Let Loose The Caliber Wars

"Are the caliber wars all that important to pay attention too? ...isn't a 9 mm as good a handgun for defense as the bigger bullets when you need to shoot the gun in a liefe threatening situation...?"


First off, I don't believe I'm going too far out on a limb by avering that most would agree with the premise that the first shot, the first shot that LANDS, is the MOST important with regards to who wins and who loses a gunfight.

With that in mind, caliber means nothing. Someone reasonably proficient in firearms can shoot a .45 as fast as a .380, and dollars to doughnuts, landing a hit with a .45 is going to cause more damage than scoring with a .380.

But the meat of the matter boils down the irrefutable fact that gun battles are akin to fistfights, and not what the modern force-on-force commando's would have you believe. There isn't the time to aim for that perfect heart or head shot while using the preferred two-handed weaver stance, and if you've any brains at all you'll be moving, maybe running, ducking, and generally skedaddling to beat the band as you fire, in order to inflict the attrition necessary to overcome your intended target.

In short, you ain't standing stock still shooting at paper, nor are you galloping along from pillar to post and capping off a round or two while the timer ticks away. You're grunting, shouting, screaming, cursing, and for the most part winging it as you go along. Sure, being the better shot with the better weapon means a lot, but don't for one moment believe that you are going to have all that much of an influence on shot-placement beyond the point of having familiarized yourself with the weapon, learned how to exercise it's manual of arms, and MAYBE in a blue-sky scenario stop and take your best shot if it's available.

With that in mind, and from personal experience, the larger the caliber the better. Within reason, but of course. Practice to the point it becomes second nature. Use the biggest you can control. Get in the first shot whenever possible. Seek cover and concealment. Don't expect one, or two, or even three rounds to do the trick. Not everyone is suited to stand toe to toe with a Charlie Manson lookalike and not blink, but be aware of your surroundings and stay AWAY from old Chuckie whenever possible. Find comfort in the fact that, as the good guy, you'll be better prepared and better equipped, but never forget that random chance can jump up and take one helluva bite out of your ass when you least expect it.

Repeat the mantra that YOU WON'T BE A VICTIM. Believe in it. 90% of the time, just the sight of your firearm will disuade the villain but if force comes to force then hurry as slow as you can to get in a center of mass shot. Stay in good physical condition, if at all possible. You've already got a lot more going for you than the goblin with the gun, so use it.

And for the love of Pete, ditch the nickle plated sissy pistol and get a Glock.