If you had to consider:

* Stopping power
* Controllability
* Capacity

Which would you choose and why?

I chose 9 mm because that's the only pistol caliber I can practice with. Probably an awful shot with 40 or 45. Next handgun will be 40 or 45.

Let's see, I guess we can rule out capacity since Hawaii is limited to 10 rounds anyway. Then you weigh stopping power with controllability. Those two seem like they are on opposite ends of the spectrum. I'd have to say .45 acp as long as you can control it (otherwise it'd be 9mm). 10 round double stack magazine and some modern hollow points and you are in business.

I've owned/own 9mm, 45acp and 40's and I can honestly say that I would TRUST my life with my 40.  It is definitely a all-purpose round because it is relatively small, but hits harder than a 9 or 45.  2nd for me would be the 45acp,

I'm the same way. I own and have carried and shot all of the big three (9,40,45) and I prefer the .40 when my life is on the line.

The 45 is my second choice and the 9mm is third.

I'm not putting down any of these calibers and if all I had was a 9mm I would still feel better than if all I had was a baseball bat.

.40 is what I trust to protect me and my family. Steg, you'd be surprised, my HK USP .40 "feels" the same as my Sig P226 9mm. My groups at the range are about the same, and if anything the grip on the USP is a bit more comfortable over the Sig.

I have shot all calibers listed. I don't think it is the caliber but the platform the shooter is comfortable with.

I chose either .45ACP or .40S&W for my EDC on the mainland.  I have .40, .45ACP, and 9MM ready to go in the house.

I also think it depends on where you located and WHAT ammo you are shooting.

Here in Hawaii where meth seems to be the drug of choice, 10mm "full house" loads might be warranted for some of our big fellas here that are into a better life through modern chemistry. 

Here in Hawaii where meth seems to be the drug of choice, 10mm "full house" loads might be warranted for some of our big fellas here that are into a better life through modern chemistry. 

I guarantee that 4 shots to the chest with 40 caliber 165 grain Speer gold dots will stop any meth head in his tracks.

Quote from: vooduchikn on June 08, 2011, 09:59:25 AM

Here in Hawaii where meth seems to be the drug of choice, 10mm "full house" loads might be warranted for some of our big fellas here that are into a better life through modern chemistry. 

I guarantee that 4 shots to the chest with 40 caliber 165 grain Speer gold dots will stop any meth head in his tracks.

Keoni, while I agree that it should, there is never a guarantee. Thats what is loaded in my .40. 

Drugs and adrenaline are not something to take lightly. Shoot until they stop.

 A CNS critical hit might be the only "guarantee" of stopping an individual who is high as a kite.

Quote from: Kingkeoni on June 08, 2011, 10:47:29 AM

Quote from: vooduchikn on June 08, 2011, 09:59:25 AM

Here in Hawaii where meth seems to be the drug of choice, 10mm "full house" loads might be warranted for some of our big fellas here that are into a better life through modern chemistry. 

I guarantee that 4 shots to the chest with 40 caliber 165 grain Speer gold dots will stop any meth head in his tracks.

Keoni, while I agree that it should, there is never a guarantee. Thats what is loaded in my .40. 

Drugs and adrenaline are not something to take lightly. Shoot until they stop.

 A CNS critical hit might be the only "guarantee" of stopping an individual who is high as a kite.

I've been unfortunate enough to witness what gun fire does to the human body and I've only see one person shot multiple times with a handgun in the torso and live to tell about it. (9mm fmj ball ammo)

There are no 100% but when my life is on the line and I need to have a pistol in hand because I can't get to the 12 gauge, it's a 40 cal.

Being in Hawaii and in general I like 45 acp.  If we weren't ammo capped, I'd have to rethink for 9 mm.

Wow. This has gone much more civily than I first imagined it would. lol.

Based on the three attributes listed, I'm voting for .357 magnum.  It's got great power, I've got the meat hooks to keep it under control, and a Desert Eagle would give me nine rounds.  Of course, I can't afford a Desert Eagle or the ammunition to feed it, so in the real world where I have a budget, I'll be going for the .45. 

9mm using SD rounds.  Modern SD pistol ammo has essentially the same performance stats from 9mm-45ACP.  Assuming the 9mm platform is easier to shoot, and hits count more than misses...9mm. 

Modern SD pistol ammo has essentially the same performance stats from 9mm-45ACP

I disagree.  What is your source?

By the way, welcome! 

We need another choice... "The closest one to you."