The Great Debate 9MM vs 45ACP February 7, 2018 By Dave Young (YoungBuckDave) Within the firearms industry, there are certain topics of discussion that will always get people talking. A couple of these famous debate topics are the "AR15 vs AK47" debate, the "Glock vs M&P" debate, and of course the famous "9MM vs 45ACP" debate. Over the next few months, we will be diving deeply into each one of these heated debate topics and will be presenting you with the pros and cons of each debate. This month we will be specifically talking about the "9MM vs 45ACP" debate presenting the pros and cons of both calibers. The 9MM caliber was introduced for Luger semi-automatic pistols by a German weapons manufacturer in 1902. This quickly became a popular caliber and was adopted as the standard cartridge for NATO Forces, as well as many non-NATO countries. Today the 9MM caliber remains a very popular caliber for military, law enforcement, and conceal carry users for many reasons. With advancements in ammunition over the years, there are many loads of 9MM that vary from 115gr to 147gr which give the bullet plenty of energy. So, let's start out this debate by discussing the pros and then the cons of the 9MM caliber. Pros:
Cons:
The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), or 45 Auto caliber, is a handgun cartridge that was designed by the world-famous John Browning in 1905 for use in his prototype, the Colt semi-auto pistol. After many successful military trials, the 45ACP was adopted as the standard chambering for Colt's M1911. The 1911 became the military's sidearm of choice until 1985, when the military changed directions and adopted the Beretta M9 pistol, which is chambered in 9MM. The 45 ACP caliber has earned the reputation of being a very effective combat pistol cartridge because it combines accuracy and stopping power against human targets. Pros:
Cons:
In conclusion, each caliber is extremely effective in a wide variety of situations. Thanks to the advancements in modern ammunition, 9MM is a very capable round that can stop a threat if needed. Each caliber has its pros and cons. But at the end of the day, a lot is determined by who will be firing the pistol and what that person is most comfortable shooting. For me, I have chosen to carry a 9MM pistol as my everyday carry. The high round count in the magazine, in conjunction with good hollow point ammunition, makes me feel very confident that, if a threat should present itself, the 9MM caliber will do just fine. I also find it easier to conceal a 9MM pistol over a 45 ACP pistol. I have shot sub-compact 45s before, and it is not comfortable for me. Everyone is different though. I recommend that people shoot different types of pistols in different calibers before choosing a pistol that is right for them. Don't just buy a pistol because everyone else says it's the best one out there. |