ACP230
Member
The answer is "Maybe." The same as it is with every other handgun round.
Newbie Question: Is a 9mm Enough for Self Protection
- Thread starter Jeff Lynch
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firebirdude
US Veteran
This question can't be asked without 4 pages of replies.
My opinion? Once any human being gets shot once, they back the F up. Even if they're on drugs, they'll slow down giving you time to put another one on em if need be.
My opinion? Once any human being gets shot once, they back the F up. Even if they're on drugs, they'll slow down giving you time to put another one on em if need be.
Just Shoot
Member
I don't think I would want to be on the recieving end of it....
It's not v. X, it's v. .45ACP, and it's at least since the sixties, by my personal observation of the gun rags. It's probably actually much older than that, and just as useless. Some bullet shapes are better than others, and bigger is better than smaller, but which organ you hit exactly where is far more important. I'd rather bet my life on six shots somewhere in the chest with a .45ACP than same with a .22LR, even an HP, but "somewhere in the chest" is not something to count on, even if it probably works more often than not.
If you like the gun the 9mm bullets come out of, practice with it and don't "perseverate" on the caliber.
It's been said before, but *all* handgun rounds are "ineffective." Nobody in their right mind would opt for a handgun if they expected to get in a gunfight. Given that, splitting hairs over which round or bullet style might be marginally more effective than another is just a wee bit silly.
The question then becomes which handgun can you carry easily (so you'll always have it with you--a gun in the safe is useless), shoot effectively, and be as close as possible to certain that it will go bang regardless of how scared or adrenalin-addled you may be.
I don't feel like spending all day every day with 2-3 pounds of gun on my belt, and I'm not willing to spend the weekly training hours that would be required to ensure I'd be able to *instinctively* clear malfunctions, so it's a wimpy .38 J frame for me.
Others' boats may be floated by something else, but my choice is right for *me*.
The question then becomes which handgun can you carry easily (so you'll always have it with you--a gun in the safe is useless), shoot effectively, and be as close as possible to certain that it will go bang regardless of how scared or adrenalin-addled you may be.
I don't feel like spending all day every day with 2-3 pounds of gun on my belt, and I'm not willing to spend the weekly training hours that would be required to ensure I'd be able to *instinctively* clear malfunctions, so it's a wimpy .38 J frame for me.
Others' boats may be floated by something else, but my choice is right for *me*.
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Win75
Member
I have carried a 9mm for years for personal protection and as a LEO. I used Winchester Silver Tip HP's for a long time until the Hornady Critical Defense ammo came along. Now, that is all I carry.
The most consistent performer was the 147 gr. Ranger-T through barriers like denim, heavy clothing, and sheetrock. 14" penetration, and .66 expansion throughout.
If you throw in hard barriers like glass, and steel, the Ranger-Bonded works better.
Badkarma 1
US Veteran
Here's a different approach, get a timer or stop watch and shoot a controlled pair (not a double tap) first with your 9mm then with your buddies .40 and .45, I'll bet you can shoot said 9mm a lot faster than you can the bigger calibers and they will too!
Like the other poster said:" It's all about shot placement!" And the 9mm works just fine thanks!
And as a bonus it's a heck of a lot cheaper to shoot thus it let's you practice more! And in that regard it's a winner! Dale
Like the other poster said:" It's all about shot placement!" And the 9mm works just fine thanks!
And as a bonus it's a heck of a lot cheaper to shoot thus it let's you practice more! And in that regard it's a winner! Dale
Exactly. A .22 is enough...ask any hit man.
BikerRN
Member
Yes, but with a caveat.
That caveat being that the 9mm is very ammo dependant. There is much less margin for error in regards to proper bullet selection with the 9mm as opposed to the .40 S&W or .45 ACP.
Biker
9mm needs to be a HP to be effective. Federal, Speer, Cor-Bon all make good SD choices. From what I have read 115 gr. or 124 gr. is the best and you should stay away from 147 gr. (sorry, that's just what I have read from multiple sources).
Steve C
Member
I have .45's but carry a 9mm most of the time. The 9 gives me more ammo and IMO is every bit as effective as the .45 acp with good self defense ammo like the Winchester you are carrying.
Before HP ammo big bullets give you better performance as it was the only way to make a bigger hole but in the current day the modern JHP's have made the difference insignificant. The 9mm has sufficient velocity to assure expansion even from short barreled handguns. The .45 acp is marginal in velocity required to open JHP's with bullets heavier than 200grs even from a 5" barrel and looses more as the gun size and barrel length decreases.
Before HP ammo big bullets give you better performance as it was the only way to make a bigger hole but in the current day the modern JHP's have made the difference insignificant. The 9mm has sufficient velocity to assure expansion even from short barreled handguns. The .45 acp is marginal in velocity required to open JHP's with bullets heavier than 200grs even from a 5" barrel and looses more as the gun size and barrel length decreases.
Your multiple sources would have been right 20 years ago. Not so much now.
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i never said a word regarding the 9mm greatness...apparently you are not familar with the lengthy,involved tests conducted by the military regarding the new sidearm...had not a thing to do with a worn out 45...
Hugh WW
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Cant resist!
As a homicide cop of many years ago, I saw folks shot with about everything you can think of. In the morgue you get an up close and personal look at what bullets do and don't do. no two circumstances will ever be identicle, no two shots will ever always have the same effect on a human body. But you can be certain of one thing, if the shot placement is less than correct/lethal it will not have the desired effect. Carry what you are good with and practice with what you carry, have confidence in your ability. 9mm is an effective round with proper shot placement, but then, so are a lot of others. Best, Hugh
As a homicide cop of many years ago, I saw folks shot with about everything you can think of. In the morgue you get an up close and personal look at what bullets do and don't do. no two circumstances will ever be identicle, no two shots will ever always have the same effect on a human body. But you can be certain of one thing, if the shot placement is less than correct/lethal it will not have the desired effect. Carry what you are good with and practice with what you carry, have confidence in your ability. 9mm is an effective round with proper shot placement, but then, so are a lot of others. Best, Hugh
The same tragedy could have taken place with a 22 auto or a 44 Bulldog. CALIBER had nothing to do with it.
Whats evident is that YOU dont know the condition that the 1911's were in. As far as accepting the (mm...the god old US of A wanted our troops to be stepping alongside other NATO troops as far as ammo goes. ( not weapons..but ammo)
#1 it CAN take many many years to get a weapon and its ammo approved for military use....and
#2..should someone be in the "right spot" they can get the same approved EXCEEDINGLY quickly.
Some organizations in the military have SCRAPPED the Beretta and its 9MM for 45 acp pistols built by..?? Ed Brown I think...or maybe it was a special run from Kimber.....cant remember exactly
