Most often "caliber war" is more accurately "clothes war"

For IWB or OWB carry guns of equal physical size, I'd say cartridge choice is about shootability and magazine capacity.

If you're picking on pocket guns again, well it's hard to quickly draw a .45 auto from most pants pockets.

What you’re describing is more about frame size than caliber. You’ll still find plenty of people who have a strong opinion and preference about a Glock 20 vs. Glock 21 vs. Glock 17. They’re all full size pistols, so the clothing (and body type) issues are the same...but people will still argue over which caliber is “best”.

I definitely change my EDC based on season, clothing style...and how much extra I’m carrying around the middle. Some days it’s a 9mm, some a .38 special, and on occasion a lowly .32 ACP. I have a caliber preference based on how I shoot, but if I am in a situation where I can carry a full-size pistol, I will.

chicharrones said:

If you're picking on pocket guns again, well it's hard to quickly draw a .45 auto from most pants pockets.

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Its hard to draw "anything" quickly and easily from a pocket, especially starting from a "startle" type stance, with the hand out of the pocket.

I dont think caliber and clothes really have any kind of tie to each other. Ive had no problem carrying full sized handguns (1911's, P220's, Glock 17's, etc) on a daily basis, even under a normal-sized tee shirt in the warm summers here.

I agree with chicharrones on the shootability and capacity thing being the real point. Chose what you shoot the best with and figure out how to carry it. Its not hard, if you "want" to do it.

CDW4ME said:

View attachment 977575

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Regarding secret agent iPatch, one could fit a pair of Desert Eagles in that bag.

chicharrones said:

Regarding secret agent iPatch, one could fit a pair of Desert Eagles in that bag.

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LOL! I was going to say my Shockwave shotgun.

AK103K said:

Chose what you shoot the best with and figure out how to carry it. Its not hard, if you "want" to do it.

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That’s exactly it for me. I shoot the Glock 17/22 frame size the best so I find a way to carry it, which is actually easy because of how I’m built. (No moo moo required). I can conceal a g21 but I don’t shoot it as well because the frame size is too big. So even if I believe 10mm or 45ACP are better, I don’t shoot it well so I won’t carry it, even though I could conceal it.

Navy87Guy said:

What you’re describing is more about frame size than caliber. You’ll still find plenty of people who have a strong opinion and preference about a Glock 20 vs. Glock 21 vs. Glock 17. They’re all full size pistols, so the clothing (and body type) issues are the same...but people will still argue over which caliber is “best”.

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I agree with this & recognize that the overlap of caliber influence on frame size.

I disagree.

Most guns, in various sizes, are available in a variety of calibers and folks are more than likely choosing a gun based on ammo cost, ease of shooting, and capacity.

For instance, a Government Model 1911 is the same size whether it is in 9mm, .40S&W, .38 Super, or .45 Auto. Folks still pick it in 9mm. Likewise, you can get an M&P Shield in 9mm, .40S&W, .45 Auto.

No matter my attire or endeavor, my KISS-EDC is a S&W Shield 9X19mm.

Being old (72) some what disabled, and retired, and having a p/t job in a gun store my wardrobe is basically, sneakers, jeans, untucked shirt, and Hoodie if it is chilly.
full size 1911 or CZ is no problem.
In summer when it is hot here a 380 in cargo shorts fits my needs.
Wife purse caries a 357 snub year round.
As my good friend Mr T said, "pity the fool, that wants to screw with those 2 crazy old people"

He really didn't say that but it sure is cool to say he did.

JTQ said:

I disagree.

Most guns, in various sizes, are available in a variety of calibers and folks are more than likely choosing a gun based on ammo cost, ease of shooting, and capacity.

For instance, a Government Model 1911 is the same size whether it is in 9mm, .40S&W, .38 Super, or .45 Auto. Folks still pick it in 9mm. Likewise, you can get an M&P Shield in 9mm, .40S&W, .45 Auto.

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True for the 1911.

However, other guns change in size going up from 9mm.

