9mm vs .45 ;P

[UWstudent]

I've read many posts on this site about the negative externalities of a 9mm compared to the popular 45. My father, having served in the vietnam war has witnessed first hand the stopping power of a 45. His belief on its creation, was that its purpose was constructed to prevent advancing Indians with a single shot, which wasn’t achieved using the smaller caliber weapons such as a .32 per-se. I researched and compared the two calibers and though new technological advances have been implemented to create a .45 like performance for the 9mm market, the aspiration hasn’t been attained. At gun ranges (which I visit quite frequently) 9mm guys argue the speedy hydra-shock 147 grain bullets will put a dude down no problem and .45 owners claim their slow ass “ash-tray’ hollow points will do a number. I have a suggestion, if you’re in the market for a 9mm or a .45, why don’t you buy both and see which one you like better? I own a Kimber 1911 .45 which I adore, a Sig226 9mm for home defense and a Glock26 for conceal carry. Some people are better with 1911’s than I am, but if I’m going to defend myself, I’m going to use the Sig (not because 9mm bullets are cheaper and I had more practice.. I’ve been shooting a variety of calibers since I was 6) because I know I can empty a 15 round clip at 25 yards in a couple seconds within a baseball sized hole. As far as the glock26, I’m an advocate for smaller size guns (like a 3 inch something barrel). Because what’s the purpose of a concealed gun? It’s for self defense, which usually involves something happening within a few feet, not 50 something yards out.. which in that case, you can simply walk away.

 

[chopinbloc]

yeah, uh, i go with the .45 'cause it blows massive holes in people and knocks 'em backwards.

...was constructed to prevent advancing Indians with a single shot

you're thinking of the moros in the philipines and the caliber that the .45 replaced was .38

you should be just fine with your 9mm as long as you select high quality jacketed hollow points and train alot. it's been said before and i'll say it again: bullet placement is the most critical part to stopping a fight.

 

[DevLcL]

Well... My grandpa, who led a WWII Amphibian Tractor Battalion, had always commented on the 9mm. He said, "A 9mm might stop you, but a .45 will put you down." Of course he wasn't about to say anything nice about his enemy

Personally... I'm not sure. Having both a 9mm and a 45... I'd have to say the 9mm holds more shots and is a little more accurate. Tough call.

-Dev

 

[Mad Chemist]

Use the search function.:banghead:
Every ridiculous aspect of this antiquated argument has been hashed out thousands of times already.:banghead:
More signal and less noise.

 

[otomik]

I used to tutor writing at the my college campus library. You need to acquire clear communication skills before you become a regular poster.

 

[otomik]

I just read Massad Ayoob's book about SIG pistols, he says stay away from the 147gr.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/BHP and 147 gr Ammo.htm

Ayoob suggests Winchester Ranger SXT 127gr +P+ or Speer Gold Dots in 115 or 124

Was there a certain question on your mind or were you just sharing your thoughts on the relative merits of each cartridge?

 

[jeremywills]

bullet placement is the most critical part to stopping a fight

Thank you, I dont know how many times I have had to say that to someone, shot placement, shot placement, shot placement

That is the key, fire off as few rounds as possible, I always prefer the "One shot, One kill" concept.

I was in this very disscussion the the other day with a fellow at work and he said well I would aim for the knees first, I looked at him and point blank said "***" as I just couldn't belive he was making a statement like that. I told him what was the point to shoot to wound, if someone is trying to attack you they mean you bodily harm, possibly death, a knife, a gun, baseball bat, anything basically that can bring death to me means thier intentions are to kill me. At that point once you decide to produce, point and aim and pull the trigger on a gun you should have already made the decision that your own life or your families is in danger and I would just shoot to kill. Im aiming right at the persons chest and plan to double tap, center mass. Two 9mm JHP bullets will do quite a bit of destruction. I know I contradicted my one shot one kill statement earlier, but a double tap is extra insurance, if your planning to defend yourself with a firearm, you have to already had made the decision you intend to kill whatever you shoot and realized that I would hope when you bought the gun in the first place. If you didn't then IMHO you shouldn't be bothering with the gun in the first place. With that said, 9mm, .45 etc.. .40, even .22's can and will kill someone if placed correctly. Is the .45 more effective, not really if the person shooting the gun cannot handle it right.

