Why anything less than 9mm for frontline defense?

[Fly]

My first handgun was a .380.Still have it, but when I took my csc class I
got a 40.Why would anyone use anything less than a 9mm for there front line
defense?

For me a 9mm is to small.In Europe they have always used .25cal,.32cals &
ect.I just could never understand that.Even in the past US police carried .38's
for years.My Question is WHY?

 

[leadfinger]

FLY "For me a 9mm is to small.In Europe they have always used .25cal,.32cals &
ect.I just could never understand that.Even in the past US police carried .38's
for years.My Question is WHY?"

With the advances in 9mm ammo, they are very capable of first line defense.

 

[Glock 'em down]

It's a Ford/Chevy, apples/oranges, Ginger/Mary Ann kinda thang.

Most guys I know like a .45ACP or a .44 Magnum. Me? I'm happy with a .38 Special.

 

[DestructoJr]

I think shot placement is the important key there and the .22 has killed more people in this country than any other caliber domestically

 

[Fly]

All you guys make great points!With me .45 & 44 mags are just too big for
CSC at least for me.But if your the bad guy which CAL do you have the
best chance against.

I,m just bringing this up for your thoughts.Please give your input.

 

[Khest]

During the 20s and 30s all the cops and crooks had pocket pistols and revolvers in .25 or .38 and those killed more folks supposed than the M1911 or Tommy gun...at least an old show in Discovery said many years ago. As to change to 9mm or bigger, times change, fads change, and so has the choice for carry has changed. That is just my opinion though.

 

[LightningCrash]

I think shot placement is the important key there and the .22 has killed more people in this country than any other caliber domestically

some 22 Hi-Velocity rounds are pushing 200ft/lbs of energy. That's beating out the .25ACP by a longshot, and even the 32ACP. 22WMR is into 320ft/lbs, that's better than some types of 9mm practice ammo.

A normal-cap 22WMR semi-auto would be an unpleasant weapon to be on the wrong end of!
Such a weapon exists: The Grendel P-30. 30rds of 22WMR in a semi-auto pistol. Ugly as sin, but it works.

9mm can be up into 500+ft/lbs of energy, that's plenty enough. I don't think the 9mm is too small for self-defense.

 

[Glock 'em down]

I've said it before...I'll say it again.

They'll all kill ya deader'n hell.

 

[338Shooter]

I like my .38 a lot for the days when I don't want to dress to wear my .45. Don't hesitate a bit to put it in my pocket.

 

[ldp4570]

Mindset, and tactic's are what win the fight, not the gun.