i prefer a .40SW, maybe a .45
we all know the 9mm has a bad rep for stopping power... some earned some not..
a recent example... NYSP is finally dumping the 9 for a 45...
its all about personal preference....i just dont trust the 9
on the other hand... even my compact .40 is friggin heavy... so its a trade off
even a 9 or a .380 carried is better than the .45 sitting at home cuz its too heavy
hows that for a mixed message?
IMO, there is not really any appreciable difference between the .40 and the 9mm.
The .45, now you're talking. Plenty of stopping power, however I think sometimes quantity is better than quality. My 9mm has 18 round clips and can be easily concealed, where as with most .45's you are looking at 6 rounds. The .45 is best if you can be cool under fire and are a crack shot (
everytime). For me, in such a situation, I would like to have a few more rounds in the magazine, just in case.
You are right, it is personal preference. I would like to have a .45 that is as compact and light as a 9mm or .40 and with the magazine capacity of my 9mm, but thus far have not found that gun.
I have an assortment from .45, .44 & .357, 9's, .40 & .380 all the way down to a .25 derringer. They all have their pro's & con's.
Firearms are like chrome....it's hard to know when it has become an obsession.