Underrated self defense handgun calibers

[[holo]]

In your personal opinion, what are some of the most underrated self defense handgun calibers?

 

[GEM]

You would need to define 'under rated'. Does that mean they work better than commonly thought? We do caliber wars quite a bit.

Are you looking for folks to say that they carry or use a so-called lesser caliber for SD like 22s, 22 mags, 25 ACPs, the 32s, 380s? Those are the ones usually seen as less but have worked for people. Folks will discuss penetration and gel tests, bullet expansion, etc.

Before we do another caliber wars - define under rated.

Common wisdom is to carry 9mm, 38s or greater. However, knowledgeable folks have argued that the 22 mags, 380s, 32 HR Mag (327s) are serviceable and they carry them.

 

[stonebuster]

Wish I had a box of primers for every time this subject comes up.

 

[[holo]]

You would need to define 'under rated'. Does that mean they work better than commonly thought? We do caliber wars quite a bit.

Are you looking for folks to say that they carry or use a so-called lesser caliber for SD like 22s, 22 mags, 25 ACPs, the 32s, 380s? Those are the ones usually seen as less but have worked for people. Folks will discuss penetration and gel tests, bullet expansion, etc.

Before we do another caliber wars - define under rated.

Common wisdom is to carry 9mm, 38s or greater. However, knowledgeable folks have argued that the 22 mags, 380s, 32 HR Mag (327s) are serviceable and they carry them.

I think that is the definition of 'underrated'. So yes, what cartridges work better than commonly thought. I'll give you bonus points if you can give me the most 'overrated' handgun caliber.

 

[Kleanbore]

So yes, what cartridges work better than commonly thought.

How can anyone know what is "commonly thought", an d how can anyone who does not possess a lot of real information know which cartridges do or do not "work better" than that?

The quesion calls for speculation that cannot be confirmed.

 

[[holo]]

How can anyone know what is "commonly thought", an d how can anyone who does not possess a lot of real information know which cartridges do or do not "work better" than that?

The quesion calls for speculation that cannot be confirmed.

I can't find statistics on the calibers that nobody talks about. It would be good if I could compare their stats, to a 9mm (to name on example). If anyone can find me a chart naming common calibers (22lr, 45 ACP, 10mm, etc) and uncommon calibers (.32 ACP, 9mm Makarov, .44 Colt, etc) and comparing their stopping power.

I think that would be the best way to describe my question.

 

[nofendertom]

Looks like another caliber war is a-brewin' to me.

 

[WVsig]

I can't find statistics on the calibers that nobody talks about. It would be good if I could compare their stats, to a 9mm (to name on example). If anyone can find me a chart naming common calibers (22lr, 45 ACP, 10mm, etc) and uncommon calibers (.32 ACP, 9mm Makarov, .44 Colt, etc) and comparing their stopping power.

I think that would be the best way to describe my question.

There is no "stopping" power when it comes to handguns. To me the concept is a myth and term which should be allowed to die on the vine.

Data from handgun shootings from all over the world tell us that in order to defend yourself against a motivate attacker you are going to need to be able to put enough rounds into the body to cause enough blood loss trauma or you are going to have to hit part of the nervous system. Lots of different calibers are capable of the task if the shooter is also up to the task.

As a general rule of thumb the smaller the caliber the more holes you have to put into someone to get the desired amount of blood loss trauma. Smaller calibers at distance make it harder to hit and damage parts of the nervous system. This is why people gravitate to calibers 38 Spl/ 380 auto and above. This does not mean you can't defend yourself with a 32 ACP or other round you are just IMHO shrinking the chances of success.

At least that is what this guy told me once but what does he know.

 

[PWC]

I'll give you bonus points if you can give me the most 'overrated' handgun caliber.

OK, if you are giving "bonus points" you must be setting yourself up as THE AUTHORITY. I don't believe there is any such thing here on this oft repeated DISCUSSION thread. Only thing rehashed here is personal opinions, some with sources cited to support their opinion.... and that's all there is, opinion.

 

[GEM]

The OP can't find such - well, go search on Greg Ellifritz's page for one. I'm not doing more work than that.

Closed and I don't need points.