Self-Defense Calibers
When purchasing a pistol for concealed carry, the choice should begin with the caliber. In a life-or-death situation, effective stopping power is crucial, but it’s not the only factor.
The shooter must also consider the cost and availability, recoil management, magazine capacity, and overall size as it pertains to handling and concealment. There are several options for self-defense calibers, but we will focus on the four most common: 9mm, .380 ACP, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP.
I recently watched an excellent video by USCCA detailing the differences between common carry calibers. I found it helpful, and it further confirmed that my everyday carry choice is solid. It’s worth checking out.
9mm
Georg Luger designed and developed the 9mm round in 1901. With over 120 years of history, it’s a tried-and-true cartridge size. It’s also safe to say that 9mm is the most popular concealed carry caliber today.
Most modern striker-fired pistols designed for concealed carry are chambered in 9mm. These pistols range in size from micro-compact to full-size, so there is something for everyone.
The 9mm is considered a balanced caliber for concealed carry. It offers plenty of stopping power with less recoil than the bigger, more powerful rounds. The size also allows for a higher magazine capacity with a smaller or thinner grip, making concealment easier.
The manageable recoil of the 9mm makes it easy for most shooters to handle and become proficient. It’s also affordable and widely available in various training and hollow-point rounds.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Wide variety of options
- Many pistol sizes
- Manageable recoil
- Higher magazine capacity
Cons:
-
Less stopping power than .40 S&W and .45 ACP
.380 ACP
Designed by John Moses Browning, the .380 ACP cartridge was introduced in 1908. Throughout the years, it has been a popular choice for concealed carry because .380 pistols are typically small and easy to conceal.
Of these top four calibers, .380 ACP is the smallest and produces the lightest recoil. It’s easy to shoot and an excellent choice for new shooters or those with compromised strength.
Because it’s a small, light round, it doesn’t have as much stopping power as the others, so accuracy and shot placement are key. While .380 ACP is widely available in many choices, it usually costs slightly more than 9mm.
Related: .380 ACP vs 9mm for Self-Defense Ammo – What’s the Real Difference?
Pros:
- Small and light for carry
- Minimal recoil
- Higher magazine capacity
Cons:
- Less stopping power
- More expensive than 9mm
-
Shot placement is crucial
.40 Smith & Wesson
In 1990, Smith & Wesson partnered with Winchester to develop the .40 S&W cartridge. They wanted to produce something like the 10mm round, but smaller. The .40 S&W became extremely popular in the '90s and was one of the most common choices for concealed carry.
Related: Glock 22 – Is .40 S&W a Dead Cartridge or Still Relevant? (Ballistic Test)
Popularity has waned over the years as technology has improved, but many feel that .40 S&W still has its place for self-defense. It’s a good middle ground between 9mm and .45 ACP.
The .40 S&W is a powerful round, but it comes with more recoil than 9mm. Forty-caliber pistols tend to be larger as well, so some shooters may find the chambering hard to manage.
Pros:
- More stopping power than 9mm
- Reasonable magazine capacity
Cons:
- Snappier recoil than 9mm
- More expensive than 9mm
-
Tends to be larger pistols
.45 ACP
Another brainchild of John Moses Browning, the .45 ACP cartridge has been in use since 1904. With over 100 years of experience, it’s both highly reliable and effective at neutralizing a threat. The .45 ACP was the popular choice for carry for many years, and some still consider it the best.
Related: .45 ACP History – ‘The Lord’s Caliber’ & John Browning’s Legacy
Of the four calibers discussed here, the .45 ACP has the most stopping power, which makes it an excellent choice for self-defense. On the other hand, it also has the most recoil, making it the least manageable of the bunch. The grip of a .45 pistol also tends to be quite large, which may affect handling for some shooters.
Because it’s a big cartridge, .45 ACP magazines have relatively low capacity by today’s standards. Many say that you need fewer rounds because the large bullet size leads to a deeper wound channel.
Pros:
- Reliable
- Significant stopping power
- Deeper penetration than other calibers
Cons:
- Lower magazine capacity
- Heavy recoil
- Large grip
-
More expensive than 9mm
Conclusion
Not all calibers are created equal, but several that are powerful enough to take down an attacker quickly. It’s important to carefully consider your needs and preferences. The best choice for you is a caliber that you can shoot accurately and conceal easily. If you're looking for a more comprehensive breakdown of these four calibers, I recommend checking out the video from the USCCA that I referenced before.
