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Smallest caliber for SD?
- Thread starter coltle6920
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Nico Testosteros
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Trust? I wouldn't trust a .44 Magnum, even. But I would hope that anything from .22LR on up might do the trick and at least give me a chance to shoot and scoot,
Edit: perhaps I should read before I post. I should have learned that lesson by now.
Edit: perhaps I should read before I post. I should have learned that lesson by now.
Last edited:
BLACKHAWKNJ
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Given a choice, 38 Special with a standard velocity SWC.
venomballistics
Member
trust ... 460 S&W.
actually use ... 45 ACP
make due with ... ya might talk me down to a 40.
actually use ... 45 ACP
make due with ... ya might talk me down to a 40.
Which ever one you ...will...carry everyday. You can have all the choices you want but you have to practice and god forbid if it ever happens...use it.
Also you want something that ain't going to pull your PJ's to your knees
Also you want something that ain't going to pull your PJ's to your knees
Philadelphia Patriot
Member
The smallest caliber I'd carry is .380 ACP. In reality I usually carry a 9mm or .45acp. If I didn't mind stockpiling another caliber and if the price was cheaper, I'd carry .357 sig or 10mm.
finesse_r
Member
Depends some on the situation...
The smallest caliber I carry for SD is 38 special or .380 ACP which are about the same as far as knock down and stopping power. This is when time and clothing does not permit something like a 9mm or .40 S&W or .45 ACP.
For me ease of carry is important to make certain I always have a gun with me. That is more important to me than carrying a lager caliber.
If I knew for certain that I would need a gun in advance, I would probably be carrying a 4013TSW or a 4513TSW as back up to a shotgun. But since I have carried for several decades and never needed to pull a gun, I consider carrying a lot of extra weight or wearing a jacket to be more trouble that I am willing to deal with, just to have a larger caliber.
I could see how some might even carry a .32 ACP if they were highly sensitive to recoil. I can see a .32 for an elderly woman or man with little ability to take recoil.
I understand that larger calibers are typically more effective it all other things are equal, but to me what is most important is a gun that I will not leave behind and that I am able to control or handle effectively.
I have never felt uneasy with a snub nose .38 special in my pocket. However if traveling or going into areas that are know high crime areas, I typically carry something a little more powerful and with more rounds.
The smallest caliber I carry for SD is 38 special or .380 ACP which are about the same as far as knock down and stopping power. This is when time and clothing does not permit something like a 9mm or .40 S&W or .45 ACP.
For me ease of carry is important to make certain I always have a gun with me. That is more important to me than carrying a lager caliber.
If I knew for certain that I would need a gun in advance, I would probably be carrying a 4013TSW or a 4513TSW as back up to a shotgun. But since I have carried for several decades and never needed to pull a gun, I consider carrying a lot of extra weight or wearing a jacket to be more trouble that I am willing to deal with, just to have a larger caliber.
I could see how some might even carry a .32 ACP if they were highly sensitive to recoil. I can see a .32 for an elderly woman or man with little ability to take recoil.
I understand that larger calibers are typically more effective it all other things are equal, but to me what is most important is a gun that I will not leave behind and that I am able to control or handle effectively.
I have never felt uneasy with a snub nose .38 special in my pocket. However if traveling or going into areas that are know high crime areas, I typically carry something a little more powerful and with more rounds.
Murphy's Law
Member
Until recently, carried a Defender in 45. However since receiving my Shiel which is now what I carry in 40cal I feel confident i'am good to go.
USAF385
US Veteran
Nothing less than 2mm kolibri.
17 hmr.Placement is everything [emoji1]
Something that begins with a "3".
.308 comes to mind.
.308 comes to mind.
wnwitzell
Member
Nine shot 22 mag!
A BB gun could probably slow her down enough to get away, and .22lr can be tough to find these days.
Just pretend this is witty.
Just pretend this is witty.
mc5aw
Member
What caliber would I trust? 762x39 is pretty trustworthy, but I can't CCW a Kalashnikov.
Revolver carriers predominantly carry .38/.357, and are comfortable with either. On occasion, I will leave my J-frame behind and carry a .44 Special with JHPs.
Revolver carriers predominantly carry .38/.357, and are comfortable with either. On occasion, I will leave my J-frame behind and carry a .44 Special with JHPs.
Rastoff
US Veteran
Apparently some have failed to actually read the OP. Here's a little help: (don't just look at the gun, read the caption)
