In the classes that I’ve taught for self defense, I have always ALWAYS stated that shot placement will beat a bigger less controlled gun every time. As a general rule, women listen, men don’t - at least not until they have tried something smaller like a 9 mm or .45 vs the .44 mag or .50AE they thought they could handle. I’ve seen a grandma with a .22LR pistol that could decide which eyeball she wanted to take out at 10 meters .... it’s quite scary to watch her actually.
I was once asked how can I tell if someone has too much pistol. It is really a simple exercise. Set your target at 7 to 10 yards. Fire 5 rounds in under 10 seconds. If the shot group is bigger than your pistol ... you have too much pistol and not enough control. You can fix that practice or getting a smaller gun / load. But always practice practice practice.
Or the way it was put to me ... never HOPE you hit your target, KNOW if you did.
Hey, I recommend people start off with the 9mm, personally. The Browning High Power in 9mm is still the pistol I’m best with. 5 rounds at 7 yards, even with the sights covered, I still produce a group you can cover with the BHP’s magazine. With the sights, you can almost cover the group with the magazine’s floorplate. I recommend the BHP a lot; I also took a lot of flak for not having “enough” pistol. Well, guess what, I’m in your camp wherein eighteen 9mm hits are still better than 8 misses with a .45.
Also, individual weapon design makes a difference. For example, the 1911 has more felt recoil than a Glock 30 even though they are in the same caliber. Someone should try out a bunch of weapons at a local range before settling in to a model and caliber, IMHO. Buy what you can hit best with, regardless of caliber (so long as it’s 9mm or better).
For those who like the High Power but would like to move up to a larger caliber, I recommend the Springfield XD45. It points like a BHP and despite the larger round size carries the same number of rounds as a BHP does.
I have a carry permit and like an old Colt 32 auto. Mostly because it is almost undetectable.
Some say it is not a good choice cause it lacks 45 knock down power. I always think I can hit what I aim at.
True it will not put you on your butt if I hit you in the arm but I’ll get your attention. P
P-89 Ruger and Kimber are just too large to effectively hide.
What say you?
*** I’ve seen a grandma with a .22LR pistol that could decide which eyeball she wanted to take out at 10 meters .... it’s quite scary to watch her actually.***
I’m not a grandma yet, but of that age.
After seeing my target (with very little left of his head) asked why I now only practice head shots.
I answered, “the people that come after us may be wearing vests.”
To some extent that's true. There are exceptions, though, such as the hyped-up attacker who can take several low-caliber rounds and still function enough to kill...only to die soon thereafter. That latter part might be good for society, but doesn't help the victim any.
As a general rule, women listen, men don’t
That's what I found as an instructor, also...not just for calibers, but for other topics of instruction. And, generally, the women became very good shots faster than the men as a result.
The factors that come into play are numerous, including intimidation factor. While some would argue that a .22 muzzle isn't as intimidating, if the person holding it feels a lot more confident than if she were holding a .44 Mag that she's afraid of, it could be. Still, unless the person can't handle it, I'd not go below .380ACP.
BTW, I worked in prison and during basic training made Expert with pistols. Never shot a pistol or rifle before in my life. Course my targets were not people! I'm still proud of shooting like an expert though