Short barrel on 9mm vs .45acp

by D. Sikes, Saturday, September 10, 2016, 15:25 (2934 days ago) @ rob

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.