Kenshin
Member
I really want to get a .45 as a defensive pistol, but I am really bothered by the fact that 9mm ammo is way cheaper than .45 ammo.
What should I do?
What should I do?
9mm or .45, what to get...
- Thread starter Kenshin
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Glock19Fan
Member
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2004
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- 372
Get a Jennings 9mm and a Hi point .45. Both are high quality pistols at a great price.
Just kidding
I would just go with the 9mm. The best defense loads in 9mm and .45 come pretty close in performance, with the 9mm being half the cost.
Just kidding
I would just go with the 9mm. The best defense loads in 9mm and .45 come pretty close in performance, with the 9mm being half the cost.
Pointman1776
Member
+1 for 9mm.
P226ST, P226R, CZ 75BD, CZ P-01, SA XD-9, or IMI/MRI Baby Eagle in 9mm. Also consider P228, P229, P239.
P226ST, P226R, CZ 75BD, CZ P-01, SA XD-9, or IMI/MRI Baby Eagle in 9mm. Also consider P228, P229, P239.
Kenshin
Member
Oh...
Damn, I was hoping for some .45 support, but...sigh...
Damn, I was hoping for some .45 support, but...sigh...
Black Snowman
Member
How often do you shoot? Do you have any interest in reloading? How well do you shoot the various guns available in the various calibers? Will you be carrying the gun on you, at home or CCW? All these things are factors to consider.
When It's all said and done I like deep holes, preferably big ones, and the gun I can shoot the best happens to be my CZ 97B in 45 ACP. It size and weight aren't a big deal for around the house. In public I have my CZ RAMI in .40 S&W which gives me a lot of punch in a small package.
I reload so ammo cost is pretty much a non-issue for me. Finding time to get out to a range to shoot it up is harder for me than finding time to load the ammo.
If you're never going to reload the extra practice you can get in with the 9mm makes it a very sensable choice. Big rounds don't work if you miss. If you try a .45 ACP and find you can shoot it better than a 9mm, then spending the time and ammo to get good with the 9mm doesn't make a lot of sense either.
So, in conclusion; Borrow or rent as many differant brands, configurations, etc of guns you can to find what works for you before spending your hard earned money.
When It's all said and done I like deep holes, preferably big ones, and the gun I can shoot the best happens to be my CZ 97B in 45 ACP. It size and weight aren't a big deal for around the house. In public I have my CZ RAMI in .40 S&W which gives me a lot of punch in a small package.
I reload so ammo cost is pretty much a non-issue for me. Finding time to get out to a range to shoot it up is harder for me than finding time to load the ammo.
If you're never going to reload the extra practice you can get in with the 9mm makes it a very sensable choice. Big rounds don't work if you miss. If you try a .45 ACP and find you can shoot it better than a 9mm, then spending the time and ammo to get good with the 9mm doesn't make a lot of sense either.
So, in conclusion; Borrow or rent as many differant brands, configurations, etc of guns you can to find what works for you before spending your hard earned money.
Most of the .45 shooters I know reload.
I shoot a lot of .22LR because even reloading is more than I can afford at this point.
I like both cartridges, but this is your wallet the money is coming out of.
So buy what you are going to shoot most frequently.
I shoot a lot of .22LR because even reloading is more than I can afford at this point.
I like both cartridges, but this is your wallet the money is coming out of.
So buy what you are going to shoot most frequently.
LevelHead
Member
For me it depends.
At 9mm and above in semi-auto pistol ammo, I'll choose firepower over caliber almost any day. If they're close, then caliber wins.
For example I have a Sig P226 in 9mm. 15 rounds. Yum.
I also have an H&K USP in .45. 12 rounds. Bigger yum.
For me if the .45 is only 7 rounds I'd probably go 9mm to get the 15. Since my .45 solution is 12 rounds, I'd take 12 .45 over 15 9mm any day.
If it were 7 rounds of 45 and 7 rounds of 9mm, I choose .45 except where we're talking really little guns like my MK9.
Convoluted - yeah, but it works for me.
At 9mm and above in semi-auto pistol ammo, I'll choose firepower over caliber almost any day. If they're close, then caliber wins.
For example I have a Sig P226 in 9mm. 15 rounds. Yum.
I also have an H&K USP in .45. 12 rounds. Bigger yum.
For me if the .45 is only 7 rounds I'd probably go 9mm to get the 15. Since my .45 solution is 12 rounds, I'd take 12 .45 over 15 9mm any day.
If it were 7 rounds of 45 and 7 rounds of 9mm, I choose .45 except where we're talking really little guns like my MK9.
Convoluted - yeah, but it works for me.
Mulliga
Member
Answered your own question. If you want a .45, go for it. Don't worry about the ammo costs - IMHO you only need to shoot about 100 rounds in a range session to keep up your proficiency once you develop it.
45Badger
Member
Dude, don't think twice. Get the .45! What platform are you looking at? 1911?
There's a Springfield GI repro for sale for $400 delivered in the FS forum. On AR15.com, Stokes has a nice Wilson for sale ($2200)
Wildalaska
member
Nice thing about the 45 is that if you hit a man anywhere with one. even the little finger, he will get knocked down and wont get back up...
In comparison, most folk can take several 9mm hits right to the brain pan and still attack you, thats why they make em with 15 rounds or more....
WildendofthreadAlaska
In comparison, most folk can take several 9mm hits right to the brain pan and still attack you, thats why they make em with 15 rounds or more....
WildendofthreadAlaska
LSCurrier
Member
45 makes a bigger hole. It also looks meaner when looked at from the dangerous end.
Luke
Luke
Fumbler
Member
ahahahahaha
Don't forget, sarcasm doesn't translate over the internet and some may take you seriously
Wildalaska
member
I am serious, I learned that on the net
Wildwannaknowabout7.62x39tooAlaska
Wildwannaknowabout7.62x39tooAlaska
tbeb
Member
If ammo cost is going to be a problem, and you can buy 9mm cheaper than .45 ACP, then buy a 9mm pistol. A 9mm with the proper ammunition is fine for self defense. I feel just as well armed with my 17-shot 9mm as with my 8-shot .45 ACP.
Kenshin
Member
Well, maybe if someone would tell me the difference in their ammo costs, I'll know what to go with.
At WalMart I can buy a 100 rounds of .45 for $20 and 100 rounds of 9mm for $11. I have a couple of each caliber but carry a 45 because I can shoot a 1911 better than most other pistols. You can get a 22 conversion for a 45 if you go with the 1911 and save some money after the initial cost.
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