Practicality of Keeping Multiple Calibers

[dlombard]

I'm looking for opinions to help me make a decision. While sqiubs are incredibly rare, they can happen, and if it does, off to the gunsmith my firearm goes. In the meantime (for however many days), I will have no firearm. So it makes sense to me to at least have two. I'm not loving the idea of keeping two calibers but the idea of having the SD9VE backup my SD40VE does appeal to me. Certainly more than having Two SD40VEs, heh. That said, it sure would be convenient to have all my magazines fully compatible with both firearms rather than having to have Another set of those as well.

This is mostly me thinking out-loud but I wanted to share my thoughts because I wanted to get a sense for what's practical.

 

[Muss Muggins]

I don't reload, and I've never had to deal with a squib, and don't know anyone who has had to deal with a squib. I've got about 15 calibers. Never thought it was impractical . . .

 

[Fishinfool]

When considering a weapon for self defense, it certainly makes sense to have two of the same caliber and operating style.

Most serious shooters / gun owners usually end up with a variety of guns and calibers, and consider it fun, and part of the sport to reload and shoot that variety of guns.

For someone mainly interested in a self defense weapon, a pair of same caliber guns is a sound premise.

Larry

 

[DWalt]

Why does having a squib load require a trip to the gunsmith?

 

[Arik]

I don't reload. Have been shooting for close to 20 years. Never had a squib, never heard of one happening to friends, never seen one live. Worrying about a squib IMO is on the bottom of the worry list. Bellow even stepping on gum and walking it through the house.

That being said. There are two ways to look at this.

Regardless of the reasons your gun may end up at the shop or back at S&W so keeping a spare isn't a bad thing.

1) an identical spare means you have the same exact thing. Same gun, grip, mags, controls, even same recoil. This allows you to stock A LOT of one type of ammo. So instead of buying 500 rounds of 9 and 500 rounds of 40s&w you can buy 1000 rounds of 9.

2). Having a different gun/different caliber means you stock for 2 and not one. Cut everything in half. Instead of buying two 9mm mags you buy one of each.....same with ammo. On the other hand unless you did some serious stocking variety is good to have when ammo is lean. When the big panic of 2011 hit every but 40 was gone in my area. For some reason people love to hate on the 40 so there was plenty of it for me!!!

I stock all 3 major semi auto calibers and the two major revolver calibers. Not to mention AR/AK x2/7.62NATO/two surplus rifles calibers/30.06 and 12G.

The way I stock is by importance. My main carry and practice is 9mm so I buy that the most. Followed by 40 and 45. Especially when there is a sale. I don't shoot much 38 or 357 so I eventually get around to it. Same way for the rifles with surplus caliber being of least importance

 

[Rpg]

I don't plan around having a sqib. Pretty remote reason for needing a replacement pistol.

I'm a big fan of not switching between models and calibers in sd handguns. That's why all my Colt 1911's are set up the same right down to custom checkering. That way if one is in the shop for a tuneup, it's twin is available to stand in.

It's hard enough for most folks to develop and maintain high levels of skill with one or two handguns to make introducing more to the situation.

If I can't carry a 1911 (an infrequent occurance) I carry a M38.

I have other handguns that would work for sd, but I've not developed the same skill level with them.

This is why I'm not a fan of 'rotating' carry pistols.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Squib to the gunsmith?
If you gun shoots most all the ammo you put in it, and the no bang-
It's most likely that round.
If you gun shoots most brands but misfires a lot with a particular brand - probably that brand of ammo.
If a round don't shoot, go to the next round.
Just like women.
If one don't work out, then go to the next one.
No reason to call Dr. Phil!

 

[two-bit cowboy]

This is mostly me thinking out-loud but I wanted to share my thoughts because I wanted to get a sense for what's practical.

I am at a severe disadvantage. I never looked at owning handguns as a "practical" idea. Variety, now that's what makes this fun and rewarding. One of each is not too many choices.

 

[American1776]

I'm a recreational shooter, a collector, and I also think about defensive purposes. I therefore like to have multiple calibers.

I like .45 auto for defense, 9mm and .38 spl. for lightweight carry, and .357 magnum is a good 'do it all' sort of deal.

About as rare as worrying about a squib; I like to think that having multiple caliber pistols makes one versatile during ammo shortages. If you only own one caliber handgun, and they are all out, you're kind of screwed. If you own 4 different calibers, your chances of having a functional firearm increase.

 

[robvious]

gentleman next to me at my last range visit had a squib in his new SSR
needed to borrow my cleaning rod to clear it... found 4 more in his reloads by just pushing the bullets back into the cases... his day was done... can't trust any of his reloads... felt bad for him... but did not feel like sharing ammo with someone not willing to check his own...
but it did not take a trip to a gunsmith... just a metal rod...

