Just curious: what is the most effective handgun round for combat?

[Precision]

Are you surprised with the poll results? If you want, back up your vote.

For me it's .45 ACP. I'd choose an HK45 over a 1911 any day, but the round will do its job no matter what system you use.

 

[easyg]

125g .357Sig

 

[65nut]

500 smith and wesson.....any grain
On a serious note, it would be my glock 21 first, glock 31 with 40 s&w barrel second, then 357 sig barrel 3rd. 4th would be my s&w 686 357 mag.

 

[Jijisan]

Any round that a shooter can fire quickly but at the same time hit what he/she is aiming at (i.e. manage recoil).
The more rounds you can put on target in the least amount of time wins the fight.

 

[Caliper_Mi]

10mm.

Most powerful non-wildcat autoloader round, power on par with a magnum revolver round.

Same mag capacity as .357 sig or .40 S&W, more capacity than .45 ACP. I'll take the slight loss in capacity from 9mm in exchange for the added power.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I'll go with BluEyes...10mm. I'd even recommend the Glock 20. If one can offer anything more effective than 15 rounds of 10mm, I'd like to know what it is.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

There is no one best answer. In fact, there is no good answer at all. Any and all handguns are inferior to a centerfire rifle or a buckshot or slug-loaded shotgun, but long guns are not convenient to carry around, especially concealed as most of us do. So we have to compromise. I think cartridges with the best chance of effectiveness start at 9mm Luger and go up from there.

 

[J_McLeod]

+1 for the .357 Sig.

 

[rellascout]

Whichever one is on your hip when the rifles and shotguns fail or are out or ammo.

 

[killchain]

Whatever one you have that will get you to your rifle.

You should never enter combat with a pistol unless you have to.

If I absolutely had to use a pistol round in combat, it would be FN's 5.7 round. It will go through some body armors.

I'm assuming the OP is talking about combat, not at home social encounters of the defensive kind.

 

[clem]

"The M1911 Colt .45 Automatic Pistol is one of the most successful designs in the history of firearms. The M1911 and M1911A1 pistols served as the primary U.S. military sidearm for about 80 years through two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and countless other engagements."

 

[easyg]

You should never enter combat with a pistol unless you have to.

Wrong.
You should never enter combat without a pistol unless you have to.

But it shouldn't be your only weapon.

 

[Flfiremedic]

A 308 your combat weapon is offensive not defensive. Pistol is a backup for the rifle or suppliment.

 

[Flfiremedic]

All kidding aside, 45's make BIG holes and are an easily managed hard shove, 9mm, 10mm, 40 cal etc are high pressure cartridges, and have snappier recoil...Imagine a heavy shove to your hands as opposed to a "Slap"

 

[mbruce]

.50 GI ...finding them, reloading them is a different topic.

 

[mbruce]

You should never enter combat with a pistol unless you have to.

If I absolutely had to use a pistol round in combat, it would be FN's 5.7 round. It will go through some body armors.

.

I've been thinking a lot about the common gun owner combat scenario....if you/we are forced into a combat role with our HD weapons -- not sure if anything we have will be adequate b\c wow some people have some much cooler toys...let's say you do have a rifle --- do you take a longer range shot and risk being spotted -- or do you sneak away. I guess in my mind i would prefer a pistol because if it's not close quarters then i'm not engaging. I'll add the new Keltec shotgun when it comes available . What do y'all think?

 

[DC Plumber]

OK, I'll bite.

Given we are talking about same shot placement, same conditions, same everthing and are only concerned about stopping the threat and probably concerned about not over penetrating, I'd have to go with..............

230g 45acp +P loaded with either XTP's or Golddots.

This is what I have my Kimber stoked with.

 

[Zerodefect]

Glock 20 10mm, or 21 .45.

DW,EB, LB 1911 10mm or .45

For combat, nothing could probally outclass a good fullsize 10mm pistol. Glock or 1911 for me.

 

[mbruce]

Ammo would definately play a factor. I agree the 10mm is awesomeness packaged in brass.... for me it would have to be the glock 10mm with a .40 conversion barrel...same magazines work. Or a .40/9mm conversion. For combat I want abundance of ammo and .45, .40, 9mm, .22 will always be around.

If abundance of ammo is taken out -- the .50 GI will not be outclassed. And you have a .45acp w a slide change.

Something else interesting is this past year when the military asked for gun makers to submit their combat handgun designs....no one submitted a metal gun -- guess polymer is legit for combat too.

And you want a gun that will shoot in adverse conditions and isn't picky about ammo...my plastic guns eat it all...some 1911s are picky...

 

[NMGonzo]

The most useful handgun round is the one that you can place under life/death stress.

People will argue back and forth about the details, slow and big or fast and small.

If I have my way I would have big and fast .... take your pick.

 

[mljdeckard]

I can deliver more cm3 of tissue damage with a .45 than a 10mm in the same amount of time.

If I were allowed to, I would be using my Kimber Custom II in war RIGHT NOW.

 

[sarduy]

.50AE


but i like the 9mm

 

[Erik M]

There is no one best answer. In fact, there is no good answer at all.

Would depend on:
A. Application (sidearm/primary? backup gun?)
B. Environment (urban?, over-penetration/need for frangibility?)
C. Target (armored?)

Since the family has one in inventory I say 460XVR.

Pretty sure the standard is still the 124 grain NATO 9mm.

 

[1SOW]

In combat, there is usually more than one threat, sometimes many threats.

Many bullets that work will give more confidence.

 

[Weevil]

Given my choice of a handgun round to carry into combat I'd pick the 10mm in a Glock 20.

Best blend of power and capacity in a platform well-suited and controllable for the caliber.


I wouldn't turn my nose up at a good 1911 in .45acp though.