Typical conversation here I see. These discussions will continue as long as different pistol calibers are available. Everything though must be evaluated same as one does when buying anything. Years ago cops used to buy ballistic armor based on what the most likely threat they would encounter. Two primary concerns had to be considered, comfort of wear and type of weapon most likely to be encountered. Some cops would go nuts and buy a vest that would stop almost everything, but then they wouldn't wear the vest because it was too uncomfortable. Other cops like myself looked at the big picture and what was the most likely rounds a bad guy would use. We made our vest purchase based on that information and we wore our more comfortable vests all the time on duty.
Most knowledgeable cops back in the day knew the chances of running into a bad guy armed with a .44 Magnum, .45 ACP or even a .357 were pretty slim. Most were armed with .22's, .25 Autos, .380's, .38 Specials and occasionally a 9mm. Today things are different of course and threat level protection is also different, but I often thought a guy with a .22 RF can be just as dangerous as a guy armed with a Magnum IF the guy with the .22 RF knows how to shoot it. Let's face it, a hole placed in a body in the right spot can be deadly regardless of caliber. This simple fact has been proven time and again and that's why I only carry a 9mm or .380 with factory ammunition for concealed carry. I shoot the 9mm and .380 well. I can control the recoil of them better than larger rounds and I am comfortable with them. I will add that modern .380 ammunition is nothing to sneeze at and ballistically can be close to a 9mm.
Depending on the time of year and clothing worn I carry either a G-48 or G-42. Why Glocks? Easy choice for me. I shoot them well and I can replace them easily if they are taken as evidence. I don't use any radical ammunition in them, only what one would use if they were on a law enforcement agency. If it's good enough for police use it's good enough for me. I don't want to have to explain to a jury why I am using some radical looking ammunition in my EDC pistol because it will raise eyebrows and plant seeds I don't want planted. I want it known that I only wanted to stop what I perceived as the dangerous and illegal activity of a person who I deemed a threat to me or possibly someone else. It should never be about killing someone, it should only be about stopping them. No more, no less.
Could I carry a .40 or .45 or even a 10mm? Sure I could, but why? Realistically what are your chances of being involved in a gunfight? And are you ready to confront the criminal and civil legal system if you are involved in a shooting? All food for thought beyond a simple caliber choice. One last question should be if you do carry a firearm, do you have a really good lawyer cause if you use that firearm you will need one.
Rick H.
