[ArchAngelCD]

The title says it all, what caliber do you carry most for Self Defense?

This isn't a discussion on which is the best caliber to carry or which is too light/heavy a caliber to carry. I only want to know which caliber you carry most of the time when you do carry a handgun for self defense.

[12131]

9mm most of the time.
.45 ACP second.

[Jack2427]

9MM, because it goes into my BHP and my 940. Also gives a substantial number of rounds in mag.

For serious go to meetin situations I prefer 45 Colt in my Bowen worked N frame that looks like a big M28. Use Georgia Arms heavy load. BUG is again a 940 with a couple of clips.

[911Boss]

Up until a couple weeks ago, I would have had to vote 9mm. Since I picked up my M&P340CT I don't ever seem to be without it. Even when I can carry the M&P9c, I still seem to drop it into my pocket.

Does carrying two guns make you a gun nut?

[DWARREN123]

40 S&W, because I care!:D

[chupacabrah]

.38 special most of the time.
other times 9mm

[calaverasslim]

44 special, Loaded with Winchester Silver Tip 200gr Hollow point

[boomvark]

Usually .38 Special in a S&W M&P 2". Otherwise 9mm in a G19.

[Walkalong]

Toss up between .22 Mag and .32 Auto. Then .45.

[mavracer]

M&P 340 most w/golden sabers or 38+P SBGD close second 44 special

need to change my answer didn't read the ?

for Self Defense?
I'd use a chainsaw or a cutting torch if chain or iron

[possum]

.40s&w

[ojibweindian]

45 ACP about 75% of the time. 24.9% of the time it's 9mm. On occasion, usually during winter, I'll strap on a 357 Mag.

[357sigRog]

G33-357sig

[XD-40 Shooter]

Taurus Mil-Pro 40 S&W.:)

[WNC Seabee]

'cause the SW 642 just slips in the pocket so darn easy.

[freakshow10mm]

.45 and 10mm about equally. Right now my .45 because I'm rebuilding my 10mm.

[Blofeld]

.45 for the sheer confidence.

[fletcher]

.32acp

This is because my P32 is my always carry. Next most often would be a tie between 9mm and 9x18.

[.455_Hunter]

Most of the time, the gun in my pocket is my NAA Mini in .22 Mag. The NAA Guardian .32 ACP is second most common.

[ByAnyMeans]

I prefer a 9mm (glock 26) with a ten or fifteen round mag depending on the situation but what will get carried most of the time will be the LCP in .380. When you take into account all the time I'll have it with me around the house , for quick runs to the store and walking the dog then it will be carried most even if I prefer the 9mm (12 gauge is actually my favorite)

[weisse52]

.38. Because of the word "most". Since I purchased the Smith 642 it is always in the pocket so it wins.

[NG VI]

I voted 9x19, but only because lately that is what I carry most. Before I got my PCR and the MTAC/FNP9-M combo, I always carried my Glock 27 or USP 40. Still carry the Glock from time to time.

[mjrodney]

Pocket carry for me, so a J-frame loaded with 38 +p is nearly always with me.

If not, a .380ACP

[Almond27]

.40 S&w

[jjohnson]

Excellent question - what to you carry MOST.

I LIKE 44, 45 better.... but I can conceal and carry my little .380 Mak better than a "real" handgun. So I do.

And I see I have enough company in the "more compact" calibers than I'd have thought.

[3fgburner]

Specifically, 9x18 Makarov.

[Crow1108]

.45 ACP mostly. Sometimes .40 S&W.

[machron1]

G27 .40 S&W with +1 round mag finger extension. i like .40 because it's a good compromise between 9mm capacity and .45 stopping power, without 10mm overpenetration risks. it's got some kick in a small frame though, so practice is a must.

[tomh1426]

S&W 1911 .45acp every day

[HGUNHNTR]

.357 mag

[Quiet]

Mostly .45ACP.
Then .32ACP and .45GAP.
Followed by 9x19mm.

[FLA2760]

.40in G27 or SW40VE .38+P in 642 as a BUG

[Noxx]

.38+p most often. Lawd love a J-frame.

[nhhillbilly]

It is issued to me. No problems with the cartridge or the Glock 23 launcher.

[wankerjake]

.357 when I'm out hiking. likey to be 9mm when i get my ccw

[FMJMIKE]

G-19 and friend...........:cool:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e350/mbmphoto/g19knife.jpg

[schnarrgj]

380 followed by a 9mm

[Gary Gill]

Daily carry is S&W 60 or 337 stoked with 38 Spl Winchester Silver Tips.

[memphisjim]

i selected other on behalf of the 44 smith and wesson special

[kolob10]

45 Acp

[Gary G23]

357sig

[coney_hatch]

Kimber Ultra Carry or Para LTC, both in .45 ACP.

[akanotken]

but anytime I am heading to an elevated risk area, I chose a 9mm.

As you can see I'm not a believer in bigger is better. But the p99 is the polymer gun I shoot the best ... likely because I can afford to shoot it so much more. The fact that it holds 17 rounds motivated me early, but now has zip to do with the choice.

[1911 guy]

I carry one of two pistols, both are 5" 1911 types in .45acp. Once in a blue moon I'll stuff a .380 or .32 in my pants, but only when it's swim trunks or such that won't accomodate a holster.

[jad0110]

38 most of the time. 45 ACP a bit less often.

[Rexster]

.357 mag, because I carry one or more SP101 snubbies virtually all the time. I often carry more than just the snubby, either one of my personally owned SIG P229 .40 duty (police) pistols, or a larger .357 sixgun. Much as I like my 1911 and single-action sixguns in .45 ACP and .45 Colt, at this stage of my life, they are rarely carried.

