Well Armed You Say?

[Shooting Padre]

On another forum a poll showed over half poled carried 9mm for self defense. So, in response to the .357 post which asked this question, I ask, "Do you feel well armed with a 9mm?" Recognizing that this is an arguable subject, I only ask to find out, not start a war. If a fight breaks out, I may buy a .357

 

[Joe Kent]

I commented above that yes I felt well armed with a 357 , but I should also say that I also feel comfortable with some of the performance 9mm. It stems from the fact that with certain favorite pistols I shoot them better and am more confident in placing all of my rounds where I want them to be. There was a time when the only Auto that I felt useful was the Gov't 45. Quite frankly it is still one of my most used,shot ,and carried. My Browning Hi-power is used equally with HP ammo. As an aside, several of the firearms instructors on our PD, have switched back to 9mm Glocks.

 

[photoman]

It doesn't matter what handgun I have in my hand, if I'm ever in a gunfight I seriously doubt I will feel "well armed."

 

[Win62a]

They all suck as manstoppers. That's why rifles were invented.

 

[Joe Kent]

Photoman44 and Win62a, you are both correct. The axiom by Clint Smith " a pistol is what you use to fight your way to your rifle" is most certainly correct. But until I can figure a way to carry my M1A and extra mags concealed or travel with a squad of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, I will continue to rely ,at least initially,on the handgun on my side. Also, if I know a gunfight if coming, I will probably just stay home and notify the proper authorities.

 

[Big Foot]

Yes...Nine is fine....Most of us have varying calibers and depending on many factors, such as the weather (clothing-concealment issues) will carry the largest. As stated, make sure you bring something to the fight instead of leaving it at home or vehicle. Kind of a side note, but I watch "Chiller" movies and it seems all the young victims in the woods or where ever don't even have a .22 handy to use against the "zombies-inbred cannibals"....Really makes me laugh.....

 

[badge 851]

I feel very adequately armed with any of my 357 Magnum revolvers; whether with 357 Mag or 38 Special ammunition.

 

[kraigwy]

I killed this guy with a 4" Model 28, 150 LSWC 357, people are smaller, what's wrong with a 38 or 9mm.

 

[4330Inroute]

Because of physical limitations brought on by various injuries over the years I switched from a 1911 .45acp to a Smith 39-2 about a year ago. I am very pleased with the 9mm. In close quarters it is quick to operate, very controllable and accurate. I use a 115gr. JHP with new 9 rd mags. My goal is to E & E not to engage in a prolonged gunfight until the cavalry arrives.

The only .357 I own presently is a 6" 686 and it is not readily concealable but very accurate out to 100yrds or probably further with more practice.

I am in very much in agreement with the statement made about 'it's not the caliber of the handgun but the caliber of the man that counts' (I know I didn't quote it correctly).

 

[The Sarge]

The hangun is what we have with us. It is portable and concealable for unexpected conditions. If we expect to get into a confrontation, a rifle is taken. All of the recognized combat calibers work or fail about the same. Train for failure to stop. Choose the caliber/platform you shoot the best with and practice, practice, and practice some more. The edge will always be with the larger or more pwoerful bullet, but it is a very slight edge that may be off set by rapid shot placement. The modern, premium, high tech JHP bullets have leveled the playing field. Above all, be armed. Bill

 

[jouesdeveau]

There's an article in the recent issue of Handguns by someone who did a load of research on the weapon with the most stopping power. The conclusion in a nutshell is that the type of weapon or ammo is less important than the shooter's skill in placing his shots on target in a stressful situation. Training, not technology was the key.

I'm only reporting, having no direct experience of my own.

 

[photoman]

The hangun is what we have with us. It is portable and concealable for unexpected conditions. If we expect to get into a confrontation, a rifle is taken. All of the recognized combat calibers work or fail about the same. Train for failure to stop. Choose the caliber/platform you shoot the best with and practice, practice, and practice some more. The edge will always be with the larger or more pwoerful bullet, but it is a very slight edge that may be off set by rapid shot placement. The modern, premium, high tech JHP bullets have leveled the playing field. Above all, be armed. Bill

Well... You can't say it much better than that.

 

[Lost Lake]

I could feel better carrying something bigger than a 9mm, but I'll carry my .380 when it gets here .... tomorrow!!!

How about this list of actual one stop shots by caliber and bullet weight? Of course your mileage may vary....

Stopping Power

 

[Ron H.]

"Do you feel well armed with a 9mm?"

Sir, in a word, no. Adequately armed for most things? Sure. But not actually "well-armed."

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

 

[The Sarge]

Lost Lake,

There are no valid one shot stop stats. Simply do not exist. Too many variables in each shooting to quantify. Mainstream LE trainers dismissed them years ago for many good reasons. Bill

 

[Knightrider03m]

I'm more than fine with a 9

 

[wnr700]

I carry a snub because it hides better and is more comfortable than a blocky Glock 26.

However, the Glock shot effortlessly, accurately, and is a great choice for many people.

 

[Simmer down]

I carry a snub because it hides better and is more comfortable than a blocky Glock 26.

However, the Glock shot effortlessly, accurately, and is a great choice for many people.

Same here. I carry a 38 airweight bodyguard because it would be difficult to carry much else. I could choose a larger caliber but I think knowing how to shoot what I carry is more important and more do-able for me.

 

[stantheman86]

People need to learn to differentiate between what's adequate for "combat" use and what's fine for a civilian who has a beyond remote chance of ever having to use his/her CC handgun. I have carried 9mm's, .380's, 9x18's, .32 Auto, depending on what I'm wearing. My main choice more and more is a wheelgun loaded with .38 +P.

Unless you're kicking in doors and arresting bad guys, what kind of firepower do you need? The key word here is "defensive", not "offensive" weapons.

Those who think .357 is "inadequate" have never fired the "screamers". A guy I know and trust, after I told him I had a .357 Ruger Redhawk, made me 24 rounds of special "Ruger .357 Redhawk only" .357's, and I ran them through the gun and man, all I could say is "Wow......" Too much power for CC, those rounds would go through the BG and keep going for 200 more yards if I ever had to use them....I was punching through 1/8" steel plate that was laying around at the range, no worries about ricochets when it just punches through it. I doubt any PCP, meth or crackhead could soak up one of those and keep coming.

I always laugh when I read about guys carrying 10mm Glocks with 8 extra mags for CC, or the ones who carry S&W .500's in shoulder holsters. It gets to the point of ridiculous.......

 

[keith44spl]

Well howdy all....

Any firearm, long or short, of any caliber you might have with ya...

Well let's just say carrying a weapon doesn't make one well armed any more that carryin' a guitar into Nashville makes someone a musician.


Now this is just my opine on the subject...Y'all just keep them cards and letters, ok.

Su Amigo,
Dave