Its pretty well documented that even the Shield grows a little going up from 9mm


http://www.weaponevolution.com/forum/showthread.php?9569-M-amp-P-Shield-9mm-vs-45-ACP


I generally agree with what you're saying though. My initial reply was in a little different context.

danez71 said:

True for the 1911.

However, other guns change in size going up from 9mm.

Its pretty well documented that even the Shield grows a little going up from 9mm

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They do, but they're in the general size range. For instance, if I was choosing a Beretta PX4 full size, the .45 Auto version is bigger than the 9mm and .40 S&W versions, but all three caliber's of full size PX4's are duty size guns. While hand size may be an issue for those with smaller hands and the .45 Auto version, all three calibers would require basically the same clothing concealment considerations.

On the other hand, if you are comparing a PX4 Subcompact in 9mm (it's not available in .45 Auto) to a PX4 .45 that is only available in full size (not in Compact or Subcompact versions), that is a clothing issue because they are different sized guns, but are designed for different uses.

Everyone is different. What’s the point here? What someone else deems appropriate for them has nothing to do with me.

True Dat OP !!!

My choice of a 42 Glock over the SIG 365 is predicated on which will more universally fit in my front right pocket - with a pocket holster of course.

I think there’s more to it than clothes, although clothing does present certain limitations. But perhaps not related directly to caliber. For example, you can get a S&W Shield in 9mm or 45. Or you can carry a snub in 38 or 357. For me, it’s about control and recoil for my particular physical abilities.

I would not say it’s “caliber war” but perhaps “gun configuration war”.

I see “caliber wars” as arguments for or against a particular caliber or cartridge and not a CCW issue.

I clicked “disagree”.

Pat Riot said:

I would not say it’s “caliber war” but perhaps “gun configuration war”.

I see “caliber wars” as arguments for or against a particular caliber or cartridge and not a CCW issue.

I clicked “disagree”.

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I would agree with this.

Full-sized and even "compact" handguns come in a variety of calibers.

Then you get down to the tiny handguns: LCP, Seecamp, P32, Colt Vest, etc. Those only come in small calibers.

Barbaroja said:

Everyone is different. What’s the point here? What someone else deems appropriate for them has nothing to do with me.

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Part of the point is that we are stuck at home and trying to find things to talk about before we start talking to the refrigerator.

Zendude said:

I think there’s more to it than clothes, although clothing does present certain limitations. But perhaps not related directly to caliber. For example, you can get a S&W Shield in 9mm or 45. Or you can carry a snub in 38 or 357. For me, it’s about control and recoil for my particular physical abilities.

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Absolutely. I stated in another thread that my wife carries a S&W Shield EZ .380, while our daughter carries a S&W Shield EZ 9mm. Their choices of carry guns have nothing at all to do with their choices of the clothes they wear - my wife wishes she could carry a Shield EZ 9mm like our daughter, but the fact is, my wife is older (obviously) than our daughter, and struggles with arthritis in her thumb joint, carpal tunnel syndrome in her wrist and tendonitis in her elbow.
The differences in the clothes my wife and our daughter regularly wear are due only to the fact my wife is retired, while our daughter still works and has to dress more "professionally." As a matter of fact, just last week my wife went through her closets and filled two large garbage bags with "professional" clothes, which she gave to our daughter. She kept her S&W Shield EZ .380 though.
BTW, a .380 and a 9mm are the same "caliber" anyway, CDW4ME.

And if you consider those who carry a revolver, very rarely will clothing be the deciding factor between calibers. .22, 9mm, .327, .38 special, .357 magnum all in an LCR. And you can play the same game with J frames.

For me it's which holster - AIWB, IWB or OWB. I can easily conceal, and comfortably carry a Glock 19 in an AIWB holster with an untucked t-shirt. An IWB holster at 3:30 with the same gun produces minor printing with a t-shirt and an OWB at 3:30-4:00 produces just a little more printing. It's all in how the holster pulls the handgun grip into the body so the drape of the shirt conceals it.

I carry a 1911 full size or commander, or an N frame revolver. On rare occasions a G27 on the ankle.