The 45 ACP is, and will remain, a premier choice for a shooter wanting the greatest flexibility in their pistol.

It’s one of the most heated rivalries in the firearms world: 9mm vs. .45 ACP. 

You’ll find passionate shooters on both sides, each armed with their reasons, stats and stories to defend their favorite round. 

But what makes these calibers so iconic? Why do they both continue to thrive, despite changing trends and tech? 

In this fun breakdown, we’re diving deep into the roots of these legendary rounds, exploring their pros and cons and seeing how modern advancements have kept them both as top contenders for todays shooters.

We’re going to keep this article short and sweet and not bore you with a long, drawn-out history lesson.

The Origins of 9mm and .45 ACP: A Battle Born in History

Before we jump into this debate head first, let’s take a quick journey back to where it all began. 

The 9mm Parabellum, created by the legendary Georg Luger in 1902, was initially designed to arm European militaries with a faster, lighter round. Known for its reliability and ease of use, the 9mm quickly gained popularity.

original 9mm luger pistol
Wehrmacht P08 ordnance model

Across the Atlantic, however, the U.S. was facing a different challenge. In the early 1900s, after the Moro Rebellion in the Philippines, the U.S. military realized it’s current handgun round wasn’t providing enough stopping power in close combat. 

Enter John Browning’s .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), officially adopted in 1911. This larger, slower round packed a heavier punch, which became an immediate favorite for American soldiers and police forces looking for more power.

Colt M1911 45 ACP
Colt M1911

From their origins, the 9mm and .45 ACP served different purposes. Both calibers have evolved in surprising ways to stay relevant today.

9mm vs. .45 ACP: Speed vs. Stopping Power

Now that we know the backstory, let’s break down what makes these calibers so unique. 

The 9mm is renowned for its higher velocity, generally achieving around 1,200 feet per second. This speed translates to a flatter trajectory and easier control, which appeals to most shooters. Plus, the 9mm allows you to carry more rounds in a magazine. 

Glock 45 9mm pistol and ammo
Glock 45 9mm ammo capacity

On the other hand, the .45 ACP is all about stopping power. Traveling at a slower speed, usually around 850 feet per second, the .45’s power lies in its weight and diameter. It hits much harder with more energy on target. With this increased power, comes more recoil too. 

45 ACP magazine capacity
45 ACP Magazine Capacity

Many enthusiasts argue this is better for stopping a threat with a single shot, but then again, who fires only one round when their life is on the line? 

So, what’s the trade-off? With the 9mm, you get better recoil control and capacity, but with the .45 ACP, you get sheer stopping power. Both calibers have pros and cons, making the decision a matter of personal preference.

Modern Innovations: Keeping 9mm and .45 ACP in the Game

While the classic 9mm vs. .45 ACP debate remains, recent advancements have breathed new life into both calibers, keeping them competitive and popular among shooters worldwide.

Innovations in bullet technology and powder efficiency have significantly boosted the 9mm’s performance. Modern 9mm ammunition offers impressive expansion and penetration, often rivaling the stopping power of larger calibers. 

Best 9mm Self-Defense Ammo: Top Picks for Power & Reliability
147-grain 9mm JHP defense ammo

This has led to a resurgence of the 9mm in law enforcement agencies and military units, as improvements have made it an even more versatile round for personal and professional defense. Plus, 9mm ammunition is typically more affordable, making it a popular choice for practice and training.

The .45 ACP hasn’t been left behind, though. Advances in hollow-point and bonded-core technology have also enhanced its penetration and expansion. 

45 ACP defensive ammo
45 ACP JHP Defense Ammo

Although the .45 ACP’s magazine capacity may never match the 9mm, modern firearms manufacturers are manufacturing .45 ACP pistols that maximize round count, giving shooters more options than ever. These improvements mean that, despite its age, the .45 ACP remains a powerful contender for those who prefer a heavier punch.

In short, modern innovations have worked wonders for both calibers. Today, choosing between 9mm and .45 ACP doesn’t mean compromising on performance but rather deciding which updated features best fit your needs.

