View Full Version : HUGE Dilemma
MO_Soldier
04-23-2012, 05:40 PM
So here's the deal that I need a lot if advice on.
I'm a good shot, no matter the caliber: keep that in mind. My PM9 will be my go to gun for concealing no matter what I wear(this is currently my only pistol and first pistol)
I want to buy a Glock or M&P or revolver to keep at home, or conceal under a coat or heavier clothing, so i'm looking at higher capacity models, certainly no smaller than compact, but possibly full size.
So here's my question...with having 9mm already, should I just stick with that, our should I buy in 45acp or 357 like I'm REALLY wanting to do?
Scoundrel
04-23-2012, 05:44 PM
A friend of mine says this about questions about whether one should buy another gun or not:
Do you want it? Then buy it.
Want a 45 ACP? Do the research, figure out what the pros and cons of each model are, pick the one (or two) that seems to suit your preferences and that you don't mind the shortcomings of, and buy it. Same with the 357.
Have too many guns? Come on, is such a thing possible, really?
If you have the money, don't hold yourself back.
Scoundrel
04-23-2012, 05:46 PM
Should you buy another gun? Hmmm.
melissa5
04-23-2012, 05:56 PM
Ask yourself, do I want to buy/reload ammo for 2 different calibers? If no, buy a 9mm Glock. If yes, figure out what other caliber you want to shoot? Then buy a Glock in that caliber.
I used to be a programmer and that it my gun buying flow chart. LOL
Bawanna
04-23-2012, 06:00 PM
Where did I go wrong Melissa? You been dating Scwartznegger?
Your of course still my # 1, well actually # 3 but your aces in my book. We might need counselling on this tupperware addiction though.
MO_Soldier
04-23-2012, 06:32 PM
That's the thing. I already researched all the pros and cons of the different loads. I picked 9mm because I found the difference in effectiveness to be unimportant. I think I just answered my own question. I guess I can't help but to lust after that big ass .45acp! lol
MO_Soldier
04-23-2012, 06:33 PM
Correction: not unimportant, negligible rather.
Scoundrel
04-23-2012, 06:34 PM
If the difference in effectiveness is not a major deciding factor for you, then there are plenty of other factors to look at. Here are a couple of really good ones:
Do you like the STYLING of a gun that you can only find in 45 or 357 and is not available in 9mm?
Do you have enough money to stock up on ammo for a new caliber?
Bawanna
04-23-2012, 06:39 PM
Everyone should have at least one 45. You can get it now or you can get it later but you'll get one sooner or later.
You can crunch numbers till the cows run away from home, or come home? well forget the cows, you'll eventually want to branch out or bloom like a butterfly in a flower garden and have several options in the flower world.
You can use all kinds of logic like what if every one hoards 9mm ammo, well you'll be good cause you got a 45. If they hoard the 45 your still ok, you got the 9. If there isn't a logical explanation make something up.
It's just a little white lie and momma says a little white lie never hurt nobody.
Edited to add reply to scoundrel. I've got lots of calibers and I've never been able to stock up for any of them. And money who needs it. Break out that American Express and have a ball.
Scoundrel
04-23-2012, 06:41 PM
Everyone should have at least one 45. You can get it now or you can get it later but you'll get one sooner or later.
Does 45 long colt count in this assertion? Cuz I have one of those, but have no plans to buy a 45 ACP.
Bill K
04-23-2012, 06:53 PM
Personally I would keep the manual of arms the same or very similar rather then concerning myself much with having the same caliber or not.
JFootin
04-23-2012, 07:30 PM
Personally I would keep the manual of arms the same or very similar rather then concerning myself much with having the same caliber or not.
+1^. The Kahr CW45 is the best value on the market today, going for less than $350 out the door with some careful online shopping. Same manual of arms, same trigger, same number of rounds. I couldn't think of a better intro into 45 caliber. And not at all too big to carry!
crazymailman
04-23-2012, 07:46 PM
JFootin and Bill K make a great point. If higher capacity is what you are looking for, you can add the DCAEK from Apex to an M&P and get closer to the Kahr trigger than any other polymer pistol I know of.
