[buffer]

It's been said here before....... A 9mm is a .45 set on stun.

"Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it; those who fail to learn history correctly -- why, they are simply doomed."

[Uncle Jaque]

Although not a .45, perhaps one of the greatest handgun bargains of the year is the Czech surplus CZ-52 in .30 Tokarev or 7.63 X 25mm.

It is accurate and flat-shooting, and will get the attention of the other shooters on the line with it's muzzle blast and orange fireball eminating from the muzzle.

I call mine my "Pocket Carbine".

On my Curio and Relic FFL, I can still get a decent one for around $100 (including shipping).
You should be able to get one from a Dealer for around $175.

The .30 Tok is a really hot little round, which is sparking a renewed interest in the gun world.

Milspec .30 Tok has a velocity of around 1600 FPS with a 90 grain bullet, producing a ME of about 550 foot-pounds.

It has a reputation for "overpenetration" with the FMJ/RN projectile, but recent experiments with hollow-point bullets hotrodded up to nearly 1800FPS have been promising, and at least one small manufacturer is loading these rounds for the retail market.

My "Czech-O-Matic" is on the top, with an extended/ported 9X19mm barrel installed (easy conversion). The stock muzzle is flush with the end of the slide.

My fancy custom grip adapter is made out of a section of mountain bike inner tube that I scrounged out of the dump.
It works, and the price was right.

Beneath is my trusty old Argentine Systema '27 with Pachmyer grips. The sights on it were badly battered, so I replaced them and filed the rear notch out to about twice it's original width cause... I like 'em like that.

[Casloy]

I think stopping power is a confusing term. A 45 has no more stopping power than a 9mm since the ratio of the weight of a human against a bullet, even the size of a 45 caliber is too great. A 45 does so much more damage that the person hit will fall faster than if shot with a 9mm. The image of someone flying backwards when hit with a bullet defies the laws of physics and is the creation of Hollywood.

[decal]

Why the .45 Matters

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

I have a Taurus 45 millenium pro. Good conceal weapon. But I still like my bushmaster

[rodeocowboy]

The Shotgun News has an article about this and they highlight the new HK .45 pistol. The gun got good reviews.

Also, my Pa, who is now with his Lord, Jesus Christ (accepted Christ only hours before his death), was a former Marine, one of the best shots I have ever witnessed, and a former Flushing (Michigan) police officer, never carried anything different than a 1911 .45ACP. He despised the 9mm round of any sort! Right before he died, he swore by the Kimber Ultra Carry pistol chambered to .45 ACP. He told me that anything less an a .45 is just that, less.