what caliber handgun will give optimum accuracy?

Question

out of the 9mm, 10mm, .40, .45, .38, .357?
which size barrel is preferred for accuracy?

Answer 1

For bullseye shooting, you can't beat a good .38 SPL revolver or a well tuned M-1911 in .45 ACP.

Both will turn in gilt edged accuracy.

The .38 SPL has a minor advantage in that it is easier to get match-grade accuracy from a revolver than with a semi-automatic.

Doc

Answer 2

Depends on how far you're shooting. For shorter distances, the .38 Special, or a .38 Super would be a good start. There are a lot of 'race guns' designed specifically for these cartridges. If you're going out very far, especially in distances where magnification would be a benefit, a 10"-16" barreled .357 Magnum would be pretty optimal, as it's a high energy bullet at a high velocity, and would have a flatter trajectory than any of the others. Keep in mind as well that the .357 Magnum revolvers are generally capable of chambering and firing .38 Special for cheaper practice or plinking, or if the .357 ammunition becomes unavailable for some odd reason.

Answer 3

Accuracy (and most trainers will tell you this) is based on the shooter first and foremost. If you have already heard this a million times Im sorry and dont mean to offend.
(1) steady grip
(2) front sight picture
(3) trigger control
I realise that its condensed but thats the basics of it. Once you get that down, believe it or not, it then comes to comfort in the caliber. If you feel more comfortable shooting a 9mm as opposed to a 40 or a 45........ go with the 9mm. Comfort means less stress firing the weapon and less stress means a better grip, better trigger pull etc. Shooting is a big mental game. You and the weapon. If its for personal protection your comfort in teh caliber is a must. I would rather have a .38 that I am comfortable with than a .45 strictly because its a heavier caliber. You will always be more accurate with the caliber that fits your comfort zone. Ask any robbery victim and they will tell you that the end of the muzzle on a 9mm looked like the end of a 10 gauge shotgun when it was pointed at them. I don't know of any that huffed at the end of a 9mm and said "thats not big enough". Most exchanges of gunfire on that level (self protection) last a total average of three shots at approx 10 - 30 feet.... not very far.
Lastly it comes down to the weight and velocity ratio. The fact is though that ballistics specialists already figured that out before thay put that caliber on the market. 9mm are used in the military, in alot of police agencies and seem to be a good all around caliber. With that in mind you can bet there was some testing to that issue prior before the contracts were signed. Personally my police department uses .40 cal. Its a good all around caliber as well. We use Glock model 22. I have had that weapon for eleven years and I still shoot the same one and it seems to be more and more accurate as the years go by...... because the shooter is getting better and better at knowing his weapon... :) Yet I know of people who can shoot a .45 Colt mod. 11 like a .22. Good luck!!

Answer 4

Didn't you already ask this question without specifying calibers???

ALL modern handguns (.9mm, .10mm, .40, .38 and .357) are as accurate as the shooter. This is NO magical handgun/caliber combination that will make a lousy shot a good one.

Best.

H

Answer 5

If you are talking about modified guns, Probably the 45acp. Some of the most accurate guns in the world are competition built 1911

Answer 6

All firearms are capable of being accurate, but only if the shooter is accurate.* Accuracy belongs with the shooter not the firearm.*

Answer 7

.38 special is accurate. a 6 in. barrel is best.

Answer 8

Hands down, the 38spl using a 4" barrel.It's been the standard for precision for decades.

Answer 9

.22 Mag has the best accuracy

Answer 10

All will in the hands of an expert marksman.