Although I shoot a LOT of 9mm,I never have had much respect for the caliber.It’s great for plinking,but I’ll fall back on my .357 or .45 pistols for life and death .Or better yet my 12 gauge or MP5.
Well, hell; given the choice in a self-defense situation I’d take the 12-gauge, too! :)
As for the handgun cartridges, placement is the most important thing. So, if someone can shoot the .38 Spl accurately and regularly, he or she is better served than if he or she had shot a .357 magnum or a .45.
I shoot .357 magnum very accurately from a 6” barrel, but in single action.