[JZ06]

9mm or 9X18 would be carried. hd goes to the fn five-seven.

[loop]

45 ACP, with a .32 gun in my pocket for fun...

[Nematocyst]

.38 spl., unless I'm within a few steps of the carbine in .357 mag.

[HM2PAC]

.45acp

[moooose102]

i voted 380 auto, even though i prefer to carry my 45. the plain simple fact of the matter is when it is to hot, or inconvienint to carry a full size 45, i carry my 380, which slides completely inside my pocket without anyone noticeing. and, many times when i carry the 45, i also carry the 380 as well. while i feel much safer with the 45 (because of the power of the beast), i carry the 380 more simply because of it is so small and easilly concealed.

[1/7GRUNT]

38 +P is just what is most convenient for me.

[SCKimberFan]

9 or .45. Whichever I feel like carrying that day.

[McKnife]

YESS!!!! I was number 45 to vote for .45!

haha

[jaholder1971]

I'm usually carrying either a 9mm (BHP or P6) or my 1911A1 with my Smith 36 in the front pocket for a New York reload.

So, I marked .38

[OleCodger]

"Most" Ruger LCP all time.
Closely followed by Kahr CW45........

[Chisel Head]

If this counts, I used to pack a 9mm Browning. Had to get rid of it, before moving overseas. I'd carry the same, if I had a choice or maybe a Walther in equal caliber. A 9mm hollowpoint is good enough. I've no need to grind hamburger with a Magnum

[fiVe]

.38 spcl

[orionengnr]

Kahr PM9 nine months out of the year.

Kahr P45 or 3" 1911 the other three months (when I can wear a sweatshirt, jacket, etc.).

Once in a while, a 4" S&W 357 Mag revolver.

Had a P3AT but never had confidence in the cartridge or the firearm. I'm "kind of" looking for an LCP right now, but I'm not sure why... :rolleyes:

[19-3Ben]

I usually carry my Sp101 loaded with Double Tap's 158gr. GD .357mag load.

1350 fps out of the 3" barrel. That's a big hurtin.

Back up is my LCP loaded with .380acp FMJ's.

Alternate carry guns are my M&P9c and my M&P9.

[fxstchewy]

Mostly 38 Spec. but I have used .32, 9mm and 40 cal, I really need to narrow it down. :uhoh:

[denfoote]

9mm Parabellum launched out of a Kahr MK9 Elite 98.

[timberbeast63]

.38spl and 9mm. I can afford to practice in these calibers a lot and thus have a better chance of using them adequately.

[ArchAngelCD]

If this counts, I used to pack a 9mm Browning. Had to get rid of it, before moving overseas. I'd carry the same, if I had a choice or maybe a Walther in equal caliber. A 9mm hollowpoint is good enough. I've no need to grind hamburger with a Magnum
Yes Chisel Head, it counts. Welcome to the forum and thank you for participating in my poll.

Thank you to everyone who has already votes and taken the time to post!! :D

[Chisel Head]

Well, if that counts, I used to pack a .25 cal., when I had to transit downtown Detroit to my new job. I was too embarrased to admit possessing a firearm which was suitable for hunting sparrows mice and flies without doing much damage. The 9mm Browning was the suitable replacement.
I had a sawed-off shotgun, also, which I received as collateral for a small debt. I never shot either gun and made it a point to stash and rid of the sawed-off as soon as possible. If a police officer ever caught me with the Browning, he would likely confiscate it for his own personal collection and let me go. The shotgun would have surely gotten me into a heap of trouble, though

[Snapping Twig]

When I do carry on the super rare occasion in the urban jungle, it's .45acp.

When I'm hunting of course I get to legally carry and typically do so from the time I get to hunting camp until I leave, my choice is a .44mag.

[BHPshooter]

I carry a 9mm Browning Hi Power.

Wes

[jpsimms]

.357 openly carried

[Archer1945]

Something of a toss-up, at the moment, between .45acp and .380. Prefer to carry .45acp but there are times and carry methods that dictate the smaller gun. Also have an XD9SC but if I can carry it I will carry the XD45C because it fits the same holster. Besides 10 rounds of .45 acp trumps 10 rounds of 9mm any day. :)

[jcord]

I like my Ruger speed six. Its a nice accurate gun that can be used as a war hammer if things get up close and personal. I still carry my j frame 38 on occasion.

[Stevie-Ray]

.32 auto

.45 ACP is my primary, but .32 auto is always

[Nematocyst]

I'm finding it very interesting that with 320 votes, 9's and .38 spl
are in a virtual dead heat for 1st place with .45 running third
and .357 mag a distant 4th place.

[ArchAngelCD]

Nematocyst,
I expected to see a few more votes for the .357 Magnum round but not much more. With all the super light Magnum J frames out there there I'm guessing there are many more loaded with .38 Special +P ammo than .357 Magnum rounds.

HEY, there is one vote for the .25 Auto... Cool !!!

[Nematocyst]

With all the super light Magnum J frames out there there I'm guessing
there are many more loaded with .38 Special +P ammo than .357 Magnum rounds.Good point, Arch.

When (not if, but when) I get an M&P340,
I'll mostly stoke it with .38 spl +p.

It'll be nice to know that it'll eat .357 mag,
but I'll save those for spl occasions. ;)

[KC0QGL]

Does carrying two guns make you a gun nut?
No. It's just wise, primary and back up. For me, .380 auto & .22 lr. Some times I'll carry up to 4 at once.

[Nematocyst]

Oh, never mind.

[mtk469]

9mm for the most part but .40 and .45 from time to time.

[almostfree]

I am happy to see that 10mm isn't doing too bad in the poll. That's my designated carry caliber.

