Putting the Argument to Rest: The Indisputable Best Self-Defense Caliber/Cartridge.

Echo40

Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2017
Messages
4,035
Reaction score
7,824
For generations folks have argued over what's the best Caliber/Cartridge for Self-Defense? The argument is generally a worthless waste of time with most people just arguing in favor of their preferred cartridge with little or no objective facts to backup their claims, meanwhile there was always one objectively ideal cartridge for Self-Defense, but few folks are bold enough to come right out and say it because they know they'll get bombarded with baseless arguments against their claim.

Fortunately, I'm bold enough to say it once and for all, right here, right now...

The best Caliber is .729 and the best Cartridge is none other than the mighty 12 Gauge Slug Shell.
That really ought to be a mic drop right there, but obviously folks will attempt to argue against the fact, so I'll keep going to explain why it's the best.

Obviously a 12 Gauge Slug packs a heck of a punch, delivering over 3000 Foot Pounds of Kinetic Energy at the muzzle and still maintaining over 1200ft-lbs at a distance of 100 Yards.
In other words, a Brenneke Black Magic Magnum Slug delivers as much energy at the Muzzle as a .500 S&W Magnum — The Most Powerful Handgun in the World — at the muzzle, and as much energy at a distance of 100 Yards as a .44 Remington Magnum — The Former Most Powerful Handgun in the World — not to mention the 5.56x45 NATO — The standard issue rifle cartridge in NATO Armed Forces — at the muzzle, and it does it all with a 602 Grain, .729 Caliber Projectile.

Some would argue that it's too powerful, too punishing, and delivered from a Firearm too large/heavy to carry concealed.
NONSENSE, I SAY! Nothing more that anti-gun rhetoric designed to pacify the masses and encourage citizens to carry less-than-adequate tools for Self-Defense.

In the modern-era, 12 Gauge Firearms are available in compact, concealable packages such as the Serbu Super Shorty and the Mossberg 590 Shockwave.
Furthermore, there exists a plethora of lower-powered yet still extremely effective 12 Gauge Slug Shells on the market, ranging from Federal Mini Shells for those of smaller stature all the way up to the aforementioned Bear-Slaying Brenneke Black Magic Magnum.

attachment.php

When you strap this on when you head out and you don't have to question whether or not you're adequately prepared to defend yourself.

Also, it's time to say it, people... Carrying a firearm isn't enough! If everyone maintained a rigorous daily exercise routine then nobody would argue that it's "unrealistic" or "impractical" to EDC a 12 Gauge.
Furthermore, if folks had some actual confidence and weren't overly concerned about what others think of them, then they wouldn't have to hide a Pocket Pistol in their pants when they go out to the store.

Folks need to start taking their Self-Defense seriously! You can't just carry whatever happens to be convenient, you've got to carry what gets the job done, and for all the endless arguments over which suboptimal handgun cartridge is the best of the worst option for minimalist Self-Defense, nobody has ever disputed that a hit from a 12 Gauge Slug is a fight-stopper!
 
Register to hide this ad
I remember having this exact same discussion years ago in the back room of an old saddle maker's shop. There were several of us sitting around discussing the pros and cons of different defensive calibers, cartridges, muzzle velocity, foot pounds of energy, and firearms.

Finally, one old cowboy looked up and asked, "Just how much deader than dead can you kill a guy?"

End of discussion.:)
 
Last edited:
If you're going to pack that stuff around all day then that's fine. If you're not going to then you've accomplished nothing. The vast majority of people just aren't going to stroll around all day with a shotgun and a Klingon battle knife. The most important weapon isn't going to be the one great big one you left at home, it's going to be the one you carry with you.
 
When grocery shopping, walking the dogs or making quick bank stops a measly 9mm is just fine for me. Probably wouldn’t over penetrate as much as my sabot stuffed 12 ga Cruiser.

Jim
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0929.jpg
    IMG_0929.jpg
    40.2 KB · Views: 62
Can't argue the 12 gauge, but tricky to conceal in South Florida summertime.
95 degrees and 95% humidity.
Kinda warm down here, sometimes hard to breathe.
In the winter I think maybe under a flannel, as it's cool out for about one week.
;)

It’s tricky to conceal in Alaska. In January.
 
Back
Top