Having the ability to defend yourself and your loved ones is crucial, and handguns offer a level of self-protection that is unmatched. But if you opt to use a handgun for protection, it’s essential that you choose a caliber that meets your needs. Deciding on a caliber can be difficult, so to make things easier, we’ve compiled a short list of the best handgun calibers for self-defense.
How to Choose the Best Caliber
Everyone has different needs and preferences, and therefore there is no “one size fits all” caliber for self-defense. Before deciding on a handgun caliber, you’ll want to consider the weight and size of the handgun, as well as the amount of recoil that you can safely handle. In short, you must be comfortable carrying and using the handgun.
Self-Defense Calibers
Here is our list of the top handgun calibers for self-defense:
1. 9mm Luger
When the 9mm Luger was introduced it was deemed a subpar round and, in turn, it received heavy criticism. However, it didn’t take long for the 9mm to win over its skeptics, and today it is the most widely used self-defense round in the world. It is a favorite among both civilians and law enforcement agents.
One of the primary benefits of using the 9mm Luger is the wide range of ammo available for the caliber, so if you’re a reloader, you’ll have no trouble finding adequate reloading supplies. This variety of ammo also makes it easy for shooters to find a round that they’re comfortable firing. Overall, the 9mm offers the perfect balance between recoil and stopping power. Moreover, because of their popularity, 9mm handguns are very affordable.
2. .380 ACP
The .380 ACP, or .380 Automatic Colt Pistol, has been around for over a century, and today it’s one of the top choices for self-defense. The bullet for a .380 is slightly smaller than a 9mm, and it lacks the stopping power necessary to make it a candidate for home defense. Furthermore, .380 handgun magazines typically hold only 5 or 6 rounds, which is somewhat limiting.
So why is the .380 ACP such a popular self-defense caliber? Well, the primary reason for its popularity is the ultra-compact size of the handguns, which makes them great for concealed carry. Their small size also bodes well for those looking for a backup weapon. Additionally, the .380 ACP produces minimal recoil, so it’s the perfect handgun caliber for those new to shooting.
3. .38 Special
If you prefer a revolver or wheel gun rather than a standard blowback-style handgun, you’ll want to consider the .38 Special. Technically, the .38 Special is the same caliber as a 9mm Luger, however it uses a low-velocity cartridge, so the bullet speed is less than that of a 9mm. This also means the .38 Special does not have the same stopping power as the 9mm.
On the other hand, the slower velocities of the .38 Special is safer to use in crowded areas or inside the home. Revolvers are safer to carry than blowback-style handguns because there is less chance of user error or the gun accidentally going off.
Preparation is Key
There is nothing more important than protecting yourself and your family, and handguns are one of the best options for self and home defense. As noted, there are several calibers that are suitable for self-defense, and each has its own set of pros and cons. Furthermore, if you reload your ammo, you should have no problem finding reloading supplies for any of these rounds. So whether you opt for the 9mm Luger, .380 ACP, or .38 Special, you can rest knowing that you’re prepared, should an emergency arise.
For further information or inquiries about the vast option of reloading supplies or specific item you are in need of, please contact Titan Reloading at 262.397.8819 or visit www.TitanReloading.com to learn more.