Practicality of Keeping Multiple Calibers

[dlombard]

I'm looking for opinions to help me make a decision. While sqiubs are incredibly rare, they can happen, and if it does, off to the gunsmith my firearm goes. In the meantime (for however many days), I will have no firearm. So it makes sense to me to at least have two. I'm not loving the idea of keeping two calibers but the idea of having the SD9VE backup my SD40VE does appeal to me. Certainly more than having Two SD40VEs, heh. That said, it sure would be convenient to have all my magazines fully compatible with both firearms rather than having to have Another set of those as well.

This is mostly me thinking out-loud but I wanted to share my thoughts because I wanted to get a sense for what's practical.

[Muss Muggins]

I don't reload, and I've never had to deal with a squib, and don't know anyone who has had to deal with a squib. I've got about 15 calibers. Never thought it was impractical . . .

[Fishinfool]

When considering a weapon for self defense, it certainly makes sense to have two of the same caliber and operating style.

Most serious shooters / gun owners usually end up with a variety of guns and calibers, and consider it fun, and part of the sport to reload and shoot that variety of guns.

For someone mainly interested in a self defense weapon, a pair of same caliber guns is a sound premise.

Larry

[DWalt]

Why does having a squib load require a trip to the gunsmith?

[Arik]

I don't reload. Have been shooting for close to 20 years. Never had a squib, never heard of one happening to friends, never seen one live. Worrying about a squib IMO is on the bottom of the worry list. Bellow even stepping on gum and walking it through the house.

That being said. There are two ways to look at this.

Regardless of the reasons your gun may end up at the shop or back at S&W so keeping a spare isn't a bad thing.

1) an identical spare means you have the same exact thing. Same gun, grip, mags, controls, even same recoil. This allows you to stock A LOT of one type of ammo. So instead of buying 500 rounds of 9 and 500 rounds of 40s&w you can buy 1000 rounds of 9.

2). Having a different gun/different caliber means you stock for 2 and not one. Cut everything in half. Instead of buying two 9mm mags you buy one of each.....same with ammo. On the other hand unless you did some serious stocking variety is good to have when ammo is lean. When the big panic of 2011 hit every but 40 was gone in my area. For some reason people love to hate on the 40 so there was plenty of it for me!!!

I stock all 3 major semi auto calibers and the two major revolver calibers. Not to mention AR/AK x2/7.62NATO/two surplus rifles calibers/30.06 and 12G.

The way I stock is by importance. My main carry and practice is 9mm so I buy that the most. Followed by 40 and 45. Especially when there is a sale. I don't shoot much 38 or 357 so I eventually get around to it. Same way for the rifles with surplus caliber being of least importance

[Rpg]

I don't plan around having a sqib. Pretty remote reason for needing a replacement pistol.

I'm a big fan of not switching between models and calibers in sd handguns. That's why all my Colt 1911's are set up the same right down to custom checkering. That way if one is in the shop for a tuneup, it's twin is available to stand in.

It's hard enough for most folks to develop and maintain high levels of skill with one or two handguns to make introducing more to the situation.

If I can't carry a 1911 (an infrequent occurance) I carry a M38.

I have other handguns that would work for sd, but I've not developed the same skill level with them.

This is why I'm not a fan of 'rotating' carry pistols.

[THE PILGRIM]

Squib to the gunsmith?
If you gun shoots most all the ammo you put in it, and the no bang-
It's most likely that round.
If you gun shoots most brands but misfires a lot with a particular brand - probably that brand of ammo.
If a round don't shoot, go to the next round.
Just like women.
If one don't work out, then go to the next one.
No reason to call Dr. Phil!

[two-bit cowboy]

Originally Posted by dlombard

This is mostly me thinking out-loud but I wanted to share my thoughts because I wanted to get a sense for what's practical.

I am at a severe disadvantage. I never looked at owning handguns as a "practical" idea. Variety, now that's what makes this fun and rewarding. One of each is not too many choices.

