Ever notice how the larger bullet is envisioned as less accurate.

[CDW4ME]

What am I talking about?
"A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a 45" <------ That.
Typically used as a rationalization/justification for carrying a smaller gun / caliber.
The larger caliber is always less accurate in the example, so much that it misses.
Ever see the opposite? "A hit with a 45 is better than a miss with a 22" ... I haven't either.

How about another, different but related.
"Nobody want to (or volunteer to) get shot with it"
Nobody would want to (or volunteer to) get a cup of urine thrown on them either.
Not wanting to get shot with it doesn't equal being potentially quickly incapacitating.

And finally, ... Should I carry my Glock 23 or 32? "Caliber war"
14 rounds of 40 S&W versus 14 rounds of 357 Sig aint a "war" its a choice.
How about ... Should I carry a 10mm or 45 acp 1911? That is not a "war" either.
Deciding between a Glock 26 or 30SF ... "caliber war". No, its a choice.
"Caliber war" is a illogical term used as an attempt to stifle caliber discussion.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

It’s incorrectly used as an argument that less recoil will make for better shot placement.

Everything important for that first critical defensive shot takes place BEFORE recoil. So I think it’s BS. Even if you don’t like recoil from larger cartridges, the point is to hit your target the first time, recover, then shoot until the threat stops.

 

[buck460XVR]

What am I talking about?
"A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a 45" <------ That.
Typically used as a rationalization/justification for carrying a smaller gun / caliber.
The larger caliber is always less accurate in the example, so much that it misses.
Ever see the opposite? "A hit with a 45 is better than a miss with a 22" ... I haven't either.

I have to disagree. I believe what the quote means is that the gun you shoot best is better than a bigger one you can't hit the side of a barn with. Truth.

Then you get the folks with the thought process that so many folks(both for SD and hunting) tend to use larger calibers only to make up for their poor marksmanship. False.

Use what you have the most confidence in, are most proficient with and are most comfortable with. Works every time.

 

[Robert]

Rants about rants are just...rants. and don't really do us much good.

 

[Kleanbore]

I have never heard that assertion.

However, I do recall reading that some target pistol shooters preferred the .32 S&W to larger calibers in the days of old.

But the .44 Special is considered to be extremely accurate.

It is likely that shooters who are recoil sensitive may be more likely to flinch when using firearms with more felt recoil. They may be able to shoot a .22 more accurately than a .45 ACP.

But I'll wager that they would handle a good .45 much better than they would shoot an alloy frame .357 snub, after having tried the latter once.