Is it enough: 9mm Luger for self-defense?
- Thread starter Echo40
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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"
My 6906 pulls nightstand duty. I guess that falls under 'self defense'.
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
Member
I'm not a big fan of the 9mm, but yes its is enough. 100,000 Cops can't be wrong.
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..
...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..
My 6906 pulls nightstand duty. I guess that falls under 'self defense'.
Aaaack! why is that lever down? Joe
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
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Nope 9mm is useless against a TRex/VRaptor hybrid. A 45/70 couldn't stop one, so the 9mm is clearly inadequate.
That's the best 'dead horse' gif I have seen in quite a while.
I want to throw up a little every time I see "double tap" written.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
When it comes to caliber wars, I prefer to be a medic rather than a combatant.
No, that's not true. I really don't care if people get their feelings hurt over whether the .1300 Nitro Armor Piercing Explosive Express (NAPEE) is adequate for nutria.
I carry what I have faith in. If I'm wrong, well, I've had a good run.
I don't think I'll check in on any more of these polls.
No, that's not true. I really don't care if people get their feelings hurt over whether the .1300 Nitro Armor Piercing Explosive Express (NAPEE) is adequate for nutria.
I carry what I have faith in. If I'm wrong, well, I've had a good run.
I don't think I'll check in on any more of these polls.
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V0OBWxZS16
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The 9mm is "enough." I will go beyond that and way that it is the optimal choice for most people, most of the time, with most firearms among the commonly available pistol cartridges.
Joe in SC
US Veteran
I'm not so sure.
I've never shot anyone so I don't know for sure. I am well read on the subject and think there has never been a better time for the 9mm as a viable man stopper. I say this because of present bullet technology and the major advances in 9mm bullet science over the past 10 to 15 years. I do own 2 1911's in 9mm (have 3 in 45 acp) and have on a very few occasions carried one of them concealed.
I know of 2 shootings where 9mm was employed. I have talked with the shooter in one instance and the person who was shot in the other. In both instances both people who were shot are alive and healthy today with no lingering effects. One was shot 4 times in his large forearm and once in his torso. He has some ugly scarring on his arm. He was on his feet and driving 6 days following being shot and was laughing about the incident (he was caught with another man's wife).
In the second incident a friend went to his girlfriends aid and upon arriving at the scene observed her being choked out by a former male friend. He ordered the person to release her. Needless to say, he did not comply and in the next action he was shot once in the chest. He was hospitalized for a couple of days and released. I understand he has long since fully recovered.
I was unable to find out what ammo was used in the shootings, but I would guess "ball" in at least one instance, perhaps in both considering the outcome.
I said all of that to say this: if I was going to carry a Nine for defense, I would carry one the very best ammo's now on the market. It would have to demonstrate faultless functioning in my weapon/magazines while firing an adequate number of test rounds. For the record, I normally carry 40 S&W or 45 ACP.
I've never shot anyone so I don't know for sure. I am well read on the subject and think there has never been a better time for the 9mm as a viable man stopper. I say this because of present bullet technology and the major advances in 9mm bullet science over the past 10 to 15 years. I do own 2 1911's in 9mm (have 3 in 45 acp) and have on a very few occasions carried one of them concealed.
I know of 2 shootings where 9mm was employed. I have talked with the shooter in one instance and the person who was shot in the other. In both instances both people who were shot are alive and healthy today with no lingering effects. One was shot 4 times in his large forearm and once in his torso. He has some ugly scarring on his arm. He was on his feet and driving 6 days following being shot and was laughing about the incident (he was caught with another man's wife).
In the second incident a friend went to his girlfriends aid and upon arriving at the scene observed her being choked out by a former male friend. He ordered the person to release her. Needless to say, he did not comply and in the next action he was shot once in the chest. He was hospitalized for a couple of days and released. I understand he has long since fully recovered.
I was unable to find out what ammo was used in the shootings, but I would guess "ball" in at least one instance, perhaps in both considering the outcome.
