Posted on Sep 26, 2014
SPC Randy Torgerson
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This is a subjective question. Nobody can anticipate every circumstance and condition. So this discussion is about whats best for you.... Vote below and tell us why?
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Responses: 89
SGT Kristin Wiley
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Anything smaller than a 9mm isn't going to be sufficent for self-defense. If you really want a pea-shooter, the psychological factor may be your best bet to stop the bad guys. Something is better than nothing. Big gun = big purse. Guys need to find better hiding places.
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SSG Paul Headlee
SSG Paul Headlee
>1 y
SPC Randy Torgerson check out the .460 Rowland conversion.
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SPC Randy Torgerson
SPC Randy Torgerson
>1 y
SSG Paul Headlee - That is pretty cool... I'm going to look into this even further. Thanks.
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SSG Paul Headlee
SSG Paul Headlee
>1 y
SPC Randy Torgerson YW. I kind of wanted a Wildey Survivor in .475 Wildey for a few years but their owners were reporting lots of cracked slides or frames, I forget which. Went with a .480 Ruger instead. 400 grain lead slug at 1275 fps, no problem. It could probably go 1325 or better but I don't beat up guns as a rule.
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SSG Paul Headlee
SSG Paul Headlee
>1 y
SPC Randy Torgerson there's the .45 Winchester Magnum as well. Not sure if anyone currently chambers that one.
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Sgt Philip Edwards
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I read this somewhere once in a magazine, "The .45ACP puts very big holes in very bad people."
I tend to agree with that. Springfield XD 4", cant beat 13 rnds of 45.
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SPC David S.
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Edited >1 y ago
Glock 30S .45 But go to the range and become very proficient with you side arm. Learn to shoot with left and right. Or you could just be a bad ass like this guy and use whatever the bad guy is using.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnlLeWLS5Iw
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CPT Obstetrics and Gyneco
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2
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I shoot a .40 Taurus and keep it in my gun purse. Has a laser on it too for extra accuracy. Beretta 9mm is a great and easy weapon to use. But glocks are the easiest and smoothest to shoot for me. I'm just speaking about cheaper weapons not the fancy and pricey handguns out there.
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Cpl Dennis F.
Cpl Dennis F.
>1 y
I spent quite a few years as a Competition RO and most of the guys with the fancy pricy race guns could never shoot as well as a out of the box Glock would allow them to.
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SGT Carl Blas
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All of them will work, shot placement is the key.
Ok, I'll ask the question, "If you got shot in the head, which caliber would you prefer to be shot with???
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SGT Carl Blas
SGT Carl Blas
>1 y
SSG Paul Headlee - After seeing that guy die from shock, I then knew and understood, why in the Army we were always taught to treat for shock.
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SSG Paul Headlee
SSG Paul Headlee
>1 y
SGT Carl Blas I'm surprised (and happy) that your store owner didn't expire from shock. BTW, you make excellent points and I agree with you.
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SGT Carl Blas
SGT Carl Blas
>1 y
SSG Paul Headlee - Thank you
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SSG Paul Headlee
SSG Paul Headlee
>1 y
SGT Carl Blas I found this and agree with it. Your comment about shot placement is rock solid. I've always emphasized marksmanship over volume of fire.
https://shootingthebull.net/blog/357-magnum-check-center-mass-hit-check-instant-stop-er/
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Maj Jeff Dodd
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.40S&W works for me. The Sig P239 SAS model is a great slim-gripped single stack magazine hand gun and is easily concealed--especially when paired with an alien gear IWB holster. I have never shot better with another hand gun and I have used a bunch over the years. That said, I shoot pretty good with a $300 Ruger 9mm that my dad gave to me over 20 years ago. I guess it all comes down to practice and fundamentals of good marksmanship.
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SSG Paul Headlee
SSG Paul Headlee
>1 y
That is precisely what it comes down to, along with a good dose of situational awareness and a good tactical plan (to include battle drills).
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Lt Col Christine Peyton
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Edited 11 y ago
.45! I prefer to only have to shoot once. I want to make sure when I hit them, they are going down.
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GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad
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Colt o4691
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SFC Health I.T. (Hit) Systems Security Engineer
SFC (Join to see)
11 y
Colt .45 caliber... Good old weapon. 
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MAJ Rich Thompson
1
1
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Whatever you have and are accurate with, shot placement is more important than size/calibre!
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SPC Randy Torgerson
SPC Randy Torgerson
11 y
Amen brother...!
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MAJ(P) Operations Research/Systems Analysis
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.380 is solid enough. Plus, do you truly conceal carry a .45? If so, great. But, for me, I want a weapon that is not cumbersome.

If you're worried about stopping power, then you might not have the true intent of a concealed weapon. If I ever feel the need to pull out my weapon to defend my life, I'm not looking to slow you down. Too many variables. I'm looking to take you out. My .380 has enough gusto to turn the lights out; assuming I group my shots well enough.
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SPC Randy Torgerson
SPC Randy Torgerson
11 y
Hmm, I assume we're talking about America? A class on "hostile environments and complacency" may be beneficial for other reasons but seems odd to take this class to help determine what firearm and caliber to carry for a non-hostile country....

Shouldn't you carry what you like? What feels good to you? What your willing to want with you everyday? I mean a grenade is the best all round way to get the bad guy, but it has severe consequences. Just like someone who is not comfortable with a .45 1911, there will probably be severe consequences. You should carry what your comfortable using and concealing. That will be your best defensive firearm.

Just my opinion of course.....
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MAJ(P) Operations Research/Systems Analysis
MAJ(P) (Join to see)
11 y
I'm well-versed and well-trained with my weapons and personal physical security. This includes the differences in caliber and a slew of weapon types. My time with CJSOTF was very beneficial and trust me, they were pros.

I proudly stake my life on the .380 I carry with the rounds I choose. If the time arises, I'll place a well grouped shots to the chest or head - situation dependent. If I'm in or near my vehicle, I'll pull out my .40 or my M4. But, my concealed weapon of choice is what I'm comfortable with having on me at all times (off post).

But, hostile environment? My course of action is to avoid a hostile environment at all cost. That's usually very possible in the US.

Now, I ask, are you going to chastise and assume everyone who chooses not to carry the caliber of your choice that they are less informed and need "professional" training?
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