Is it enough: 9mm Luger for self-defense?

[Mike SC Hunter]

So is a rock if you can throw it straight and hard.

 

[THEmodelof1989]

Two separate caliber debate posts in the same week? Sounds like somebody is stirring the pot...

 

[Echo40]

I'm waiting for the "Is .500 Mag enough for self defense" poll

While I'll probably get around to revolver cartridges eventually once we've polled all the major semiautomatic pistol cartridges, I'll most likely be shifting the tone to self-defense against wild animals by that point since that's what revolvers are primarily used for these days, especially when it comes to large calibers.

So yeah, when/if I poll .500 S&W Magnum, it will be something like; "Is it enough: .500 S&W Magnum for self-defense against dangerous game?"

In fact, once we start getting into more powerful semiautomatic pistol cartridges like .45 ACP, .357 SIG, and 10mm Auto, then I'll probably start including poll options regarding their usage against 4-legged predators.

 

[Skeptic 9c]

I what round do you have faith?

The cartridge matters less than the users faith in their ability to use it for self defense.

Geoff
Who is currently carrying a .380 with a magazine floorplate extension for my pinkie...I'm in a low threat environment.

 

[S&WIowegan]

I've never shot anybody so my opinion is of minimal value. The 9mm cartridge in hardball form probably makes shot placement of paramount importance. If a person can shoot well in stressful situations 9mm can get 'er done.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I guess there needs to be something to talk about.

9mm for self defense...David took on Goliath with a rock..

 

[Marshal Tom]

When I started in LE in 1971 most were carrying .38 or a .357 revolver. I went through a BHP for a short stint and then to a 1911 for many years because I could carry what I wanted to and not something that was issued by my agency, ever! I often carry an M&P 340 or one of my several .9mm pistols now because of the improvements in the 9mm ammunition now available. I still believe that the .45 is superior to the 9mm when the two do not expand but it is a good choice and will get the job done provided you do your part in terms of bullet placement.

 

[pharmer]

If'n I knew I was going to need to defend myself with a firearm, I have an HK 91 with 30 rd mags and a Beretta 1201 "Riot" gun that holds 7 of oo buck. I'd bring both. Most days I go about my business as a "nondescript old guy" with a 6906 holding 12 Fed 124gr HST's tucked in the waistband of my cargo shorts. I'd hate to have to shoot it out with it but it will bring the hate better than the aforementioned guns that are back at the house. Joe

 

[pharmer]

I meant to say "heat." Joe

 

[American1776]

With the proper rounds, 9mm is great. The Federal 9bple (115 gr. jhp +p+ 1,300 ft/s) has a long and distinguished track record in law enforcement ISP used it for a long time with zero complaints). It's a stopper on the streets.

I have a family friend in the Marines. He did two combat tours in Afghanistan. His sidearm was the 9mm Beretta. He's even used it on multiple occasions. He says it never failed to work on the receivers.

These days, I still prefer the 45acp, full power .357 magnum, and now 10mm.

 

[ladder13]

Yes, yes it is. 124 GDHP’s every day.

 

[Kurusu]

I'm waiting for the "Is .500 Mag enough for self defense" poll

LOL

I would like your post 5 times if I could.

Consider this a "plus four"

 

[Rustyt1953]

My 6906 pulls nightstand duty. I guess that falls under 'self defense'.

 

[Kurusu]

If'n I knew I was going to need to defend myself with a firearm, I have an HK 91 with 30 rd mags and a Beretta 1201 "Riot" gun that holds 7 of oo buck. I'd bring both. Most days I go about my business as a "nondescript old guy" with a 6906 holding 12 Fed 124gr HST's tucked in the waistband of my cargo shorts. I'd hate to have to shoot it out with it but it will bring the hate better than the aforementioned guns that are back at the house. Joe

The HK 91 is an excellent rifle (I should know I had the G3 issued) but a "close quarters" gun it isn't.

 

[double-dipper]

I'm not a big fan of the 9mm, but yes its is enough. 100,000 Cops can't be wrong.

 

[rwsmith]

It just takes 2.7 shotswith a 9mm.....

...where a .45 takes 2.2 with a .45 for an average stop, so a double tap is usually called for to stop a threat anyway. That's why it helps to have three rounds/perp no matter the caliber.

This data comes from a recent article somewhere on the internet so I don't doubt it's veracity.

Seriously, I don't count on one shot of anything. I think that that the 'Mosazambique Drill' has some creedence with Mike Rousseau saying that an automatic double tap to the torso is required and maybe a third to the head..

 

[pharmer]

My 6906 pulls nightstand duty. I guess that falls under 'self defense'.

Aaaack! why is that lever down? Joe

 

[Kurusu]

...where a .45 takes 2.2 with a .45 for an average stop, so a double tap is usually called for to stop a threat anyway. That's why it helps to have three rounds/perp no matter the caliber.

This data comes from a recent article somewhere on the internet so I don't doubt it's veracity.

Seriously, I don't count on one shot of anything. I think that that the 'Mosazambique Drill' has some creedence with Mike Rousseau saying that an automatic double tap to the torso is required and maybe a third to the head..

I got to say this. There is no 2 or 3 shot rule. That concept has killed some accomplished IPSC trained people in real life. You only stop shooting at the threat (be it with CB caps or .600 Nitro Express when the threat is over.

 

[Walkingwolf]

Nope 9mm is useless against a TRex/VRaptor hybrid. A 45/70 couldn't stop one, so the 9mm is clearly inadequate.

 

[Wise_A]