Choosing the Best Caliber for Concealed Carry: A Comprehensive Guide

Before diving into specific calibers, it’s important to consider a few essential factors that should guide your decision:

– Stopping Power: This refers to a bullet’s ability to incapacitate an attacker quickly. Larger calibers tend to have more stopping power, but it’s important to balance power with other factors.

– Recoil: Higher caliber rounds produce more recoil, which can make follow-up shots more difficult. The trade-off between power and control is critical for effective concealed carry.

– Ammunition Capacity: Smaller calibers typically allow for more rounds in a magazine, which could be an advantage in a defensive situation. However, this comes at the expense of stopping power.

– Concealability and Comfort: Larger caliber guns are often bulkier and more difficult to conceal. Make sure the caliber you choose fits comfortably with your method of carry (inside-the-waistband, appendix, etc.).

1. 9mm: The Gold Standard

The 9mm is, by far, the most popular caliber for concealed carry and for good reason.

**Pros**:
– Balance of Power and Recoil: The 9mm offers sufficient stopping power while maintaining manageable recoil. This balance allows for more accurate follow-up shots, which is critical in self-defense situations.
– High Capacity: Most 9mm handguns offer higher magazine capacities compared to larger calibers like .40 S&W or .45 ACP. More rounds can be a significant advantage in a confrontation.
– Affordable and Available: 9mm ammunition is widely available and generally cheaper than other calibers, making it easier to practice regularly.

**Cons**:
– Less Stopping Power than Larger Calibers: Although 9mm rounds have sufficient power to stop an attacker, some argue that they lack the stopping power of larger calibers like .45 ACP.

**Best For**:
– Beginners and experienced shooters alike
– Those who prioritize a balance of power, capacity, and control

2. .380 ACP: Lightweight and Compact

The .380 ACP is a popular choice for ultra-compact, pocket-sized pistols due to its small size and light recoil.

**Pros**:
– Easy to Conceal: Guns chambered in .380 ACP tend to be smaller and lighter, making them easier to conceal and carry for extended periods.
– Low Recoil: The .380 ACP offers mild recoil, which can be an advantage for shooters who are sensitive to higher-recoil calibers or those who prioritize quick follow-up shots.

**Cons**:
– Lower Stopping Power: The trade-off for the compact size and light recoil is lower stopping power compared to larger calibers like 9mm or .40 S&W.
– Limited Range: The .380 ACP performs best at close range, which is typical for self-defense, but less versatile in other shooting situations.

**Best For**:
– Those who prioritize ease of concealment and low recoil
– Casual shooters or those who carry in non-permissive environments

3. .40 S&W: Power and Punch

The .40 S&W is known for its stopping power, sitting between the 9mm and the .45 ACP in terms of performance.

**Pros**:
– Stopping Power: The .40 S&W has more stopping power than the 9mm, making it a popular choice for law enforcement and civilian defenders alike.
– Versatile: Many consider the .40 S&W to be a good compromise between the lighter 9mm and the heavier .45 ACP.

**Cons**:
– Recoil: The added power of the .40 S&W comes with more recoil, which can make it harder for some shooters to control, especially in compact carry pistols.
– Lower Capacity: Handguns chambered in .40 S&W often have reduced magazine capacity compared to their 9mm counterparts.

**Best For**:
– Those looking for more stopping power than 9mm without stepping up to the size and recoil of .45 ACP
– Intermediate and experienced shooters

4. .45 ACP: Heavy-Hitting Power

The .45 ACP is revered for its stopping power and has long been favored by military personnel, law enforcement, and civilian carriers who prioritize punch over capacity.

**Pros**:
– High Stopping Power: The .45 ACP delivers substantial stopping power, often neutralizing threats with fewer shots.
– Reputation for Effectiveness: It has a storied history in military use, and many argue that its heavy bullet is one of the most reliable at stopping threats.

**Cons**:
– Recoil: The larger round means more recoil, making it harder to shoot rapidly and accurately compared to calibers like 9mm.
– Lower Capacity: Due to the size of the round, most .45 ACP handguns hold fewer rounds than 9mm or .40 S&W.

**Best For**:
– Shooters who prioritize stopping power over capacity and can handle the increased recoil
– Experienced shooters or those with military/law enforcement backgrounds

5. .357 Magnum: High Power in a Revolver

For those who prefer revolvers over semi-automatic handguns, the .357 Magnum is one of the most powerful and reliable rounds available for concealed carry.

**Pros**:
– Stopping Power: The .357 Magnum is extremely powerful and effective, known for its ability to stop threats with a single shot.
– Versatile: Revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum can also shoot .38 Special rounds, which offer less recoil for practice or casual shooting.

**Cons**:
– Recoil: The .357 Magnum has significantly more recoil than the 9mm or .380 ACP, making it harder to manage for many shooters.
– Lower Capacity: Revolvers generally hold fewer rounds than semi-automatic handguns, which can be a disadvantage in some self-defense situations.

**Best For**:
– Shooters who prefer revolvers and prioritize power over capacity
– Those who can manage heavy recoil and are looking for maximum stopping power

Ultimately, the best caliber for concealed carry comes down to personal preference and your specific needs. The 9mm is the most popular choice for its balance of power, recoil, and capacity, but other calibers like .380 ACP and .45 ACP have their advantages. If possible, try shooting different calibers at a range to see which one you handle best and which you feel most comfortable carrying.

Remember, the caliber is only one part of the equation. Training, shot placement, and choosing the right firearm for your body type and carry method are equally critical to effective concealed carry. With practice and experience, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle and defense needs.

Once you decide which type of holster you would like, you should next get your License to Carry with our easy online class!  Go to RedZone LTC and start today!

– Convenience: Complete the coursework at your own pace from home.
– Flexibility: Fits into your schedule without the need for in-person classes.
– Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than traditional in-person classes.