First off, an anecdote relating to the assertions about sissy or pansy calibers posted here. My best friend, who died from cancer at age 49, was a Lt. in our department. He loved the .44 spl, and that was his second gun, permissible in our manual. The mandatory carry issue revolvers were the S&W 66 and 686. The issue round was the .38 spl +P Treasury load. Given any opportunity my amigo would term this a sissy round. I would respond that if it is such a sissy round, allow me to watch as he shot himself in the foot with this round to see how it felt. Conversation would pretty much dry up then. Until the next time, which there always was, until he left us much too soon.
That said, my preferences:
.22 rimfire LR. Maximum fun. I have three .22 rifles which will shoot <MOA at 50 yards with target ammo. I really enjoy making those dime size holes. We live in such a densely forested area that finding more than 50 yards clear to shoot is a major undertaking.
9mm. My two carry autos, Glock 26 and S&W 6906, are both 9mm. Where I worked, and lived at the time, was gang-central. They always traveled in packs, so I wanted maximum number of rounds available if necessary. I was not concerned about 9mm capability vs something that starts with 4. Shot placement trumps caliber. Opinions vary on this, so even though I am right, I don't try to impose it on anyone.
.38 spl. But, in .357 revolvers. .38 spl was what was used in PPC competition as well as department qualifications early on. Most of us carried .357 on duty, which was allowed. When the department settled on the Treasury load I mentioned above, even though it was .38 spl, it was pretty hot and the ruggedness of .357 spec revolvers was considered an advantage. I carried the same philosophy over to my SA revolvers. For me, a .357 revolver is the most versatile because of the variety of ammunition it can accommodate.
