What is the best caliber handgun to get?

Choosing the Best Caliber Handgun: What to Consider and Top Options

Selecting the best caliber handgun can be challenging, given the wide range of options available on the market today. The right choice depends on various factors, including your intended use (self-defense, target shooting, or hunting), recoil tolerance, and personal preference. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular handgun calibers, their advantages and disadvantages, and help you decide which one might be best for your needs.

Understanding Handgun Caliber

The term “caliber” refers to the internal diameter of a handgun’s barrel and the diameter of the bullets it fires. It is typically measured in inches or millimeters. For instance, a .45 caliber handgun has a barrel diameter of approximately 0.45 inches, while a 9mm handgun has a barrel diameter of 9 millimeters. The caliber affects several aspects of a firearm’s performance, including recoil, stopping power, and ammunition capacity.

Popular Handgun Calibers and Their Uses

1. 9mm (9x19mm Parabellum)

The 9mm is arguably the most popular handgun caliber worldwide. It’s the standard issue for many law enforcement agencies and military forces due to its balance of manageable recoil, adequate stopping power, and high-capacity magazines.

• Advantages: The 9mm is known for its versatility and availability. Ammunition is widely available and often more affordable than other calibers. The lower recoil makes it easier for most shooters, including beginners, to handle and stay accurate. Additionally, 9mm handguns often have higher magazine capacities, which can be beneficial in self-defense scenarios.
• Disadvantages: While the 9mm is a well-rounded caliber, some argue that it lacks the stopping power of larger calibers like the .45 ACP. However, with modern hollow-point ammunition, the 9mm offers effective self-defense capabilities.
• Best for: Self-defense, law enforcement, concealed carry, and target shooting.

2. .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

The .45 ACP is a larger caliber known for its stopping power. It was the standard-issue cartridge for the U.S. military from 1911 to 1985 and remains a popular choice for those who prioritize power over capacity.

• Advantages: The .45 ACP is known for its impressive stopping power, making it a preferred choice for self-defense. The heavier bullet can deliver more energy upon impact, potentially incapacitating an attacker more effectively than smaller calibers.
• Disadvantages: Handguns chambered in .45 ACP generally have lower magazine capacities due to the larger size of the rounds. Additionally, the .45 ACP produces more recoil than the 9mm, which can be a disadvantage for shooters with less experience or those sensitive to recoil.
• Best for: Self-defense, home defense, and competitive shooting.

3. .40 S&W (Smith & Wesson)

The .40 S&W was developed as a middle ground between the 9mm and the .45 ACP, providing more stopping power than the 9mm while offering a larger magazine capacity than the .45 ACP.

• Advantages: The .40 S&W offers a good balance between recoil and stopping power. It provides more energy than a 9mm and has a relatively flat trajectory, making it effective for both self-defense and law enforcement applications.
• Disadvantages: The .40 S&W generates more recoil than the 9mm, which may affect accuracy and follow-up shot speed for some shooters. Ammunition can also be more expensive and harder to find compared to 9mm rounds.
• Best for: Self-defense, law enforcement, and home defense.

4. 10mm Auto

The 10mm Auto is a powerful caliber often used by experienced shooters who want a versatile firearm for self-defense, hunting, and target shooting.

• Advantages: The 10mm Auto offers substantial stopping power, higher velocity, and better penetration compared to many other handgun calibers. It is capable of taking down large game and is often used in hunting. It also has a flatter trajectory, making it suitable for longer-range shooting.
• Disadvantages: The 10mm Auto produces significant recoil, which can be challenging for some shooters, particularly beginners. It also tends to have a larger grip size, which might not be comfortable for everyone. Ammunition can be more expensive and less readily available than more common calibers like 9mm.
• Best for: Self-defense, hunting, and target shooting.

5. .357 Magnum

The .357 Magnum is a popular caliber for revolvers, known for its versatility and effectiveness in both self-defense and hunting scenarios.

