Selecting the best caliber for your concealed carry

Compare the different sizes of hangun ammunition

The debate between hangun rounds has a long history.  There are, however, some key differences that you should consider when selecting a concealed carry round.  For example, did you know that the 40 S&W round was created especally for the FBI because they had issues with the power of the 9mm Luger?  Apparently the FBI got into a fire-fight with some criminals in Florida where the FBI was vastly out gunned.  The FBI had 9mm rounds and the other guys had superior fire power.  So the FBI developed a 10mm round that had greater penetration and stoping power.  However, female FBI agents found the larger round problematic.  That’s why we have the 40 S&W, a comprimise between the 9mm and 10mm rounds.

The short answer is: it depends.  It depends on your style of carrying concealed.  What I mean by style is how comfortable are you with shooting a 40 S&W?  An honest assesment is absolutely necessary.  It doesn’t matter if you have 45 ACP in your handgun if you can’t handle that concealed carry round.  I’d say that it’s better to have a round that you are comfortable deploying than have the roughest and toughest round out there.  So let’s create some general categories here to assess which round is right for your concealed carry.

380 ACP v. 9mm Luger

For folks in this general group, I’d suggest either 9mm Luger, .380 ACP or .38 Special.  These three rounds are probably some of the best small caliber rounds.  Now, you’ll probably notice a difference between 9mm and the other two rounds.  Here’s a comparison photo between the two.

size difference between the .38 special and the 9mm Luger

The 9mm Luger is on the left and the .38 Special is on the right.  There is a significant difference in the length.  You may think that greater length means a better concealed carry round.  However,  the 9mm does have greater stopping power.  A heaver bullet coupled with a great match of gun powder equals a formidable round.  In fact, the U.S. Military still uses the 9mm Luger round.  There’s been considerable debate about this but it seems that the U.S. Army will be moving to the .45 ACP.

Here’s something else to consider when selecting between the 9mm, .380 ACP or .38 Special.  If you’re not as experienced handling a Concealed Carry gun, you may be better off going with something like a revolver chambered in .38 Special.  I’ve posted a review of one concealed carry revolver that you might consider.  You’ll also be able to find some great pistols chambered in .380 ACP.  Bersa, Walther, and SigSauer all make a similar style pistol cambered in .380 ACP.

Some people ask about .22 LR round for their concealed carry round.  There’s no doubt that a .22 round can do considerable damage, if placed in the correct spot.  There are numerous pocket and purse pistols that could be a great option for the concealed carry holder who does not want something too big and bulky.  I still recommend going with something a little larger, but if you really want small, you can go with .22.

  • I’ve got normal/bigger hands and feel comfortable shooting a concealed carry

I can’t say this enough, you have to pick a round that you are comfortable with.  I love shooting .45 ACP.  It’s a great round to take out shooting.  It can do amazing damage.  If you carry concealed in Utah in your bag or back pack, there’s nothing wrong with going with .45 ACP.  However, my experience is that people who buy a Glock or a 1911 in .45 ACP, they almost always complain that their gun is too bulky.  I guess fat bullets make a fat gun.  So what are you to do?  Don’t think that you won’t get some good bang if you go with a .40 S&W.  Shooting the Kahr CW40 has almost twice the kick as a full size Glock in .45 ACP.

There’s nothing wrong with going with 9mm Luger.  You can find some great compact pistols for your concealed carry.  But when you look at the numbers, I can’t help but be totally impressed with the .40 S&W.  It’s compact and powerful; that’s everything that you could want in your concealed carry round.

Now, having said all of the above things, I think the most important aspect is marksmanship.  Of course you can stop someone dead in their tracks if you hit them with a .45 ACP round.  You can also do amazing things if you deliver rounds in vital locations.  I always say accuracy first, power second.  It doesn’t matter if you have a .45 ACP if you can’t control where your rounds end up.

. 12 Sep 08 | Gun Reviews


Reader's Comments

  1. Mark Winsor | July 20th, 2010 at 9:17 pm

    I have them all; 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 mag, .45 ACP, 44 mag, and just bought a Glock 10mm. I can’t say which is my favorite, I like them all in different ways. However, if I had to give them all up but one, I’d probably have to go with the .40 S&W. It’s just the best overall compromise, and does everything pretty well. Decent size bullets, good velocity, small enough cartridge to allow thinner guns, and yet high capacity mags. Only real downside is snappy recoil, but not so severe that you won’t want to practice. Excellent overall round.



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