[chaim]

I don't want a caliber war here, it doesn't really answer my question. I don't really care if you are a 9mm guy, a .45acp guy, an intermediate caliber gal, or whatever. Sure, for this discussion you may have to mention if you have a preference, but please don't go much more into it, and certainly don't comment on other people's preferences (so what if some people prefer "light and fast" or "big holes only" or "are comfortable with them all- placement placement placement"). I want to know how you choose your carry/HD guns.

Are you a caliber guy/gal who chooses your guns based on what is available in that caliber, or do you pick the gun you like best ("I shoot it best", "it fits me best", "it is comfortable to carry", "I like its history", "it looks best", etc) and the gun determines your caliber?



For me, I am comfortable with all the major calibers so I go more for platform. The gun I shoot best, or that I simply feel like loading up for HD (and when in a carry state to carry) is the one I go with. I have a CZ 75B in 9mm that I'm happy with, I love 1911s so I do .45acp, I love K-frame revolvers (.38 and .357). When I carry I will probably usually carry a snub so that means .38+P (unless I change to a 9mm or .32mag snub), and a 3" K-frame (.38 and .357 mostly, though there are some .44spl K-frame sized guns from Taurus out there). I have pretty much never limited myself to certain calibers, I pick the guns I've liked and the caliber followed from there.

[MikeJ]

I'm a platform kind of guy. For defensive purposes I only use DA revovlers or DAO pistols. Right now, the only pistol I employ is a NAA Guardian .32 for pocket carry, my other defensive guns are S&W .357's. In the event of needing to actually use a gun I don't want to have to do anything but point and shoot and when it's over I don't want to have to fumble with making it safe while my hands are shaking. Another very important criteria for me is that the gun must be a natural point and shoot. It has to feel and shoot like an extension of my hand.

[Jack19]

In my case, both; but with a twist.

I like 9mm, but that isn't the reason I chose it as I'll carry .45 too.

The platform is Glock; simply, they're reliable as heck in 9mm, pretty much weather proof, and they carry a lot of rounds. To me, capacity is very important as I learned a hard lesson once. So, it's not so much the caliber as capacity. That said, I'll carry a 1911 too. Just with more spare mags.

Now, I'm sure someone will chime up with the argument that civilian gunfights, statistically, don't get much beyond 3 or 4 rounds so why burden yourself with anything more than a 5 shot? Because Mr. Murphy shows up at the darndest times.

I'm sure that doesn't help.

[Checkman]

I choose the make. In my case I find that I shoot Sigs pretty fair and I have total trust in them. I prefer the 45, but if somebody issued me a 229/226/239 in 9mm or 40 I'd carry it.

[Checkman]

Sorry about that. I should have written that I choose the platform. Geez terminology.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I'm a RELIABILITY guy, and SIG's sit all alone,
at the top of the tote'em poll.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Brian Williams]

Platform
S&W J,K,L, and soon a N

with some 1911 thrown in for Giggles n Grins

[foghornl]

My choice is cal first (.45ACP) followed by platform...

First new autoloader was a KP-90 Ruger, and I now also have a Springy 1911-A1.

Part of that is I only have 1 .357 revo, a Sheriff's Model Vaquero. My snubby .38 is an old Rohm/RG, and I don't want to stuff some really hot ammo in that.

[Smoke]

Platform.

I have 1911s in .45acp, 38super, and .380.

I want the same controls on a weapon, no matter what it's chambered for, so when the SHTF I'm not doing mental gymnastics trying to remember what gun I'm carrying and what I have to do to fire it.

Smoke

[Beav]

For a defensive gun it's all important to me so I would say both.

[Werewolf]

For a defensive gun it's all about platform:

1) Reliability - if it don't go !BANG! when you pull the trigger you might as well not carry it. This is why I choose to carry a Glock.

2) If you can't hit what you're aiming at then you're better off running away (which - given a choice - might be the best choice anyway - but then that's another thread) or begging for mercy. I'm more accurate with a 9mm or .45ACP but chose .40S&W because I like it's ballistic characteristics and power. At ranges less than 15 yards I point shoot without ever acquiring a sight picture and can put 3 rounds COM (8" group at 15 yards and 2" to 4"group at 7 yards) in about 2 seconds and that's good enough.

A full size .45 is too big for for concealed carry in my opinion and the 9mm I have (CZ-75B) just doesn't feel right IWB and is a bit heavier than my Glock.

So for me it all boils down to platform.

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

As long as it goes bang reliably---a well placed shot will do the trick---9mm---.40---.45------doesn't matter much.

