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Self Defense Caliber
TheSilentOne
Member Posts: 104 ✭✭
I have been thinking about getting a pistol for concealed carry. What is the smallest caliber that would still be effective. Is a .38 the smallest you should go for carrying.
Comments
I think a .32 would be OK but i don't own a gun in 32.
alot of folks think that 9mm is the smallest for SD.
heck, a 22lr or .222 would probably get you out of a jam (unless the other guy had a bigger gun)but I doubt anyone carries one as their primary weapon.
I would not carry anything smaller than a .38 special myself. But that is just based upon my own gut feeling and what I am comfortable with. The platform is small enough to conceal, yet big enough for me to get a good grip on it.
I like the looks of smaller firearms, but they are too small in my meathooks to be able to draw safely and comfortably.
I know guys that carry .22, .22 Mag, .25, .32, .380 etc and are comfortable with their choices. Someone will say it so I will be first.....having a gun when you need it is better than not having one....
To put it another way, the Seecamp .32 ACP in my pocket trumps the S&W 629 in .44 Mag that's left in my safe.
Mostly I carry a .38spl.
If all I had were a sharp stick, I would carry that.
If you seriously need a one shot stopping caliber round, stick with the .45acp. With my .22, I intend to dump 9 into my target, reload, and dump 8 more. That ought to stop the average man.
I don't even believe my .38 is a one shot stop. Even with Hornady Critical Defense Ammo. I will empty the darned thing, reload, and assess the situation.
Even the venerable .45acp fails to stop in one round. A coworker took three to the back. Still ran a distance. Still around too.
Rifle rounds provide the absolute best stopping capability.
My suggestion, an American Arms Grizzly Derringer in .45-70. That ought to work, if you don't flinch and miss. Can't imagine why you'd devolope a flinch shooting one of those.[:D]
Although, I have seen everything down to a 22 kill someone. It would be usefull as well. Carry what you are comfortable with.
You just can't beat the .38 special.
http://www.handloads.com/misc/stoppingpower.asp?Caliber=5
These are fact based on actual shootings.
Everything else is just conversation.
What really counts is what's on your persona.
I like this gun for carry, but I don't think it is worth the $550 they are asking for it. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132765050
That's a 96% 1 shot stopper with 125 gr JHP.
Stoping power, schmoping power.
What really counts is what's on your persona.
If you don't care about stopping power you can carry a sling shot.
quote:Originally posted by Polite Psycho
Stoping power, schmoping power.
What really counts is what's on your persona.
If you don't care about stopping power you can carry a sling shot.
The .32 ACP Seecamp in my pocket trumps your slingshot any day.
[:D]
quote:Originally posted by RtWngExtrmst
quote:Originally posted by Polite Psycho
Stoping power, schmoping power.
What really counts is what's on your persona.
If you don't care about stopping power you can carry a sling shot.
The .32 ACP Seecamp in my pocket trumps your slingshot any day.
[:D]
You win.
Forgot to mention, mine is a 38 S&W with shrouded hammer, handy as a hammerless, but I can still shoot it single action if I want/need to. Best of both.
I have been thinking about getting a pistol for concealed carry. What is the smallest caliber that would still be effective. Is a .38 the smallest you should go for carrying.
Depends on what you mean by "effective". There's at least 3 criteria for concealed carry. First three I rank in this order:
1) have it with you
2) can hit what you're aiming with it
3) can keep it concealed until you need it (the question IS about CC)
Personally, I prefer my handguns in a caliber that begins with a 4, but that's just me. A .38 with +p ammo is a fine stopper by all accounts. I'd look at a hammerless if you're going the revolver route.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
It really depends on your size, build, clothing style, hand size and many other issues. A thought to remember if you are going to carry concealed. If you have enough clothes on to carry a large frame handgun you can substitute a small one. If you only have enough clothes on the hide a small framed handgun a large one will not fit. So if you are only going to get one, get the one you will have on you when and if you needed it, not one you are going to leave in the truck. You can always buy a bigger one later and have 2[8D]
Forgot to mention, mine is a 38 S&W with shrouded hammer, handy as a hammerless, but I can still shoot it single action if I want/need to. Best of both.
+1 on the shrouded hammer, forgot about that option.
And fiery auto crashes
Some will die in hot pursuit
While sifting through my ashes
Some will fall in love with life
And drink it from a fountain
That is pouring like an avalanche
Coming down the mountain
I wear shorts and a T-shirt and keep my compact on my right hip. I think that it may be slightly noticeable at times, but, I don't really care.
Here in Idaho we don't have the strict brandishing laws of some states.
Of course, that's just my opinion and I'm sure there's many that will disagree with it.
GH1[:)]
I have been thinking about getting a pistol for concealed carry. What is the smallest caliber that would still be effective. Is a .38 the smallest you should go for carrying.
To a large degree, it depends upon the person and their level of proficiency.
I have three that I carry at different times:
Sig P226 9mm
S&W Model 10 .38
S&W 351 PD .22 Mag
So honestly, it is your decision. Also, you'll probably end up with a few different CC pistols, holsters, etc. so you can dress weather appropriate and still carry
Get a 4" 500 S&W. Then you'll know you'll never be out gunned. [;)]
Oftentimes just the presence of a gun will deter most folks. Learn to be proficient, with whatever you choose.
My favorite is a cz-82/83 or brettta 84/taurus PT58
Some good examples of each
sub 10 oz class .380
Kahr P-380
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132752446
KeltTec P3AT
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132980358
double stack .380
Beretta 84
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132891016
CZ-83
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132941722
Taurus PT58(my second favorite) 20rnd capacity.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132957297
Sub compact 9mm
Glock 26
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132912989
Para PDA
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132432957
Snubby .38 spcl, Well smith makes all kinds. I never liked the tiny revolvers, they make my palms tingle or bleed.
You're a fool to carry anything less than a Desert Eagle in .50 AE.
Do you carry yours in your mouth? [:0]
quote:Originally posted by TheSilentOne
I like this gun for carry, but I don't think it is worth the $550 they are asking for it. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=132765050
That's a 96% 1 shot stopper with 125 gr JHP.
98% of statistics cited in an argument are made up on the spot.
That is so true. Simple is better than complicated.