I put the following question out to my group on LinkedIn which consists of local law enforcement, federal agencies, military and executive protection professionals.

9mm vs 45 ACP debate

Here was some of that feedback.

I shoot major with my custom .45 super just because of badassery. However, I carry 9mm due to higher round carrying capacity and most high quality frangible 9mm gives close to the stopping power of a .45. Still, nothing beats sending ashtrays down range! – Allen D.

For me it comes down to purpose. Both are phenomenal rounds and when fired from capable platforms deliver expected performance. But what is the purpose in which would use either round? That is the question. All others are just derivatives of this. – Jason M.

Training, practice, and proficiency is most important regardless of personal preference. That said, I’m partial to my HK45. Why? DA/SA, accuracy, decent suppression – personal preference. – Darryl W.

Oh the great caliber debate. Both have their own distinct advantages and considerations. I personally would choose my SIG SAUER, Inc. P365 chambered in 9mm, however 😎 .45 tends to have too much recoil for my small hands. – Megan O.

As a 23 year Army infantry veteran with extensive experience with both it’s really about preference. However. If I had zero choice and had to take a rd to the chest I would prefer to get hit with the 9MM than the .45 as the chance to survive is higher. So, if I’m using the weapon for protection I would choose the .45. Some will argue not as accurate due to higher recoil but I would say go practice more. I own both. I have a SIG P229 Legion 9MM and a Wilson Combat X Tac Supergrade .45 that I sleep with. Probably would not want to be on the bad end of either. – Kevin G.

9mm vs. .45 ACP: Which is Right for You?

So, after all the history, technical breakdowns and innovations, which caliber comes out on top? The answer, unsurprisingly, depends on your specific needs and preferences.

For those who prioritize capacity, recoil control and affordability, the 9mm remains an excellent choice. Its lighter recoil and higher round count give it a clear edge in situations where fast follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions matter. Many newer shooters find the 9mm’s recoil more manageable, making it ideal for training and building confidence.

On the other hand, the .45 ACP is the go-to for shooters who value stopping power and prefer a round with a bit more “authority.” While it may be slower and heavier, it delivers impressive terminal ballistics that fans argue make it the ultimate choice for personal defense. If you’re looking for a caliber with serious impact, the .45 ACP is hard to beat.

In the end, the 9mm vs. .45 ACP debate is less about one being “better” and more about finding the right fit for your shooting style. Both calibers have earned their legendary status, proving that a century-old rivalry can still thrive in the modern shooting world. So, whether you lean toward the speed and precision of the 9mm or the raw power of the .45 ACP, you’re in good company. After all, some debates just get better with age.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

89 COMMENTS

  1. For better or worse it was settled when 9mm beat out 40sw. 45acp will likely always exist and be perfectly functional against anything not wearing Temu level kevlar (buddy in Vermont tried 9mm got through not 45 and need to check 40sw when a next batch comes in) . But there will likely be a drop off in population using 45acp in noticable quantity over the next 10-20 years just as we saw over the previous 10-20 years. Sorta like 45 colt just will remain more common/popular

      • E X A C T L Y ! Shot placement is 98% of the deal! I would rather be armed with an “Old School” 38 Spl. with a RNL bullet I could place in a CNS or heart lung area. Probably the best power wise would be a 10mm or a 500 S&W, but who’s going to carry one of those outside a wilderness area. Living in a urban city I carry a “Snubby” in 357 Mag. but only load it with 38 Special ammo.

  2. Talking about the .45acp you say, Despite its age, blah blah blah blah.
    Previously you said the 9mm was developed in 1902.
    So I’m saying, despite its age the 9mmLuger is almost as good as the much more modern .45acp.
    BTW JMB first intended his 1911 design use bullets of 200gr’s.
    I have shot various animals with both 9mm and .45acp and I’ve had better outcomes with a .45acp.
    Ballistics gell doesn’t tell the whole story.

  3. What are you carrying, when wearing shorts in the summer, in +100 degree weather?

    Or it’s the Fall in the south, and it’s + 85% humidity with overcast clouds, and you’re still walking around in shorts.