[American1776]

I'm a recreational shooter, a collector, and I also think about defensive purposes. I therefore like to have multiple calibers.

I like .45 auto for defense, 9mm and .38 spl. for lightweight carry, and .357 magnum is a good 'do it all' sort of deal.

About as rare as worrying about a squib; I like to think that having multiple caliber pistols makes one versatile during ammo shortages. If you only own one caliber handgun, and they are all out, you're kind of screwed. If you own 4 different calibers, your chances of having a functional firearm increase.

[robvious]

gentleman next to me at my last range visit had a squib in his new SSR
needed to borrow my cleaning rod to clear it... found 4 more in his reloads by just pushing the bullets back into the cases... his day was done... can't trust any of his reloads... felt bad for him... but did not feel like sharing ammo with someone not willing to check his own...
but it did not take a trip to a gunsmith... just a metal rod...

[pharmer]

My $.02, I would have at least 2 of the same caliber sidearms because it is "prudent" for the reason you described. I like "military standard" calibers so I have many 9mm, 1/3 as many .45acp. Revolvers are mostly .38/.357 with a couple .44mag and .45 Colt. Don't own other "popular" calibers, nothing against them but I like guns that ammo is on the shelf at WalMart. Then it is at other shops too. Always be considering your "options" when considering self-preservation. Joe

[dlombard]

Yeah the squib example was only an example. I know there are other/different reasons for having gun downtime, but was just considering that if that were to happen, I would be without any home defense period. My wife is working her California FSC so we might end up with another one (her's will be a 9 anyway), but until then, might be nice to have a twin SD40VE as suggested here. Now that my trigger technique is improving, I'm beginning to find I like it and, yes, .40 ammo seems to be more shortage-proofed than the 9x19 stuff, which factored into my purchasing decision initially. :-)

[Ron AZ]

Originally Posted by dlombard

Yeah the squib example was only an example. I know there are other/different reasons for having gun downtime, but was just considering that if that were to happen, I would be without any home defense period. My wife is working her California FSC so we might end up with another one (her's will be a 9 anyway), but until then, might be nice to have a twin SD40VE as suggested here. Now that my trigger technique is improving, I'm beginning to find I like it and, yes, .40 ammo seems to be more shortage-proofed than the 9x19 stuff, which factored into my purchasing decision initially. :-)

Following up on your example to illustrate the point ... I just had the slides on my and my wife's HD guns returned after 2+ weeks to fix failing front sights. No problem, I have choices and just moved other guns into HD and carry rotation.

But even if I have multiple guns of the same caliber, I usually find the optimum ammos to group for each to be different. This happened with even with 2 9 mm's of the same brand. So I end up stockpiling multiple SD and range ammos for each caliber. No problem if space and expense is not an issue. Some will say not to bother with that or why risk the confusion/complications but does not bother me.

[J. R. WEEMS]

Originally Posted by dlombard

I'm looking for opinions to help me make a decision. While sqiubs are incredibly rare, they can happen, and if it does, off to the gunsmith my firearm goes. In the meantime (for however many days), I will have no firearm. So it makes sense to me to at least have two. I'm not loving the idea of keeping two calibers but the idea of having the SD9VE backup my SD40VE does appeal to me. Certainly more than having Two SD40VEs, heh. That said, it sure would be convenient to have all my magazines fully compatible with both firearms rather than having to have Another set of those as well.

This is mostly me thinking out-loud but I wanted to share my thoughts because I wanted to get a sense for what's practical.

For my money, little as it is, what would be practical would be to learn how to fix that problem when and if it might arise-- some oil, a dowel rod of the correct size and a hammer-- it would be nice to have a vic to clamp the piece in but it isn't required-- just a good idea. Really isn't a big deal-- unless several lodgings are present, then it becomes somewhat mor difficult-- JMHO.

[Jack Flash]

If the squib happens in an autoloader, you could swap in a spare barrel. Then you wouldn't have to ship off the whole gun, even if that was the only recourse to get the bullet out.