• Advantages: The .357 Magnum is highly versatile, offering a balance of power and control. It is capable of firing both .357 Magnum rounds and .38 Special rounds, providing shooters with options for different situations. It is effective for self-defense and has sufficient power for hunting medium-sized game.
• Disadvantages: The .357 Magnum generates significant recoil, which can be uncomfortable for some shooters, especially in lighter revolvers. The ammunition can also be relatively expensive compared to more common calibers.
• Best for: Self-defense, hunting, and target shooting.

6. .38 Special

The .38 Special is a popular choice among revolver enthusiasts and is known for its manageable recoil and accuracy.

• Advantages: The .38 Special has been around for over a century and is praised for its ease of use, especially in small, lightweight revolvers. Its manageable recoil makes it a good option for beginners and those who prefer revolvers over semi-automatics.
• Disadvantages: Revolvers typically have a lower ammunition capacity (usually 5 or 6 rounds) compared to semi-automatic pistols. The stopping power of the .38 Special is also less than that of calibers like the .45 ACP or even the .40 S&W.
• Best for: Self-defense, concealed carry, and beginner shooters.

7. .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)

The .380 ACP, also known as the “9mm Short,” is a popular caliber for compact and subcompact handguns designed for concealed carry.

• Advantages: The .380 ACP is known for its low recoil, making it easy to control and suitable for smaller-framed shooters or those with limited hand strength. It’s an excellent option for concealed carry due to the availability of compact, lightweight handguns chambered in .380 ACP.
• Disadvantages: The .380 ACP has less stopping power than the 9mm or larger calibers, making it less effective at incapacitating an attacker quickly. It’s generally considered adequate for self-defense but not ideal for situations where greater stopping power is needed.
• Best for: Concealed carry and self-defense in low-recoil, compact handguns.

8. .22 LR (Long Rifle)

The .22 LR is one of the most popular and widely used calibers in the world, known for its versatility, low recoil, and affordability.

• Advantages: The .22 LR has minimal recoil, making it ideal for beginners and training purposes. It’s also extremely affordable, with ammunition widely available at low cost. The .22 LR can be used for a variety of purposes, including target shooting, small game hunting, and even pest control.
• Disadvantages: The .22 LR lacks stopping power compared to larger calibers, making it less effective for self-defense purposes. Its low energy and penetration may not be sufficient to incapacitate an attacker quickly.
• Best for: Target shooting, training, small game hunting, and pest control.

Choosing the Best Caliber for Your Needs

When choosing the best caliber handgun, consider the following factors:

• Intended Use: If you’re looking for a self-defense firearm, consider calibers like 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP, which offer a good balance of stopping power and capacity. For concealed carry, the 9mm or .380 ACP might be preferable due to their compact size and manageable recoil. If you’re looking for hunting or more powerful self-defense, the 10mm Auto or .357 Magnum might be more appropriate.
• Recoil Tolerance: If you’re new to shooting or have a low tolerance for recoil, you may prefer a caliber with less kick, like the 9mm or .380 ACP. Experienced shooters or those who can manage higher recoil may opt for the .40 S&W, .45 ACP, or 10mm Auto for their added stopping power.
• Ammo Availability and Cost: Some calibers, like the 9mm, are more widely available and affordable than others. Consider the ongoing cost of ammunition and the availability in your area when selecting a caliber.
• Personal Preference and Comfort: Ultimately, the best caliber handgun for you is one that you are comfortable and proficient with. It’s important to practice regularly with your chosen firearm to ensure accuracy and confidence in a real-life scenario.

Big Mike’s Guns and Ammo is Here to Help

At Big Mike’s Guns and Ammo, we understand that choosing the right caliber can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. We’re happy to assist you in making the best choice based on your physical condition, budget, purpose, and specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a reliable self-defense option, a powerful hunting handgun, or a versatile range gun, our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect fit.

Feel free to drop us an email, give us a call, or come by our shop. We’ll be happy to guide you through the process and ensure you’re well-equipped for your next adventure. Also, don’t forget to check out our website at [www.bmgaa.com](http://www.bmgaa.com