    Me. I’m carrying a keltec P32 or a 6 short snubby revolver.

      • Done a long slide 10mm and full on redhawk in 44 from October to April. But yes nothing wrong with 32acp when it’s what conceals best. Variety exists for good reasons.

  4. The 9mm is the world’s cartridge. I’m an old fart with a lifetime, including military service, with firearms. Hunting. Targets. The works. All of my handguns are revolvers except for one 9mm. That will be my shtf pistol if it ever does hit the fan.

  5. @FWW.
    I’ve not shot any thing living with a 10mm yet.
    .357mag works on deer however in my experience it’s not as good as a .44mag.
    Between the 3 as a pack around in the woods gun I’d chose the .357, M O

  6. most debates largely end if you dont keep trying to keep the debate going to arrive at the same conclusions and opinions each time.

    whats that thing….doing the same thing over and over again hoping for a different outcome…

  7. If you cannot choose between the two adversaries there is always zzz the 10mm. IMO for practical conceal carry the 9mm leads.

  8. There should be zero debate, real world data shows that both require between one and two rounds on average to stop an attacker. 9mm gives you damn near twice as many shots in the same package as a .45 and is typically easier to get follow up shots with, why limit yourself? The difference in muzzle energy between them in negligible considering that reliable one shot stops require rifle or shotguns delivering 1000+ foot pounds of energy dumped in the chest cavity.

    All handgun rounds suck, all handgun rounds require multiple hits. A center of mass hit with a .32 ACP from your pocket beats the 1911 in your dresser drawer every day of the week.

    https://www.buckeyefirearms.org/alternate-look-handgun-stopping-power

    • On the “% of people who were not incapacitated” statistic, 357 Magnum ties rifle at 9% and beats shotguns at 12%.

      It would be interesting to see newer data with 10mm and 40 S&W. Maybe there’s a cutoff energy, momentum, or dB level where we can conclude “All non-magnum handgun rounds suck.”

    • well you didn’t read your data very well. in almost every category the 45 did better than the 9 mm.

  10. I’ve been to autopsies involving both of these calibers. I couldn’t tell the difference and the guys on the autopsy table couldn’t either. That said I prefer .45 ACP and own at least half a dozen of them. I also have at least as many assorted 9mm handguns. What I carry depends on how I’m dressed, where I’m going and what I’ll be doing.

  11. In my mind it is a toss-up as to whether 9mm Luger is better than .45 ACP.

    For example .45 ACP will penetrate vehicle windshield glass at oblique angles without any significant deflection whereas 9mm Luger will deviate from its path significantly, potentially missing the target all together thus giving the nod to .45 ACP in that use case. On the other hand, 9mm Luger will penetrate thicker metal (especially at longer ranges) whereas .45 ACP will just bounce off–thus giving the nod to 9mm Luger.

    You can shoot 9mm Luger faster (with accuracy) than .45 ACP which gives the nod to 9mm Luger. However, you have to land TWO 9mm Luger bullets on target to create the same approximate size wound channel as ONE .45 ACP bullet which gives the nod to .45 ACP.

    Then there is the point that a hit with a small caliber is better than a miss with a large caliber. And if you are shooting rapidly in a panic situation where you are likely to miss with many/most of your shots, capacity is very important which gives the nod to 9mm Luger. On the other hand, ample ammunition capacity encourages “spray and pray” (e.g. poor marksmanship) whereas less capacity encourages accuracy which gives the nod to .45 ACP.

    • uncommon, I don’t know why you would say you can shoot a 9 faster than a 45. Although, I’ve heard the same from others. I used to shoot competitively. In my prime I could do about a .2 of a second split on a double tap at 7 yards with A zone hits on a milpark with a 1911. Most of the guys I shot with could do the same. These were not race guns. The club required street guns with street leather. Here’s a funny story. The guys I shot with owned/worked at a LGS. Just down the street was another LGS. One day a guy from the competition showed up at a match. He was shooting a Browning Hi-Power. For the next week we had customers coming in saying they had just left the other store and Steve claimed to have the fastest time of the match. He did. He also came in dead last. He didn’t put down one pepper popper or neutralize a single mil-park target. He never came back.

