Is this the 'end-all' for caliber wars?

[Lost Lake]

I found this report by the FBI quite enlightening, and I think the source is credible.

I can summarize with some liberties:

Basically in handgun loads there is no magic caliber.

You should use a round that will reliably penetrate 12" into a human.

Never depend on expanding bullets.

Never depend on fragmenting bullets.

Temporary wound channels with handgun loads are irrelevant.

Bigger calibers are better than smaller calibers.

Worrying about over-penetration is a fallacy. Only a small percentage of your rounds actually hit the target anyway. Worry more about stray rounds.


That said, I like my 9mm just fine, I like my .40, my .45 and my .357 and I think they will all work well. I am buying a .38 revolver for my wife although I believe more rounds is better, I think a revolver is better for her. Today I am carrying a 9mm with 13 rounds, and I don't know if I will carry my .380 as often now, no matter how awesome the bullets are or how easy it is to carry.

Here's the report form the FBI and to me it makes sense.
http://www.firearmstactical.com/pdf/fbi-hwfe.pdf

 

[Chuck1217]

Kinda hope that does put an end to the 'wars.' Kinda doubt it...A lot better stuff to put in the gun magazines than 'what caliber is best.'

 

[Erich]

That was released in 1989, so I'd say it didn't end the caliber-war nonsense.

 

[Lost Lake]

That was released in 1989, so I'd say it didn't end the caliber-war nonsense.

Ahh yes Grasshopper, but how many of us have seen it?


After someone reads this I would hope they will gain knowledge and make an informed decision. I know I have.

 

[venomballistics]

long ago I thought the 25 auto was cute .. still think it is. If its real reason in life rears its ugly head, I will be wishing I was packin a 155MM Howitzer no mater what I might have to offer at the time. so I stay as close to that as is possible.

 

[DerekF]

A lot has changed with bullet design since 89...

 

[MP1518]

From recent training (last few years) I can say that a RELIABLE pistol, that does not recoil much, accurate and easy to shoot fast AND with magazines that allow You to fire A LOT of rounds W/O a need to reload can be a real plus.

I am talking about offensive/defensive "Active Shooter" training taught to LE.

 

[fiasconva]

If ya can hit whatcha aimin' at, caliber ain't all that important...

 

[jlrhiner]

Another attempt by the lesser calibers to supplant the awesome power and magic of the venerable .45acp. I scoff at them!

 

[Erich]

Ahh yes Grasshopper, but how many of us have seen it?

Don't know about you kids, but many of us saw it in '89 . . .

 

[PeterCartwright]

Every time this subject comes up, I get the distinct impression there's an "apples and oranges" quality to the debate. It has always seemed to me that the needs of civilian carry (I are one) and law enforcement are different. Maybe I be wrong...

PC

 

[BCDWYO]

Every time this subject comes up, I get the distinct impression there's an "apples and oranges" quality to the debate. It has always seemed to me that the needs of civilian carry (I are one) and law enforcement are different. Maybe I be wrong...

PC

I agree that the needs of LE and civilians are different especially when it comes to round capacity. Civilians are MUCH less likely to become involved in prolonged firefights with a high round count. This is why high capacity semiautos are almost universally used by LE now, and why revolvers are still a very good choice for civilians. When it comes to caliber (the OP's original topic), I think the needs are similar...both groups want as much of the magical "stopping power" as they can get. The only difference might be that LE would have more of a need to shoot thru barriers such as auto glass or dry wall whereas I doubt most civilians would (or should) be doing that!

 

[cochise]

Bigger is better I always heard. Instructing a class in 1969 at Little Creek Va. I was asked what would I want if required to shoot someone, a .45 or a .38. My reply was a M60 machine gun but what do I have with me when I go the head? A S&W .38 snub.

It is what you have with you and know how to use it that counts.

 

[BoDog]

Anything that hits point of aim is better than a miss. After Proseminar in Parinoia, I conquered th 1911. From then on everything was easy becaus I lerned the ability of concentration.

 

[Rapidray]

I will use my...

Phaser...highest setting. Oh wait, forgot I was stuck in this time period.

 

[StatesRightist]

As I've said for a while time now Rule 1-- carry the biggest caliber you shoot well. If it's a .38 fine, 9mm even better etc, but a well placed hit beats a poorly placed round every time. Unless you just can't handle it, .38 is the minimum you should carry, as long as it does not conflict with rule 1.

 

[Lost Lake]

As I've said for a while time now, carry the biggest caliber you shoot well.

And that is pretty much what the FBI came up with!

Good mantra to follow.

 

[Ltlbear]

In order of importance.
Aim
Penetration
Bullet size
A miss with a .50 is the same as a miss with a .22

 

[mc5aw]

I'd rather get a hit with smaller caliber than a miss with a larger caliber. Carry what you are most proficient with ...

 

[TAKJR]

Simple response: Shot placement. Precision hits....count, no matter what you carry.

TAKJR