Stopping Power or Hi-Capacity Mags?

Question

The eternal battle of stopping power vs. magazine capacity. For example, Colt 1911 vs. Glock 17...

I would just like to hear arguments for both sides. Best Answer goes to the most logical answer.

Answer 1

I have shot handguns for over 25 years, law enforcement, competition and instructing. The most important aspect of stopping your target is shot placement. Take whatever handgun you are most comfortable with regardless of caliber and shoot it. Three rounds in center mass with a .38 special is better than a miss with anything else. Practice, practice, practice...

Answer 2

Bound's hubby here:

In my state, where there are still magazine capacity bans, there really is no advantage with a "high capacity" 9mm, since it has only 2 more rounds than a .45. If you are willing to practice with the .45, you can be as proficient, if not more, than someone using a crew served 9mm.

Many police departments started the high capacity 9mm craze because police officers did not have enough time to reload and fire accurately with their revolvers in real life. Also, M1911's imposed a fearful image carried ****** and locked, since they were single action. Most, if not all, of the wonder-nines were double action, so they looked safer.

In all honesty, stopping power vs. capacity really rests with the comfort level of the shooter. Personally, I will always carry a 1911 when I can ... I am confident with it, and I hit what I aim at ... besides, the .sight of a .45, and its 45's reputation can take the fight out of someone really fast!

Answer 3

Both have valid arguements, it really depends on your priorities. In reality the difference between the 9mm and .45 ACP is slight in the actual tissue damage. Shot placement takes priority over caliber. I own and carry (legally) both 9mm and .45 ACP pistols. Actually I tend to carry a .357 most often. Loaded with .38 +p which I can shoot accurately and quickly. Having confidence in your weapon platform (1911 or Glock for example) and your ability to accurately fire that weapon are more important than caliber. The most important regards to self defense is mindset and training.

Answer 4

shot placement. shoot the largest caliber that you accurately conrol. a couple 9mm shots in the chest are better than a .45 miss.

i have a friend who shot an intruder 3 times. he lived, but stopped. having 10 more rounds in the clip wouldn't have helped. you probably won't get to empty your magazine, so do you really need high capacity?

Answer 5

Just get a 1911 double stack and you will have both..