      • Gadsden Flag,

        I could be totally wrong in that regard. I have never tried to shoot competitively. The general concept is that an average person who only shoots a few rounds a year can shoot 9mm Luger faster than .45 ACP because 9mm Luger has less recoil and therefore enables faster follow-up shots–for novices anyway when trying to maintain accuracy. Would a novice be able to shoot 9mm Luger twice as fast as .45 ACP? I doubt it. Maybe 50% faster (1.5 times faster) seems plausible to me.

        As for people who shoot a lot, I can easily believe that they can shoot .45 ACP just as fast (more or less) as 9mm Luger.

        I would consider myself somewhere in between a novice and a serious shooter. Here is what I observed in myself. I had shot something like 2,000 rounds of .40 S&W so my brain was “calibrated” to .40 S&W recoil. And my “rapid fire” rate of fire, while maintaining “combat accuracy” at 2 meters, was some number. Then one day I shot a similar size pistol chambered in 9mm Luger. What I noticed is that I seemed to have the same “rapid fire” rate of fire, although I produced a shot string (going lower with each shot) rather than a shot cluster. I realized that I had learned to pull down with a certain amount of force after each shot that kept my rapid fire shots in a group for .40 S&W–and that amount of force simply a bit too much for 9mm Luger which created a shot string going down. Thus my rate of fire was basically the same. I just would have learned to use less force to recover from muzzle flip with 9mm Luger versus .40 S&W.

        Long story short: I can shoot .40 S&W just as fast as I shoot 9mm Luger even though .40 S&W has noticeably more recoil. I simply learned how to respond to the additional recoil. Thus I can see how someone with a bit of trigger time could shoot .45 ACP just as fast (or nearly as fast) as 9mm Luger.

      • Weird. Doesn’t the Milpark target have a 10″ circle for an A-zone? He couldn’t get fast hits on that? I am thinking the caliber wasn’t his problem.

    • This back and forth …

      “You can shoot 9mm faster, thus I can clearly not choose the caliber in front of me. And yet, the wound channel, so I can clearly not choose the caliber in front of you” — Vissini, maybe

      • Likewise. 9mm was our bowing to our Euro-pals NATO wishes, and the inability to feminize the .45, .40, and 10mm. Personally, given the choices we have in modern America, I’ve recently moved back to the .40 as my personal carry even tho the 9 is cheaper and generally more available. Since the lib-dems in Colorado have artificially limited mag capacity to 15, I’ve nothing to lose by carrying a 10, a .40, or a Glock 21 .45 cal instead of a 9.
        All that aside, 9, 10 and .45 are each useful rounds, all will do as intended- within the limitations of each…

  12. If we’re just talking semi-automatics — neither.

    .357 SIG is the best and logical choice. Available loads are consistently more powerful than even 10mm. Expensive?? Yeah, but isn’t your life and those of your loved ones more important than money??

    There will be a .357 SIG renaissance one day, sooner than most people think.

    • Love the round but doubt it. 10 380 and 5.7 will probably see sizable increases while 9mm remains dominant. I could see a swing back to 40sw at some point but the lower availability and higher operating pressure will be a stumbling block (also the intermediate level of difficulty in reloading setup) to it becoming truly popular.

      • I like reloading 40 actually more than 9mm. I find the sizing die doesn’t stick like it does with my Lee 9mm set.

        I don’t mind reloading .45 ACP either except the small and large mixed primer thing. ARRRGH.

        I think overall I’d rather cast for .45, never casted for .40 yet but I really wish that they’d bring that Lyman .38-40 bullet back. I bought a ton of em off a guy and that thing is gangster powder coated in .40. Wanting to say it’s the #401043.

    • .40 S&W might actually be the choice for the “greatest flexibility.” Not only is .40 versatile, but drop in a different barrel and now you have .357 SIG capability.

  13. Grow up. Get what you like. Use what you like. Be happy that you have so many choices. Most of the world doesn’t.

    • “Be happy that you have so many choices. Most of the world doesn’t.”