Most of us here are enthusiasts who like owning and shooting different calibers. Everything from .22 LR to .44 Magnum has its applications, practical or just for fun.

For home defense, it makes a lot of sense to focus on one basic handgun / caliber combination. Having a back up / spare (or two or three) has to be a good idea. And make sure they all accept the same speedloaders / magazines.

[Donn]

Originally Posted by DWalt

Why does having a squib load require a trip to the gunsmith?

I was wondering the same thing. A wooden dowel, a few taps with a small hammer, problem solved.

[Black_Sheep]

Someone much wiser than me once said, two is one and one is none. I think it's prudent to have a secondary firearm of the same caliber and platform. If you prefer an autoloader, sharing a common magazine is a big plus.

[gregintenn]

A man definitely needs more than one firearm. I'm afraid you came to the wrong place for advice if you're on a budget of any sort.

[Mahalo_.32]

My GLOCK and M&P both utilize 3 different calibers .357, .40 and 9mm... I feel that 9 and 40 are 2 of the most common calibers out there and 357sig is my preference to carry. If the poop ever hits the fan I can collect all kinds of ammo and possibly trade with others if needed.

[Faulkner]

If my 9mm ended up with a squib that I couldn't figure out how to remove, as unlikely as that is, I'd just carry my .40 S&W. If my .40 S&W squibbed up I'd just carry one of my .45's. Then if my .45's and my .40 and my 9mm all went down at the same time, I'd just carry one of my .38's. If I couldn't find any of my .38's, I'd carry my .357 magnum. If by some horrible twist of fate I couldn't use my 9mm, .40, my several .45's and .38's, and my .357, I'd have to revert to one of my .380's or .32 Colt pocket pistols.

I have hundreds of rounds of ammo in each of these calibers, so I don't get the must have two guns of the same caliber thing as long as you have ammo for all the gun calibers you do have.

[Grayfox]

I wanted to get a sense for what's practical.

Practical??
What's the fun in that?

[doublesharp]

You don't have a Mossberg or an 870 pump? A good pump 12 ga is hard to beat for home defense and good used police turn ins can be bought for around $200 here in the gun show epicenter. I wouldn't be able to rest until I had one or three.

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by dlombard

I'm looking for opinions to help me make a decision. While sqiubs are incredibly rare, they can happen, and if it does, off to the gunsmith my firearm goes. In the meantime (for however many days), I will have no firearm. So it makes sense to me to at least have two. I'm not loving the idea of keeping two calibers but the idea of having the SD9VE backup my SD40VE does appeal to me. Certainly more than having Two SD40VEs, heh. That said, it sure would be convenient to have all my magazines fully compatible with both firearms rather than having to have Another set of those as well.

This is mostly me thinking out-loud but I wanted to share my thoughts because I wanted to get a sense for what's practical.

LOL As stated you've come to the wrong place as many....most ........ OK almost all of us........ have more than a single gun........and often have guns in at least the following calibers ,.22lr, .32,.380,9mm,.38sp, .357magnum , .45acp, 44magnum........................

We are not noted as a "practical" bunch........

Too many things we don't know about you and your personal circumstances,needs and budget too give you good advice........ but might I suggest a J or K frame revolver as your "first" second gun.......

[dlombard]

I'm contemplating an 870 actually. The problem is, I live in an apartment where space is at a premium. There are other issues, too. But I still have personal memories of the LA Riots (I used to live about 5 miles from where it all started), and how if it weren't for the guns carried by Korean store owners, their businesses would have been destroyed and they might have even suffered great bodily harm or death. To this day, I don't really know how my father and I lived here and came away from it unscathed. He was out there (on the same buses having bottles thrown at them) trying to make his way home from a grocery store (before it wound up looted and burned)... I could see the towers of smoke in the neighborhood from outside of my own window.

If something like that were ever to happen again, I wouldn't want to be sitting here thinking, '"shoot, my firearm's still at the gunsmith." Heh. So, yeah, definitely going to try to make sure this happens sooner than either (either because my wife has one, or I just end up getting a second one for myself).

