I am wanting handgun

[wingnut]

meh...lotsa hooplah over caliber choice. Find something that FITS, and practice with it. Period.

I dont remember who said it (clint smith?) but the first rule of being in a gunfight...is to bring a gun

[Valhallaz]

meh...lotsa hooplah over caliber choice. Find something that FITS, and practice with it. Period.

I dont remember who said it (clint smith?) but the first rule of being in a gunfight...is to bring a gun

On choice of caliber, my primary reason for choosing pistols is defense. I would prefer that I never use it for such, but should the need arise, my first concern is that my target be unable to shoot back, immediatly. I suggest the most bullet you are comfortable with, be that 380 or 10mm. I too feel 380 too weak to be an effective defense round.

As for Kimber, I also own 3, and my next will in all likelyhood be a kimber as well. Overpriced? Sure, I'll give you that. Did it choke me to shell out near 2 grand for the gold combat? You bet... but that said, it is the finest pistol I have ever fired, superb in fit, finish, and function. And in hindsight, I would buy it again in a heartbeat. The other two are an ultra TLE II in .45 and a stainless target in 10mm, no issues feeding or ejecting with a variety of ammo. I'm comfortable with betting my life on any of mine.

I do use wilson mags in all, but that would be the case in whichever 1911 I should choose.

[wingnut]

I too feel 380 too weak to be an effective defense round.

Agreed...but glad to see someone getting into the game

[beepbeep]

I shot my friend's 1911 .45 while I was shooting mine. It was nice.
As far as CCW, the Ruger is indeed way too big. It's excellent for what I want around the house and for my first pistol. I will continue my search for something more appropriate size-wise for my grip and for CC. Thanks for all of the great info, fellas!

[Nightwolf]

As the owner of several pistols, and having shot a wide variety of pistols I don't own, I will say this... if it is uncomfortable to shoot and/or wear, you probably won't have it near enough to help if ever needed. Second point, the pistol in hand will always beat the one in the safe/drawer. A .45 or 38spc/357mag may be an excellent man stopper, but if it isn't comfortable to shoot or carry then it is only a good home invasion gun. If a 380 is what is comfortable to carry, then get proficient with it and carry it. Two to the chest and one to the head, your dead. Doesn't matter a lot about caliber as long as you can place them where they count.

[Valhallaz]

The head makes a lousy target. Two to the center of the torso should do it. If you need a third, you are using the wrong caliber.

If anyone ever shoots me, I hope they have a .380. And as I've repeatedly said, use the most knockdown you are COMFORTABLE with. A .45 can be had in any size package you want... I have one that will slip into my back pocket.

Saying that caliber doesn't matter is nonsense.

[Nightwolf]

It doesn't make a lousy target if you can shoot. And size only matters if you are comparing in a bar or on the internet. But I can agree with picking the biggest caliber one is comfortable with. Also pick the right ammo for your caliber. Because ammo choice is a major part of stopping power.

[Valhallaz]

Decades back, I had the pleasure of attending a course at Col. Jeff Coopers defense school. He told a story of how, as a reservation marshal, he emptied his .45 into a drunk indians chest, and after, still had to wrestle the hatchet away from him. The incident prompted him to design the 10mm cartridge. Col. Cooper felt he needed a more powerful cartridge... And my policy of two to the center of the torso came from him as well. Arms, legs, head, all move to quickly to be a target of choice.

I know of no man, alive or dead, who's advice on defense I would take before his. And at the time, he had survived more gunfights than any man alive.

I shoot quite well, thank you.

[beepbeep]

I'm quite comfortable shooting the .40. It also sits comfortably on my bedside table. It just would not make a very good CCW, for me at least. I have several things going against me, depending on where I carried it. So, I will get practice with the Ruger while searching for one that is a better size for my CCW.

[Nightwolf]

Cooper's story kinda proves my point. And I will take the information given to me by the guys who operate in a hostile environment on a daily basis as working knowledge. (as in IDF, SF, UDT, SEALs, etc.)