I generally avoid .45's simply because of ammo cost---no other reason.

[ceestand]

All other more important things aside, I go for caliber first.

Gaining skill is mostly practice, so I go with rounds that are cheap enough for me to constantly use at the range, while still being effective in the street. My defensive choices will always be chambered in .38, 9mm or .45.

Platform comes second, assuming that all of the more important issues (reliability, shootability, etc..) are taken care of. Some I like more than others [S&W, Taurus (revolvers), Sig, HK, FN, CZ(autos)]. When it comes down to it, I will carry what I like. I don't think Colt or Glock make bad products, per se, just I like the others more.

[Sean Smith]

Platform first, caliber second.

That said, my favored platform for most uses (1911) is available in almost any caliber. Including 10mm Auto. :D

[Charles S]

I’m a platform person, with a caveat. I have carried for 12 years now and I have decided that if a platform is comfortable and reliable than I am very happy to carry that platform as long as the caliber is adequate. I find my Kahr much more comfortable than most other handguns to carry. It is very reliable and very accurate so I carry it instead of my one of my 1911s.

Charles

[krept]

Started off as a caliber person (had to be .45 ACP) thanks to TFL, I have come around. Now I'm 100% platform oriented (P7M8 - 'low' capacity, minor cartridge, hard to argue the emphasis isn't on platform.). The USP I keep because of caliber and I am familiar with it's operation.

I think the best of both worlds will be the 1911 that I keep dreaming of... some day...


cheers

[Cosmoline]

Platform for sure. With rifles I'm more concerned about cartridge, but I see little difference between the standard handgun cartridges so I look for ease of handling and accuracy--especially at three AM.

[chaim]

First let me say thank you guys for keeping this in the spirit of how I asked it- I'm very happy to see no arguments have begun.

It is interesting the number of "platform" people out there- I'd have expected a few more "caliber", though when you read the whole response a lot of the "platform" people probably are better described as "both".

Anyway, I wrote this pretty early in the morning so I left some clarification of my answer out.

I said I was a "platform" guy, which is true, but as you can see from my post I'm not a very discriminating "platform" guy :D. I do have some preferences though. If I like the gun and it feels good and is accurate (for me) and reliable I may choose it. However, I have one more criteria- manual of arms.

For now I like 1911s and revolvers best so it has to be similar to those. If it is an auto it must have a safety that works like the 1911's (up is safe, down is fire) or be DAO for a revolver-like MOA. I am undecided about DA/SA autos with the S&W style safety and leaving them uncocked but off safe. I'm concerned that if my hand feels "auto" and I feel a safety lever I may automatically try to take it off safe by pushing the lever down thereby actually activating the safety in a SD/HD situation.:what:

[Chuck Jennings]

To answer the question:

YES :D

[Black Majik]

Caliber AND Platform? :D

Favorite Caliber: .45 ACP

Favorite Platform: 1911

Funny how that works out huh? :o

[SMLE]

I'd have to say I'm a platform guy. I have carried .380 autos when I knew that the pistol in question would go bang EVERY TIME, and that I could hit with it. The ultimate, .500 cal, +P+, super expanding, semi-armor piercing, HE, smart bullet is worthless if your launcher won't work and you can't get it down range.

I currently carry a Beretta 96FS as my primary SD pistol. When I got it, I took it to the range and wrung it out with several types of ammo. It worked with everything I fed it, and I was able to put the lead where I wanted it, so now I trust it and carry it.

[Maddock]

I’d have to say platform, but like a lot of others, my favorite platforms don’t really limit my cartridge choice. The only caliber choice that is dictated by a platform is my 442.

[dairycreek]

am I just missing the point? Those guns that are considered to be among the "best" [reliability, quality, etc.] almost always have a solid choice among calibers. Even the venerable 1911 platform can be had in 40 S & W, 9mm, and 38 Super as well as 45 ACP. SIG and CZ, for instance, have solid choices in a number of calibers. So, the question of caliber OR platform first is really a non question. It is just a matter of preference and choice. Good shooting;)

[cool45auto]

I chose a Beretta because they look good. I like the platform and the history leaves no doubt how reliable they are.

[GunNut]

I chose a Beretta because they look good. I like the platform and the history leaves no doubt how reliable they are.


Just don't go taking that thing out in a sand storm. I'm sure more than a few our guys and gals in Iraq would choose something else.




Me, I'm more of a platform type of guy. In semi-autos I prefer 1911 and glock type(kahr) actions in Revolver I like DA/SA.