[bushmaster1313]

If you can't shoot with the gun you love -- Honey
Shoot the gun you're with

[Hapworth]

Most of us abandoned "practicality" long ago...

[67tempest]

My only issue with having the same firearm in multiple calibers is making sure I bring the right ammo and mags for that firearm to the range. I have AR's and AK's in .556, 5.45x39 and 7.62x39. Don't want to end up at the range with 5.45x39 firearm and a can of .556 ammo with a 7.62x39 mag.

[Arik]

Originally Posted by 67tempest

My only issue with having the same firearm in multiple calibers is making sure I bring the right ammo and mags for that firearm to the range. I have AR's and AK's in .556, 5.45x39 and 7.62x39. Don't want to end up at the range with 5.45x39 firearm and a can of .556 ammo with a 7.62x39 mag.

I have those same calibers and rifles but I find them easy to tell apart. None of my 556 I'd steel and there is no brass 5.45.

My concern would be more along the lines of have the same gun in different ammo and grabbing the wrong ammo/mags. For instance. ....I have both Glock 17 and 22. Identical guns and mags except for the number. Same with my HK P2000 in 40 and 9

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

I had a squib years ago in my S&W M-57-my realoads- one time running a pistol range in the National Guard I had a bad batch of 45ACP. The answer is a range rod, perhaps a hammer as well, and thorough familiarity with your firearms.
Having only one caliber simplifies ammunition supply-logistics, if you will-thought like most shooters I find Variety is the Spice of Life. Bringing the wrong ammunition to the range ? Develop the habit of carefully checking your range bag/box to make sure you have what you need. Like doing a walk around of a vehicle.

[rburg]

Ummmm.....errrrr...??? Whats a squib? I don't recall having one of them, but then I use high quality ammo. The stuff I load myself. Yer a tellin' me that the .50 cal cans down in the dungeon will suddenly become unreliable after all this time? Who'd a thunk it. All these years a sloppin' my own together and now they suddenly will start doin' somethun bad? No way.

Ya know, I did have a problem or some problem ammo once. A buddy wanted to go shootin' with us one time. Of course he didn't have any ammo, so I foolishly loaned him a box of my .38 wadcutters. And sure enough, all the one's I touched off went bang and made a hole on the paper or beer cans, just as expected. But the one's I loaned out only resulted in maybe half going bang. So the guy got disgusted and tossed all that lovingly handcrafted goodness in the trash and left in a huff, showing no appreciation, and even commented about my substandard ammo. Another buddy rushed the trash and fished out the "duds". He then proceeded to fire every last one of them. Funny how those duds suddenly went bang. Couldn't have been the other guy's Taurus was junk. He'd already bragged on it for a few weeks before.

My conclusion then as it is now is that if ya have a dud, Its more likely than not caused by your substandard gun, not my fine quality ammo.

[TeaDub]

Keeping multiple calibers is very practical for me. I do try to limit the platforms (for the most part). For me, that is: Glocks, 1911s and revolvers. In my HD/SD handguns at least. The size of the guns, I like to vary to give more options for use. I usually go with one large/medium and one smaller per caliber. A 686 with a 642. A Glock 35 with a G27. Etc. Ammunition and some magazines can interchange. Having interchangeable magazines is nice, but not necessary. While they are not an exact copy, the similar guns do allow training crossover as well. For range fun or self defense, I have it covered.

I don't have a problem with stocking multiple calibers. It literally takes 2-3 extra mouse clicks to order what I need. Having multiple calibers also gives more options if/when another ammo scare comes our way. That said, if I could only have two, they would be the same caliber. Then I'd buy more.

[rwsmith]

As long as I have ammo for it any caliber is practical.

And I do reload, so more than likely I'll have or can make any that I need.

And get something different, like a revolver. If you've got a medium caliber, big bores are kind of a world unto themselves. I also want a 9mm carbine for somewhat longer ranges because they are crazy fun to shoot.

