Consolidate handgun calibers

[Flincher]

:)If you were going to consolidate your handgun arsenal so all fired the same cartridge, for economic, availbility, familiarity, reloading component availability, etc., what would your choice be ???:)

[Keltyke]

That's easy - 9mm. Cost, availability, "carry what you shoot best". Rifles, full auto long guns, semi handguns and revolvers are all available in that caliber.

[Barth]

:)If you were going to consolidate your handgun arsenal so all fired the same cartridge, for economic, availbility, familiarity, reloading component availability, etc., what would your choice be ???:)

For me it's 40 S&W.

With something like 60% of LE running that caliber I think it's the new 9mm.
Even when ammo supplies are at their worst.
I seem to always be able to get 40 S&W locally.
For me it's more available than 9mm or .45 ACP.
I currently own five handguns that will run 40 S&W.

Also I really only like 9mm in premium SD ammo.
Can't be sure I'll always be able to get that.
I'm happy with just about any JHP in 40 S&W or 45 ACP.

My favorite caliber is 45 ACP.
But for one caliber in the worst of times?
40 S&W

[JustinN]

I've kind of done that with 9mm at the moment, for my semi-autos....but I'm wanting to get a 1911, and don't really want it in 9, .45 just feels like the way to go on those, though Para does have a new 10mm 1911 I really like.....

But for me it's 9mm, just because that's what my K9 shoots, it's easier on the hands, easier on my wife, etc etc. It's what I ordered reloading components for, and plan on sticking with on other guns (other than the above mentioned 1911) - BUT at the same time, I'm sure I'll branch out again and that's the wonderful thing. We aren't restricted to one caliber!

[JohnR]

.45ACP

9mm and .40 have been unavailable locally, but .45 has.

[Ikeo74]

When I was a kid, there was and old saying: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. That still applys today. (sub guns for eggs)

[SwampDude]

My choice is 9mm. I bought a Kahr CW9 recently and converted my Glock 22 from .40 to 9mm. My other Glocks and Beretta are 9mm. I kept my revolvers and .45s because I'm attached to them, but the times I want to carry it will be 9mm. If I buy a handgun in the future, it will be a 9mm.

The reasons for choosing 9mm are mentioned in the OP. Stockpiling one caliber is a lot more efficient than buying two or more calibers. 9mm is unavailable in my locale too, but it will come back strong.

If 9mm dries up long term (which it won't), I've got firearms in other calibers for backup.

[Barth]

When I was a kid, there was and old saying: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. That still applys today. (sub guns for eggs)

I really agree with this.

I've got barrels and mags to run 9mm, 357 Sig and 40 S&W in my Glock G27.
Plus two 45 ACP guns.
And revolvers that will shoot 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 44 Special and 44 Magnum.

Always had a Mossy 12 gauge pump gun.
And have recently added a 5.56/.223 AK to the mix.

[Flincher]

:pYou guys are being too realistic. The question is "IF" you consolidated !!:):D

[Bawanna]

Make mine 45. That's pretty much what I'm doing in reality.

Covers my PM45, my 1911's and my Thompson. Good to go.

I like real bullets.

[itsthelaw]

I tried to narrow it down, but ended up with 4...

[TheTman]

IF, I were to consolidate, I'd go either 9mm or .45 ACP. Most likely 9mm, since that gives more rounds per weapon usually, and is the current military sidearm caliber.

[OldLincoln]

I recently did and it was 45 for me.

[JimC]

When I was a kid, there was and old saying: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. That still applys today. (sub guns for eggs)

I agree with this 100%.
It would be impossible to consolidate down to only one caliber. Hell, I couldn't even do two! :)

[mr surveyor]

there ain't no way I'm going to limit myself to a single chambering to have "on hand". I want options due to ammo availability (or lack of) and options for grab and go requirements.

[phil413tx]

I agree as well. I have learned in this time that it is better to diversify. However, I love my 9s for quick follow up. If I had to choose, I would probably go with 9mm because it is cheaper to stock up and I already have a good stash.

However, I do love .45 for a nice big hole and i just think the .40 is fun to shoot.

I have all of those calibers but 9 would probably be my go to...

