Acceptable Calibers
Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com
I’ve recently either overheard or participated in a number of conversations about what caliber is best for off-duty and/or concealed carry guns. To me the answer is simple: off-duty guns should be the same caliber as your on-duty gun and should carry at least 10 rounds. Concealed carry guns for civilians or retired police officers is a different story as the choices grow when responsibilities diminish.
What responsibilities? Think for a second: off-duty officers are still “on duty”. Many agencies have general orders that require their officers to be armed 24 hours unless circumstances don’t permit it OR if they’re going to be out drinking. If you need to know why cops are required to be armed 24 hours a day look to the Utah mall active shooter that was stopped in a timely fashion by an off-duty cop. That officer, I’m sure, is thankful that he wasn’t carrying a 5-shot .38 caliber revolver with no extra ammo. I’m equally sure that, as he entered that engagement, somewhere in his mind he was wishing he had an M4 with six or seven spare magazines.
Off-duty officers still have the responsibility to respond to life threatening situations. They have to run TOWARD the sound of shots instead of away like the rest of us. And yes, “the rest of us” can include retired officers and civilian concealed carry permit holders. Whether or not the civilians run the other way is ENTIRELY up to their personal level of commitment to the safety and welfare of others and their personal levels of courage. The bottom line is that nothing REQUIRES them to take action beyond escape.
So, as I said: for off-duty officers it’s an easy choice: carry a weapon in the same caliber as your duty weapon, preferably of the same funcionality and carrying a minimum of 10 rounds in the weapon. I recommend at least one or two spare magazines and you’re silly if you carry a gun off-duty without carrying handcuffs. The implication is that you have no intention of arresting anyone off-duty but are more than willing to kill them. Think about that court case…
Let’s talk some more about civilian carry though. Many legally armed citizens are of the mindset that they want to carry a gun but don’t want it to be a huge inconvenience. Not meaning to be sexist but this is probably a huge consieration for the lady dressing for an evening out who finds herself with no place to conceal a weapon due to her wardrobe and a purse just big enough to hold her cell phone and lipstick. What does she do?
- She chooses not to carry at all making the entire question of caliber moot.
- She chooses to carry as small a gun as possible
- She chooses to change her wardrobe to carry an effective weapon
#1 can also apply to the guy going to the beach or to a picnic who is wearing shorts and a tank top. No place to hide the gun can mean simply not carrying. Still, there are so many companies out there manufacturing clothing specifically designed to conceal weapons that a simple change of shopping location can empower you to carry concealed even during times like this.
#2 is a valid choice but will more than likely mean not having the reasonable ability to engage your assailant until he is on you - literally.
#3, in my mind, is the most responsible decision to make if you’re serious about carrying as a civilian. To me, if you’re going to carry a gun, you should carry an effective one. I have to point out that this very thought was thrown in my face recently by my best friend as we discussed what I would be carrying.
I have a selection available in my gun cabinet. The selection ranges from full-size 1911-style .45 caliber weapons to the smallest which is a 10-shot .22lr Walther. In between choices include Glock 9mms and .40s, a Browning 9mm and a Beretta .380. Of the handguns available to me the easiest to conceal is the Beretta .380. It’s capacity is 8 in the magazine plus 1 “in the pipe” for a total of 9. Let’s look at the weapon calibers and capacities for a second:
.45ACP: 7+1
.40S&W: 15+1
9mm Glock: 15+1
9mm Browning: 12+1
Beretta .380: 8+1
Walther .22lr: 10+1
Bearing in mind that I prefer the 9mm over the .40 simply because of my own skills and comfort levels I would select the Glock 9mm as my carry gun if there was never another concern about concealability. If I carry one extra magazine I have more than 30 rounds of ammo. Since it’s a mid-size Glock (Model 19) it’s not too weighty or uncomfortable. It’s definitely lighter than the .45ACP and smaller than the Glock .40S&W. I’ve also chosen to carry my .45ACP at times for various reasons. I used to have and carry a Glock Model 36 which is a single-stack 6+1 .45ACP weapon that is pretty concealable. I put +1 floorplates on the magazines so I had the same capacity as my 1911 but in a lighter more compact package. Is there a better compromise? Maybe…
I’m waiting on a new pistol (for me) to test from Kahr. It’s a relatively small polymer frame .45ACP that holds 6+1 rounds. The Kahr CW4543 was specifically designed for concealed carry at an affordable price and in an effective caliber. My largest concerns with it will be ammo feed reliability and accuracy. If I can find ammo that it likes and I can still shoot it accurately out to 25 yards, then it will likely become my favorite carry gun. I like the .45ACP cartridge. It’s been around more than 100 years. We have it figured out. What other calibers do I think are effective for concealed carry?
Well, as my best friend reminded me, the .380ACP is really at the weak end of the spectrum. The smallest we SHOULD go is 9mm. The list of calibers from there up are:
- .357Sig
- 10mm
- .40S&W
- .45ACP
- .45GAP
Pick one. They are not listed in order of preference or power - but merely listed as I can pull them out of my head for acceptable calibers. Different strokes for different folks. You have to decide what you like best. In his book Ted Nugent claims to carry a Glock Model 20 in 10mm. That’s 16 rounds of 10mm in his hand if he pulls his pistol. I worked with a guy in New Orleans after Katrina who carried the same gun, a Glock 20, but with +5 base plates on his magazines so he had 21 rounds of 10mm in his pistol.
