The ongoing argument about comparing the stopping power of 9mm to .45 caliber. I have read a lot of conversations and arguments comparing the two calibers. I don’t understand why each isn’t a perfectly good home defense caliber. What I see missing from these “which is best” arguments is any laboratory tests using repeatable testing scenarios. The comparisons which are given are mostly anecdotal and based only on opinion. Each time the story is told it seems the shooters expertise and ability improves. The missing factor in these arguments as I see it is the “real life” situation factor.
In real life the variables are where does the bullet hit? This important point is critical. If the point of impact could be controlled then I submit that my .22 cal BuckMark shooting Remington Yellowjacket high velocity hollow points could compare favorably with the 9mm or .45 Cal. in regards to stopping a threat. But that is the point. Where the bullet hits cannot be controlled in the majority of shooting scenarios. This is proved by the many reports and dash board videos of trained police officers exchanging fire in a life or death shoot out. Officers can empty their 9mm, .40 cal, or .45 and not even hit the attacker and the bad guys often don’t hit anything either. The excitement, adrenaline, and fear of the moment causes us to forget the basics of aim, exhale, squeeze. Instead of a barrage of bullets, just one well placed round can end the assault. That one round that hits the target can be a 9mm, or a .40 cal, or a .45, or even a .22 caliber bullet. All it takes is one bullet that hits the target and it won’t matter what caliber it is.
Which caliber do I prefer? I love my Glock 17 with 17 rounds of JHP and Veridian green laser. I love my Glock 21SF with 13 JHP .45 caliber rounds and Big Dot sights. Do you really think the bad guy will care which I use to slam a six inch group of five rounds at 15 yards? That group becomes three inches at 7 yards. All I have to do is remember the basics and think aim, breath, and hit the target. Easier said than done. Training, training, and more training.