[sixgunner455]

.38 Special most. 9mm, much less often.

[KBintheSLC]

9mm for out and about, 10mm for home.

Does carrying two guns make you a gun nut?

I don't think so. Anyway, whats wrong with being a gun nut?

[Chisel Head]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee91/DJGregC/beavisbutthead.gif

[Ske1etor]

I carry my .45 ACP Kimber Custom II most of the time... I also carry my Springfield XD-40 from time to time... not very often though...

[mpmarty]

45acp in a Taurus PT145 99% of the time 10mm Witness compact all steel 1% it just weighs too much to pack regularly although it carries a dozen rounds of that great 10mm ammo plus one in the tube.

[redneckrepairs]

Again what difference does it make ? I am kinda old and experienced so my feeling is that what you carry is less important than where you shoot someone . Now i am old enough that i need to use bifocals on the range which i wont have time for in defense. So ill just shoot them unless and until they lay down and quit doing what made me shoot them in the first place . Caliber , Capacity , ect.. really dont matter to me as i normally carry a single stack 9mm . It will do the job , and if there is any question well then the reload will settle matters .

[ZeSpectre]

A pointy stick (painted tactical black)

sorry, couldn't resist.

[swopejs]

Dan Wesson RZ-10 in 10mm.

[SDG]

I carry the 38 special when at work because the lightweight revolver is what works best.

All other times, it is the 9mm.

[moxie]

Bulldog Pug .44 Special.

[Chisel Head]

...Now i am old enough that i need to use bifocals on the range which i wont have time for in defense. So ill just shoot them unless and until they lay down and quit doing what made me shoot them in the first place...Years ago, a boss of mine told me that he had one of his revolvers modified to take shotgun shells and that he had the chance to use it, as someone was attemptig entry into his camper as he and his wife were sleeping. He allegedly waited until the intruder got in. Then emptied some bird shot into him:cuss:
If you could get yours to do buckshot, you wouldn't need any bi-focals anymore. Not even if both lens, in your glasses, resemble the bottom of a Coca Cola bottle:what:

[md7]

sw model 642 in .38 spl gets carried the most. glock 23 on occasion.

[ArchAngelCD]

Originally Posted By: redneckrepairs
Again what difference does it make ? I am kinda old and experienced so my feeling is that what you carry is less important than where you shoot someone . Now i am old enough that i need to use bifocals on the range which i wont have time for in defense. So ill just shoot them unless and until they lay down and quit doing what made me shoot them in the first place . Caliber , Capacity , ect.. really dont matter to me as i normally carry a single stack 9mm . It will do the job , and if there is any question well then the reload will settle matters.
redneckrepairs,
It's a matter of interest for me, that's why it matters.

I didn't ask the usual question, which caliber is the minimum..... or which is the best for..... or how many rounds do you..... or which has the best 1 shot..... I only asked what people were carrying because I'm interested and curious and said nothing about all the things you assumed in your post.

Everyone knows shot placement is important but that wasn't the question, was it? There's no need to be condescending and put my poll down because you aren't interested in what caliber people are carrying. It interests me that's why I asked. I'm kinda old too and even though you're sitting on a high horse you attitude still stinks from way up there, in my opinion of course...

Have a nice day.

[Chisel Head]

:uhoh:I think his answer to your question was 9mm. If so, he's okay by me:)

[ArchAngelCD]

The .38 Special and 9mm are so close and the .45 Auto isn't far behind. I always had a strong feeling the .38 Special was very popular but this shows I wasn't off the mark. Since I carry a .38 Special J frame I'm happy to see these results.

[Samuel Adams]

9X18 in a CZ82.

[Chisel Head]

...The .38 Special and 9mm are so close and the .45 Auto isn't far behind...True. But, perhaps the poll question should have been formulated more accurately.
Since, there is no such thing as a .38- or .357 automatic, the likely alternative is, of course, the 9mm, of which I prefer, because of the numerous amount of rounds one has available and the lack of recoil, allowing numerous, accurate, one hand shooting within a shorter time frame.
Since, the weapon went into production in Europe, it's understandable that the round was to be produced in a metric unit of measurement, even though, there is little measurable difference in the diameter of it and its American counterpart

[ArchAngelCD]

Chisel Head,
There is the 38 Super which is practically a .38 Special in a semi-auto and there's also the .357 Sig which was developed to mimic the ballistics of the 125gr .357 Magnum round in a semi-auto pistol. Even though the .38 Special and .357 Magnum are primarily revolver rounds there are semi auto equivalents. There is also the Desert Eagle in .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum, not that DE would be considered a normal everyday carry... LOL

[thunder173]

Own several,...but the one MOST carried,...the Keltec P3AT in of course, .38,...everywhere,...everyday

[coolbarrelbill]

9mm Glock 19 and sometimes a S&W 637 38spl +P

[xstuntman]

My first THR post here so hi. I carry just an H&R 9 shot .22 in the truck. If Texas gets an open carry then it'll be something considerably bigger, but still a wheelie of course. Mike

[ArchAngelCD]

xstuntman,
Welcome to the forum and thank you for participating in my thread... :)

BTW, is that 9 shot H&R a Model 949? I have one and I think it's a great revolver.

[Chisel Head]

...Chisel Head,
There is the 38 Super which is practically a .38 Special in a semi-auto....
...are semi auto equivalents. There is also the Desert Eagle in .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum:oI guess, I've been away from guns too long:(
Thanks. I'll look those up. I was planning to go out and get a 9mm, in the near future. But, these other gems suddenly broadened my horizon. However, I reside in a country with one of the most srtringent firearms laws. But, I'm close enough to gun-liberal (in comparisson) Belgium and to the countries of eastern Europe. However, the 9mm variety is likely to be the easiest to obtain

[Kosh75287]

About 90 % of the time, it's a .45 ACP. The rest of the time, it's a .357 Mag, particularly when my would-be adversaries might be furry as well as feral. Since I've purchased a .45 Colt Redhawk, the .357 may be relegated to other duties in the future.

