Let's Talk About The 9mm For SD

[sigbear]

There has been much debate as to the effectiveness of the 9mm for self defense.

I believe the 9mm semi-auto replaced many PD's 38/.357 mag. revolvers sometime in the early 70's, and now many PD's have gone to .40 or .45.

I know that top shelf 9mm ammo. such as Speer gold dot 124gr. 9mm+p and Fed. HST 9mm +p have impressive ballistics both around 1220 fps and 400 fpe from a 4" barrel, yet it seems that many PD's trade in the 9's for .40/.45.

I keep reading that the premium 9mm of today is far superior to the 9mm of yesterday, but how long has the premium premium ammo., such as gold dot 9mm +p been available to PD'S?.

I do have several 9's, .45's and .357 mag's and I love them all.

Sigbear

 

[bestseller92]

I think that with good ammo (and I consider basic 115 grain JHPs "good ammo") an accurate, reliable weapon, and a skilled shooter, the 9mm is a superb self defense handgun.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I am perfectly happy relying on the 9mm for protection, loaded with a good JHP bullet like the Speer Gold Dot, or even the old standby Federal 9BP for that matter.

Police have needs for X load/caliber that are not necessarily applicable to "civilian" self defense. For instance, they may need to shoot in situations that we "civilians" can avoid. They may need to shoot through intermediate barriers like auto glass, something we (IMO) rarely need to do. Their sidearms are carried openly, hence are usually larger, and therefore can accommodate the larger calibers more easily without excessive recoil, sacrificed capacity and other problems.

 

[steelyblue]

With 9mm and 45, I have no use for any other calibers. I would trust my life to either. They both do well in my 1911's. They are accurate and have plenty of power.

 

[onebigelf]

When limited to ball ammo, carry a .45, bigger is better.
When using modern high performance ammo, I don't believe that you cn hit someone anywhere with a .40 or .45 and put them down , when a good 9mm wouldn't do the job just as well. That makes caliber a matter of choice not performance and I choose to carry a 9mm HighPower. I like the capacity, controllability and accuracy. I like the fact that the cheaper ammo lets me shot my HP more, though I will admit that far, far more of my practice shooting is done with my .22 Ruger, typically a box or two a day- I have the advantage of a pistol range off my front porch and I love to relax after work with a little range work. I've been shot at before, it doesn't particularly bother me, and it's NOT going to affect my return fire. 9mm suits me just fine, thanks.

John

 

[chrismc410]

Having owned guns in 9mm, .40 and .45 ACP, I have better control and hit with more precision with the 9mm out of the three.