Right now .40 has been the easiest to find...

Wow, I sound like a politician the way I keep going through all of the calibers and not giving a straight answer...OK...I will sit back now and be quiet. :rolleyes:

[MW surveyor]

I have given this much thought in the past and have not been able to consolidate as I like to shoot my different guns (22, 38, 357, 9 mm, 45 ). If I did, it would probably .................................................. ....nah, never mind.

[Flincher]

I agree with you-all that recommend "Not putting all your eggs in one basket". But IF I had to consolidate it would be 9MM.

[getsome]

Hands down .40 and not because I like it better or it's the best for self defense or I like the extra recoil or any other reason like that but at times like now when ammo gets scarce for whatever reason I can almost always find some .40 on the shelves somewhere...It may not be the best most accurate man stopper etc but it will get the job done and since Law Enforcement both Local and Federal have adopted it the round will be made in greater numbers than any other caliber....9mm would be second then .45 ACP in the manufacturers food chain so I vote for what I can buy the most of at more places and thats .40 S&W....

On a side note for rifle ammo as everyone knows .223 can't be had and most other common rifle calibers that will run in popular assault type rifles everyone bought up can't be found either but I DO find a fair amount of good old 30-30 and .270 Winchester available...I have an older Marlin 30-30 and I always stock up on 30-30 when I see it...I find the price hasn't risen from pre scare days and the caliber will do for anything I need a rifle for either for hunting or self defense and I like to think of my old Marlin as a poor man's assault rifle....

[Nimrod]

IF I consolidated, it would be .40. My second choice would be 9MM. However, I don't plan on consolidating.

[OiRadio47]

A few years back, I sold all my other calibers except .40. Now wishing I hadn't. When ammo is hard or impossible to find, it is nice to have options. Really miss the 10mm. :-(

[jeepster09]

I have a 10mm [with a 40 barell also]. So for me I like the 40.

[sealion]

If I HAD to, it would be 40 cal, because my Sig SP2022 is my favorite weapon. If I was starting from scratch, it would probably be....40 as well, but 9mm isn't too far behind.

When I purchased my CM9, I had really been considering a M&P Shield in 40 and the CM40 for the purpose of consolidating. Then the ammo craziness really went into high gear. I now think it would be a little foolish to consolidate calibers.

[O'Dell]

No question at all - 45ACP. Eleven of my fifteen guns are already there. However, I would hate to get rid of my sweet shooting MK40.

[Kinetic]

That's easy - 9mm. Cost, availability, "carry what you shoot best". Rifles, full auto long guns, semi handguns and revolvers are all available in that caliber.

I'm with this guy. Although 9mm seems to be slim right now.

[JohnR]

No question at all - 45ACP. Eleven of my fifteen guns are already there. However, I would hate to get rid of my sweet shooting MK40.
I've also considered getting a .45 carbine since rifle ammo is hard to get. I know pistol carbines don't have the reach of a "real" rifle, but reach farther than a pistol, and here in the suburbs I don't see much need for >200 yard shots.

[Barth]

I've also considered getting a .45 carbine since rifle ammo is hard to get. I know pistol carbines don't have the reach of a "real" rifle, but reach farther than a pistol, and here in the suburbs I don't see much need for >200 yard shots.

I'm in the city.
Don't really expect urban CQC to involve much past 50 yards.
Mostly up close and personal.
My 10.5" 5.56 AK is most effective 0-55 yards in terms of velocity.
And I'm fine with that.

[Salty]

It would be difficult for me to pass on the 45 acp and 357 mag however I would go with the 22 lr. with a 22 mag cylinder so I would be cheating a bit. The 22 lr allows me to cover a wide range of uses. Also to carry and store large amounts of ammo and is effective way beyond it's diminutive size. Inexpensive to shoot and train with. Trigger time is trigger time. The 22 mag give me personal defense security. I would probably take the 22 mag over the 22 lr if ammo availability and cost was no object.

[rhd04]

World wide the most popular caliber would have to be 9mm.