[Kind of Blued]

.38 Special (+P) for me.

40% of the time I carry a 9mm and a .38, but my S&W 642 is... well, I have that and underwear on currently.

Tactical kevlar underpants, of course.

[Chisel Head]

Oh no! .38 has just taken first place:eek:

[xstuntman]

ArchAngel- Yes I have a 49'er which I'll never part with. I started collecting 9 shot .22's last year and with the economy the way it is old mothballed H&R 9 shotties are popping up. If it gets any worse I'm might even get lucky with a couple Ivers or Hi Standards. Mike

[dust_101]

Seems like a forum fav, but the S&W 642 is the always carry so .38 Special gets my vote.

BUT my 1911 Officers in .45ACP gets carried almost as much, but if you count day to day... the .38 wins

[Chisel Head]

Delete completed. Wrong thread

[jonmerritt]

Does carrying two guns make you a gun nut?

No that just makes you prepared, paranoid, but prepared:D

[Legionnaire]

Can't really vote; rotate through 9mm, .357, and .40S&W ... and occasionally .32ACP.

[WheelgunZealot]

After much experimenting I have found a 125 grain jacketed hollowpoint .357 magnum cartridge to be the best fit for me. Choosing calibers and weights is a very personal matter, YMMV.

[Ghost Walker]

This isn't a discussion on which is the best caliber to carry or which is too light/heavy a caliber to carry. I only want to know which caliber you carry most of the time when you do carry a handgun for self defense.


45 acp.

(Which is, of course, the best SD caliber to carry; and, I carry it all of the time.) :D

This one -

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6426/g21kenlunde6wt0.jpg

[ChCx2744]

9mm gets the job done...Not to mention the fact that it is very forgiving in case you miss

[RockyMtnTactical]

.40 in my Glock 27

[jc650]

.38 special, In my S&W mp 340.

[ronto]

357 = 3 rounds for sure, 5 seconds at most, 7 yards the closest = Bye-Bye Bad Guy.

[guitars&guns]

.40 S&W in my HK P2000

[Nationalist]

9x19 in S&W 9VE 75% of the time. springfield armory XD-45 in the winter.....::D

[GroovedG19]

9x19mm all day everyday and night.

[GaryP]

Other: .44Spl :)



:evil:

[ArchAngelCD]

So, the 9mm is in the lead!

It looks like I should have added 44. Special to the poll, sorry...

[Eric F]

I roll with 38 super

[krs]

.45 in a New Agent. I carry an extra 7 rd mag on me = 15 rds and keep an old leather Russian ammo belt thing that exactly fits 8 officer size 1911 mags for 56 more. So 72 rds. of .45.

I keep thinking to buy a G30 to up the capacity but I never do it.

I carry my G19 slid into the side of my car seat with two spare mags in the console = 46 rds, and always have my P32 in my back pocket = 8 rds.

Also in the car is my M4 carbine with a bandolier full of 30 rd mags, 8 mags x 28 + 28 in rifle = 252 rds.

I drive a black Outback and keep a very low profile.

[leftseat]

45cal because if I have to shoot something I want to go down.

[ashtxsniper]

Been carrying 40 S&W lately and have caried it the most in my life. I have also carried 9mm, 357 SIG, 357 mag, 10mm, 380 acp, 45 acp, 40S&W, and a few others.

[Ky Larry]

Kimber Custom Defender II .45 ACP with Crimson trace grips.


When you care enough to send the very best.:)

[creativetownsman]

Kahr CW9 with 8+1, 9mm, followed by a S&W 442 with 38 +P.

I can shoot the Kahr more accurately with greater firepower, and that is my most frequent carry.

[Intrepid Dad]

Number one choice: .40 S&W in my Springfield XD40

Backup choice: 9mm in my Springfield XD9

[deadhawg]

For me, probably about 70% .45(G30), 30% 9mm (Kahr PM9). That might change in a couple years, when I retire. We plan on doing a lot of traveling by motorcycle, and the wife carries a G26. I just might get one too, just to simplify the logistics. Space is limited when traveling long distances by bike, so interchangeable ammo and magazines would be a big plus. I prefer a .45, but I have no doubt that if I put them in the right place a good HP 9mm will do the job.

Ron

[sturmgewehr]

I carry a .45 mostly but also carry 9mm and .380 depending on the scenario and season. But I carry a .45 mostly because of the pistol, a 1911. It's the gun I am most comfortable with. When I need something smaller, it too is a 1911 (EMP) just in 9mm. For the .380, I carry a Ruger LCP.

[Chisel Head]

I like your handle. I bet we can get along with each other here:)

[wep45]

I use .357 magnum rounds in my S&W 686-4PP. The revolver reduces the recoil and the BG deserve only the best.

[smartshooter.45]

If im going to put a bullet into someone i want it to kick the air out of their chest and put them onto their ass. 9mm? no thats not gonna cut it. if the guy has his own weapon its very likely he could still use it after being hit several times with a 9mm especially if hes all f*cked up on something. no i carry a .45 (8+1). 9 rounds of .45 hollow point should be more then enough to handle any situation requiring me to pull my gun out.

on a side note i recently went to my favorite gravel pit to put some rounds through my Kimber. as i roll in i see a few guys thrashing the **** out of an old GMC pick up. long story short after they run it dead they decide that blasting the crap out of it would be a fitting end. so i lend my gun and a few rounds to the apparent owner and he puts some rounds into the engine block, into the dash display and a few straight into the doors. i wasnt sure if the rounds would go through both doors but they DID. keep in mind this is a solid old GMC pick up with heavy doors. so the rounds went right through BOTH doors, id like to see a 9mm do that...

