Lowest Caliber You Would Use For Self Defense
- Thread starter EdLaver
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sjones63
Member
.22 if thats all I had,otherwise my ultra carry .45 sj
salvador31c
Member
I belive i could do some damage in a SD sitiuation with a 22lr to the head. no mater the caliber if i'm using Deadly Force Might as well go for the head shot right just to make sure
SIRVEYR666
Member
I voted for .22LR (that's as small as you went), but I'd use the friggin' "pointy rock in hand" caliber if that was all I had.
I'm kind of a scrapper. I'll fight as dirty as needed.
I'm kind of a scrapper. I'll fight as dirty as needed.
Bazooka Joe71
Member
I guess I'm not totally sure, but I don't think you guys understood his question...I think a better way to state the question would be, if you had ALL of those calibers, what is the smallest you would use for, say CCW.
9mm for me
9mm for me
10-Ring
Member
I have what I call my false sense of security My 25 caliber Beretta 
My 25 caliber Beretta salvador31c
Member
well in that case i could live with 9mm as an every day gun
i second that haha
ugaarguy
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I voted for the 380 ACP, since my Kel-Tec P3AT is my current "in the neck holster t-shirt and gym shorts gun." In all honesty if I ever get a hand or wrist injury that limits what I can handle I'd be out shooting ping pong balls with a 22lr J Frame or SP-101, or a 32 ACP CZ-83. I must admit that I have this strange desire for a Baby Browning (25 ACP) though, and I'd probably carry it too. All that to say the P3AT is the biggest small gun I can carry when other options just aren't practical. Tailor the gun to the need and carry the largest caliber that you can comfortably handle in that size package. Another example; if I'm ever around small children with frequency, in a low threat environment, a 3" bbl J-Frame "kit gun" in 22lr or 32 S&W may well find a home in my safe since the soft report will be less likely to damage sensitive little ears. Like I said, fit the gun to the parameters of the situation.
wally
Member
Rule #1 of a gunfight: Have a gun!
If .25 is all I could carry I'd use it, but now days, with the Kel-Tec P3AT there is no real reason to go below .380. I voted .25 as I don't think .22lr is ever reliable enough in a small gun for SD useage -- story is JMB invented the .25ACP *because* he couldn't make .22lr reliable in very small guns.
--wally.
If .25 is all I could carry I'd use it, but now days, with the Kel-Tec P3AT there is no real reason to go below .380. I voted .25 as I don't think .22lr is ever reliable enough in a small gun for SD useage -- story is JMB invented the .25ACP *because* he couldn't make .22lr reliable in very small guns.
--wally.
The first rule is to have a gun because ANY caliber beats NO caliber.
Now, "What is the Lowest Caliber that I would feel COMFORTABLE using for Self Defense?" is an entirely different question. The answer to that question would be a .38 and/or a 9mm.
Now, "What is the Lowest Caliber that I would feel COMFORTABLE using for Self Defense?" is an entirely different question. The answer to that question would be a .38 and/or a 9mm.
doncameron
Member
I voted for .22 because with the Walther P22 and 10 rounds,
I can place 10 in a 4" circle from 20 feet....rapid fire
main choice is .45 EAA witness with 10 rounds in the mag.
I can place 10 in a 4" circle from 20 feet....rapid fire
main choice is .45 EAA witness with 10 rounds in the mag.
nitesite
Member
I voted .38 Special but technically that's .357" caliber and a 9mm is .355" caliber so I guess I should have voted for 9mm.
My S&W 442 is the smallest I will go these days. There was a time I carried a North American Arms Guardian .32 ACP but no more.
My S&W 442 is the smallest I will go these days. There was a time I carried a North American Arms Guardian .32 ACP but no more.
M2 Carbine
member
If it's just a simple choice of a 45ACP or something smaller, I'd chose the biggest.
But in fact, do to how I dress I'm usually carrying a Kel Tec 380.
But in fact, do to how I dress I'm usually carrying a Kel Tec 380.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
In a primary defense gun, .38 Spl. for a revolver, 9mm Luger for a pistol.
orionengnr
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I carry a minimum of 9mm or 38 spl, although I am currently considering a P3AT
weregunner
Member
Didn't vote for various reasons. Here goes. If carrying the 45 or 9mm. Ruger. A 38 snub or Makarov is the backup gun to the main one. If summer and the 357 revolver is carried the 38 snub or Mak gets the chore as backup. If really hot, the 38 snub is main and the 22 or 25 is back up. If carrying one gun, will go no lower in caliber than the Makarov 9 by 18 round or 38. And the Mak round isn't in the poll. Different conditions, different mix of cartridges.
gandog56
Member
9 mm, but only if my .45 wasn't loaded and on the nightstand like it is.
..I don't like to denigrate even the smallest of calibers and guns because there are purposes for these as well...but that said, for a small, light round I like the 32 automatic...WITH a decent length barrel...so, I chose the Colt 1903 as my favorite pocket-gun...it gets the most speed out of this cartridge...
Steel Talon
Member
9x18 for me is the minimum.
Peace
Steel Talon
Peace
Steel Talon
hexidismal
Member
I voted .380
I feel I should comment on that though. I carry a .45 every day (P345D), and I wouldn't really feel comfortable with anything less. I honestly don't even trust my life to my 9mms if I can help it. Every so often though my bersa fits the bill more appropriately for a sensitive carry occasion. I don't know if I really believe my 380 is fully reliable for self defense, but in accordance with the thread topic I had to say that it is the lowest caliber I would carry .. but only when I have to.
So.. Primary: .45acp, .357mag, or larger. Backup: Nothing less than .380
Poll poster left some things out though .. what about going bigger ? I'd be willing to bet that there have to be a few people around here that carry a S&W.500 and wouldn't budge an inch
I feel I should comment on that though. I carry a .45 every day (P345D), and I wouldn't really feel comfortable with anything less. I honestly don't even trust my life to my 9mms if I can help it. Every so often though my bersa fits the bill more appropriately for a sensitive carry occasion. I don't know if I really believe my 380 is fully reliable for self defense, but in accordance with the thread topic I had to say that it is the lowest caliber I would carry .. but only when I have to.
So.. Primary: .45acp, .357mag, or larger. Backup: Nothing less than .380
Poll poster left some things out though .. what about going bigger ? I'd be willing to bet that there have to be a few people around here that carry a S&W.500 and wouldn't budge an inch
I chose .380 acp purely because my lil Bersa .380 loaded with corbon Pow'Rball 70 grain gets like 1200fps and I have seen SERIOUS damage done with the bersa/Powerball combination on fruits and small slabs of semi-frozen meat. I would be very confindent in it if I had a fire fight using it. It is also my smallest pistol caliber that I own. I do have a .17 rimfire rifle for those pesky squirrels that feast on my beloved pear tree.
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