Preferred every day carry cartridge?

[BabaBlueJay]

The choices that are missing in this poll are the +P rounds in 38 special, 9mm, and 45ACP...

Yeah, I think you could count those in the base for each caliber. I couldn't possibly fit everything in the poll though. For the purposes of the poll I'd assume 38 special includes +P as well as the other examples you listed.

 

[Goldstar225]

With that said, if there's a bad guy with a gun and he's going nuts, I'd be happy to see one of you guys stop him as quick as possible, in which case a SW bodyguard is small and powerful enough.

I understand your reluctance to defend yourself and potentially take a human life. It's your life and you have an absolute right to make that choice.

Where I take issue is your hope that others place themselves in jeopardy for your sake when you are unwilling to do so yourself.

 

[BC38]

Yeah, I think you could count those in the base for each caliber. I couldn't possibly fit everything in the poll though. For the purposes of the poll I'd assume 38 special includes +P as well as the other examples you listed.

Gotcha....

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I understand your reluctance to defend yourself and potentially take a human life. It's your life and you have an absolute right to make that choice.

Where I take issue is your hope that others place themselves in jeopardy for your sake when you are unwilling to do so yourself.

That is why you and I are LEOs.

If you do Statistics. Three out of four LEOs can take a life. Only one out of seven can do the same in the general population.

 

[petepeterson]

It is interesting, in an unscientific sense. I too would have expected (guessed) different numbers, thinking the younger guys might have said 9mm and the older types .45 Auto. As usual, I was wrong. .38 Special outdistanced .45 by quite a ways. Of course speculation about age group preferences is merely that.

Much as I like the P365, and use it most often, it is not what I prefer. Laziness prevents me from using the .45 most often, but it's what I prefer.

I think the .38 gets a lot of traction out of being the top dog for CCW revolvers.

I feel exactly the same way about my 365. It's with me the most, but doesn't do anything for me when it's time to enjoy shooting.

 

[petepeterson]

That is why you and I are LEOs.

If you do Statistics. Three out of four LEOs can take a life. Only one out of seven can do the same in the general population.

That's some serious science right there.

 

[BC38]

If you do Statistics. Three out of four LEOs can take a life. Only one out of seven can do the same in the general population.

That's some serious science right there.

Yeah I thought that was interesting too.
How did they define who could and who couldn't? I'm sure it isn't based on who actually HAS taken a life or even shot someone - no way 3 out of 4 LEOs have actually killed someone, nor have 1 in 7 non-LEOs ever even shot their gun in self defense.
Is this just the statistical results of having been asked a lot of people the question "could you take a life"?
So, how were those statistics compiled, by whom, and do you have a link?
Inquiring minds want to know

 

[lrrifleman]

For the poll, I selected the 9mm, but it would be a toss up between the 9mm and the 380. 380 because of minimal recoil, and I can accurately place shots into a fist-sized group within 21 feet. 9mm, because it is more readily available.

 

[petepeterson]

Yeah I thought that was interesting too.
How did they define who could and who couldn't? I'm sure it isn't based on who actually HAS taken a life or even shot someone - no way 3 out of 4 LEOs have actually killed someone, nor have 1 in 7 non-LEOs ever even shot their gun in self defense.
Is this just the statistical results of having been asked a lot of people the question "could you take a life"?
So, how were those statistics compiled, by whom, and do you have a link?
Inquiring minds want to know

You spent way too much time analyzing it. It's just science. Trust it.

 

[BC38]

You spent way too much time analyzing it. It's just science. Trust it.

Yeah, statistics show that the majority of people will believe almost anything you say if you preface it with the words "statistics say..."

 

[chief38]

Frankly, I don't see a significant difference between 9 mm and .38 Spl +P. This time of year the one handgun I don't go out of the house without is an old/ancient High Standard derringer loaded with .22 Mag snake shot. Others many also be along for the ride out here in rural America.

Recently over the last decade, the 9mm cartridge has improved quite a bit with offerings from Federal (HST), Speer (Gold Dot) and Winchester. It seems that because the 9mm Micro pistols are so popular these days as carry pistols, the cartridge companies have set their focus on those instead of the waning .38 special.

The real advantages of the 9mm over the .38 special is not so much the cartridges themselves, but rather the guns that carry them. Wheel guns have decreased in large number over the last decade in favor of new light, small, high capacity 9mm's. People are now using their revolvers more for Range duty than for self defense purposes and the cartridge company's see where their bread is buttered.

Not saying the .38 special cartridge isn't still a good cartridge for self defense, just saying that the guns that shoot them are being somewhat obsoleted by the new crop of micro 9's and .380's. BTW, don't necessarily go by what your read here on this Forum as many of us are older, diehard revolver aficionado's who will never give up their wheel guns for self defense - got that! Look at new gun sales instead.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Recently over the last decade, the 9mm cartridge has improved quite a bit with offerings from Federal (HST), Speer (Gold Dot) and Winchester. It seems that because the 9mm Micro pistols are so popular these days as carry pistols, the cartridge companies have set their focus on those instead of the waning .38 special.

