What's the best caliber for concealed carry?

While many concealed carriers will swear by larger calibers or smaller calibers, the 9mm has proven itself through time to be the “one size fits all” of ammunition. Provided a good choice of carry round, the moderate recoil and accuracy of the 9mm round is such that it is the default choice and for good reason.
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What caliber is best to conceal carry?

45 ACP cartridges, as long as quality HP ammo is used. Generally, I recommend the 9mm as the best all-around caliber for concealed carry licensees, but with HP ammo, +P load, and 124 grain weight.
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Which is better a 9mm or 380?

The maximum velocity (1000 FPS) and energy ratings (148 MPa) of the . 380 are about 40% below a 9mm, both using JHP+P type loads. While this means the . 380 is less destructive, it also performs with less of a recoil, making it a more accurate weapon in short-range, rapid-fire use.
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What's the most popular concealed carry handgun?

Presently, the most popular concealed carry calibers are:
  • . 380 ACP.
  • . 38 Special.
  • 9mm.
  • . 40 S&W.
  • . 45 ACP.
  • 10mm.
  • . 357 Magnum.
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What pistol do Navy SEALs carry?

In 2015, the Glock 19, a compact 9 mm, was added to the SEAL handgun inventory. The SEALs plan to eventually replace the P226s with the newer Glocks. For now, the M9 continues to be the primary sidearm for U.S. uniformed personnel worldwide and the P226 continues to be the primary handgun of the SEALs.
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Which Caliber Is Best For Concealed Carry?



What is the easiest pistol to conceal?

Top 10 Handguns for Concealed Carry
  1. SIG Sauer P365. Since its introduction on the market in 2018, the SIG Sauer P365 has won multiple awards, including the 2019 NRA Handgun of the Year award. ...
  2. Glock 43X. ...
  3. Glock 19. ...
  4. Ruger LCP II. ...
  5. Ruger LCR. ...
  6. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield M2. ...
  7. Smith & Wesson Model 340PD. ...
  8. Heckler & Koch P30SK.
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Is a 22 or 380 more powerful?

A 380 ACP case, on the other hand, is just about as long (0.68 inches) but the bullet it fires is 0.355 inches in diameter. This means there is a lot more room for powder inside a 380 ACP case than a 22 LR case, resulting in a more powerful round.
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What hits harder 9mm or 380?

9mm is faster, and hits harder, and is generally held to be more effective... though it does produce more recoil in a pistol of equal size. The typical . 380 ACP load is a 90-grain projectile, with muzzle velocity somewhere between 900 to 1000 feet per second, and around 180 to 230 foot-pounds of energy.
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Will a 380 stop an intruder?

380 doesn't have much stopping power, making it a less ideal choice than the next step up the ladder, the 9mm. I've even heard people say that if you were to shoot an attacker with a . 380, all you'd succeed in doing is making him mad!
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Is 9mm or 45 better for concealed carry?

And its compact nature makes it easier to carry, especially when concealed carrying. Not to mention, the 9mm brings less recoil, making it an easier gun to handle – especially for beginners. The 9mm also has a higher muzzle velocity than the . 45 ACP because of its lighter bullets.
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Is a 45 ACP more powerful than a 9mm?

45 ACP comparison, the 9mm is smaller and more compact and has less power. The . 45 ACP is comparably larger, heavier, and wider. Therefore, it can hold more gunpowder and stopping power.
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What is more powerful a 9mm or a 38?

Standard pressure . 38 Special only produces 264 foot-pounds of force (147-grain bullet at 900 feet per second out of a 4-inch barrel), while standard pressure 9mm can produce 365 foot-pounds of force (124-grain bullet at 1,150 feet per second). This is 38.25% more energy at the muzzle in favor of the 9mm.
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What is the difference between 380 and 380 ACP?

When thinking about 380 ACP vs 380 Auto, the short answer is... there is no difference! There's only one . 380 cartridge, and it's .
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Is a .380 a good carry weapon?

380 ACP is good for women's concealed carry. First is that . 380 ACP often has softer felt recoil, meaning the kick you get from the gun is less than from more powerful calibers...for the most part.
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Is .380 enough for self-defense?

From a self-defense perspective, the . 380 ACP performs to its greatest ability at close ranges, and by close I mean less than 3 yards — closer is even better. And, as always, shot placement is king.
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Is a 22 A good self Defence gun?

22 LR is “the best” round for self-defense, or even a good choice for many firearms owners who can use a more powerful cartridge. But the . 22 LR may be the best option for certain shooters, as a primary or back-up firearm, and if this is the case, they need to choose the best ammunition and firearm for the job.
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Is a 22 good for home Defence?

Carrying a 22LR or using one for home defense isn't a good idea. While it's certainly better than a sharp stick in the eye, even the most powerful 22LR load is anemic compared to even a 32 ACP. Unless it's literally your only option, don't use a 22LR.
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What is the price of a 380 handgun?

380 is a little carry pistol that packs a big punch. It's lightweight, compact and comfortable to hold. The lightweight frame is made from a durable polymer, and the components are made from stainless steel and titanium. With a price tag of under $250, it's hard to find a better carry option at such a great price.
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What is the best handgun caliber for general self-defense?

Capacity. The 9mm offers greater magazine capacity than virtually any other pistol caliber carried for personal defense. If the wounding capabilities of 9mm and the other cartridges are nearly identical, it would seem to be that having more rounds in you magazine will give you a better opportunity to stop an attacker.
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What is the safest handgun for concealed carry?

On Paper, The Safest Firearm For Concealed Carry Is Either A 1911 Or A Beretta 92.
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Is 38 Special the same as 380?

38 Special is a longer cartridge. . 380 is rimless while the . 38 Special is rimmed.
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Why is a 38 Special called that?

Despite its name, the caliber of the .38 Special cartridge is actually .357 inches (36 caliber/9.07 mm), with the ".38" referring to the approximate diameter of the loaded brass case.
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