[Yoda]

Primary = S&W 940, a 9mm moon-clip fed REVOLVER. (yup, REVOLVER, that's what I said!)

Backup = Normally a PA-63 in 9x18mm Makarov, but I also carry a 1911 on occasion.

Yes, I know, why the five-shot revolver as a primary and the semi-autos as backups? Because the revolver will always be there. There's many times I just can't make the semi-auto fit into what I'm wearing. The revolver gets into action pretty quick, and if it looks like things aren't going to resolve themselves after five shots, then its time to bring out the other stuff.

- - - Yoda

[PRM]

Some days and activities require a more discrete carry option. I am partial to the following:

.45 LC
.44 Special
.38 Special
.32 Auto

[loneviking]

38/.357 Loaded with Winchester Silvertips or Buffalo Bore short barrel defensive ammo.

[mgregg85]

.45 ACP(XD45 compact) through the winter months, then .380 ACP(P3AT) during the summer.

I voted .45 ACP because this is michigan and our summer isn't very long.

[golden]

9m.m. the most, followed by the .38 Special when the 9m.m. is to big.

At work, I carry a .40 caliber.

[RustyShackelford]

Spellcheck, ;)

To answer your posted ?, I would use a .357SIG pistol for most general CC/protection uses. Big ups to the .38spl(for 2nd gun, BUG, hot weather CC) and for a N-frame snub .44mag with .44spl loads or maybe a .454Casull with .45 Colt Long for car/vehicle use...;)

Rusty S

[flphotoguy]

Kel-Tec P3AT .380 most of the time because it is light and easy to pocket. Ruger P95 9mm with 15+1 IWB other times.

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

dam near every day for the last 6 months (have had permit for about a year now) its been my S&W Sigma .40 allied forces (black slide)

before that it was my keltec PF9 here and there but mainly my Rossi $^! .357 mag snubbie.

[Mat, not doormat]