This has been said again and again too, the most effective caliber is the largest most powerful a person can comfortably and safely shoot. If all someone can handle is a .32 then by all means, thats all they should be shooting. I don't care for most .45's because I can't handle them all that well, just about every 9mm I have shot I enjoyed much more because I can handle it and I think the confidence factor is more important when making that choice. If your confident, you will be more effective regardless of caliber size. But yes, a .45 is a big bore auto, no doubt about that and a well placed shot will do quite a bit of damage too. Trust me, I would have a .45 if i could handle them, but I can't and why I chose the 9mm. Remember a Gun in the hand is better than no gun at all. Just looking at my signature tells you I wish I was better with a .45 :banghead: I really want a 1911 but it would be a range gun only and I prefer to have something I can use most effectively for Home Defense and hopefully soon once I keep putting off the CCW license thing.

Wow, for as many times as I have seen this type of posting, maybe I should just copy and past the above as my new signature, then that way I wouldn't have to feel like I have to comment on this subject yet again

No hard feelings dude, I was once a noobie too like everyone else has to be at some point and it is a valid question. I know I asked it. Good luck with your decision.

Cheers
J

 

[UWstudent]

I used to tutor writing at the my college campus library. You need to acquire clear communication skills before you become a regular poster.

i need to acquire clear communication skills before becomming a regular poster? i didn't know there was an ordidance to abide by before posting on a website jackass.. and im not communicatng in my last post, i tryin to inform. and you used to be a tutor for writing at ur community college? good for you, what does that make you now? my major is math anyways.

besides, the 9mm vs. the .45 debate brings in a hell-ova lot of ppl to state their opinions

 

[Janitor]

I'm still trying to understand what the point of the original post was. It's not quite as clear as most of the other (bazillion) threads on 9mm vs .45.
-

 

[jeremywills]

I took it as why dont you buy both and see what you like best. In my previous statement above I said that's exactly what I did. I will repeat for the last time. Shot Placement. I can place most 9mm's much more accurately faster. Enough said. When I found the Taurus Millenium Pro was the one where I could hit the bullseye the most with a DAO trigger I knew I had my choice.

I think thats the intent of the posting, try everything and see what you like best. I agree 100 percent.

BTW, I went off my rant and forgot to mention Welcome to the Forum sir Stick around a while and looking forward to your future postings

 

[XLMiguel]

ibesides, the 9mm vs. the .45 debate brings in a hell-ova lot of ppl to state their opinions

BT, DT, ad nauseum. Shoot what you like. As noted (over and over) shot placement is the deciding factor. If you must see opinions on 9 vs 45, use the search function. Eschew deceased equine flagellation :banghead:

Re: communication - clarity counts. That means spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and concept flow and organization matter (math is a language, too, eh?). If you don't know any better, well, so it goes. If you're just lazy, that's a different matter. Stupid is as stupid does. Your handle suggests you're a student - study harder.

Don't mind me, its early and I haven't had my coffe yet -

 

[Steelharp]

My goodness... the command of the English language is indeed going to "that place" in a handbasket among our youth...

How sad...

But, welcome; you will find much valuable information here, and a true brotherhood.

 

[45Badger]

well................

 

[45Badger]

That said (OK, neenered), I am carrying a 642 more and more, and I'm looking at the Glock 19.

 

[chopinbloc]

Use the search function.
Every ridiculous aspect of this antiquated argument has been hashed out thousands of times already.
More signal and less noise.

yeah, you hate the 9mm v .45 debate so much you posted on the thread and bumped it back to the top of the list.

i actually like rehashing some of the classic debates. every now and then i even see new aspects that i haven't considered before. i've also found that as time went on, my opinions have changed.

btw, welcome, uwstudent. please, stay awhile and don't let the crotchety old farts get to you too much. good grammar and spelling do make things a little easier on the eyes but nobody's perfect - much as they may think they are.

