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flechero wrote: ↑Fri Sep 21, 2018 2:02 pm OK, a derringer 45 isn't a great comparison to a dbl stack 9, except in concealability!


It's been said already, if you shoot a 9 better, carry that. If you shoot a 45 better, carry that. I shoot the 45's I own better than the 9's I own. So when possible, I carry a 45.

If you really want to compare apples to apples:

small gun- shield 9 vs shield 45... difference is only 1 round and dimensions are extremely close.
mid size- G19 capacity 15+1 width 1.26" vs. XD45 Capacity 13+1 Width 1.22"

I don't doubt stress and do see value in more rounds (which is why I always have a spare mag or even 2) but don't dismiss a 45 just because it may hold a round or 2 less in a similar package.


My goal isn't to change anyone's mind, I appreciate an honest discussion in either direction.

I very much agree that the .45 is a better round. I carry a Glock 21 open when hunting as a backup. I would consider a Shield 45 as well as a carry gun. I have several mouse guns (Colt Vest .25, Kel-tec p32), a S&W bodyguard 380, Glock 43, Ruger LCR 38 and Glock26, I also have several .357 Mag revolvers and an 8" S&W 629 .44 mag. I have quite a few calibers except .40 and 10 mm.

I never carry the .25. I sometimes carry the P32 (pocket), I frequently carry the Ruger LCR open with snake shot for my first round(for snakes), Most of the time I carry the .380 Bodyguard iwb, sometimes the Glock 43 open carry, Glock 26 almost never, Glock 21 open when hunting and I have a Ruger SR1911 full size that I love but Glock 21 has more capacity. I think the newer .380 ammo is good for SD. Everything is a compromise though and in an ideal world I want a Kel-Tec p32 size gun (it is a very nice gun too), with the killing power of a 45 and magazine of at least 17 rounds, all in a P32 size to easily fit in my pocket and did I say, weigh less than 14 oz fully loaded. Dream on.

What I do notice as I get lazy with age is that I am carrying the P32 more often as it is just so convenient and a spare mag is so easy and again, it is all in what's the risk. If I ever need to use the P32 it will be really close range. The darn thing though is very accurate and has never failed me. I use fmj ammo. I am not telling anyone else to use such a small caliber but it is a great backup gun and when nothing else will fit....

flechero wrote: ↑Fri Sep 21, 2018 8:32 am

rotor wrote: ↑Thu Sep 20, 2018 2:18 pm A 1911 with 8 rounds that misses 8 times is not as effective as a fully loaded Glock 17 that hits 1/2 of the time.

So regardless of the caliber debate, how do you figure the above? The guy with a 1911 misses all his shots but the guy w/ a glock hits at a 50% rate???????

Better to have more rounds available as in the heat of passion one is more likely to miss. So, size of the round is not as important as number of rounds. Let's really take it down, how about one of those 2 shot .45 pocket guns vs. a 17 round Glock 9mm? Your choice.

WTR wrote: ↑Thu Sep 20, 2018 2:25 pm

rotor wrote: ↑Thu Sep 20, 2018 2:18 pm First, I hope I never have to find out. Rimfire anything though is always questionable as there are too many failures to go bang. The next question is which centerfire caliber is best. The reality depends of course on what one can carry, how many rounds, shot placement and ammo type. With modern .380 self defense ammo I believe it is adequate assuming one bad guy. Not too many small .380 have more than 7-8 round capacity and mag changes can be slow. A 1911 with 8 rounds that misses 8 times is not as effective as a fully loaded Glock 17 that hits 1/2 of the time.
Everything of course is a balance. I sometimes only carry a Kel-Tec P32. Is it adequate? .32ACP killed Hitler. Main thing is I would stay away from rimfire anything for self defense. I carry a Glock 21 (.45 ACP) as backup when I hunt.

What does a suicide using a .32 ACP have anything to do with a SD situation?

A properly placed shot of anything will kill. What's your point in asking?

First, I hope I never have to find out. Rimfire anything though is always questionable as there are too many failures to go bang. The next question is which centerfire caliber is best. The reality depends of course on what one can carry, how many rounds, shot placement and ammo type. With modern .380 self defense ammo I believe it is adequate assuming one bad guy. Not too many small .380 have more than 7-8 round capacity and mag changes can be slow. A 1911 with 8 rounds that misses 8 times is not as effective as a fully loaded Glock 17 that hits 1/2 of the time.
Everything of course is a balance. I sometimes only carry a Kel-Tec P32. Is it adequate? .32ACP killed Hitler. Main thing is I would stay away from rimfire anything for self defense. I carry a Glock 21 (.45 ACP) as backup when I hunt.