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9mm vs. 45ACP

18K views 146 replies 59 participants last post by  25493 
#1 ·
I know and heard all of the gun writers pros and cons of 9mm vs. 45acp. And I can see both ways. But I am wanting your opinions which do you EDC for self defense and why?
Do you fell better carrying 9mm
Or do you fell better carrying .45acp for your defense or defending your loved ones?
One more question; what length of barrel?
4 1/4? 4”? Or 3”? In each caliber?
Thanks in advance!
 
#3 ·
I EDC a 10+1 .45 G30S.
200+P Gold Dots from Underwood.
It conceals easily, especially when compared to all of the same/close to same capacity 9mm guns out there.

Don’t get me wrong, the modern 9mm SD rounds available these days are vastly superior to those cod just 10-15 years ago. So really, you can’t go wrong with what YOU shoot the best.
 
#53 ·
Don’t get me wrong, the modern 9mm SD rounds available these days are vastly superior to those cod just 10-15 years ago. So really, you can’t go wrong with what YOU shoot the best.
I’m losing faith in the modern 9 mm sd rounds. It seems like police officers are having to use up all that capacity to stop threats .

Its hard to know if 45 defensive rounds would do better . My instincts say hell yes.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for your response.
The reason for my question is this. I have a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II that I EDC because it’s easy to conceal, light to carry and like Kris Kyle used to say “it’s hard to not bleed out of an 1/2 hole”.
But all of the threads on all of the forms that I’m on makes it sound like you are in the “dark ages” if you don’t have a 9mm for your EDC. So I thought that I would get your opinions to see if it’s just me or not.
Thanks again!
 
#6 ·
Thanks for your response.
The reason for my question is this. I have a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II that I EDC because it’s easy to conceal, light to carry and like Kris Kyle used to say “it’s hard to not bleed out of an 1/2 hole”.
But all of the threads on all of the forms that I’m on makes it sound like you are in the “dark ages” if you don’t have a 9mm for your EDC. So I thought that I would get your opinions to see if it’s just me or not.
Thanks again!
Just call me the Dark Soul from the Dark Ages
 
#13 ·
How about a duel caliber 9mm/38 super? The 9mm for training and the 38 super for EDC self-defense...

At the end of the day, when your life is on the the line, placement is more important than displacement.
 
#14 ·
My edc caliber is .45acp. Currently I alternate between a Glock 30s and a Commander size 1911. I would not be opposed to carrying 9mm but the 45 is definitely my preferred round.
 
#15 ·
My criteria for ammunition selection is simple. Go with a proven round that functions reliably and hits where the sights line up, in the particular firearm.

Speer Gold Dot, Remington Golden Saber (preference toward “Bonded” or “Black Belt”), Winchester Ranger Bonded or SXT/T-Series, Federal Tactical Bonded or HST, are all top of the line. Even the older Federal Hi-Shok and Hydrashoks are acceptable as are the “inexpensive” JHP offerings, from most companies.

In regard to 9mm versus 45 ACP, I would rather have 45 ACP, if I only got one shot. My time in LE was always with 40 S&W and I never felt undergunned where a 9mm or 45 ACP would have been adequate. Working in a rural area, often alone, the extra capacity was always comforting. In the end, they will all work, where a handgun will get the job done and all handguns make terrible rifles.

As far as what I carry, on my time, generally, it’s a S&W 442 five shot j-frame with 125gr Remington Golden Sabers in 38 Special +P. If I choose to carry more, my next smallest firearm is a Glock 27 with ten rounds of 180gr Ranger Bonded in 40 S&W. If I choose to carry a larger firearm, I have choices in 9mm, 357 Sig, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP.
 
#18 ·
I think everyone should carry what they shoot well. It comes down to placement over caliber. When at work it's the mandated .40 and 99% of the time off work it's a 642 J-frame. Otherwise it's an EDC X9 or X9s.
 
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#24 ·
I carry a .45. Actually having used a handgun to defend my life and been shot at a few times, and yes, hit, I have figured a few things for myself.

A) No one EVER said, "Gee, I wish I had a smaller caliber handgun!"

B) No one ever said, "Gee, I wish I had less ammo with me" or "Gee, I sure am glad I left that spare mag at home!"

C) Make that first shot count. If you miss, you are 1) down one round, 2) they are making for cover and you aren't getting any good/easy shots like the one you missed, or 3) THEY are standing there blazing away at YOU, and YOU are headed for cover and not getting any easy shots like the one you just blew.

D) If you can't end it with 8 rds, what makes you think you can with 15?

E) Don't worry about wearing clean underwear when you get up in the morning. Sure everyone else will appreciate it, but believe me, having some loon leaning through your car window with a loaded pistol and hitting you in the face as you turn, well, chances are good they won't stay clean long, and afterward no one will care if they are clean anyway. You might like to carry some baby wipes and clean underwear and pants in the trunk though. Everyone WILL appreciate that.

F) If a new superduper bullet in the 9mm makes it "equal" to the .45, why not get the same superduper bullet in .45 and shoot THAT?!

G) Shoot what YOU like and what YOU shoot well and to heck with everyone else! They can shoot what they like and shoot well and everyone goes home safe at night. As long as YOU are happy, piss on everyone else and their opinion.

H) Discussions like this are fun to kick around, but most generate a lot of heat and little light. In the end, see G above.
 
#37 ·
I carry a .45. Actually having used a handgun to defend my life and been shot at a few times, and yes, hit, I have figured a few things for myself.

A) No one EVER said, "Gee, I wish I had a smaller caliber handgun!"

B) No one ever said, "Gee, I wish I had less ammo with me" or "Gee, I sure am glad I left that spare mag at home!"

C) Make that first shot count. If you miss, you are 1) down one round, 2) they are making for cover and you aren't getting any good/easy shots like the one you missed, or 3) THEY are standing there blazing away at YOU, and YOU are headed for cover and not getting any easy shots like the one you just blew.

D) If you can't end it with 8 rds, what makes you think you can with 15?

E) Don't worry about wearing clean underwear when you get up in the morning. Sure everyone else will appreciate it, but believe me, having some loon leaning through your car window with a loaded pistol and hitting you in the face as you turn, well, chances are good they won't stay clean long, and afterward no one will care if they are clean anyway. You might like to carry some baby wipes and clean underwear and pants in the trunk though. Everyone WILL appreciate that.

F) If a new superduper bullet in the 9mm makes it "equal" to the .45, why not get the same superduper bullet in .45 and shoot THAT?!

G) Shoot what YOU like and what YOU shoot well and to heck with everyone else! They can shoot what they like and shoot well and everyone goes home safe at night. As long as YOU are happy, piss on everyone else and their opinion.

H) Discussions like this are fun to kick around, but most generate a lot of heat and little light. In the end, see G above.
 
#30 ·
I carry .45, 9mm, and 38 Superb. I prefer 9mm and up, but am not volunteering to be shot with a .380 or even a BB gun. Carry what you shoot the best or whatever gun matches your clothes that day. :)
 
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