[carpriver]

Maybe this forum should be a GUNS forum. I like most everyone hear have several different guns, 22lr, 380, 9mm, 38/357, 40cal, 44spl/44mag, 45 ACP and 45 colt. 5.56 on 3 different platforms 308win and 44mag, 22lr. Having back up gun is a good thing.

I carry a 45acp daily. if I want to change thins you and carry a revolver I will spend a couple days shooting and going through my drill to freshen my muscle memory,

When I first started reloading a had some squibs. I also learned to clear them with a brass rod and a few taps the side of my Leatherman.

[Jessie]

If you have a service size gun, it would benefit you to get a compact or subcompact in the same caliber.
Spare gun and a back up if wanted. They share the same ammo, some even share the mags. Ammo purchases are usually cheaper when bought in quantity.
That would be my " practical " suggestion.

[amazingflapjack]

A little oil-a brass rod-and a rubber hammer-no need fir a smithy!

[Frank46]

Using a wood dowel or short piece of wood to knock out a squib bullet from the barrel is courting disaster. If the dowel breaks now you have two obstructions in the barrel to deal with. May I suggest you get a range rod or even a section of 5/16 brass brazing rod. Tape the rod with the pvc electricians tape and a small 6oz ball pein hammer or one of the small hammers with the nylon faces. For what they cost you'd be money ahead and no need for a trip to the gunsmith. I had some phosphor bronze brazing rod 3/8" diameter. Stuck one piece in my lathe and machined it smaller than needed for 38 caliber, and left another piece 3/8" for larger calibers. Brownells sells rods specifically for knocking out squibs. Frank

[lrrifleman]

This is an interesting thread.

I have many different firearms in a variety of calibers, and each is mission specific. In almost 50 years of shooting, I have never had a squib, but I have had a few hang fires. Ninety nine percent of the time, I am in a position to clear a potential squib, as long as it isn't in a self defense situation.

I see the greatest likelihood of being without my primary sidearm is if it is seized due to a self defense shooting for investigative purposes. My state doesn't recognize the right to self defense, so I can only exercise my CFP when traveling out of state. I do not subscribe to the concept of carrying two handguns simultaneously, but I will pack a backup sidearm in my vehicle in the event that I am involved in a defensive gunfight and my handgun is seized for an investigation. In this instance, the handgun would be of the same caliber so ammo would be interchangeable. If I have a 1911, my substitute would be a 1911. If it is a revolver, I will have another revolver in the same caliber and I will have the appropriate speedloaders.

[Muss Muggins]

Originally Posted by Muss Muggins

. . . 've got about 15 calibers. Never thought it was impractical . . .

The continuation of this very interesting thread got me to thinking I miscounted earlier, and I was right. I stock 20 different calibers and gauges (22 if you count the .50 lead balls I use in my wrist rocket and the pellets for my Chinese pellet rifle), and the only one I've never fired is the Arisaka in 7.7. Still don't find it impractical.

[Dave_n]

Well since I am a "collector/accumulator", my calibres, and I reload all except 22LR, cover 25 ACP to 0.455 Webley in revolvers (including 0.41 Special) and "bottom feeders", plus in metric, 7.62 Nagant, 7.62 Tokarev and 7.63 Mauser (since C96s explosively disassemble with 7.62 Tok). Plus the usual suspects in 9mm (including Mak and Ultra). So I do not worry about duplicate guns, simply another that has one of the necessary calibres when needed. Dave_n

[Frank237]

You only have ONE? (Insert incredulous look here)

[dlombard]

Originally Posted by Jessie

If you have a service size gun, it would benefit you to get a compact or subcompact in the same caliber.
Spare gun and a back up if wanted. They share the same ammo, some even share the mags. Ammo purchases are usually cheaper when bought in quantity.
That would be my " practical " suggestion.

I really like that idea. I was looking at an M&P to compliment my SD/VE. The only thing that concerns me about a short-length barrel is muzzle flip and muzzle flash... As a .40, that's Quite the bang in such a small package.