      This. Instead of arguing over which may be better, celebrate the fact that we have so many options. And, if we want to tweak or wildcat, we can do that too! This is a great country!

    • I’m pretty sure that’s not how the internet works. See? I disagreed with you. Now pick a caliber so I tell you how wrong you are. Play right.

  15. All pistol cartridges are woefully underpowered. Proper shot placement is really the only sure way to make an effective stop. Even the lowly .22 rimfire is effective if placed properly on a sufficiently soft target.

  16. I’m a huge fan of both and own numerous pistols in both calibers. I do find myself using 9mm more recently due to the cost of ammo but years ago I was mostly using .45’s. The .45 truly shines when loading cast bullets. 9mm not so much. I now only load jacked bullets in 9mm. I jumped on the .40 bandwagon back in the 90’s but my .40’s have been mothballed for many years.

    • I love loading .45 with cast bullets, the Lee 200gr RNFP are awesome. They are definitely some work to get to run in an XD because of the tight throating though.

  18. A quick survey of Federal’s HST offerings
    caliber / grains / muzzle energy
    9 / 147 / 326
    9 / 124 / 364
    9 plusP / 124 / 396
    .45 / 230 / 404
    .40 / 180 / 408
    .45 plusP / 230 / 461
    10mm / 200 / 567
    .357 Magnum / 154 / 614

    • I didn’t realize they had dropped their lighter 40 and 357 SIG altogether. Gold Dot is probably the closest thing to compare to HST.

      40 / 165 / 484
      357 SIG / 125 / 506

      • 357 Sig is increasingly fading from standard loadings much like 45gap did 20 years ago. It will likely remain more popular than a lot of the other popular wildcats but I won’t be surprised if it is buffalo bore/underwood only by 2030.

  19. I’ll take a 40 cal over 9 any day don’t care what you say. I don’t have one & won’t ever get one.

  20. Has 9mm shot down a plane in combat? ‘Cause Owen J. Bagget shot down a Zero with his .45 so…

    That’s the end of that argument.

  21. Shooters who value stopping power carry .357 magnums.

    That said, .45acp isn’t any more powerful than 9mm given equal barrel lengths, just a different approach to accomplishing the same task. 9mm has the advantage of being compact and therefore greater capacity. The one advantage that appeals to me for .45acp (and other rounds like .44 special and .45 Colt) is the fact that they can produce effective results in a subsonic round. Odds are you won’t have time to grab your muffs when Tren de Aragua busts in your door (welcome to Biden’s America), so the .45acp should be a little easier on your naked ears when that happens.

  22. Got just the thing for TdA. Supersonic .45acp+P stuffed into a 26round magazine that feeds a 16″ barrel. 🙂 My hearing is about gone anyway.

  26. The push to make Kamala president anyway … Former Kamala Harris Aide Urges Joe Biden to Resign Within Next 30 Days.

    h ttps://www.newsweek.com/former-kamala-harris-aide-urges-joe-biden-resign-within-next-30-days-1983496

    cheating by any means – its the democrat way.

    • Previously there was the idea that if Biden could get Sotomayor to resign from SCOTUS that Biden could appoint Kamala to fill the seat to become a SCOTUS justice. That idea died though when Sotomayor said she has no plans to resign so is not expected to step down in the middle of the term because of the 2024 election results.

      h ttps://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/sotomayor-has-no-plans-to-resign-from-supreme-court-sources-say/ar-AA1tQ4ih

      • and besides … even if Sotomayor did resign and Biden did appoint Kamala, she would still need to be confirmed before she actually got the position. And that’s going to be basically impossible to do before Trump is sworn in and the republican house and republican senate are seated. So that idea of putting Kamala on SCOTUS is essentially dead.

        But with these these rascally democrats, ya never know what law or procedure they are willing to cheat to continue to hurt the country.

        But if Kamala really needs a job I hear McDonalds is hiring. They might even name a drink after Cackling Kamala The Marx -ist Socia -list Clown, call it the McLooser.

  27. For the house race:

    218 is the magic number to decide which party has majority control of the house.