Steve

[Majic]

Platform. Caliber is a distant second.

[cool45auto]

I thought it was the crappy aftermarket mags they tried to save money on. :confused:

[Hatchett]

Fortunately, I get to choose both.
Caliber, .45
Platform, 1911
And Colt actually already made a 1911 in .45 ACP. Imagine that.

[modifiedbrowning]

I choose based on the platform, but all the ones I like seem to be 9mm and Walthers for the most part. No complaints here.

[tc300mag1]

More caliber for me Main gun 45acp then snubbie for summer in 357 could say winter is caliber specific and summer is platform but i dont deviate from those calibers at this time

[P95Carry]

First and foremost, platform ... then cal ........ for example I like both my P95 and P97 . they are comparable platforms ... but if a cal choice now, then P97 has it!

For revo's .. snubs ... it is mostly down to convenience and scale of 38/357.

[JohnKSa]

Uhhhh...

Yes.

If you ignore or discount either the caliber or the platform when you select a defensive weapon, you will find your effectiveness wanting when the rubber meets the road.

[Wildalaska]

Platform

WildifyacantshootitwhatgoodisitAlaska

[Flashpoint]

As long as I don't have to worry about a saftey I'll shoot it. That being said I have not had much experiece with wheel guns, exept my dad's S&W .357 with a 9" barrel. Not much of a CCW piece, but it has a sweet trigger.

[BluesBear]

Platform

[Billmanweh]

I find after trying nearly everything, my favorites tend to be Glock 9mms and 1911 .45s. I'll still try something else if it's 9mm or .45, but I seem to always come back to Glocks and 1911s. I'd really like to find a nice, reliable 9mm 1911.

[Croyance]

For defensive handgun, do you mean for home or concealed carry?
I consider caliber first. If I don't believe in the bullet doing the job, it doesn't matter how concealable the gun (platform) is, how well it handles, etc.
The I consider the platform and specific need. I have larger handguns for around the house, and I am saving for the right shotgun. In my traveling days, I kept a larger handgun in the passenger seat.

[Mike Irwin]

Both, but more platform than caliber.

[Mil Novecientos Once]

I chose the 1911 due to ergonomics and trigger. At first I wanted a 9mm 1911 but the range officer (a Korean war vet*, been there done that especially at Kelly Outpost) and hours of web browsing convinced me that you should stick to the original platform caliber.

*In case you don't know about the Puertoricans that beat the crap of the North Korean a Chinnese commies here is link to a brief history of the 65th Infantry.

http://www.military.com/HomePage/UnitPageHistory/1,13506,701994|700546,00.html

[tbige]

chaim, you and I base our choices the same way. If you don't like it, doesn't feel good, you won't practice and will never be as good when you need to be.

[chaim]

For defensive handgun, do you mean for home or concealed carry? Yes:evil: :neener: . Really, both and either. How do you choose your defensive handguns (as opposed to those that are just for fun)? If your criteria for home is different than carry then say so, and why. Either way for me I'm comfortable with all major service calibers, so long as it is one of those other criteria normally come first. Other people may be big bore guys at heart, but carry a 9mm because it is more comfortable- that's fine too. I'm just curious who are platform and "it depends" people and who are caliber loyalists.

[denfoote]

Nope!!
I choose my defensive handguns based on ergonomics!! :D
I carry what fits my hand. ;)
Currently, the short list is:

Glock 36

Kahr MK9 Elite 98

Pistolet Makarova

Kel-Tec P3AT.

[RandyB]

I look at the 'need' as well as the platform and caliber.

I carry a Kel-Tec .32 in a pocket almost everywhere, because it is small and can be concealed in just about anything.

I carry my .45 in cold weather when I wear heavier clothing that conceals it well

I carry my GP-100 .357 when I don't carry my .45 (loaded with .357 when out hiking and .38's when 'in town')

When not carrying the .45/.357 and during the summer I carry a S&W 6906 because it conceals well for me.

If I'm out mowing the grass at home (my two next door neighbors are the sheriff and a city police officer) I tend to carry my .32 only, of course I tend to have a .22/410 A6 Springfield scout for vermin, close at hand.

[MyRoad]

Neither. It's not optimal, but my current job dictates what I wear, and what I wear dictates what I can carry. I carry the biggest gun in the largest caliber I can conceal in my work cloths. That's usually a Kahr PM9, but when it's cold out I can turn the heat off, wear a sweater, and move up to a G36. On weekends its a different story.

