A couple days ago, Uncle stated he was wanting to get a 1911 from STI and asked for opinions on which caliber he should order it in. He got lots of answers and stirred up the .45 ACP vs 40 S&W vs 9mm stinkpot.
Master of all Ballistic Knoweledge, Joe Huffman, pointed to this discussion whereupon the following knowledge was given
If during the time you were reading the latest “stopping power” article you were instead practicing to save your life you would be far, far ahead.
Greg Hamilton May 08, 1998
Many, many more tidbits of proper attitude towards energy and numbers are dispensed within that link.
I just always liked the rule from the Marine Rules of Gunfighting – ‘Never attend a gunfight with a handgun the caliber of which does not start with “4.”‘
“A dog is a cat is a rat is a boy is a 9mm is a 40 cal is a 45”. Tanks, but I’ll stick with the stuff with a “4” in front of it and use that to get to the carbine/AK/shotgun/flame thrower/ radio for air support. I believe it was Marilyn Chambers (Ivory soap girl) after her meeting with John Holmes that said “size MATTERS”.
Greg pretty much nailed it. Practice with what you have, and practice follow-up shots with what you have. Anything that deserves to be shot, deserves to be shot repeatedly – ammunition is cheap, but your life is rather valuable.