    Presently there are 18 races left to call.

    Republicans have won, presently, 214 seats.
    Democrats have won, presently, 203 seats.

    Republicans need 4 more seats to win house majority control.
    Democrats need 15 more seats to win house majority control.

  28. TRUMP’S NEW STRATEGY PUTS 2A ON OFFENSE.

    President Trump’s election opens up a new world of possibilities involving narrowing or eliminating parts of the NFA. Mark Smith Four Boxes Diner discusses suppressors.

    h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtpyYv1SFdE

  29. Texas School District Says ‘Yes’ to Armed School Staff.

    h ttps://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2024/11/10/texas-school-district-says-yes-to-armed-school-staff-n1226846

  30. Dear Democrats, We’re Okay With You Buying Guns.

    h ttps://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2024/11/10/dear-democrats-were-okay-with-you-buying-guns-n1226845

  31. Let the Fear-Mongering on Guns Begin.

    h ttps://bearingarms.com/tomknighton/2024/11/10/let-the-fear-mongering-on-guns-begin-n1226850

  32. The discussion on 9mm versus. 45acp boils down to personal preference.
    My EDC is my old 1911 or an old S&W M25.
    Depending on what I have on the agenda for the day.
    And just to break things up I switch off to something like either an old Browning Hi-Power or Walther or Glock. Both calibers have their advantages and disadvantages.
    Bottom line is choose what works best for your situation and what fits your needs and capabilities.

  33. The answer depends on where you live. If you live here in the People’s Republic of New Jersey, then .45 ACP is the clear winner.
    Why?
    1) Hollow-point bullets are banned in NJ. The 9mm may not expand, but the .45 ACP won’t shrink.
    2) There’s no capacity advantage to 9mm in a state where we’re limited to 10 rounds. There are .45 ACP pistols that hold 15 rounds, which used to be the capacity limit in NJ until Governor Phil Murphy crawled into office and reduced it from 15 rounds to 10 rounds with absolutely no grandfather clause, making all our 15-round magazines illegal (and making felons out of anyone who might have forgotten about that 15-round magazine at the bottom of their closet). Here in NJ, only criminals and cops are allowed to have magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.

  35. 9mm vs .45 ACP, the article topic that won’t go away. What could there possibly be new to say about this topic?

  36. “In the early 1900s, after the Moro Rebellion in the Philippines, the U.S. military realized it’s current handgun round wasn’t providing enough stopping power in close combat.”

    Bullshit. So they left the 38 Long Colt, .363″ 150 grain bullet at 800 fps or a 45 Colt, .452″ with its 255 grain bullet at 900 fps for a 45 ACP, .452″ 230 grain bullet at 850 fps. Seems like the US Army wanted the revolver load in a pistol.

  37. Always resist engaging in the “what’s the best caliber” or “what’s the best carry weapon” debates, because they are, objectively, stupid. ANY personal protection choice is inherently . . . personal. And situational. And personal comfort level. And what you can reasonably “get away with” at your place of work, home, local public places. And, and, and.

    Yes, a .22lr is a (IMO) sub-optimal caliber for most uses. But if it’s (i) what you can afford, (ii) what you feel comfortable shooting, (iii) what you will practice with, and (iv) what you can shoot accurately (and make follow-up shots with)? That’s a good choice for you.

    A .22lr snubby revolver, that you actually CARRY, and know how to shoot, is not an ideal self-defense weapon (again, iMHO), but . . . it beats the hell out of that nifty 10mm yeet cannon that’s at home in your gun safe, dunnit?? And if you can’t handle the recoil of a .45, or a 10mm, or a .357 magnum, such that you can’t make a reliable follow-up shot? Then it doesn’t freaking matter if a .357 is “more powerful”, does it??

    You own/rely on/use/carry what works for YOU, in YOUR situation. Sure, you should make a reasonable effort to upgrade your choice as your skill improves, but . . . a 5’0″ tall, 90 lb. woman, who wears Lululemons and T-shirts most days, ain’t gonna successfully carry and use a full-frame 10mm.