 

[Working Man]

i need to acquire clear communication skills before becomming a regular poster? i didn't know there was an ordidance to abide by before posting on a website jackass.. and im not communicatng in my last post, i tryin to inform. and you used to be a tutor for writing at ur community college? good for you, what does that make you now? my major is math anyways.

besides, the 9mm vs. the .45 debate brings in a hell-ova lot of ppl to state their opinions

UWstudent, I see that you are new to THR and may be unfamiliar with the
community hear. The use of profanity in a post, especially directed at another
member, is a good way to get (at the very least) a thread shut down.

Yes, we have people that critique spelling and grammar and may even do it
in a finger pointing way but that does not excuse the use of profane name
calling.

Please consider your words more carefully in the future as this is not just a
Gun related forum but a community of enthusiasts, an extended family to some
even. We do not want to drop to the levels of some of the other forums out
there, that's why we post here, at The High Road.

 

[oldschool]

45Badger

I'm in the same boat I carry & compete with a Kimber Compact but I am looking for a Glock 17,19 or 34 or a Springfield XD9 or a BHP. I loved the original CZ-75 but I've seen too much crap lately that only "looks" like a CZ.

To keep on topic it is about "shot placement" I carry a 1911 not because it is a .45 but it is the platform from which I can most reliably put my shots where they need to go and a little bit because I like history.

 

[isp2605]

I'm still trying to figure out where he got those "speedy hydra-shock 147 grain bullets " that he compared to the .45 "slow ass “ash-tray’ hollow points".
I've just never heard anyone call any 9mm 147 gr as "speedy". 147s usually are loaded in the 950-1000 fps range. .45+P in 230 gr clock about 950 fps out of my 645.

 

[Janitor]

I loved the original CZ-75 but I've seen too much crap lately that only "looks" like a CZ.

How do 'crap' knockoffs detract from how you felt about the original? A 75B is a fine hi-cap 9mm sidearm. Very accurate, very reliable. There's a reason all those knockoffs are out there.
-

 

[TexasRifleman]

it's been said before and i'll say it again: bullet placement is the most critical part to stopping a fight.

Yup Yup Yup........Doesn't get any clearer than that.

 

[AnthonyRSS]

At another forum I read, there is a room called "The Wasteland" where they put the topics that have been rehashed a gazillion times, or are especially asinine. This is the perfect topic for The Wasteland.

 

[Brian Dale]

Tag!!!

Now I can say that I've actually participated in a 9mm-vs.-.45 thread.

UWstudent, you asked, perhaps in irony or sarcasm,

i need to acquire clear communication skills before becomming a regular poster?

No. You don't. Welcome to The High Road.



Oh {shot placement}—and for my {shot placement} opinion {shot placement} on 9v45, please check my sigline {but it's shot placement that matters}.

 

[hso]

I carry .45, 9mm, and/or .380 depending upon carry options.

There are 4 fundamental truths in self defense shooting that I keep in mind.

1 The gun you have on you is better than the gun you have in the safe.

2 Most shootings reach their resolution within 3 rounds.

3 Location, Location, Location (wrt bullet placement)

4 Bigger is better. Faster is better. So carry ammo that tosses the fastest biggest bullets you can to satisfy 1, 2, and 3

As such, it's the gun/round that allows you to hit the target with the first 3 rounds in the shortest amount of time from "OMG" to "OMG" (recognition of danger to realizing the threat is over) that is important.

 

[MedGrl]

Thank you, I dont know how many times I have had to say that to someone, shot placement, shot placement, shot placement

That is the key, fire off as few rounds as possible, I always prefer the "One shot, One kill" concept.
J

I'm still new to shooting but...that sounds like a sound theory to me. In the movie "League of Extrordinary Gentlemen" (not the best movie but...this was an apropriate line) Sean Connery's charactor says "If you can't do it in with one bullet don't take the shot"

 

[Biker]

I'd say that being able to put fifteen rounds on a baseball sized hole in a couple of seconds at 25 yards is some pretty impressive shooting.
Biker