[Flincher]

It would be difficult for me to pass on the 45 acp and 357 mag however I would go with the 22 lr. with a 22 mag cylinder so I would be cheating a bit. The 22 lr allows me to cover a wide range of uses. Also to carry and store large amounts of ammo and is effective way beyond it's diminutive size. Inexpensive to shoot and train with. Trigger time is trigger time. The 22 mag give me personal defense security. I would probably take the 22 mag over the 22 lr if ammo availability and cost was no object.


That's an interesting and valid point you make:)

[O'Dell]

I've also considered getting a .45 carbine since rifle ammo is hard to get. I know pistol carbines don't have the reach of a "real" rifle, but reach farther than a pistol, and here in the suburbs I don't see much need for >200 yard shots.

I'm not a rifle shooter but with the red dot I can easily get three inch groups at 50 yards. That's where I zeroed it and I've never tried longer ranges. Some say it's fairly accurate out to one hundred.

[Texshooter]

and I have decided on .45 ACP.

Nothing at all against others, I would be perfectly happy carrying any of them.

I just can find .45, right now, in quantities so as to "stock up."

And I have also totally gone to semi-auto, no thumb safety and that will probably mean striker fired.

SAVE THE REPUBLIC. KEEP CONTACTING ALL REPS / CONGRESSPEOPLE / SENATORS.

:Amflag2:

[ltxi]

It would be difficult for me to pass on the 45 acp and 357 mag however I would go with the 22 lr. with a 22 mag cylinder so I would be cheating a bit. The 22 lr allows me to cover a wide range of uses. Also to carry and store large amounts of ammo and is effective way beyond it's diminutive size. Inexpensive to shoot and train with. Trigger time is trigger time. The 22 mag give me personal defense security. I would probably take the 22 mag over the 22 lr if ammo availability and cost was no object.

Ahhhh.....what I was thinking. Either that or 38/357 for me.

[yqtszhj]

For pistols my plan was originally to go primary 9mm due to cost and availability but I'm getting a real love for .45 ACP.

Rifle is easy at the moment. .223/5.56. Cant forget the rimfire .22 though.

[rhd04]

For rifle I'd have to go with .30 06

[Bill K]

For me it'd be 9mm no questions asked. I carry a pocket .380 about 15% of the time, a .45 XDM compact (appendix) about 5% of the time and my Kahr PM9, mostly pocket, 80% of the time. I feel very comfortable carrying with several brands 124 +P SD ammo.

[Jeremiah/Az]

I have some of almost every caliber in handguns, but the last 3 I have bought were 9mm. I reload for all of them so availability of ammo is no big deal.

I do have 3 .223/5.56 rifles.

[aKahrt_and_p2KT]

.40 or 10mm (if in imaginary world this came in everything needed).

[melissa5]

If I were only consolidating for SHTF purposes, I would pick 9mm for capacity and recoil reduction. Until I no longer compete in USPSA, I will keep reloading for 40 cal. I do have 2 boxes of 40 cal SD ammo and 2 boxes of SD ammo for my .38. The Model 37 conceals so well that I can't even consider selling or trading it.

[OldLincoln]

Well if I were a guy like Bart, I'd get the carbine conversion kit (http://www.mechtechsys.com/) for a Glock.

http://www.mechtechsys.com/images/web/GlockFullDress.jpg

[MikeyKahr]

Almost makes me want to get a Glock. Almost.

[Bawanna]

Almost makes me want to get a Glock. Almost.

Use restraint nephew, you'll get over it.

[Dirt doc]

44 mag. But the rules would have to allow me to reload. I love my 45 acps but I'd have more flexility with 44 mags

[chrish]

Almost makes me want to get a Glock. Almost.

I thought those mechtech setups were the ONLY reason to want or get a Glock. One of those on a G19 frame is on my short list! Otherwise, I have no need for a Glock.

Regarding the thread itself, I've already standardized on 9mm. No regrets whatsoever. With the advent of rounds like the PDX1 and Critical Duty, I have no concerns w/ the rounds and capacity is king (for me).

If I run out of 9mm (and I have no plans to reload), pointy stick it'll be!
:boink:

[wyntrout]

I might have to look at those again. I just lucked onto my second Glock... G19 Gen 3 for Wifey... on GunsAmerica. While I was trying to figure how to contact the dealer, one of the sales guys called me! I'm getting the new pistol for $529 with no CC fee and free shipping to my FFL dealer... all completed within 20 minutes, including my FFL dealer faxing them his license... done!

