Can you tell us exactly what that difference in performance is? Is it a difference in penetration, expansion, fragmentation or defeating barriers? Or is it just various comments on holes on cardboard targets. Objective, scientific testing shows modern 9mm self defense ammo to measure up to the same FBI requirements as 45ACP.LTUME1978 wrote:. The comments from some of these 9 shooters at the last match tell it all when we were checking targets/pasting holes (Man, that 45 sure makes a BIG hole compared to a 9). If I were writing the rules for IDPA (non gaming rules), I would require the 9 shooters to make at least twice as many hits as someone shooting a 45. And yes, I would let them have their high capacity magazines as they would have them in the real world and may very well need them.
Please note that I understand that there are people that are recoil sensitive and must shoot a 9. However, there is a difference in performance that can't be neglected.
For 13 years, I have carried and competed with pistols in 45 Colt, 45 ACP, 40 S+W and 9mm. I have a pretty good idea of the strengths and weaknesses of those cartridges. I currently compete with my carry Glock 19 in my carry leather IWB holster. I'm classified as a SSP master with it.
IMHO, with modern ammo, caliber (9mm or larger )does not matter. Kydex holsters and longslide competition guns don't matter. What does matter is mindset, motivation and training. Everything else gives only tiny increments of improvement.
Gringop