9mm vs .40 vs .45... which is better for self defense?

Very good. I think you advice is right on the mark. Thank you.

I don't see how ppl never really bring up A. the 9mm always comes in a smaller platform better for concealed carry but B. would it be able to go through a door or car if need be like a 45 supper most likely could or at lease have a better chance of ???

All fair points and I'm not going to argue anything you said is incorrect but you skip the real issue. The great caliber(really cartridge) debate and even I think the root of the point you're trying to make here but never said. Is that the first question in cartridge choice has less to do with the cartridge and more with the gun. Cause of exactly what you said about handguns being less then ideal tools, we each need to choose the largest most capable gun/model that fits our hand well and we will carry. This of course is a compromise and everything is a factor. But gun model parameters need to come first before cartridge choice. The point being if someone can grip well and carry an all steal long slide double stack 1911 then it's silly to get it in 9mm. But if someone can only shoot well and will carry something light small and compact then 45ACP is silly. Even if they make it in 45ACP it's a bitch to shoot well and has low capacity.

Next comes cartridge choice and there everything you said is all good except one point. It helps a lot if poor hits are capable as well. Get someone in the forehead with anything you've won. But in a gunfight the bad guy isn't going to just square up in front of you to be shot in the head like a paper target. You have movement, cover, odd positions, clothing, etc. A round that can both punch through and/or do more damage when impacting a less then ideal location can really turn the tide in your favor. This is where 9mm falls short, there's many an example of less then ideal hits with 9mm doing very little to stop the threat. While of course if you look you can find examples of this with every popular handgun cartridge, but the odds go up greatly at about the 9mm capability level.

I think people too often skip over something else as well. People too often skip over other cartridges, there's more out there then 9x19, 40SW and 45ACP. If all you're gunna shoot with it is paper then it don't matter but we are talking defensive guns and there it really does matter. For example going back to 1911s I see no point in 9x19 1911s, even I you want a smaller cartridge 9x19 is a poor choice as it gives up the cartridge length ability of the platform. 38 Super is a much better cartridge for a self defense 1911 if you want a .357/9mm caliber to increase capacity and lower recoil. Good self defense ammo is pricey in any cartridge so that's not a factor, but if you want to shoot 9x19 for practice cost then get a 9x19 barrel for it.

Me I prefer 1911s as well and have no issue carrying and shooting an all steal 5" gun with some powerful loads. I've landed on 40 Super as my carry cartridge and often plink with 45ACP in the same gun with a different barrel. One reason why 40 Super brings up a point as well, using a bottle necked cartridge will greatly increase reliability. This also needs to be a factor in cartridge choice. Many calibers have good choices for bottle necked versions, 45ACP/40 Super, 10mm/9x25 Dillon, 40S&W/357Sig, etc.

not arguing your point at all, but... i would think that a caliber comparison would be hits versus hits, not hits versus misses. also, near hits. like if you miss the bad guys heart but hit him in the shoulder. sure hes probably gonna live but how will the wound affect his ability to continue to fight, 9mm vs 40sw vs 45acp? whatever platform someone chooses, that someone needs to train with it. thats the most important thing, training. someone looking to buy and train with a handgun for personal defense and or the defense of home and family may be looking for more info than hits are more effective than misses in order to chose the right platform for them. or should we all be carrying 22's? btw, i can mess a bad guy up with a 22, but thats not the caliber that i reach for

Good hollow points make the debate kind of meaningless. They are all very effective with the right ammo. I personally prefer 9mm because its cheaper to train with, less recoil and generally higher capacity but I own a 45 and a 40 as well.

Exactly right. Marksmanship is paramount! For accuracy and SAFETY, The weapon should fit the individual's needs and abilities, rather than another's personal conclusions. The most important caliber, is that of the operator's mindset!!!!! Practice, practice, practice! I rate your take on this issue at quantum leaps over that idiot "The Yankee Marshall" and his video on the same subject! You are spot on my friend.

Thank you much for the thorough explanation !

good explanation. Just hit the vitals. 9mm= more tries.

Defensive ammo advances have changed the damage factor of smaller calibers. I love my 9mm. I run Federal 147g HST JHP. I've got kids and neighbors with kids. Im not trying to shoot through houses. Average penetration around 15" with size of projectile reaching .61 diameter. I don't think that includes 4 layers of denim. Heavy clothing like leather jackets or puffy jackets are the enemy.

Excellent intelligent well stated response. Just what I needed. Thanks. Have subscribed and clicked the alarm and checked the box so I don't miss any of your additional vids.

The more you shoot the better you get. 9mm is the cheapest. Therefore the best.

My gun trainer carries a 25.

In the first 1:35 you stated what I've told a couple of people over the years. The gun/ammo that you feel/do best with is the one you should use. Maybe it's a .380 or a .44.

For me, it's a .40. For my nephew a 9mm. For an old Army bud a .45. The thing is, we are all comfortable with the round we chose. Sure, ballistics gel and blah blah. Any one who is looking for one shot one kill is crazy. Squeeze until the baddy is down. What can you handle though? THAT is the question.

best, no brainer: .45 +p hollowpoint

You are a handsome man

The greatest weapon of all, it is not the gun that you carry. but it is the shooter themselves. you judgement and accuracy that matter.

Not a lot of people die on impact, but when you hear a .40 go off and when it hits you, YOU KNOW IT. Even when your some crazy drugged up maniac sneaking into your home in the middle of the night trying to steal something for his next fix. He might not feel that 9 as much as a .40. I would rather just get used to a .40 and shoot a lot of rounds so your used to the recoil. Because usually it's some drugged up criminal your trying to put down, Wise words from my grandfather. Who was on the police force for 20 years and in the marines before that for 10 years. Just get used to what you shoot and get some range time.

9mm vs .40 vs .45... which is better for self defense?

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