This is my 4th 9mm and second within the last 6 months or so. I WAS thinking that I didn't want any more of those puny 9mm, but they are the most prevalent and easier for my wife, I would imagine. I wound up getting the Gen 3 for a lot of reasons... cost, availability, and the older recoil spring should be easier for Wifey to rack than the new captive spring, two-spring system used my Kahr PMs.

Wynn:)

[QuercusMax]

Long ago I thought it would be wise to standardize, but soon I realized that variety is indeed the spice of life, at least in moderation.

First love: .45ACP, the king. 1911's use it, what else do you need to say?
Bang for buck: 9x19mm, obviously. Lots more shooting for the same price. More is better.
Compact high performance: 5.7x28mm. The handgun version of 5.56x45mm. Same controversy; high performance in tiny package.
Easy shooting: .22LR. Can't find it now, but back soon. So cheap and easy that you can shoot it all day long. And more.

I've got others: .45LC, .357 magnum, .32ACP, .22WMR, 9x18mm - but I don't shoot them as much. Wouldn't give up any of them, though, even if I ran out of ammo.

Unlike others, I've never found much use for .40S&W because it fits between .45ACP and 9x19mm and I don't want every possible caliber.

[FrankinCA]

9mm, .45 and .38 special

[O'Dell]

Well if I were a guy like Bart, I'd get the carbine conversion kit (http://www.mechtechsys.com/) for a Glock.

http://www.mechtechsys.com/images/web/GlockFullDress.jpg

The only problem with that is that it has a Glock stuck right in the middle of it.:rolleyes:

[Alfonse]

I thought about it, and decided not to standardize. I have 9mm, .22, .40, .45, .38 and .357 in pistol calibers. Then there are rifle calibers and shotgun.

For every application, there is a caliber that is just so much sweeter. I'm not good enough with 9mm to shoot sporting clays....

[Bawanna]

Maybe you just need some more practice on them rolling rabbits?

[Alfonse]

Maybe you just need some more practice on them rolling rabbits?


See, now there you go. Those look more like shotgun targets to me than pistol targets. Shotgun, not a problem.

[chrish]

The only problem with that is that it has a Glock stuck right in the middle of it.:rolleyes:

Now I don't care who you are, that's funny!

[Rotorflyr]

The only problem with that is that it has a Glock stuck right in the middle of it.:rolleyes:

Well there's a simple solution to that problem:

http://www.mechtechsys.com/images/web/1911_telestock_full.jpg

;)

[chrish]

Well there's a simple solution to that problem:

http://www.mechtechsys.com/images/web/1911_telestock_full.jpg

;)

That's even MORE wrong but in the other direction. John Browning is rolling over in his grave.

[O'Dell]

That's even MORE wrong but in the other direction. John Browning is rolling over in his grave.

I don't know - I sorta like it, but there's not much clearance for the hammer. I think I'll stick to my 45 carbine.

[chrish]

I don't know - I sorta like it, but there's not much clearance for the hammer. I think I'll stick to my 45 carbine.

Conceptually, I agree. I guess it just looks wrong to me. That classic 1911 grip coupled w/ a Starship Trooper carbine look. It works w/ the Glock frame and actually (joking) improves on a Glock. But the 1911 mechtech needs something, needs to look like it fits w/ the lower. Or as you said, leave well enough alone and just get a 45 carbine.

I've had a 9mm Beretta CX4 on my list for awhile, but a G17/19 mechtech would be acceptable too.

[queevil]

That's even MORE wrong but in the other direction. John Browning is rolling over in his grave.

Agreed. That's an effed up thing to do to a 1911.

I'm glad I shoot only .40 because it's still easy to find right now. I refuse to consolidate to one pistol caliber. However, if I had to it would be .45acp even though I'm a .40 guy. Why? Because in a true SHTF situation I probably wouldn't be able find quality sd ammo. It's been proven that the three most common service calibers are all pretty close when it comes to terminal performance with quality sd ammo, but when it comes to ball ammo I'll take the one that makes the biggest hole if ball is what I'm limited into.