Deano
04-23-2012, 07:57 PM
Do what I did. Get a glock 19 for the bedside (three 15 round mags should be plenty to hold off bg awhile), a CM9 for summer carry, AND get a CW45 to carry when the weather gets a little colder and you and bg have more clothes on. Only thing missing is a little pocket mouser 380 for really hot days, but CM9 can fill that bill ok.
TheTman
04-23-2012, 08:02 PM
Get the .45. I have guns in many calibers, many of them military calibers. Reason being, in hard times, you don't know what ammo might be available, so it's a good thing to have several calibers of guns in order to use whatever ammo you run across.
Bawanna
04-23-2012, 08:03 PM
Yes 45 Colt definitely counts. I have 4 so far. I guess under a gun redistribution application I should give you 1.5 so we each would have 2.5.
What do we need to do to ignite the 45 ACP love affair.
dkmatthews
04-23-2012, 08:41 PM
Pardon me for being a voice of dissent -- but a handgun is a lousy tool for self/home defense. The reason handguns are so prevalent is because they are convenient.
Your handgun should be your fall-back tool to get you to your long gun -- probably a shotgun for home defense. If you're really looking for a home defense weapon, get a shotgun.
If, however, you're using "home defense" as your reasoning for getting another pistol -- then just go get the pistol and be happy. Just be honest with yourself about what you role this gun is going to serve.
Scoundrel
04-23-2012, 09:04 PM
If you're really looking for a home defense weapon, get a shotgun.
I'm sure this topic is thoroughly beaten to the ground and then some in other threads, but I'd like to hear your reasoning for why a shotgun is the best home defense weapon.
dkmatthews
04-23-2012, 09:16 PM
I'm sure this topic is thoroughly beaten to the ground and then some in other threads, but I'd like to hear your reasoning for why a shotgun is the best home defense weapon.
I'll start by saying I don't have any personal experience using one or the other. I have been trained by people I consider to be far more knowledgeable and far more experienced. My trainers have consistently delivered the same messages: (1) handguns are notoriously difficult to aim under stress, (2) a pistol's energy is lower and much less lethal than that of a long gun.
Anecdotally, we hear news reports frequently of people being shot and sent to the hospital with hand gun wounds. When we hear of victims of rifle or shotgun blasts, they tend to not be so lucky.
Planedude
04-23-2012, 10:03 PM
Shotguns are great, as are the ARs/AKs, but you have to train with them for room clearing just as much as with a handgun.
The nice thing about 9mm is it is as cheap to shoot as centerfire gets. That said, true pistol love is a nice 1911.
As far as hitting power in a pistol, well centerpunch a murderous BG first with eather caliber and you'll win the day.
mr surveyor
04-23-2012, 10:30 PM
it just ain't complete with out a .357 wheel gun. No matter if it's the .357 wheelie, or a .45 acp, find the biggest bore handgun you can shoot the bestest. I like my SP101, da/sa, because it DOES have the same basic manual of arms as my Kahr pistols..... just point, click/bang. It points natural, and makes a bit nastier holes than the 9mm. At home, I have shotties and rifles...rarely loaded. Always three handguns (actually 4) loaded and nearby (counting the one on my belt if I'm not in bed). When I'm away from home, I'm generally away from my truck, so "using a handgun to fight my way back to the long gun" just don't seem to add up to carrying a long gun in my (work) truck. Now, if downtown Stumpwater suddenly turned into a war zone, I'd be carrying the shotty on a sling:D, along with my "whatever fits the day handgun(s)"
jlottmc
04-24-2012, 07:45 AM
I'd just get both, then figure out what my next lust was (hint 12ga, followed by a good rifle). No sense kicking yourself over something that you'll end up doing anyway. Try it, you'll like it. BTW, this is the part about being a gun nerd/nut that keeps us all in check, we never have the money or will to focus on other stuff.
Mike_B
04-24-2012, 10:37 AM
Before getting anything- especially a Glock, you might want to check out the Sig SP2022. You can get it in 9mm or .40 S&W. I have the 9mm and it totally rocks!
chrish
04-24-2012, 11:31 AM
I'm also sticking w/ the same 'manual of arms' theory, coupled with commonality of ammo. So my purchases will continue to be 9mm. So I'd definitely come down on the side of looking at buying the 9mm.
