What is the lowest caliber you will carry

[M-Cameron]

My experience has been different, but I think that your mind is made up. So carry what ever you feel safe with.

(after all it doesn't affect me.......this is just the internet)

no, my mind isnt made up.......

if you can show me something that proves( or at least lends support to..) quality rimfire are inherently less reliable than centerfire.....other than, " i bought this box of federals at Bigmart and every other round was a FTF"....i would like to see it.

mechanically speaking, there is really little reason why a well made rimfire would not be as reliable as a well made centerfire.

 

[DAP90]

380

Although if all I had was a 22lr I wouldn’t be too worried about it.

 

[Whiskey11]

.357 (specifically 38 special +P), but only in revolver form. Autoloader form would be .40S&W. I'm not too thrilled about 9mm +P loads, and I'm usually even less thrilled about the size of the firearm. I have big hands, and even a .45ACP XD Tactical feels small in my hands.

Consequently, a Springfield Armory XD45 Tactical is EXACTLY what I carry, openly, daily, for work and I doubt any concealed carry weapon I have in the future will be anything but .45ACP. I like the round way too much

 

[FruitCake]

32. In my P32.

 

[Gordon]

I win ! I said a .17 Ruger Single Six hunter with a Burris scope which I CARRY around the ranch when working a field .
That is the lowest caliber so far mentioned and I win, a priori, given the terms of question . So unless one of you packs a Lilput or Kolibri or a Stevens Pocket rifle in .14 Flea I win the "lowest caliber" prize!

 

[bhk]

Look over on rimfire central for information on rimfire misfires. Some brands, like Remington bulk, are notorious for high rates of failure. Never heard of such problems with any particular brands of centerfire ammo and I have been at this game for many decades.

 

[Carter]

All I own is two 9mm's so I guess it'd be a 9. I'd probably never carry anything smaller though.

 

[SubZero]

Lowest caliber on my hip is a 40 S&W XD subcompact. Hands down the most versatile gun I've ever used.

 

[oerllikon]

I usually dont carry, but i usually do carry a 4 1/2" folder. I just have a cz 75 in 9 luger, so I guess thats the lowest.

 

[duns]

I carry the largest caliber compatible with what I am wearing on the day. That's usually a snub nose 357 magnum but could be a compact or full size 9mm. I'm about to start carrying my Colt 1911 .45 ACP on occasion when clothing allows. Having read some stories recently about what it feels like to be shot with a .22, I think you could even carry a .22 if that's all that is compatible with your wardrobe. Though if you knew you were going to a gunfight, I think you would regard 357 magnum or 9mm as the minimally suitable caliber to pack.

 

[armsmaster270]

38 special

 

[RichBMW]

.380
Wallet, cellphone, LCP in pocket holster. Works great in cargo shorts here in sultry Florida.

 

[BIGGBAY90]

Sorry gordon---this was not a contest, just what one would carry and feEl safe (

 

[makarovnik]

.25 acp

 

[Deanimator]

I won't carry anything of lesser power than .38 Special or 9x19mm for self-defense. I don't even own a defensive handgun in a lesser caliber.

 

[doc2rn]

Smallest HD gun is a SP101 in .32 H&R Mag
Smallest CCW is a .22LR NAA
Smallest rifle is a Malin mod 60

Every weapon has a different application. You employ the system you need for a desired purpose. I hunt with a Ruger 77/22 Mk II frequently, but I know its not bringing down a griz at 700 yds either. Fill the hand with the most gun you feel you can handle.

 

[CajunBass]

If it's what I had handy, I wouldn't hesitate to carry a 22. I've done it before. I've also carried an old 32 S&W long revolver.

Whatever I happen to feel like carrying that particular day, really.

 

[Sav .250]

What is the lowest cal. You would carry and feel safe with

That`s pretty vague but ..................a .22 cal.

 

[22-rimfire]

22LR is the smallest. Generally my rule of thumb is 380 ACP or more powerful.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I'd carry a .22, but would prefer something in .380 or .38 as a minimum.

 

[youngda9]

9mm

 

[T.R.]

22 MAG. Tested: Big hole in watermelon at 12 feet!!

TR

 

[merlinfire]

punt gun. because its size that matters.

 

[rugerman]

If it came down to it I would carry anything that was available, if no gun then a knife or a rock. Any port in a storm.

 

[gatorjames85]

It's not a black and white thing for me. I am more comfortable with a .22lr than nothing. If I knew I would be getting into a gunfight, I wouldn't be comfortable with any handgun out there.