Hey rob,

Here's my take on the subject... look at what the cartridge was designed for and how it has evolved into in modern times... and then take a look at what is you intended purpose for it...

I thake it that you are looking at a defensive pocket pistol with enough "ummph" to get the job done... is that "instant stop"?... "instant kill"?... "make the perp stop long enough for you to make an escape"?... "make the perp stop long enough for you to take additional steps"?...

nothin is an instant stop/kill unless it's a head or CNS shot... a .22lr can do that to the head if placed correctly... but if a head/CNS shot is not feasible, then you need enough "ummph" to get the perps attention...

you also have to take into account barriers to penetration... clothing, obsticles, angle of shot, distance... etc.

now with all that... let's look at the 9mm vs .45acp and I'll throw the .380acp into the mix too...

Traditionally, the .45acp was optimized with a 5 in barrel cause with it's low chamber pressure, it needs all it can get to push that big bullet... the 9mm is a high pressure round and can get moving faster in shorter barrels... but then it's does have smaller mass to go down range further... the .380acp has the same basic problem as the .45acp but is also handicaped by a smaller mass bullet... now... if you need penetration... go 9mm.. smaller diameter, faster velocity, better shapped bullet to go deeper in tissue penetration to reach vital organs... but it also leaves a smaller temp cavity and shock value... the .45acp just thumps them like a slower moving hammer...

with today's modern bullet technology and powder development... a 9mm and even the .380acp can be a deadly stopper... the ammo industry is also now making the .45acp into a whole new elephant... so depending on your source, you can get ammo tailored to your weapon... check out Buffalo Bore...

Now it's a lot to consider... so let's get back to your choice of weapon's... don't base it on the ammo in today's world... they will all do the trick.. just pick the one that matches best with your particular pistol... and as for which pistol?... go handle each one and find one that fit's your hand, is comfortable, carries well and has a decent trigger... and then find and test the ammo that works best in that pistol... for me.. up and close "protection" can be a .380, 9mm, or .45 acp.. but with my arthritis... I have to look at what I can shoot several times if need be.. and that means in a small pocket pistol.. it's a .380acp... a 9mm in a small package can torque your wrist almost as much as a .45acp... if you don't have that problem, then it goes back to the fit, carry, shoot the best category... and don't count out the Taurus models... some of them have a much better trigger than I found in "first line" manufacturers..

So good luck in your search... a 9mm Kahr would be a fine choice.

mm and the XDs in 45 or 9mm. The fiber optic sight has not been an issue in 2 years of constant carry, at all. If it is Springfield includes a spare...I am not sold on the Shield in 45; the mags are VERY had to load the bun is just enough bigger that I would carry my Commander instead...The LC9 Pro addresses all the shortcomings of the first LC9; bad trigger invisible sights ...If you watch Palmetto State Armory and CDNN they will occasionally blow out SHIELDS for around 300 bucks.

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

Last summer I picked up a Shield in 9mm after trying to convince myself to go with one of the 380s. The size difference just wasn't enough to convince me that the smaller cartridge was worth the smaller package. The first time I fired it was to qualify for the MO CCW course. Generic 115 gr ammo shot right to the sights at the official distance, whatever that was. Even though I'd never fired the gun before there was no issue with feeding or hitting where it was aimed. The group was a bit bigger than it should have been, but considering it was the first time ever firing the piece, no real complaints. Kept them all in the 9 ring and most in the 10. Oh, and as if that wasn't enough, I used different ammo for each mag load. Everything put into it has fired, functioned and grouped well enough for the purpose for which the pistol was acquired.

I'm intrigued by the 45 version as well. Perhaps next time we head north I'll find someone with one to try. A bottom feeding bellygun... hmmm, what's not to like?

She is deadly with hers. Me? Not so much. I seem to shoot to the right with mine. In truth, I haven't shot more than a magazine or two's worth but Melodie has put a couple hundred through hers. I should take them both out and shoot them side-by-side to see if there is a difference. I wouldn't be at all surprised to find it's the driver rather than the tool. I will say they have very good triggers, real and visible sights, easy to load magazines and carry easily.

shields with safety on sale until midnight for $349.00 with free shipping