I've recently decided to skip my plans for a high capacity striker pistol in favor of a high capacity DAO 9mm (Sig P250). The other plus is that I will gain the ability (for alot less money) to transition to a larger caliber if I want to later...and still keep the DAO manual of arms. Of course, this direction requires you to love DAO/revolver-ish guns...not exactly a Glock, Walther, S&W high capacity 9.
The OP originally mentioned 'high capacity'...which neither a .45 or a .357 are going to provide. You'll have to go w/ 9mm, .40, or .357sig to get that...9mm always giving you more capacity in the same gun.
It's just hard to beat the 9mm. Cost effective to shoot, modern bullet design makes it more than adequate for SD, higher capacity.
jlottmc
04-24-2012, 11:40 AM
A nine may not expand, but a .45 will never shrink. :D :p
chrish
04-24-2012, 12:34 PM
A nine may not expand, but a .45 will never shrink. :D :p
Very true :)
jocko
04-24-2012, 12:35 PM
oh these cliches are so unique, basicaly they are just that to...
chrish
04-24-2012, 12:44 PM
oh these cliches are so unique, basicaly they are just that to...
Well I wasn't going to go there. But i'll add my cliche now too. If attacked by more than 7+1 zombies...1911 owners are gonna be hiding behind 9mm owners.
:D
AIRret
04-24-2012, 12:59 PM
Mo Soldier, I also love my Kahr pm9 for carry and practice, but if you want something in a 9mm with more capacity buy a sig 226. My sig is 26 years old holds 15 + 1 (you can buy bigger mags.) and has NEVER had a malfunction.
I would also suggest you own at least one revolver; mine is a Ruger lcr 357. It's a gun you can shoot through a coat pocket if you have to. It's a good option if you live in a place with cold winters.
MO_Soldier
04-24-2012, 02:09 PM
UGGGGHHH... so many good points and messages to reply to as well!
That's why I'm having this dilemma. I can argue for both sides.
I would love to be able to keep shooting 9mm for cost effectiveness(I don't make much $$$) and also because you DO get more capacity in the same weapon. By high capacity, I simply meant duty sized pistols, no matter their caliber. If I used that term incorrectly I apologize.
I am thinking about getting this from S&W:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_782503_-1_757954_757781_757781_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
With my 40% from them, it'd be $341 plus tax OTD.
It has the available capacity of the duty pistol with the flexibility of the compact. The ONLY downside is the 1" of lost barrel length. But 3.5" is still a .5" more than my PM9 and I'm deadly with that(if any of you have seen my "Robin Hooded" rounds?)
Any opinions on getting a dual-purpose type of pistol like this? BTW, if I decide on this model, the caliber is still up in the air! Haha
MO_Soldier
04-24-2012, 02:12 PM
Also, to those long gun guys out there.
I'm DYING to get either an AR15, or a SCAR-L.
I have a Mossberg 500 that I have loaded with an Xtra full choke and 3" Mag turkey loads!
In time I will tac mod my existing shotgun, similar to the 930SPX, or I'll just buy something like that, depending on finances when that time comes!
This question isn't determining what weapon is best for home defense. Simply which kind of pistol to get. The one I get will only be carried in thicker clothing. Other than that, it will sit at home. That's why the question was posed that way.
Thanks for all of your overwhelming advice guys!
KEEP IT COMING!!
jlottmc
04-25-2012, 07:06 AM
Well I wasn't going to go there. But i'll add my cliche now too. If attacked by more than 7+1 zombies...1911 owners are gonna be hiding behind 9mm owners.
:D
Or just change magazines. Yes, I'm stirring the pot, why because I can.
AIRret
04-25-2012, 10:50 AM
Mo Soldier, I'm glad to hear you have a mossberg 500. They are great home defense shot guns. I have a 20 gauge (because of two back surgeries i can't handle the recoil of something bigger) and my husband has the 12 gauge. There is a choke point coming into our bedroom (and safe room) that we can really fill with lead.
Because of cost, have you considered buying a used gun? Maybe some others on the forum can give you information on how to buy a GOOD used pistol.
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