What is your minimum defensive caliber?

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Sergei Mosin

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What is the minimum caliber you carry (or would be willing to carry) in a defensive handgun? Does the answer change if considering a BUG vs a primary?
 
.22 Long Rifle. That's the minimum, though I cannot remember the last time I left my property with a gun that wasn't in a larger caliber. It's probably been years, and likely was on a trail somewhere.
I have several other choices available. My most-frequently carried piece is in 9mm. When I'm going to and from work (a "no-carry" profession), I have a .32 in my pocket.
 
Smallest I've carried and felt somewhat comfy with was a 380, Ruger LCP. But there are small 9's out there like the Kahr CM9 that are inexpensive, not much bigger and pack more punch. I sold my LCP when I got the CM9, and to me there's no point in a 380 when there are great small 9's out there. Since then I've upgraded and pocket carry a Kahr CM40.
 
At one time I carried a .22WMR derringer as a BUG, but these days I carry 9mm or .45acp. Bigger holes bleed better!
 
LCP as a primary in the summer and as a bug to a 9mm or 38 special in cold weather.
 
for regular cc I carry a 3" GP-100 with BB 158 gr. SWCHP +P's, but kicking around the house with shorts (or whatever) on I have a Keltec .32.
 
9mm, a Glock 19, I keep wanting to buy a small 380 but can't seem to do it.

I tell myself why buy a 380 when I can get a Kahr CM9 that is almost as small?
 
why buy a 380 when I can get a Kahr CM9 that is almost as small?

I can think of one reason, and it's a good one for many shooters. In a really small pistol, the increase in size and weight of "the same" model from .380 to 9mm is minimal, but the difference in felt recoil and therefore time to accurate follow-up shots is proportionally much greater. The itty-bitty .380 is simply more controllable.
 
At least one .45acp P220 with two spare magazines - my entire wardrobe reflects this decision.

IMHO, never compromise the gun you carry, get a high quality holster.
 
Sometimes, I don't carry a gun. But I do feel well armed with 38 special+p.
 
Probably a 22 lr. Though my daily carry is a .32, and that goes almost everywhere with me. Can't think why I would have a 22lr and not my .32.
 
Twinrigunholstered.jpg

So, sometimes more than one P220? I'd have to change my wardrobe to ponchos and raincoats.
Sometimes twin 629s, with the proper holster, just a light vest.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c223/ZMadPoet/Twinrigunholstered.jpg
 
Bare min .380, generally only as a bug or when jogging. 9mm min for edc, .45 prefered/actual edc.
 
I have carried a few 22 short Astra cubs and Colt Juniors.
I try to carry my sp101 with full house .357 for the most part though.
 
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