[orangeninja]

Caliber first....then gun....oh by the way. Make mine a .40

[chaim]

I choose my defensive handguns based on ergonomics!!
I carry what fits my hand.
Currently, the short list is:



Glock 36

Kahr MK9 Elite 98

Pistolet Makarova

Kel-Tec P3AT.


Four different carry guns in four different calibers (and each fitting a slightly different niche)...I knew I liked you denfoote. Forget "formulas" and go with what you like.

[ChristopherG]

Platform.
For ME, the right carry gun, of whatever caliber, has the bonehead operational simplicity and safety of a revolver--for those times when excrement takes wing and coolheadedness goes out the window.
Within that platform, of course, I can ballistically achieve whatever I want. Because we live in a time of plenteous guns, I do this with multiple revolvers; but could do it just as easily with one k-framed 357. What a wonderful tool it is.

[Jim March]

Platform matters more than caliber, to me. I also care about the quality of a given specimen of gun!

Example: say I want a small snubbie DA defensive wheelgun. I have a choice between a Charter Arms in 44, an S&W 940 in 9mm, and a Charter 38Spl. I can afford any one of 'em, I'd really like the 9mm but wouldn't sneer at the 44 either, but the 9mm's barrel looks like crapola and the 44's action is loose as a goose in every direction...while the 38 is rock solid, perfect timing, really tiny barrel/cylinder gap and good trigger feel.

What I *did* do was get the 38. Best $186 I ever spent. Some years later had a chance to outshoot a guy using a 40 Glock shooting at a torso-sized metal trash can as a target 50 yards out. I hit it 5 for 5, he was batting about 50% :D.

I'll never part with that critter.

[VaughnT]

I'm all about the soul of the weapon, not the caliber - I firmly believe that a .22lr through the eye socket in under a second will beat a .45acp in the foot. For that reason, the first thing I look at is the reputation of the specific weapon and its manufacturer. If these both meet my requirements, I'll look at the weapon as a candidate for my teotwawki cache.

For example, I bought a SA loaded 1911 that turned out to be a POS. The rep of the weapon is great, but the manufacturer seems to have problems. I learned my lesson, here.

Then I bought a Colt 1991, b/c I "needed" it for work. I got a great deal on this pistol so I really couldn't pass it up. Even if it had needed work, I would have come out cheaper than buying new and modifying. Great weapon in a great caliber.

Most recently, I bought a Browning High Power. The 9mm Luger/Parabellum is a lightweight in the cartridge world, but there are plenty of them in the handle. The weapon feels great in the hand and balances very well. The natural-point characteristics of the design more than make up for the small caliber. That and the fact that it's a weapon that would easily work for my mom or girlfriend.

My next purchase is going to be either a Colt Trooper MkIII or a S&W 686. Shooting .38spl rounds, these ladies recoil very little. Either one points great and has a wonderful trigger.

Above all, how does the weapon strike you? That's my first question. When I look at a Glock, for all their reliability and such, they just don't make me want to pick them up and fondle them. If I absolutely needed a gun that I wasn't going to worry about, like a dedicated truck gun, a Glock might be the ticket. However, once you've looked into the deep, rich blueing on my BHP, going with a Glock just doesn't seem to be an option.

The Samurai sword is absolutely functional....but that didn't stop them from being made into works of art that the Samurai could carry with pride.

To each his own. I prefer to be fast enough to put the bullets on target with all due speed. The size of the bullet does not matter.

[VictorLouis]

in for the form of some sort of S&W revolver.

Caliber

Leaning heavily in favor of the .44 Special, with the .38/.357s in BUG role.

[ChristopherG]

Magnus--It's not a prescription; it's simply a guess that it could happen. Don't fret, I don't plan on a freak-out ;) ; but I've never seen things go funky--really funky--and don't know, therefore, exactly how I'd respond (I'm persuaded that I'm in the same boat with most armed people in this uncertainty, whether we/they acknowledge it or not). Precisely this uncertainty is one of the things that makes me appreciate a sixgun's (or fivegun's) operational simplicity in a pinch.

[Chuck Jennings]

Please explain why coolheadedness should EVER go out the window, for the armed man?

People train everyday to respond to any number of different threats, and practice with varying levels of stess added so that they can keep a cool head when the SHTF. But, when the rubber meets the road, we don't know how we will react to the stess of down and dirty, fighting-for-your-life scenario. Coolheadedness is really tough to keep in a situation where you are threatened, under fire, or injured. That must be why the guns that operate more simply are so popular for carry.