Kel Tec P-32 in the summer, 1911 in winter. I voted .32 because that's what's in my pocket right now.

~~~Mat

[sherman123]

a 340pd mostly with all .357s although ive carried it plenty of times also with 4 .38s and a .357 for the fifth round

[Gunfighter123]

A Para-Ordnance LDA c7.45 in 45acp. I like the LDA/DA instead of carring a "cocked & locked " auto.

[ARTiger]

9mm Makarov most of the time followed by .40 S&W when I can.

[david_the_greek]

haven't had the permit for long and I don't have any real leather (my custom cz pcr holster went missing! : /!!!) so I've been carrying the 442 in an uncle mikes. Really need to get a good belt/holster

[Ala Dan]

Over the year's I have carried many different caliber's as a first line
of self-defense; but 'bout 2,5 years ago, I finally settled on the .45
ACP~! :cool: ;)

[WVMountainBoy]

45 auto in Hornady 230 grain XTP's Second go to is a .40 S&W loaded with 155 gr hydroshok

[ArchAngelCD]

Oh man, my poor .38 Special is now running in 3rd place and there are more votes for the .380 Auto than the .357 Magnum!!

Thanks for all the participation, please keep on voting!

[loneviking]

I'm shocked at how few are carrying the .357! Looks like most are carrying bottom feeders in 9mm, 45 and 40, while the 38 spcl. is the revolver of choice. I have to say I'm suprised at how many are carrying a .380---I wish 'em the best of luck in a gunfight!

[Chisel Head]

.......................http://www.mp44.nl/images/weapons/mkb42w_02.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMw4n4n-TKg

[mgkdrgn]

NAA Black Widow in 22Mag (there is always room for the Noisy Cricket!) and 9mm in a Glock 26 when weather/dress permits. (spend most my time in tshirt and shorts down here in SC!)

[Seafoxfla]

I carry a .40 and a .38 as a back up

[pps]

archangelcd, "Oh man, my poor .38 Special is now running in 3rd place and there are more votes for the .380 Auto than the .357 Magnum!!

Thanks for all the participation, please keep on voting!"

I'm pleasantly surprised the 38 is ahead of the 40. I wasn't expecting to see my .357 in the top three but I am disappointed it is lagging behind the .380

[stevereno1]

.40cal.180gr hornaday TAP in a Glock-27. Fobus paddle holster, Meprolights, Glock factory +1 mag extentions. I can't think of any better combination for me.

[Gun Slinger]

9x19 (Glock 17)

[bja5006]

.38 + P. although anything would work well for 2-legged critters.

[SIGMYSTER]

.357 SIG in an HK P2000sk.

[fastbolt]

I don't think I voted in this Poll ...

Discounting what I carry on-duty (which has included .357 Magnum, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, depending what was issued at the time), I'd have to say that my present off-duty choice is more often than not a S&W J-frame loaded with .38 Spl standard pressure or +P, depending on the model.

Back before my interest in J-frames was reawakened it would've been 9mm, though. ;)

FWIW, I have more J-frames than I do either 9mm or .40 S&W pistols (considered separately), but more pistols chambered in .45 ACP than I do 9mm & .40 S&W combined. More .45's than .38's & .357 Magnum's, too, for that matter ...

But I generally choose to carry a J-frame for normal off-duty activities.

[Deaves1]

45 ACP most, sometimes 9MM or 38 special

[SouthronBoy]

Kel Tec P11 most of the time, with Taurus 605 .357 (carrying .38+p) a distant second. About the only other thing I ever carry is a Makarov.

Service pistols are too big to carry, or I'd carry a 1911.

[rojocorsa]

I live in California, and I'm not old enough to carry anyway. But I would carry 230 gr. .45 ACP JHP:)

[bigmike45]

45acp 75% of the time & 9mm 20% and .357mag 5%

[WoofersInc]

45 ACP is my primary carry. However I have some other calibers on my permit such as 9mm, 38 Special, 40 S&W, 357 Mag, and 380 Auto.

[6_gunner]

I voted .25 auto. I carry a Baby Browning most of the time. When I can carry a larger gun (usually a Smith model 10), the .25 serves as a BUG.

[10-Ring]

I've learned it's much better to have and not need, so I carry my 442 and my false sense of security, my 25 caliber mousegun :cool:

[GRR]

45 Gap

[Poohgyrr]

Interesting thread, hope no one minds if I bring it back.

For my two cents, the little J frame is too handy not to have one around, and that pretty much answers this question. Second most often would be a 45 ACP or 357; these handiguns are simply too reliable & accurate not to use.

Someone mentioned the .357 carbine; I'm right there with you.

[fastbolt]

I retired since I posted in this thread.

Since then my most common choice for a retirement CCW weapon has remained one or another J-frame loaded with .38 Spl +P.

I still occasionally carry one of my small 9mm or .40 S&W pistols, depending on my activities and travel, but the J-frames are still the more frequent choice.

I shoot my various 9's, .40's& .45's quite a bit when it comes to sheer numbers of rounds, but my .38's get their fair share of training & practice time (since I've kept my hand in some activities as an instructor).

Handy little gun, the J-frame.

Matter of fact, I'm planning to pick up another one in the near future, probably a M40 in nickel since I don't have a nickle steel J-frame anymore. ;) I also wouldn't mind picking up a 638 some time, either, as I rather like my older stainless bodyguard and would like to have an Airweight version of it.

I want to get a M&P 45c to complement my full-size M&P 45 first, though ...

[Stophel]

I always have a .38 Model 10 with me, if not necessarily on me. 158gr +P LSWCHP's.

If I ever get around to making a handle, fixing up the front sight, and blueing the gun, I'll have the big S&W .44 Special with me always. Concealment is not that much of a concern for me. ;)

I'm also surprised how few carry/use a .357.

[fastbolt]

I'm also surprised how few carry/use a .357.

When I carried an issued .357 Magnum I carried either it, or one or another of my personally-owned Magnum wheelguns, on my own time more often than not (when not carrying a .45 Commander or a .44 Magnum). I've owned a lot of .357 Magnum revolvers over the years.

I considered it an excellent medium-bore caliber which can be pretty versatile. Still do, for that matter.

After many years of lugging around the bigger wheelguns I've learned to appreciate carrying slightly smaller & lighter one, though. ;)

I wouldn't mind filling out my .357 Magnum collection a bit to recapture some of the excellent ones I let slip away over the years, but not really for the purpose of carrying one.

I only have 5 nicely done .357 Magnum revolvers left in my collection. The only one I carry a good portion of the time is a M&P 340, though, and even then I only use Magnum loads in it for some training/practice, and load it for daily carry with +P loads.

I still have an older 3-screw short-barreled Blackhawk which saw many years service as a light duty backwoods gun (when a .44 Magnum wasn't chosen).

[mesinge2]

I usually carry one of my colts: Defender or Combat Elite both in 45 ACP (pictured below):

113397

[MCgunner]