But lets face it, if your in a situation where you have to use a weapon to fight and you have to use a pistol to fight rather than some kind of long arm, you're probably kind of screwed. In that respect maybe it doesn't matter what caliber you decide to stock up on as long as you have plenty of it.

[Popeye]

I might be able to consolidate my hand guns, but not the calibers they are. My Ruger MkIII 22 is for plinking fun. My P3at (380) is for those hot days and CC. I have a few 9mm pistols that I CC and one of them PM9 is my EDC for the most part. That brings me to my 1911 45 acp and there is no way I could think of getting rid of my 1911 as it's just un American to do so. :amflag:So I guess I'm consolidated as far as I'm willing to go with still owning calibers of 22,380,9mm,and 45 acp.

[RRP]

I might be able to consolidate my hand guns, but not the calibers they are. My Ruger MkIII 22 is for plinking fun. My P3at (380) is for those hot days and CC. I have a few 9mm pistols that I CC and one of them PM9 is my EDC for the most part. That brings me to my 1911 45 acp and there is no way I could think of getting rid of my 1911 as it's just un American to do so. :amflag:So I guess I'm consolidated as far as I'm willing to go with still owning calibers of 22,380,9mm,and 45 acp.

What, no wheel guns? ;)

[CJB]

Make mine 45. That's pretty much what I'm doing in reality.

I like real bullets.

Yup. +1

Seriously... to consolidate is probably not the best thing. There may be times when one item, or another, is not available.

I prefer the .45, still carry the PM9 on occasion, but keep a .38 and some .22's

The recent purchase of the two .22 Bearcat revolvers was an attempt at diversity for just those reasons. One will become .22 magnum, the other stay as is. I figured that eventually .22's will be available again, and I can stock up on a whole lot for not much money (comparatively), and that would be my life supply, just as I have a life supply of .45's and 9's.

If left to one gun, only one gun.... distopian wasteland scenario... I'd be happy with a 12gauge pump and a huge amount of ammo. But I'd probably be with a .22 revolver for practical reasons.

[downtownv]

I often thought of a bar sto 9mm conversion for my .40 sig, but given the ammo avail I am no longer considering a consolidation of anything...

[mr surveyor]

I often thought of a bar sto 9mm conversion for my .40 sig, but given the ammo avail I am no longer considering a consolidation of anything...

I considered the same thing several years ago for my (now gone) P239. The guy I sold it to has at least 5 times more guns than I do, and can afford about any others he may want, but I've heard that my former P239 (.40 cal) pistol has become his everyday companion. I still prefer plenty of options, but .380 and .40 have been taken off of my list.

[queevil]

The Glock carbine conversion might be pretty awesome with full power 10mm ammo.

[cgo99]

Well.....I started the road to consoloditaion and failed miserable. Somehow I ended up with more calibers than I started with and my next purchase will add another one to the list. So I have pretty much given up in the concept.
If any of you decides to go down this road I hope that you have more resolve than me, and yes I'm aware that the bar is not raised to high.

[Popeye]

What, no wheel guns? ;)

No, I do not,and sure do not need another gun addiction.;)

[QuercusMax]

Well.....I started the road to consoloditaion and failed miserable. Somehow I ended up with more calibers than I started with and my next purchase will add another one to the list. So I have pretty much given up in the concept.
If any of you decides to go down this road I hope that you have more resolve than me, and yes I'm aware that the bar is not raised to high.

That is exactly my story as well.

But then again, variety is the spice of life.

[Bawanna]

That is exactly my story as well.

But then again, variety is the spice of life.

Could you send that message to Mrs. Bawanna, I've been trying to instill that into her for years and she's having none of it.

I'm not talking that Jocko waller around in the gutter wife swapping spice of life stuff, just different guns, knives, cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks etc.

[chrish]

The Glock carbine conversion might be pretty awesome with full power 10mm ammo.

I believe there is a mech tech upper for the 10mm Glock. There are a few videos on YouTube. If I had the nerve under the current landscape to start into a new caliber, 10mm would be on the short list to be considered.

[ParabellumJ]

See my user name :)