I said all of that to say this: if I was going to carry a Nine for defense, I would carry one the very best ammo's now on the market. It would have to demonstrate faultless functioning in my weapon/magazines while firing an adequate number of test rounds. For the record, I normally carry 40 S&W or 45 ACP.
I'll just leave this here for all future caliber polls:
All the member countries of NATO issue the 9mm. Virtually every law enforcement agency in the free world authorizes it's use. It is by far the most widely purchased center fire pistol cartridge in the United States and likely Europe. I think I see a pattern developing...so I will go out on a limb and vote yes.
Cellar Hound
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Each individual has to make the best decision for themselves. The following are important to me:
1. Situational Awareness
2. De-escalation and/or evasion (if possible)
3. Shot placement
4. Capacity
5. Caliber
Given my criterion, I believe 9mm to be sufficient (as are many other calibers). Training and proficiency with a firearm reign supreme.
1. Situational Awareness
2. De-escalation and/or evasion (if possible)
3. Shot placement
4. Capacity
5. Caliber
Given my criterion, I believe 9mm to be sufficient (as are many other calibers). Training and proficiency with a firearm reign supreme.
The 9x19mm is just fine as a primary defense handgun caliber, especially when stoked with modern hollow point ammo. It is my daily carry preference.
The 9x19 is quite capable of killing a man, but we all know that a 45 ACP will also kill his soul.
The 9x19 is quite capable of killing a man, but we all know that a 45 ACP will also kill his soul.
scoobysnacker
Member
I'd say yes, 9mm is good enough.
If you truly need MORE than that, then I wouldn't opt for another pistol cartridge, I'd go rifle or shotgun.
If you truly need MORE than that, then I wouldn't opt for another pistol cartridge, I'd go rifle or shotgun.
Funny how 90+ percent voted for the 9mm as adequate without qualification, but then felt obligated to qualify their vote up to 3 or 4 different ways in follow-up posts rather than simply choosing one of the qualified poll answers. 
The poll would have been a bit more meaningful had the first poll choice been: "Yes, regardless of ammo or magazine capacity."
Too many cop videos tell me that 9mm is far from optimal.
The poll would have been a bit more meaningful had the first poll choice been: "Yes, regardless of ammo or magazine capacity."
Too many cop videos tell me that 9mm is far from optimal.
Too many cop videos tell me that 9mm is far from optimal.
We all grew up with Matt Dillon and John Wayne getting instant one shot stops.......today's kids get the same impression from video games..... that not the real world..........................even a .44 magnum is subject to the laws of physics.... and despite Clint Eastwood's movies a .44 won't pick you up and slam you against the wall............................
First no handgun round is optimal (vs a rifle round) as a fight stopper...... second you've got to get good shot placement to have any chance of having stopping power...... finally one can get off 3-7 shots in the "second" from the first good hit until one realizes that the "threat" has stopped.
All handguns are at best "adequate"
Oh, I don't disagree Bam. And yes, I do get that multiple hits, courtesy of a higher capacity magazine, can help make up to some greater or lesser degree even with a mere .22 LR pistol.
All I am saying is that a select handful of cop-involved shooting videos found over the years has left me less than impressed with the 9mm's ability to stop trouble fast.
It doesn't mean that I don't pocket carry a small plastic 9mm (or .380) when the threat level is low. I just feel more comfortable out and about with my CS40. 
Bullet placement, bullet placement, bullet placement.
^^^ That's great in concept, but not always easily achieved when under incredible stress.
RobertJ.
Member
It made me LOL out loud!
keith44spl
Member
I don't always carry a 9mm.......But when I do.
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Ματθιας;140457555 said:
Exactly what I was fixing to say. I don't know if the 9mm has literally killed millions of people but I don't know that it has not, either! After two World Wars, and I don't know how many lesser wars, after the American military switched to it, used it in war, and since so many international militaries use it, I think it is safe to say it is a capable cartridge caliber. (I like alliteration so I tossed one in!).
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