The real advantages of the 9mm over the .38 special is not so much the cartridges themselves, but rather the guns that carry them. Wheel guns have decreased in large number over the last decade in favor of new light, small, high capacity 9mm's. People are now using their revolvers more for Range duty than for self defense purposes and the cartridge company's see where their bread is buttered.

Not saying the .38 special cartridge isn't still a good cartridge for self defense, just saying that the guns that shoot them are being somewhat obsoleted by the new crop of micro 9's and .380's. BTW, don't necessarily go by what your read here on this Forum as many of us are older, diehard revolver aficionado's who will never give up their wheel guns for self defense - got that! Look at new gun sales instead.

This is exactly the issue. It is why I switched from 38 special to 22LR revolver. I prefer a revolver over an auto because that is what I have thousands of rounds of experience with. That being said, I noticed how small the section for 38/357/44 was in comparison to 22/9mm/380 especially 22/9mm.

The cost of 38 is insane compared to 9mm and as you correctly note less and less guns are being made for the round. I'm 36 and other than one person I am close with, every other person my age carries a micro 9. Add to that, the fact that 9mm is the preferred military handgun cartridge and the ammo companies have far more incentive to pump out 9mm.

As much as I love 38/357 I just see a bleak future for most revolver calibers.

 

[SmithSwede]

I'm offended that you didn't give a specific option for the mighty .32 S&W Long.

 

[Llance]

My preferred cartridge is .45 Colt, but practical use says, only if I'm going into the mountains or plains of Wyoming or Colorado etc., otherwise it depends on the reason for my going. Most often I'm carrying a .32 auto, next up is a Kimber micro-9. Follow up with a Colt Government model .380. After that it will be a S&W M59 or 69. Lastly a .45 ACP, either an officer's model Colt or my 1911A1.
Having my M59 on my side when I traveled into Chicago may have saved my bacon one night when I had to stop for gas in a less then desirable area. I do prefer big and slow over light and swift. Must be my military traaining.

 

[rwsmith]

The winter's aren't that cold here......

Frankly, I don't see a significant difference between 9 mm and .38 Spl +P. This time of year the one handgun I don't go out of the house without is an old/ancient High Standard derringer loaded with .22 Mag snake shot. Others many also be along for the ride out here in rural America.

...so heavy clothing isn't a big factor. Standard .38 is fine with me as long as the ammo tests out good. I have a couple of .38s in the house (along with some 9's) but I don't 'carry' one.

 

[Puller]

Wow, interesting thread. I see lots of oft repeated unsubstantiated internet lore being repeated.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Wow, interesting thread. I see lots of oft repeated unsubstantiated internet lore being repeated.

Yeah I was kind of hoping that back and forth discussion could help with that. I think it's fun though.

 

[BC38]

Wow, interesting thread. I see lots of oft repeated unsubstantiated internet lore being repeated.

Pretty broad, general statement.
Got any more specifics?
I'm always open to learning how to better tell fact from fiction.

 

[Fastbolt]

Yes, the Taurus PT92. It's basically a Beretta 92, but with the safety/decocker in the proper position.

Pretty knife (handle color).

I can offer something to complement it if a J-frame is carried ...

 

[Fastbolt]

It's unsurprising the leading choices are still running 9MM/.38SPL. Both calibers make for relatively 'easy shooting' for both novice and experienced handgunners. Both are popular in small and easily concealed models (although that may make them harder to shoot well, especially under stress).

These sort of threads sometimes remind me of when some of the guys & gals in classes and range quals asked what they ought to carry off-duty, in retirement or for CCW licenses. My answer tended to lean toward whatever they knew they could shoot better ... and were willing to actually carry.

Some folks will always choose something that offers them comfort in the way of the 'talisman effect', which mostly means capacity or caliber. Human nature. Nothing wrong with that, as confidence can be a helpful thing ... as long as it's a justified confidence, and not a false sense of confidence.

Many folks simply 'like' a particular make/model of handgun. The reasons may vary, but it still comes down to them liking it for its appearance, heft, feel, etc. Fine, as long as they can use it well, if actually needed.

I frankly told a lot of folks to give careful consideration to WHY they were carrying a handgun as a dedicated defensive weapon in the first place, and then to consider how well they could run their 'favorite' choice under difficult and stressful conditions.

I saw my fair share of folks choose an off-duty, retirement or CCW weapon which they didn't shoot as well as another one they owned ... but they liked it better. Hey, as long as they could demonstrate a 'sufficient level of competence' to pass a qual course-of-fire, it ultimately wasn't my business. Choosing what I carry - and why - is my business.