The best resource I've found so far that covers the choices associated with concealed carry is this.


[quote="Beginner's Guide To Carry
The first thing to learn (which will be demonstrated later) is that in regards to concealed carry, everything is a compromise. You sacrifice caliber for capacity or overall size, features for cost, sight radius for concealability, etc. Get used to this concept now as it will be a factor in every decision you make from this point. There is no perfect gun, there is no magic bullet, and despite my best efforts (in this message) there is no one size fits all.[/quote]

Pistol calibers do not have stopping power!
Stopping power is if you hit a very vital area.
The only handgun round that I ever investigated with stopping power was a 357 magnum revolver w/125 HP.
I have seen 12 guage shotguns fail with shot and slugs and rifles with hardball bullets. Try to hit a moving target or bad guy shooting at you.
Keep your distance and take cover, know the limitations of your weapon.
Just because it makes a loud noise don't mean it will stop your adversary with one hit.

"Originally Posted by Beginner's Guide To Carry
Brought to you by ConcealedCarryForum.com
The first thing to learn (which will be demonstrated later) is that in regards to concealed carry, everything is a compromise. You sacrifice caliber for capacity or overall size, features for cost, sight radius for concealability, etc. Get used to this concept now as it will be a factor in every decision you make from this point. There is no perfect gun, there is no magic bullet, and despite my best efforts (in this message) there is no one size fits all."

I love that quote...

Just build me a 45ACP that kicks like a 9mm, penetrates windshields, but not wall-board, with a 2" barrel, and .75" thickness, that will drop in my pocket, and weigh less than 15 oz, fully loaded, with 19+1 rounds, and shoot sub-2" groups at 25yds, with an integrated laser, that activates by mind control, and shoot rounds that never underpenetrate, or over penetrate, and expand to the size of a dinner-plate... And sells for $299.99!

Then... we can close this 9mm-vs-45ACP discussion forever!

Until then...

JW

I carry both a 9 or 45 for self defense,,both are good rounds,practice and shot placement are key.
Stay safe

Originally Posted by JeffWard

Just build me a 45ACP that kicks like a 9mm, penetrates windshields, but not wall-board, with a 2" barrel, and .75" thickness, that will drop in my pocket, and weigh less than 15 oz, fully loaded, with 19+1 rounds, and shoot sub-2" groups at 25yds, with an integrated laser, that activates by mind control, and shoot rounds that never underpenetrate, or over penetrate, and expand to the size of a dinner-plate... And sells for $299.99!

Then... we can close this 9mm-vs-45ACP discussion forever!

Until then...

JW

Don't forget to include bullets that can be called back when accidently discharged.

WM

My calculator tells me that 5.56 MM is purty close to .22 caliber.