How does on decide on a caliber when buying a pistol?

[WhyTheBans]

I'm pretty set on buying a 9mm for my first Handgun. So far considering the Glock 17, Walther PPQ, and Springfield XDM.

But I've been thinking about a second pistol and I've been thinking of buying something for wildlife defense as I'm starting to plan alot of outdoors stuff in other states.

So how does one choose a caliber in regards to wildlife defense, and also how does one choose a caliber when they just want to buy another pistol?
Minus a wild life defensive gun, I'm trying to see if there is a just reason to buy something other than a 9mm.

Thanks in advance

 

[Mr. Ed]

It would be helpful if you could tell us the biggest animal you want to defend against. That will help us suggest a caliber. And hold on tight... you're going to get a lot of interesting and possibly entertaining information.

 

[Bikebreath]

I didn't want a lot calibers, so after my 3rd, all in different calibers, I put a limit on myself to keep it from getting outta hand. Others have a dozen different calibers and don't care.

For wildlife, the.45 colt is a round with some of the widest range of loads, from mouse fart to very hot. You'll want a Ruger revolver to handle the hottest loads.

 

[mopar92]

For general use 9mm. End of story.
For field use 10mm. Revolvers suck but Desert Eagles suck worse.
I chose .40 for its better post barrier performance but I'm in and out of cars for the better part of 12-14 hours a day. So it's a specialized purpose for that. I did just buy a Glock 17 for times when I don't necessarily need the .40's increased performance.

 

[WhyTheBans]

The biggest Animal would probably be a bear (not sure of breed) and a moose lol. I was reading on what wildlife was around where I wanted to go hiking and there are some predatory cats, bears, moose/elk, and some other small stuff. I doubt that I'd run into one but I'd rather be safe than sorry. My curiosity got the best of me and I started browsing on youtube it seems standing your ground against bear and maybe a couple warning shots can make then run - but in the case that it doesnt rather do what I can to protect my friends with me (who are not comfortable carrying).

 

[HordesOfKailas]

I carry hot 357MAG in Western MD when I hunt. Fogure it should be enough to keep me safe. I like revolvers though.

 

[Biggfoot44]

If you didn't say "wildlife" , the obvious answer is .22lr .

I'll reverse the usual the discussion, and ask what is largest cal that you can handle to make precise, rapid multiple hits under stress.

* IF * this had been asked in advance in regards to " What is good all around first/ only pistol for general use AND some degree of defense capability for large-ish critters ? ", there would have been sime standard answers. 4In .357 revolver,.45acp .

But we're where we are now, looking for meaningful step up from 9mm without going overboard.

10MM. Glock, unless you have a burning desire for 1911 or CZ platform on purpose.

.45Colt or .44Mag - .45Colt has advantage in readily available ammo in desired power levels. Warm .45Colt more available than medium .44mag, and standard ( non-cowboy) 250/255 rnfp is decent itself. The .44 tends to be either underloaded.44spl or full power hunting loads. If you handload, disregard ammo selection.

Wildcard - Ruger Blackhawk Convertable in .357/ 9mm . Blackhawk in .357 is indestructible, and able to share ammo with your bottomfeeder for cheap practice.

 

[Bisondice]

If I thought that I would run into a bear or mountain lion, I would want 10mm.

 

[protegeV]

9mm and 10mm. All you'll ever need

I'm not personally a Glock fan, but a g19 and a g20 would be a nice duo.

 

[Biggfoot44]

Ok, OP updated his parameters while I was typing.

Have you heard the joke about .25acp being the perfect bear defense gun ?

Since the discuss has now shifted to Northern Rockies and/ or Alaska, and Grizz and large Browns, potential power levels go up. And the issues become even more centered on your skills.

If a situation of buying somthing and assuming it is a magic wand, stick with above recomendations. Hitting with those is better than missing with a .500 .

But if you are willing to devote yourself to practice and more practice, and gradually work up to at least SAAMI level .44 Mag or very hottest .45 Colt.

 

[knastera]

If you like the Glock 17 but you want the versatility of a heavier round, why not get the Glock 22 and a conversion barrel to be able to shoot 9mm out of it.
If by wildlife defense, you mean bears, then I'd say get a second gun that shoots 10mm, .454 Cassul, .460 S&W, .44 Magnum, or .50 AE. Bears are too big and too fast to use more conventional pistol calibers. Personally, if I was making that purchase to deal with bears, I'd get something like a Mossberg 500 Cruiser and load it with the biggest and nastiest slugs I could find.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ADR]

For general use 9mm. End of story.
For field use 10mm. Revolvers suck but Desert Eagles suck worse.
I chose .40 for its better post barrier performance but I'm in and out of cars for the better part of 12-14 hours a day. So it's a specialized purpose for that. I did just buy a Glock 17 for times when I don't necessarily need the .40's increased performance.

You're in and out of cars but you're turning wrenches right?

 

[joppaj]

I'd be carrying Counter Assault bear spray, but that's just me...

 

[Czechnologist]

For wildlife, the.45 colt is a round with some of the widest range of loads, from mouse fart to very hot. You'll want a Ruger revolver to handle the hottest loads.

I'll second that recommendation. .45 Colt is a fantastic all-around cartridge. If you ever get into reloading, .44 Magnum. Either one will serve you well against all but the most dangerous big game in North America, besides being a helluva lot of fun (for me) to shoot.

 

[John from MD]

+1 for the 45 Colt as I carry a S&W Mountain Gun when in the Western Wilderness. At the very least, you need a .44 Magnum that will handle hot loads. I suggest that you stick with a revolver rather than a semi auto 1) because you are new to handguns and 2) .44 Mag and .45 Colt are more available and have loads specifically tailored to take down large animals.

So the semi auto crowd doesn't think I am a revolver snob, I carry a S&W M&Pc .40.

 

[Minuteman]

OP- you are good with 9mm. Just train.

Also this:

I'd be carrying Counter Assault bear spray, but that's just me...

 

[jimbobborg]

Even though I'm a big fan of the 10mm, and the fact that Razor Dobbs managed to take a Cape Buffalo with a 10mm 1911, it's a little light for big bears. I'd suggest a Ruger Redhawk in 454 Cassull. Practice with 45 Colt.

 

[BigT5g]

A properly stiff 10mm load from underwood or Buffalo bore will do you just fine. Glock 40 would be my go to delivery system.

 

[SRD]

I carry hot 357MAG in Western MD when I hunt. Fogure it should be enough to keep me safe. I like revolvers though.

Same here (.41 and .44 occasionally)

 

[Doctor_M]

If there is a caliber you don't have... you probably need it :-)