9mm versus 40S&W: is there much difference for personal defense?

[DanTheFarmer]

Hi All,

The OP said "but I wonder if 45acp is really what I need to feel safely armed". To me the important thing is what makes you feel most comfortable, what gives you peace of mind. That's what we're really buying when we spend money on gear, training, and practice. I believe we're spending money so we can feel good that we are protecting ourselves and loved ones.

The replies to this (and INNUMERABLE related threads) do provide good information on which to make a decision. I would guess the concensus is that anything in the 380ACP to 45ACP range can provide effective defense in many/most situtations. Some can make valid arguments for 32ACP and our Alaskan friends might demand 44 magnum but again it all about what makes YOU feel comfortable.

Read up, decide if you will feel better with a few slow, heavy bullets vs. more lighter, faster bullets, make a decision and sleep better tonight.

Good Luck.

Dan

 

[mljdeckard]

In the real world, with modern bonded premium defensive bullets, I think there is so little difference between the two, I have dropped the .40, I am training my wife on a 9 for shootability and affordability.

I might add that I still carry 230 gr .45 HSTs. I think that they have an advantage, even if it's not as big of an advantage as some people seem to believe on the internet. I have practices with it long enough, that I shoot it the best and I am the most comfortable with it. THAT is what should make the decision for any shooter.

 

[marb4]

The instructor at my most recent clas (who is the firearms instructor and armorer for a local sheriff's dept.) relayed a recent incident where an armed robber attempting a home invasion was shot a single time in the heart by the homeowner with a .45ACP pistol (a Hi-Point of all things). The perpetrator continued to break the door down, before finally turning and running approximately 40 yards before dropping to the gound.

The moral of the story was that you can't always depend on caliber, nor can you always depend on shot placement. In this particular case, the homeowner failed to shoot until the threat had ceased, but was fortunate to come away from the incident largely unharmed.

Too bad the home owner didn't have a 1911. The bad guy didn't drop immediately because the bullet was fired out of a Hi Point. More proof that those are garbage guns.

 

[Old Dog]

That's why pistol SD teachers say aim center of mass and empty the gun.

I need to find out who these "pistol SD teachers" that are spouting garbage such as this so I could steer any prospective clients aways from them.

Too bad the home owner didn't have a 1911. The bad guy didn't drop immediately because the bullet was fired out of a Hi Point. More proof that those are garbage guns

Actually, had the homeowner had a 1911, once the bad guy saw it, he'd have been so scared that he'd have instantly dropped dead from heart failure, thus saving the homeowner valuable ammo.

 

[Fishbed77]

Too bad the home owner didn't have a 1911. The bad guy didn't drop immediately because the bullet was fired out of a Hi Point. More proof that those are garbage guns.

Actually, had the homeowner had a 1911, once the bad guy saw it, he'd have been so scared that he'd have instantly dropped dead from heart failure, thus saving the homeowner valuable ammo.

My thoughts exactly!

 

[Derek Zeanah]

That's why pistol SD teachers say aim center of mass and empty the gun.

At Gunsite the "standard response" was 2 to the torso, then reevaluate. If the threat still exists, shoot for the head.

But yeah, shoot to stop the threat, then stop shooting.

 

[GLOOB]

No, there's not a big difference for personal defense. But there's not a big difference in capacity or cost of ammo, either. And there's also not a big difference in recoil in some cases.

A lot of people complain about recoil and accuracy/speed of followups. If this is an issue for you, in the specific gun you are interested in, then it's probably not worth it.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

When using a .40 I find that I really dislike the muzzle flip I was getting with it. Maybe it's just me, but my follow up shots just aren't as accurate with a .40. But to each their own.

That's why I changed to a .45 acp. You aren't alone.

Quote:
That's why pistol SD teachers say aim center of mass and empty the gun.

I need to find out who these "pistol SD teachers" that are spouting garbage such as this so I could steer any prospective clients aways from them.

YIKES!!!! I made a mistake and shouldn't have said it that way! Funny, I went out to the woods to do my job, and thought about that post and wondered how many people would verbaly smack me around. Now that I have a chance to look, I see there are a few.

You are all correct. Shoot until the threat stops.

Don't empty the gun if there is no need, as a another threat may come at you. Also, emptying the gun into an imobilized or subdued target would certainly be viewed as excessive in court. My appologies for the incorrect remark. I meant shoot until the threat has stopped.

 

[MedWheeler]

460Kodiak writes:

Funny, I went out to the woods to do my job, and thought about that post..

Also funny that you mention thinking about your post long after posting it.. I do that, too, and also wonder sometimes if I need to return to the thread and clarify or change something..