Putting the Argument to Rest: The Indisputable Best Self-Defense Caliber/Cartridge.

[rockquarry]

As credited to Wyatt Earp, when asked how to survive a gunfight:

Don't show up.

Well said, but regrettably not something the gunfighting aspirants want to hear as they dream of the ultimate showdown attended by many violence-crazed armed opponents.

 

[steelslaver]

If I knew I was going to be in a gun fight, my absolute first choice for a men stopper would be the MK19

Barrel length: 16.25 inches (413 mm)
Cartridge: 40×53 mm
Muzzle velocity: 750–790 feet per second (230–240 m/s) (average)
Rate of fire: 325-375rpm (cyclic); 40 rpm (sustained); 60 rpm (rapid)

PS it is also good against light armored vehicles

 

[RobzGuns]

Is that a 12ga in yer pants, or are you just happy to see me??

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

The answer depends on how dead do you want to kill him?
If he is still a threat after the first shot-shoot him until he's no longer a threat. Pretty simple if you ask me. I think that any high capacity pew pew that you have with you would suffice.

 

[dave1918a2]

I'm not sure. Does April Fools run into May??

 

[Magnum_PI]

Well, Andrew's Leather had given the idea some thought when he made this rig...

 

[rockquarry]

The answer depends on how dead do you want to kill him?
If he is still a threat after the first shot-shoot him until he's no longer a threat. Pretty simple if you ask me. I think that any high capacity pew pew that you have with you would suffice.

If you bring logic into this discussion, the gunfighting theorists won't participate.

 

[Echo40]

I think the 10 gauge trumps the 12……..LOL

10 Gauge is an obsolete duck-hunting round, 12 Gauge 3.5" Shells have replaced it.

A month and 3 days late.

Only cowards mask their radical, over-the-top, borderline unreasonable assertions as jokes by posting them exclusively on April Fools Day!

What happens when you are facing a dozen baddies and your shorty shotty only holds four shells?

Ignoring the fact that it is tactically disadvantageous to engage a dozen units upfront and assuming you mean that the enemy had unforseen reinforcements which have cut off all viable escape routes?
Well, you want to take up a defensive position behind cover, and call for reinforcements of your own, then hold the line as best as you can until they arrive. If you're going to go down either way, then give 'em heck and tack as many of 'em with you as possible.

As far as being prepared for such a scenario goes, — or as prepared as you can be for a desperate situation — there are a few options... You could carry a 12 Gauge that takes detachable box magazines, a NY Reload, a or a BUG which offers similar performance such as a S&W Model 500. If all else fails, that's when you draw your knife.

Fortunately, the most common adversary one is likely to encounter on the mean streets are the infamous Crackerjack Boys, who are generally known to be less than well trained fighters, not to mention terrible shots due to their unorthodox method of aiming down the flats of the slide while taking haphazardous shots in your general direction with shaky hands due to their crippling chemical dependency on caramel-coated popcorn with salted peanuts mixed in.

 

[AJ]

10 Gauge is an obsolete duck-hunting round, 12 Gauge 3.5" Shells have replaced it.

I referenced an 8 gauge in Post # 14. So I guess if a 10 gauge is obsolete then so is the 8 gauge. But they both pack a heck of a wallop, especially at close range. Sort of like a swivel gun!

 

[ISCS Yoda]

The truth be known the best round is the one that stops the fight no matter what caliber!

That's correct, that's the answer, and, also, it is right. Furthermore, it's the best, most practical answer. Did you win? Did the aggression stop? Good job. Sleep tight. All the rest is commentary.............

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I'm not sure. Does April Fools run into May??

Actually, that IS EXACTLY what I was wondering.....but I did my best to be the sweet, kind gentleman my benighted, sainted momma raised....or tried to...........

 

[tops]

Anyway... how many of you have fired a 12ga Shockwave with 2 3/4" 9-ball 00 buck? I have. Not fun. Not even close. I'll stick with my 38's and 9mm's. Now a .410 Shockwave, maybe...

Back in my younger days I cut the barrels and stock on a double barrel 12 ga. magnum. Barrels and overall was legal. I loaded both barrels with 3 in. shells and shot it one time with one hand. The breech lever cut the web of my hand and the back of the trigger guard took some meat off my middle finger and my fingers wouldn't move. I used my good hand to pull the gun from my shooting hand and remove the unfired shell. I learned in one lesson to not do that again. Larry

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

The best Caliber is .729 and the best Cartridge is none other than the mighty 12 Gauge Slug Shell.

I know a Deputy who killed his partner with a 12 gauge miss. So at least two fatal cop shootings by their partners with 12 gauge shotguns.

Shotguns are not an answer for everyone JMHO

 

[AJ]

Nah, 12gauge is just, not the right weapon. Not even most of the time. FN PS90. 50 rounds of 5.7x28. I'd much rather scatter 50 pieces of 40grain lead at up to 50 targets. Bullpen length. Better sights with a red dot so you can get them running away. And I'll bet I can still have a modicum of hearing left if I were to fire off a few rounds inside vs one shotgun blast. Yep. 50 rounds. 22 caliber

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

Same amount of ammo and same caliber, but a tad smaller.
P50 | 5.7mm Semi-Automatic Pistol | 50 Round Capacity | KelTec

 

[murphydog]

If you want to tote one, about as effective as anything without wheels within 10 yards or so. Wouldn’t want to use it at 40 yards across the mall food court.

 

[Echo40]

Nah, 12gauge is just, not the right weapon. Not even most of the time. FN PS90. 50 rounds of 5.7x28. I'd much rather scatter 50 pieces of 40grain lead at up to 50 targets. Bullpen length. Better sights with a red dot so you can get them running away. And I'll bet I can still have a modicum of hearing left if I were to fire off a few rounds inside vs one shotgun blast. Yep. 50 rounds. 22 caliber

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

Counter-point: Each 12 Gauge #4 Buckshot 3" Shell holds 41 .24cal pellets.

 

[AJ]

If you want to tote one, about as effective as anything without wheels within 10 yards or so. Wouldn’t want to use it at 40 yards across the mall food court.

Don't want to tote one around. Was taught to take out the bad guy from behind the hostage at 10 yards with 00 Buck, without hitting the hostage. For longer ranges we used slug out to 100 yards.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Don't want to tote one around. Was taught to take out the bad guy from behind the hostage at 10 yards with 00 Buck, without hitting the hostage. For longer ranges we used slug out to 100 yards.

You seen the video of the San Diego PD officer taking out a murderer holding his ex-GF around her neck?

Shotguns are awesome especially for the few who really get it.

 

[Old cop]

My issued .38 saved me more than once during my career & based on that it’s what I carry in retirement.

 

[AJ]

You seen the video of the San Diego PD officer taking out a murderer holding his ex-GF around her neck?

Shotguns are awesome especially for the few who really get it.

Have not seen it, but have done it over 100 times using steel pepper poppers. Won some money on the shot, while teaching that it can be done.