The "9mm vs .45 ACP" argument has gone on for a hundred years and will likely continue. Since its development in 1901 the 9mm has served in military engagements and Police forces around the world. It has worked pretty much as well as any of the major military handgun cartridges in countless battles, large and small. And the .45 ACP has a similar record. Yet the disagreements between adherents rages on, fueled in large part by writers and companies interested in selling their products.

Is one "better" than the other? Generally speaking, in deadly interpersonal confrontation situations, most of the time accuracy is more important than caliber .... with quite a few "maybes" thrown in. What counts when bullets are flying back and forth is the ability to put accurate shots in the place they must go to stop the fight. Accuracy under pressure comes from training, practice, and a personal confidence in the firearm being used. And accuracy is what gets the job done. Many shoot the 9mm handguns with more confidence than the larger calibers. Recoil is not heavy and follow-up shots can be accomplished fairly rapidly with decent accuracy provided the shooter practices. And that depends on many many details of the individuals life. But overall most people will shoot the lighter recoiling firearm better than the heavier recoiling one.

I prefer the .45 ACP to the 9mm ... but that is just a personal prejudice. I own a 9mm but don't shoot it much. I took it out a few weeks ago and had a lot of fun with it. The gun is accurate and it sets well in my hand. It is easy to shoot and make good hits with. I have only carried it as a CCW gun a couple times, preferring a .45 ACP though after shooting the 9mm for awhile I would not be against using it for concealed carry.

But I still prefer the .45.

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Ele era velho.
Ele era corajoso.
Ele era feio.