9mm vs .45 ACP

Yes. I'm going there. Light and fast vs. heavy and slow. This debate can get more heated than a GOP primary. This is an argument filled with hatred and bias, but it's a fun topic if you're willing to have a civil discussion. I'll be discussing some of the pros and cons of both rounds as a defensive round, then giving you my personal opinion on the issue. I will also be discussing the rounds as if they were fired from the same pistol. Don't worry, I won't dive into history of the cartridges - there's no point. I'm sure anyone reading this will only want to know which is considered "best" and not really care about how it was developed.

9x19 Parabellum - Also known as "9mm Luger" or just "9mm"

Pros:

• Higher velocity than .45
• "Flatter" shooting
• Greater effective range than .45
• Greater penetration
• 9mm magazines generally have higher ammo capacity than .45
• Rounds are less expensive
• Less recoil (depending on weapon size)
• Increased accuracy due to quicker follow up shots
• Universal - can be found most places in the world

Cons:

• Over- penetration (FMJ rounds)
• Not always a "one shot stop"*

.45 ACP

Pros:

• Bigger bullet = bigger hole than 9mm (when comparing full metal jacket rounds)
• Subsonic ammo is great for suppressing
• Safer to be used in close quarters
• Rounds are less likely to over-penetrate walls and endanger bystanders

Cons:

• Effective range is less than 9mm
• Due to lower velocity
• .45 ACP magazines' capacity is usually under 10 rounds.
• Rounds are generally more expensive
• Greater recoil = longer time to re-aquire target

Conclusion:

While some people are shouting at me through their computer screen about the "legendary" stories of the .45 and how it saved their life from a charging Triceratops, others will look at these pros and cons and say something like, "Well, it looks like I have more reason to carry a 9mm over a .45." I share your opinion! While I love the .45 and everything that it's accomplished throughout the years, it just doesn't have as many positives as the 9mm. Especially now with advances in defensive ammo. Recent developments with hollow point rounds means you can have a bullet with equal or greater stopping power as your .45, but have twice the number in your magazine. To me, that's a no-brainer.  

Don't listen to the crazy, biased stories that you may hear when debating caliber. *The truth is, there is no such thing as a "one shot stop" or "perfect" round. Every cartridge performs differently in different scenarios. Plus, if you're in a self defense scenario, odds are you won't stop at one shot. You'll probably end up shooting 2-3 times anyway even if the criminal has already been incapacitated. Shot placement is the most important thing when acting in a self-defensive manner. If you can shoot better with a .45 than a 9mm, then by all means, get a .45! This article is based on condensed and over-simplified cartridge facts. Personally, when I take these facts and pair them with my own comfort level of shooting, 9mm will be my choice every time.

What's your pick? Why?