[petepeterson]

To answer the original question:

Some pros to having multiple calibers-

1. Ammo availability. This hasn't been an issue for awhile, but I'm sure the time will come again.
2. You could practice with the 9, and carry the .40, but considering you reload, there may not be as much of a gain for you.

Considering what you can find these for used, it would be pretty reasonable to have two of the same gun.

I like variety, so as a 3rd Gen fan and carrier, I carry a 3914, and keep a 3913 as a backup. Same parts and round, just different look.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Originally Posted by Jack Flash

If the squib happens in an autoloader, you could swap in a spare barrel.

Now we're getting somewhere!

Say you're in a gun fight and get a squib. Just reach to your holster and grab the spare barrel right next to the extra mag.
Might be a whole new line of holsters for Snubby to design. Call it the TacSquibDefender.

[Jessie]

Originally Posted by dlombard

I really like that idea. I was looking at an M&P to compliment my SD/VE. The only thing that concerns me about a short-length barrel is muzzle flip and muzzle flash... As a .40, that's Quite the bang in such a small package.

I don't find it to be a problem with the .40. Others may disagree.
They do make low flash short barrel ammo which would help.

[federali]

A squib load won't harm the gun---unless you fail to check the bore for a lodged bullet and fire another round behind it. Then indeed, your gun must go to the gunsmith, or, more likely, the scrap dealer.

I've seen squibs assembled by new, inexperienced reloaders. Veteran reloaders usually take great pains and have personalized systems to insure against squibs and double charges.

[pittpa]

Get another 40 that you can buy an aftermarket 9mm barrel for, and 9mm mags. You will technically then have 3 guns, and can shoot whatever you have from the second gun if the first is out of commission for any reason. I bought a used 40 and then a Lone Wolf barrel in 9mm. I can practice with my 9mm reloads and use 9mm or 40 for SD.

[Kanewpadle]

Used to work at a range part time. Of the thousands of rounds that went down range nobody ever complained about a squib.

If you rely on a firearms for self defense, having a back up makes sense. Whether or not they are the same is up to the user.

[dlombard]

Originally Posted by Jessie

I don't find it to be a problem with the .40. Others may disagree.
They do make low flash short barrel ammo which would help.

Any recommendations? Right now, I'm using 165 grain Winchester range ammunition for target practice and Federal "Hydra-Shok" 135 grain JHPs.

(Beginning to regret mentioning the squib, hehe. I've been told by armorers that have worked on base, etc., that it's a good idea to not try and remove those on your own. I'm not Overly concerned there. Again, even if that's not Why the gun is out of service, if for any reason it does become non-serviceable to the point that it must be brought somewhere for repair--such as in the more realistic case of a firing pin that needs to be replaced, it makes sense to me to either keep a twin SD40VE, since it shares the same mag type, or an M&P 40.)

[Rule3]

A novel approach would to just have two (2) of the same guns in the same caliber.

No multiple calibers needed although it is more fun that way

[Jack Flash]

Originally Posted by Jack Flash

If the squib happens in an autoloader, you could swap in a spare barrel. Then you wouldn't have to ship off the whole gun, even if that was the only recourse to get the bullet out.

...

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

Now we're getting somewhere!

Say you're in a gun fight and get a squib. Just reach to your holster and grab the spare barrel right next to the extra mag.
Might be a whole new line of holsters for Snubby to design. Call it the TacSquibDefender.

Now, now ... nobody said anything about trying to do this in the middle of a gun fight. The OP fretted about having to ship a handgun off to the gunsmith and then being without. Having a few spares around is never a bad idea.

I have a feeling that if a squib happened in a shoot out, you wouldn't notice the squib and probably keep on shooting until something really bad happens.

My point is that changing out barrels would be a lot quicker with a bottom feeder than with a revolver, no matter when or where you do it.

And if you're that worried about being without a gun while it's at the shop, having some spares might give a little peace of mind. I may have some spare springs, firing pins, and the like laying around. That doesn't mean I plan to install them in the middle of a shoot out!