't always mean better. you should see what feels good in your hand.
Lastly, this is an issue Israel has with the Glock polymers, which may have contributed to my personal dislike, and I have not seen any documentation but was told this by my military instructors: in Israel, with the extreme changes in temperature (can be 120 degrees outside and then you walk into 65 degrees in an air conditioned room, and then out again, and so forth), glocks began to crack. Steel doesn't crack. I am curious if we will see similar comments coming back from Operation Enduring Freedom.
So, did this help? We can talk more in person, just a few thoughts."
Speaking of round sizes, While I was in GA last week I went into a gun store with Phaygi and Darrell. While conversing with the sales person I was asked what game am I planning on hunting (we were discussing appropriate cartridges), my asnwer was "Humans". Aside from making every person in the store turn to look at me, and now that I am flagged by every federal agency, it did bring the point of purpose. If you own a gun, or about to buy one, you must consider the target when choosing one.
ReplyDeleteBK.
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