I can't remember if I posted here or not, but I didn't vote. I have and carry alternately depending on dress and mood and weather, a .45ACP, a .357 magnum, a .38 special, a 9x19 (actually two), a .380 ACP, and a .22 caliber mini revolver. Hard for me to pick cause I could be carrying one or the other on any given day. They all have DA in common except the mini revolver, of course.

I voted 9x19 because I carry it the most. But, lately I've been carrying a .357 magnum backed up by a .38 backed up by a .22. Why not? I mean, it's cold and I have plenty of cover garments. :D

[GasX]

I voted 10mm by accident (fat fingers on an iPhone).

Correct answer is "otherAKA 9x18 Makarov

[Paints]

In winter, I'm almost always carrying a .45. In summer it will be split between the .45 and a 3" 5 shot .357 which conceals more easily with summer clothes.

[StarDust1]

Interesting, .40 S&W falls to a rather uninspiring 4th in the polling...I've always held that the good 9mm hollow points are just as effective as anything else with the exception of .45 ACP...

[Paints]

Position in the pole has nothing to do with effectiveness, Stardust. If that were true, 10mm, 41 mag, 44 mag, 357 mag would be on top (or 454, 460, 45 Super, 9x23, etc.)

What people carry is their chosen compromise between ease of carry, cost, and perceived effectiveness and magazine capacity.

Ken

[Manco]

Interesting, .40 S&W falls to a rather uninspiring 4th in the polling...

It's just a popularity contest, and the top three have been around for a long time. I also see that 10mm Auto is currently slightly behind .32 ACP and way behind .40 S&W. I guess people don't think much of it as a defense caliber, or .357 Magnum vis-à-vis .38 Special for that matter, then....

I've always held that the good 9mm hollow points are just as effective as anything else with the exception of .45 ACP...

I highly doubt that .45 ACP offers much over 9mm per round, and .40 S&W obviously falls in between them. Any two of them could go away today, and it would not be a great loss regarding capability. Just pick the one that offers its slight advantages in areas that you favor.

[Paints]

I highly doubt that .45 ACP offers much over 9mm per round, and .40 S&W obviously falls in between them. Any two of them could go away today, and it would not be a great loss regarding capability. Just pick the one that offers its slight advantages in areas that you favor.

I agree that we could all survive if one of those three went away. Of course, that would still leave 357 Sig and .357 Magnum :)

I just do not favor 9mm for self defense. However, if you compare a heavy weight 9mm +P to a similar weight 40SW, the speeds are close. If you compare a 180gr 40SW to a same weight 45 +P, the speeds are very close. Of course, there is no legitimate 40SW +P.

45 Super is close to 10mm performance.

I've debated 10mm for a carry gun, but haven't found any Dan Wessons on dealer shelves :( I think most people see 10mm as more of a hunting cartridge and some might fear being labeled "excessive" if they ever need to use it in self defense. I've concluded that if I want to get up to that power level, .45 Super would be easier and much less expensive.

One of the reasons I don't like 9mm is that I've found myself thinking "I have plenty of rounds, I don't have to be as accurate". Carrying only 5 or 8 rounds, I know I had better make each shot count.

Ken

[LeontheProfessional]

G27 - .40s&w

[Choclabman]

More than happy with 9mm 124gr +P's.

[Jonah71]

I've never had a ftf with my 9mm Taurus PT Pro.. So I carry it at all times.

[ironvic]

My all time favorite caliber is the .38 Special. Tried 9mm, .45 Auto and .357, but always seem to go back to .38. Current "walkin' around town gun" is the S&W 642.

[MCgunner]

Hell, I'd rather rely on the magnum than a puny .45, myself. :neener:

[-v-]

9mm (hard to argue with 18 rounds of 9mm 147 XTPs on tap) most of the time, sometimes a CZ-40P in .40 S&W (11 rounds on tap) or S&W 1006 in 10mm Auto (10 rounds on tap) when I'm feeling like I need a workout.

But, mainly the 9mm if I am out and about. I can put all 18 rounds inside of a 2" circle at 7 yards in under 8 seconds, so the combination of capacity, lethality, firepower, and flexibility (multiple BGs) in tactical employment win my vote.

[armsmaster270]

357Sig in a Sig 226

[bwsmith2850]

When I bought my G27 the Job required that I buy a Glock for off duty (or a Sigma if you begged really hard and we feel like saying yes today.) I went with .40 because it would feed the magazines from the G22 so it made for a better BUG. I could get free practice & duty ammo from the range which would answer the silly lawyer question of 'why did you choose those awful hollow points that you shot my client's poor relative (who was just turning his life around after 20 years of being a thug) with?' 'They are what the Dept issues.'

[dolittlebb]

9mm 50%, .45 and .38 spl divides the rest of the time.

[Meeteetse]

I carry a .357 but it is loaded with .38's and that is all I need. At the distance of most conflicts the .38 will handle it, and I can put all my shots on target in a short time. For me its not about extreme power but the ability to hit what I'm aiming at.

[deputy tom]

So far it looks like .38 SPL. is leading.tom.:cool:

[medmo]

Couldn't vote in the poll because 357 SIG wasn't there. 357 SIG in a 229.

[Kenpo]

9mm most of the time, followed by .40 S&W

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // I use .38 special +P

Because it will work great in my city carry 442, 1 7/8" and my rural carry 586, 6".

[smoothdraw]

subsonic hallow point 45 ACP. More gentle to the ears. Much compatible with my 1911. More forgiving with miss hits because it will still create big wounds wherever it hits. Slow and big diameter after expansion, transfers more energy to the BG.

Recoil in 1911 easy.

http://gi154.photobucket.com/groups/s256/MXTU0H95IW/IMG_0214.jpg

[Manco]

I just do not favor 9mm for self defense. However, if you compare a heavy weight 9mm +P to a similar weight 40SW, the speeds are close. If you compare a 180gr 40SW to a same weight 45 +P, the speeds are very close. Of course, there is no legitimate 40SW +P.

That's true, and what this shows is how close they all are in overall performance. However, I will say that, if anything, .40 S&W and .45 ACP are closer to each other than they are to 9mm+P. For example, in ballistics charts of factory self-defense loads, with approximately equal expanded diameters .40 S&W will usually penetrate a couple of inches or so deeper into ballistic gelatin; and given approximately equal penetration, .40 S&W will expand to a slightly larger diameter. The differences are not large, but you do get a little something in return for heavier recoil and a small reduction in magazine capacity, which are trade-offs in themselves. Between .40 S&W and .45 ACP, the overall difference is very small, with .40 S&W favoring penetration and .45 ACP favoring diameter. In large-frame pistols with 5" barrels, .45 ACP has a tad more potential, perhaps, while .40 S&W has the advantage in smaller pistols as well as an advantage in capacity. Pick whichever of these three calibers suits you personally (or if you love light, fast bullets then .357 SIG has them all beat), but the differences are hardly great.