 

[pharmer]

My $.02, I would have at least 2 of the same caliber sidearms because it is "prudent" for the reason you described. I like "military standard" calibers so I have many 9mm, 1/3 as many .45acp. Revolvers are mostly .38/.357 with a couple .44mag and .45 Colt. Don't own other "popular" calibers, nothing against them but I like guns that ammo is on the shelf at WalMart. Then it is at other shops too. Always be considering your "options" when considering self-preservation. Joe

 

[dlombard]

Yeah the squib example was only an example. I know there are other/different reasons for having gun downtime, but was just considering that if that were to happen, I would be without any home defense period. My wife is working her California FSC so we might end up with another one (her's will be a 9 anyway), but until then, might be nice to have a twin SD40VE as suggested here. Now that my trigger technique is improving, I'm beginning to find I like it and, yes, .40 ammo seems to be more shortage-proofed than the 9x19 stuff, which factored into my purchasing decision initially.

 

[Ron AZ]

Yeah the squib example was only an example. I know there are other/different reasons for having gun downtime, but was just considering that if that were to happen, I would be without any home defense period. My wife is working her California FSC so we might end up with another one (her's will be a 9 anyway), but until then, might be nice to have a twin SD40VE as suggested here. Now that my trigger technique is improving, I'm beginning to find I like it and, yes, .40 ammo seems to be more shortage-proofed than the 9x19 stuff, which factored into my purchasing decision initially.

Following up on your example to illustrate the point ... I just had the slides on my and my wife's HD guns returned after 2+ weeks to fix failing front sights. No problem, I have choices and just moved other guns into HD and carry rotation.

But even if I have multiple guns of the same caliber, I usually find the optimum ammos to group for each to be different. This happened with even with 2 9 mm's of the same brand. So I end up stockpiling multiple SD and range ammos for each caliber. No problem if space and expense is not an issue. Some will say not to bother with that or why risk the confusion/complications but does not bother me.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

I'm looking for opinions to help me make a decision. While sqiubs are incredibly rare, they can happen, and if it does, off to the gunsmith my firearm goes. In the meantime (for however many days), I will have no firearm. So it makes sense to me to at least have two. I'm not loving the idea of keeping two calibers but the idea of having the SD9VE backup my SD40VE does appeal to me. Certainly more than having Two SD40VEs, heh. That said, it sure would be convenient to have all my magazines fully compatible with both firearms rather than having to have Another set of those as well.

This is mostly me thinking out-loud but I wanted to share my thoughts because I wanted to get a sense for what's practical.

For my money, little as it is, what would be practical would be to learn how to fix that problem when and if it might arise-- some oil, a dowel rod of the correct size and a hammer-- it would be nice to have a vic to clamp the piece in but it isn't required-- just a good idea. Really isn't a big deal-- unless several lodgings are present, then it becomes somewhat mor difficult-- JMHO.

 

[Jack Flash]

If the squib happens in an autoloader, you could swap in a spare barrel. Then you wouldn't have to ship off the whole gun, even if that was the only recourse to get the bullet out.

Most of us here are enthusiasts who like owning and shooting different calibers. Everything from .22 LR to .44 Magnum has its applications, practical or just for fun.

For home defense, it makes a lot of sense to focus on one basic handgun / caliber combination. Having a back up / spare (or two or three) has to be a good idea. And make sure they all accept the same speedloaders / magazines.

 

[Donn]

Why does having a squib load require a trip to the gunsmith?

I was wondering the same thing. A wooden dowel, a few taps with a small hammer, problem solved.

 

[Black_Sheep]

Someone much wiser than me once said, two is one and one is none. I think it's prudent to have a secondary firearm of the same caliber and platform. If you prefer an autoloader, sharing a common magazine is a big plus.

 

[gregintenn]

A man definitely needs more than one firearm. I'm afraid you came to the wrong place for advice if you're on a budget of any sort.

 

[Mahalo_.32]

My GLOCK and M&P both utilize 3 different calibers .357, .40 and 9mm... I feel that 9 and 40 are 2 of the most common calibers out there and 357sig is my preference to carry. If the poop ever hits the fan I can collect all kinds of ammo and possibly trade with others if needed.

 

[Faulkner]

If my 9mm ended up with a squib that I couldn't figure out how to remove, as unlikely as that is, I'd just carry my .40 S&W. If my .40 S&W squibbed up I'd just carry one of my .45's. Then if my .45's and my .40 and my 9mm all went down at the same time, I'd just carry one of my .38's. If I couldn't find any of my .38's, I'd carry my .357 magnum. If by some horrible twist of fate I couldn't use my 9mm, .40, my several .45's and .38's, and my .357, I'd have to revert to one of my .380's or .32 Colt pocket pistols.

I have hundreds of rounds of ammo in each of these calibers, so I don't get the must have two guns of the same caliber thing as long as you have ammo for all the gun calibers you do have.