HUGE Dilemma

[Bawanna]

Yes 45 Colt definitely counts. I have 4 so far. I guess under a gun redistribution application I should give you 1.5 so we each would have 2.5.

What do we need to do to ignite the 45 ACP love affair.

[dkmatthews]

Pardon me for being a voice of dissent -- but a handgun is a lousy tool for self/home defense. The reason handguns are so prevalent is because they are convenient.

Your handgun should be your fall-back tool to get you to your long gun -- probably a shotgun for home defense. If you're really looking for a home defense weapon, get a shotgun.

If, however, you're using "home defense" as your reasoning for getting another pistol -- then just go get the pistol and be happy. Just be honest with yourself about what you role this gun is going to serve.

[Scoundrel]

If you're really looking for a home defense weapon, get a shotgun.

I'm sure this topic is thoroughly beaten to the ground and then some in other threads, but I'd like to hear your reasoning for why a shotgun is the best home defense weapon.

[dkmatthews]

I'm sure this topic is thoroughly beaten to the ground and then some in other threads, but I'd like to hear your reasoning for why a shotgun is the best home defense weapon.

I'll start by saying I don't have any personal experience using one or the other. I have been trained by people I consider to be far more knowledgeable and far more experienced. My trainers have consistently delivered the same messages: (1) handguns are notoriously difficult to aim under stress, (2) a pistol's energy is lower and much less lethal than that of a long gun.

Anecdotally, we hear news reports frequently of people being shot and sent to the hospital with hand gun wounds. When we hear of victims of rifle or shotgun blasts, they tend to not be so lucky.

[Planedude]

Shotguns are great, as are the ARs/AKs, but you have to train with them for room clearing just as much as with a handgun.

The nice thing about 9mm is it is as cheap to shoot as centerfire gets. That said, true pistol love is a nice 1911.

As far as hitting power in a pistol, well centerpunch a murderous BG first with eather caliber and you'll win the day.

[mr surveyor]

it just ain't complete with out a .357 wheel gun. No matter if it's the .357 wheelie, or a .45 acp, find the biggest bore handgun you can shoot the bestest. I like my SP101, da/sa, because it DOES have the same basic manual of arms as my Kahr pistols..... just point, click/bang. It points natural, and makes a bit nastier holes than the 9mm. At home, I have shotties and rifles...rarely loaded. Always three handguns (actually 4) loaded and nearby (counting the one on my belt if I'm not in bed). When I'm away from home, I'm generally away from my truck, so "using a handgun to fight my way back to the long gun" just don't seem to add up to carrying a long gun in my (work) truck. Now, if downtown Stumpwater suddenly turned into a war zone, I'd be carrying the shotty on a sling, along with my "whatever fits the day handgun(s)"

[jlottmc]

I'd just get both, then figure out what my next lust was (hint 12ga, followed by a good rifle). No sense kicking yourself over something that you'll end up doing anyway. Try it, you'll like it. BTW, this is the part about being a gun nerd/nut that keeps us all in check, we never have the money or will to focus on other stuff.

[Mike_B]

Before getting anything- especially a Glock, you might want to check out the Sig SP2022. You can get it in 9mm or .40 S&W. I have the 9mm and it totally rocks!

[chrish]

I'm also sticking w/ the same 'manual of arms' theory, coupled with commonality of ammo. So my purchases will continue to be 9mm. So I'd definitely come down on the side of looking at buying the 9mm.

I've recently decided to skip my plans for a high capacity striker pistol in favor of a high capacity DAO 9mm (Sig P250). The other plus is that I will gain the ability (for alot less money) to transition to a larger caliber if I want to later...and still keep the DAO manual of arms. Of course, this direction requires you to love DAO/revolver-ish guns...not exactly a Glock, Walther, S&W high capacity 9.

The OP originally mentioned 'high capacity'...which neither a .45 or a .357 are going to provide. You'll have to go w/ 9mm, .40, or .357sig to get that...9mm always giving you more capacity in the same gun.

It's just hard to beat the 9mm. Cost effective to shoot, modern bullet design makes it more than adequate for SD, higher capacity.

[jlottmc]

A nine may not expand, but a .45 will never shrink.

[chrish]

A nine may not expand, but a .45 will never shrink.

Very true

[jocko]

oh these cliches are so unique, basicaly they are just that to...

[chrish]

oh these cliches are so unique, basicaly they are just that to...

Well I wasn't going to go there. But i'll add my cliche now too. If attacked by more than 7+1 zombies...1911 owners are gonna be hiding behind 9mm owners.

[AIRret]

Mo Soldier, I also love my Kahr pm9 for carry and practice, but if you want something in a 9mm with more capacity buy a sig 226. My sig is 26 years old holds 15 + 1 (you can buy bigger mags.) and has NEVER had a malfunction.
I would also suggest you own at least one revolver; mine is a Ruger lcr 357. It's a gun you can shoot through a coat pocket if you have to. It's a good option if you live in a place with cold winters.

[MO_Soldier]

UGGGGHHH... so many good points and messages to reply to as well!

That's why I'm having this dilemma. I can argue for both sides.
I would love to be able to keep shooting 9mm for cost effectiveness(I don't make much $$$) and also because you DO get more capacity in the same weapon. By high capacity, I simply meant duty sized pistols, no matter their caliber. If I used that term incorrectly I apologize.

I am thinking about getting this from S&W:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y
With my 40% from them, it'd be $341 plus tax OTD.
It has the available capacity of the duty pistol with the flexibility of the compact. The ONLY downside is the 1" of lost barrel length. But 3.5" is still a .5" more than my PM9 and I'm deadly with that(if any of you have seen my "Robin Hooded" rounds?)

Any opinions on getting a dual-purpose type of pistol like this? BTW, if I decide on this model, the caliber is still up in the air! Haha