The problem with these debates, is some of the people have absolutely no idea what they're talking about. You probably have never, and will never, shoot another person. As such, you can't practice which caliber will suit you best. So, you have to have a set of standards that you can go by to make a decision. If you say: Well, it has to be more than a 9mm, then you are an idiot. If you say: Well, it has to produce "X" amount of penetration, then you are actually thinking. So, what standard do you base your decision on.
I base mine on wanting a bullet that can penetrate 10+ inches, and can travel at 1000 fps or greater, and can expand to at least .45" in diameter. So WHY these parameters? Because it's generally accepted by people quoting FBI standards, that a bullet needs to penetrate at least 10". (Some push closer to 12"). Most stats also show that to expand properly, a bullet needs to be traveling at least 1000 fps. The expansion of the bullet is my LEAST concern. I would like the minimum of 10-12" penetration. I have no problem with FMJ. The main purpose of JHP is to eliminate over-penetration, which I believe is over-rated and mainly a farce. Expansion does provide a slightly larger wound cavity, and that would be nice. If it expands, fine. If not, I'm OK with that too. So long as I have the penetration I'm looking for. Well, with modern day ammunition, I can get all of this even with a 32acp. or 380acp.
http://stevespages.com/page8f32acp.html
http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/380acp/gel380acp.htm
Does this mean the 32acp or the 380acp is the perfect gun all the time? No, no caliber is. And I freely admit that in the cooler months when a bad guy may be layered in additional clothing, compared to August and 90 degrees, a 32acp probably wouldn't do so well in those cold winter months. It probably won't penetrate enough. But then again, I will be wearing more clothing, so carrying concealed a larger gun will also be easier. But in the summer, when the average person is wearing a t-shirt or light shirt; I feel quite confident in a 32 or 380acp or 9mm makarov.
Now, if a person wants to dispute the effectiveness of the 32, 380, and 9mm mak, do so with numbers. Don't give me some crap about the 9mm, 40, 357 sig, etc... ARE BETTER. I don't give a rat's you know what, if something is better. A 12 gauge is better, but we compromise because a 12 gauge isn't practical. Neither is a .50 AE or a 460S&W. And sometimes, the 32, 380, or 9mm is the better compromise. No, if you want to dispute the 32, 380, or 9mm, fine.... But do it with effectiveness. Prove to me that with the ammo I buy, that it won't penetrate at least 10-12". Show me where is fails based on a set of standards. No anecdotal evidence, stories, or made up crap.
I've always been an advocate that a gun is simply a tool. That Guns don't save people, people save people. Shot placement is EVERYTHING. If you do your part, then you'll be fine. If you are the type of person who basically only has one handgun for self defense, then you should find one that can handle most all situations. Personally, I'd recommend a 357 magnum revolver. But if you've fallen into that "OTHER" story, that you need a semi-auto so you can have 15-18 round magazines, because it's better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them: (Nice polite way of saying you suck at hitting your target), then in that case, I recommend a 9mm with some good 147 grain bullets. You can afford to buy a lot of $9-$10 box of fmj ammo, and you can practice a lot. Which means, you will be proficient, and you will own shot placement.
HOWEVER: If you are fortunate enough to own multiple guns, then there is nothing wrong with having specialized handguns. I have a 357 magnum for home defense. It can penetrate the many obstacles in my house. I use my SigSauer P220 45acp in the colder winter months. It's a heavy bullet, 230 grain, traveling at 850-1000 fps, and it will penetrate on sheer mass. The majority of the year, in the spring, fall, etc... and I'm wearing just a light jacket, etc... I carry my CZ-82 9mm makarov. I use silverbear hollow point or Hornady hollow point. (I will be buying some Buffalo-Bore 115 grain FN and some 95 jhp. 1000 and 1125 fps respectfully.) I personally don't worry if hollow points don't expand. So, if they expand, fine. If they don't, it's the same as a FMJ. Anyway, the 9mm mak I carry about 70% of the year. I also carry a 32acp and a 380acp. Depending on the season. Usually when I'm in shorts, or the situation where I'm wearing a tuxedo or formal suit. And I feel comfortable with all these guns. They all meet the requirements that I want.
So, if people want to dispute this logic, then bring your own. No B.S. Tell me why 12" penetration is good enough for FBI suggestions, but not if it's my 32, 380, or 9mm makarov. Why 1000 fps is the recommend speed for proper expansion, (Even though that's OLD data, and new ammo can expand better and at lower speeds), YET, those speeds arem't good enough if we're talking about a 32, 380, or 9mm mak. So what logic do you use?
but go ahead and keep twisting things to your liking and I'll give it right back to ya......LOL