    This ain’t rocket surgery, folks. Your opinion is just that, your OPINION. Anyone who claims that there “is only one choice for self-defense” is an arrogant ignoranus. Why are you all indulging in this? Now, a thread about “Which caliber/firearm do you like to carry for self-deense, and why?” is a valid topic – I am always happy to learn from others, if their experiences are relevant to me, and I would be happy to follow or even engage in such a thread. Specifying “correct” calibers/platforms/carry options is just (sorry) stupid. Don’t be stupid.f

    • and yet, all big game have caliber requirements.
      i wouldn’t call that a jester.
      shot placement with an inadequate caliber, does nothing.
      capacity with an inadequate caliber is nothing.

  41. People who waste time debating this subject, simply have to much time on their hands or just like arguing anout nonsensical things.

    • Or are able to learn new things from how others articulate actual data and reasoning to evaluate whether there is more to consider in what they may want to pick up later. But yes a good bit does fall under your statement.

  42. The issue of 9mm versus 45 ACP has a lot to do with warfare. U.S. Army had just fought the MOROs, and also had a history of having to shoot (Indian) horses. In Europe, Officers carried handguns, but they were mainly for show. Regular troops did all the fighting but only used long arms. When the Series 70 – 1911 first came out, I used the 230-grain hardball round to shoot a large feral hog. (That 45 slug was flatten!) 9mm or 38 spl. rounds back then wouldn’t penetrate/perform as well. Most 357 mag rounds would also fail.
    Now, ~50 years later, modern bullet tech has made major improvements to bullet performance. So – Modern 9mm rounds are OK for self-defense, but (God forbid) if I need to shoot a 300+ pound feral hog again, I want my 45 ACP hardball.

  43. I was hoping there would be a stop to all this caliber war thing but Kamala didn’t get elected.
    Kamala didn’t get elected
    Kamala didn’t get elected
    Kamala didn’t get elected
    ,,,,its hard to stop saying that isn’t it🙂

  45. “The 357 magnum is a powerful weapon, but I’m steadfast of the opinion that it is virtually useless unless you are capable of hitting what you’re shooting at.” Paul Harrell

    Is one of my favorite quotes on the Miami-Dade FBI analysis. The FBI left 9mm for the 10mm. Then, agents with smaller hands could not adequately handle the recoil so they went to .40cal. Then, they noticed that the ballistics between .40cal and 9mm were similar and the magazine disadvantage was not worth the compromise. So, now the FBI is back to 9mm.

    Practice with whatever you carry. Only hits count.

  46. Well.. bigger bullets TEND to stop better.. faster bullets TEND to stop better.. heavier bullets TEND to stop better.. bullets that expand TEND to stop better..

    All this is well known. But can you handle that bigger, faster, heavier bullet??

    .45, to me, is better than the 9mm BUT the 9mm is easier to shoot (most of the time.)

    So you have to decide. Pick a gun that fits you.. gun that you can shoot very well.. and then see if it is in 9mm or .45 or .40 or whatever. Pick the gun that has the biggest, fastest, heaviest, bullet YOU CAN CONTROL AND SHOOT WELL.

    And I’d add to that conceal well to!

    And that folks, is the answer.

  47. Obviously, many lemmings are still following the FBIs 9mm magic beans theory used to justify replacement of their last bad 10/40 gun & ammo decisions. Thousands flocked back to the “Wonder-nines” but what percentage of them are using the same ammo? Hmmmm.
    ALL magic beans can fail: so what the cartridge “Ball” ammo will do IS the TRUE baseline for performance. Now pic one and add the magic bean voodoo to that.
    On Capacity, the majority of carry handguns are not full size models already trading off part of that capacity arguement. What else are you doing while utilizing that “higher capacity” in a gunfight? Better be moving and heading for cover. Yeah, cover that allows better reload oppertunity.
    Hold the larger spare mag angle as that’s pretty universally available.
    While this article was 9 v 45 and not 1911ish, part of the proficiency equation rests on the trigger and few (3?) get even close to good 1911s.
    Choose your enemies poison wisely.

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