Which is best for personal protection in a handgun: 9mm, .357, .45?

Answer 1

My personal favorite is my S&W 19-3 Combat Masterpiece w/ 4" Barrell, loaded with federal hydroshocks in .357

Answer 2

If you're a good shot go for the 9mm. The 45 is a one shot stopper but does not have the range of the 9mm . 357 is a great round but the gun will most likely be too big for carry.
Consider 40 S&W the FBI has gone to it because its accurate and a good trade off on power and pretty much just as portable as any 9mm.

Answer 3

First, the caliber has to fitted to the person. If you can't shoot a 357 w/o being knocked on your butt, then a smaller caliber is better because it will allow for follow-up shots. Another thing to consider is the enjoyment of the gun. I have a concealable 45 that I can only put three fingers around the handle. I enjoy shooting my firearms, but this one just isn't any fun.

And, that brings up another question: Are you going to carry it concealed? If so, what clothes do you generally wear? You may not want to carry a 45 in an ankle holster, yet it would fit well under a suit jacket.

As someone else said, 12 gauge shotgun works great for the home defense. As for self-defense, I prefer the 45. High impact with less chance of over penetration.

If you are knew to the shooting game, please get some training before you buy a gun. Besides learning proper safety, target control, and local laws, you have the chance to play around with several different calibers. Other calibers to consider is the 40 and the 357sig. Good luck!

Answer 4

I would go with the .45, it has tremendous knockdown power. The .357 would make too much of a mess and the 9mm is good with accuracy. Get the 9mm or the .45

Answer 5

The State you live in (and applicable laws) may be a factor, but I believe it's the .357 (although it's a pretty big gun).

The 9mm doesn't have the stopping power to drop an attacker with one shot. You may have to pop them a couple of times to bring them down (especially if it's some jacked-up drug user looking for cash for his next fix).

The other 2 will stop an attacker in his tracks, and the .45 is smaller, but it has more of a kick and you can't beat the reliability of a revolver (less likely to jam). But, then again, if you're looking at needing a full mag, then the .45 is the way to go.

Answer 6

Any of those will work fine. I have them all but you want something that you can hide if necessary. Look for size but remember, the weight of the gun will have an effect on the recoil. The more it weighs the less the recoil and for that I'd go for a 9mm but it's a very fast bullet. More times than not, it goes through a person without doing it's job. The trick is to get a bullet that will stop before it comes out the back. With this in mind, go for the Glasier Safety Slugs. They will go in then blow up and even hitting someone in the shoulder will cause them to lose the arm cause they can't repair the wound...it's too messy.

Answer 7

If you have to protect yourself use the 357!!
the reason is, if you use a 9mm you might stop the guy but he will most likely get set free from jail ( because ciminals have more rights now than the average citizen) and be pissed off that you, 1 stopped his crime, 2 shot him, and 3 sent hm to jail.
People think guns are not needed but in America guns are needed more than ever because lack of help from the police.

Answer 8

I would go with the 9mm for all around protection because of the higher capacity magazines. But at home a shotgun. 12 gauge if you can handle it if you're a bit intimidated by the recoil, a 20 gauge works as well and still has more power then a handgun

Answer 9

A .357 or .45 has tremendous knockdown power. However they can leave quite a mess.
9mm are more accurate at distance but with less knockdown power.

They all will stop an intruder though.

Me personally I lke my .380 auto. It's small, hold ten rounds, and easy to handle and will definately make somebody think about how bad it hurts.

Answer 10

The best gun for personal protection is the one you have with you when you need it. If you can't deal with toting a .45 all the time and would occasionally leave it home, then it's not a good choice no matter how effective it is in combat. Find what you're comfortable carrying and practice with it until your skill makes up for any of the gun or ammo's deficiencies.

At home, where I can have anything I want, I keep a M1911A1 in .45 handy but elsewhere I carry a knife and watch where I go and what's going on around me.