By the way, one area that most people aren't overly concerned about is hard barrier penetration, but there are some differences in that regard, too. Briefly, given equal sectional density, larger, slower bullets (e.g. .45 ACP) generally deflect less when penetrating barriers at an angle (e.g. car windshields) while smaller, faster bullets (e.g. 9mm) tend to penetrate better (i.e. can get through more barrier material). The latter may seem counterintuitive at first glance, but that's what the combination of equal sectional density and greater speed can do. Of course, there are other factors such as bullet design and construction, but I mean aside from those. Obviously, .40 S&W splits the difference in this regard, more or less.

9mm (hard to argue with 18 rounds of 9mm 147 XTPs on tap) most of the time, sometimes a CZ-40P in .40 S&W (11 rounds on tap) or S&W 1006 in 10mm Auto (10 rounds on tap) when I'm feeling like I need a workout.

Obviously this depends on the specific platforms being considered, but I just wanted to point out that in general the difference in the number of rounds available between 9mm and .40 S&W is usually smaller in the same basic platform, usually like 2 rounds (e.g. 17+1 versus 15+1 in full-size Glocks). And states that still have a 10-round per magazine limit eliminate the difference altogether, of course, although 9mm's lighter recoil advantage still remains.

[NinjaFeint]

PM9 with Corbon DPX 115gr+P for my daily carry... Occasionally carry GP100 with whatever nasty .357 125gr JHP I can find.

[JohnKSa]

Over 75% of people polled carry either a 9mm, a .45ACP, a .38sp or a 40S&W. 9mm, the top choice makes up about a third of that category.

The other 24% carry something other than those 4 with the .380ACP heading up that list and making up a quarter of the "something else" category.

It would be interesting to be able to poll the general population to see how their carry caliber selection differs from the gun enthusiasts polled here. I'd be willing to bet that .380, .38 and .32 would score much better.

[NinjaFeint]

Over 75% of people polled carry either a 9mm, a .45ACP, a .38sp or a 40S&W. 9mm, the top choice makes up about a third of that category.

The other 24% carry something other than those 4 with the .380ACP heading up that list and making up a quarter of the "something else" category.

It would be interesting to be able to poll the general population to see how their carry caliber selection differs from the gun enthusiasts polled here. I'd be willing to bet that .380, .38 and .32 would score much better.
I can tell you that the gun enthusiasts I know almost all carry 9mm or more powerful. I can also tell you the non-enthusiast gun owners I know almost all carry .380 or smaller and usually it's an LCP or Kel-Tec.

This really proves nothing but I thought it was interesting that your point applies to people I know.

[NMGonzo]

.380 becausemy bersa works for most situations

.9mm on my p2000sk because it is a hair bigger than the bersa

.357 when i need to conceal deep on my 605 taurus

.45 whenever i can, which is not summer.

[BlayGlock]

9mm glock mostly, sometimes I carry a .357 mag.

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // I did not realise so many folks carried 45 auto.

[Manco]

Hello friends and neighbors // I did not realise so many folks carried 45 auto.

My guess would be that .45 ACP is probably a lot more common among gun aficionados (like those who post on gun forums) than the general population of gun owners, among whom .25 ACP and other small calibers are likely to be more common than 9mm and larger calibers.

[Strahley]

9mm Luger

[The Tucson Kid]

9mm - Kel-Tec PF9 most
22 - Gelesi 22L automatic, till I get a 380

[Broken Anvil]

.357 J-frame AIWB, .380 P238 in a pocket holster

[jw johnson]

.357 sig Model 31 and 33 glock.

I also tote at sig 230 .380 once in a while.

[tbone3]

Almost always have my 642 in .38 Special. Next would be my PF9.

[HK Jake]

I was going to create an entirely new poll, but this is much, much better!

Resurrecting dead thread! :cool:

I've always been curious as to which was the most popular caliber, and I'm very surprised at a couple things: (1) I figured 9x19mm would be far and away most popular, (2) .38 Special has more votes than .40 S&W :eek:, (3) .45 ACP is still going strong!

I carry .40 S&W.

[FoMoGo]

My 2 current carry calibers are .45acp and .44 S&W SPL.
With a frequency nod to the .45.


Jim

[PabloJ]

Lions share will go to old time favorites like: 9 Browning, 9x19, .38, .357 and .45ACP. I would expect only newcomer of any consequence to be .40S&W.

[Nushif]

9mm in one of my various platforms. Most likely:
Beretta 9000S
Taurus PT911

[thunder173]

I carry different calibers for different needs,...differing days and weather considerations,....but the absolute most often carried is .380 with a Keltec P3AT that is in my pocket almost every day.

[glock36]

I carry a .45 cal. Glock 36 roughly 90% of the time the other 10% I carry my Sig Sauer
SP 2022 in .40 cal.

[wrs840]

The five choices square in the middle of your poll. I honestly don't think I could narrow it to one as "most".

[HammerheadSSN663]

MOST:

Summer: 38+p in SW snub

Winter: 9mm Sig 229

[AethelstanAegen]

.45 ACP in either a 1911 or an XD Compact depending on what clothing I plan to wear and wear I plan to go. Surprise, surprise the 1911 conceals much better for me but sometimes I feel more comfortable with the XD (double the capacity of the 1911).

[Tokarevsrule]

7.62x25 in a yugo m57. I only carry it with Wolf HPs. 357 magnum power in an automatic pistol was too good to resist. I would bet it is one of the most reliable autos there is(except the 1911).

[Pete D.]

I didn't vote. Not a criticism but what I carry "depends". Sometimes I have a .22 on board or a .25 in my pocket, sometimes a .32. I carry, at other times. a Makarov or a .38 Snubbie, or a Glock 36.
There's six different cartridges right there.
Pete

[ATBackPackin]

The most? 9mm

9mm Mak and .327mag are tied for 2nd place.

Shawn

[GunBugBit]

The pistol round that was designed to drop a man when another round just was not getting the job done. And then this new round proved itself on battlefields and streets again and again and again.

Oh, and a really beautiful pistol was designed to shoot this round out of.

That's what I carry.

[zxcvbob]

Used to be a .380 until I found a K-frame (38 Special) holster I like. If I find good holster for my CZ-82 (9mm Mak) I may switch to that.

[mopar92]

.50 bmg

[Justin123]

.44 special

.40 S&W

[AZ Hawkeye]

95% of the time it's .40 S&W. The other 5% of the time it's 9x19mm.

[SeekHer]

.41 Rem mag

[45Fan]

45 ACP, big surprise there, I love my 1911's
But I do carry a 9mm in either a Taurus PT92 or Glock 26, or a .380 in LCP, just depending on what I feel like that day.

[Big_John1961]

.380 acp