A lot of talk about specific firearms for CHL but what is your preferred caliber? Getting mine soon and can't decide if I want a compact 1911 or got to a smaller caliber.

What does THF prefer?

I always go back to 45cal.....

My next one will be ^^^^.

9mm seems to be the best compromise between performance and gun size.

-45 loses too much velocity in short barreled pistols
-357, like 45, loses a lot of velocity in a snubbie
-38 is even worse that 357
-40 is probably ok, but recoil is snappy in small pistols
-380 is too weak

I like to match caliber to pistol size...so full size 45's, compact 40's, subcompact 9's, and 380 mouse guns.

currently carry a ruger LCP but thinking about trading up to a small single stack 9.

All that said if you are willing and able to conceal a hand cannon i guess go for it...i prefer deep concealment that I forget is there.

Can't say enough good things about my Glock 26 (9mm)

Depends on the gun. I had a few guns that I carried. The smaller guns can be a handful. . . . espeicially in a man's caliber. I'd rather go down in caliber and have something I could shoot well.

.357 mag or .40 S&W

I've been looking at those and the Sigs. Would love the kimber solo carry but can't swing that. I'm thinking I'll go with a 9mm or .40

My fullsize 1911 is just too big to hide, maybe it would work in winter

I like the p238, it oozes quality.

You can find strong enough loads that none would want to
stand in front of.

Hooligan I have a Kahr cw 40 needing a new home. Similar in size to a solo.

.380

I keep coming back to .45 ACP.

How can a 45 lose too much velocity in short bbls

The wider the bullet the less velocity lost when shortening the bbl

Just get a gun that you are comfortable with and can operate in a safe manner dont poll the forums to see what you should buy do research on your own

Just wondering what other people like to carry... don't know how that isn't research

.22







Yes I'm kidding. Truth be told. I have a Beretta M21 that usually rides inside my tackle box.

Usually. Summertime. Invariably I'll grab the .22 as it takes up no space. Weighs next to nothing.

Ideal? No.

Nonetheless, I wouldn't want to be shot with it.

Usually my S & W airweight stays with me.

Colder weather when it's easier to conceal due to more clothing, I'll opt for my 1911.

It all boils down to personal preference. Best of luck on your search.

I've Settled on 9mm and 45. If I can't carry a .45 then I will carry a 9mm. If I can't conceal either of those I am forced to drag out the 380.

Wasnt tryin to be rude just that people are enamored with the 45 when you could do the same job with a 9 or 40

Saw a Speer GoldDot poster in class today and it had every popular caliber and weight on it goin through different materials and the 2 that didnt fair well was the 38 and 357 in 125 and 158 cant remember which was which but several of the test had bullets just become solids there was also a 9mm and a 45 that did the same thing

Thats why I think I'm gonna go with 9mm. I'm looking at the glocks and sigs gonna have to go try a couple and see what I like best. I feel like 9mm does the job (.380 would probably even be enough) and its cheaper to shoot than .45

Whatever you have and whatever you shoot well. No need to worry about it too much. Just make sure it shoots when you pull the trigger. The person on the other end will get the idea.

The 9mm will be fine and is a good choice. That is what I end up carrying 90% of the time myself, even though I may have other choices, and I never feel unarmed or under-gunned.

Like its been said before its all going to boil down to what youre comfortable shooting.

Losing velocity in a .45 is irrelevant.. If youre in a situation where you need to pull the trigger it doesnt matter what caliber it is as long as you can aim it in the right place it will do some damage!

I have gone from .380 to 10mm with .45 in between.. I can admit i always end back up with a .45 i recently purchased the XDM 3.8 in .45acp that to me next to my sig 238HD is the perfect match

I have carried a gun everyday for more than 25 years. In my previous profession, I have been forced to aim a gun at hundreds of people.

The answer to the question is first are you gonna carry it all the time, then think light.

Next are you in a job where you are likely to have to pull it often, jewelry courier? Then think large enough to fit the hand well quickly.

What caliber can you shoot well EVERYTIME and hit what you aim at?

Are you going to train with it regularly? If not, [censored] and locked may not be the best choice. Something like a Sig with a decocker may be better...

Hhaha i love how they censor the word c0cked

Umm why was that censored?....

When did single action become dirty?

I carry a 9mm or a 38. I had a Glock 23 in 40 caliber, but I was not as accurate or as consistent with it. Carry what you shoot the best. Being able to hit your target is priority #1.