With today’s available selection of pistols there is no reason for anyone - especially off-duty cops - to be carrying a weapon in .22, .25 or .380 calibers. For us legally armed civilians the need is just as small. We can easiliy and conveniently carry an effective weapon and I submit to you that if we’re NOT going to carry an effective weapon, maybe we shouldn’t carry at all.
Your thoughts?
I’m glad you included 9mm in your list. Many writers exclude it. Given todays’s ammo, 9mm works extremely well. I have every confidence in my G26 with 20 rounds of HydroShocks. Not carrying should NEVER be an option. As a point of interest, while undergoing anti-terrorism training with SEAL Team Four, we had some interesting training from DSS. One of the things we learned was a really small gun was better than no gun, especially when working overseas and getting caught armed was “tacky”. It was up close and personal work, and shot placement was critical. But, when the chips are down, a 2 shot .22 derringer beats a sharp pencil any day.
I’m not a cop but have a permit to carry. I carry a Glock 21 45 cal. except when on my motorcycle or working. I dress to conceal the gun. Guns are not allowed where I work. I work alone most of the time. Then I carry a 5 shot 357, but will be changing to a Glock 19 9mm as soon as I get a holster. More fire power. If I could for tell the future then I would know what to carry. I have several smaller calibers to choose from but because it will mean my life or someone elses life less than 9mm, 16 rounds consernes me. If a life is not in danger I probably won’t need the gun. Saving a life will probably be the reason for the use of the gun and I must be sure I can accomplish the task. I won’t have a second chance.
I am an officer and when I’m off-duty, I carry my backup (S&W 340PD Airweight .38+p sometimes .357mag with Crimsontrace grips). My philosophy, is the same as the street. Act “As If.” If confronted with a situation, act as if you will put them down with reckless abandon and let them know you will with no hesitation. This works 2 fold. You really are ready to send 2 rounds center mass if necessary. You always are. And command presence diffuses the vast majority of problems on the street without a shot being fired.
Don’t forget, you’re in civillian clothes. You decide when to make your move and with an active shooter, you can scurry like a frightened civilian, into a position of cover/concealment to take your shot.
Be confident in your skills and remember, shooting is a perrishable skill. Practice with your off-duty like you practice with your on-duty.
Rich X: You’re absolutely right about choosing when to make our move and careful use of tactics. Shooting is absolutely a perishable skill. Command presence does work wonders.
My wife has a problem with her wrist elbow.We have found that an eight shott 22 magnum revolver,seems to work quite well for her.It has good volacity and can be controled real well.
In list of viable calibers, what about 5.7? While the FN FiveSeven is kinda large for concealability, the low recoil offers hope for people like mike’s wife.
Robin; that’s certainly true and my local SWAT guys carry the FNH FiveseveN. That said, even as pro gun as I am, I wonder about the advisability of a civilian carrying a handgun that shoots a rifle round and carries 20 of them in a single mag. As a cop I love it. As a husband I’m not sure I’d want my wife to carry one. I think it has to do with how far that bullet is going to go if she misses… just my paranoia I guess. But you’re right: excellent weapon, cartridge and shooting characteristics. Little to no recoil. Concealability would be a concern.
On brillant solution to this debate is the Glock solution. On-duty Model 21 and off-duty Model 30, the standard 21 mag will fit in the 30 (sticks out) but both can use similar holsters…it is a good systematic approach to the debate.
I carry a SA XD40 subcompact. I am a CPL holder and I believe in one caliber that I trust. I have a new SA XD40m that holds 16+1, and the subcompact has same functioning as larger full size. Same as what Bill said, full size and subcompact. Great Article.
I AM A CIVILIAN WHO HAS SERVED DURING72&73 I HAVE CARRIED A .380 &A GLOCK 9MM.THAT .380 I USE MAG SAFE&GLASER SAFTEY SLUGSTHE GLASERMASSIVE TARGET DYSFUNCTION CAUSED BYBY MORE THN250 FRAGMENTS70 GRAIN VEL.1350 M.E.283# THE MAG SAF IS 60 GRAIN PRE FRAGMENTED: NO RICOCHETS OR OVERPENETRATION 1500 FEET PER SEC/300 FT-LBS STRASBOURG TEST PROVE THIS LOAD STOPS FASTER THAN ANYJHP AMMO EVEN 10MM &45 ACP!THE MOST POTENT HANDGUN AMMO IN THE WORLD! OUR WEAKEST .380 OUTGUNS THE HOTTEST .45ACP IN THE WORLD#1 .THATS WHAT THEY CLAIMIM IN MICHIGAN I SHOOT 500 ROUNDS EVERY MONTH @ GUN CLUB EVEN IN WINTER I SHOOT300.45ACP 230 GRAIN. IN S&WM&P WITH CRIMSON TRACE;I WILL SHOOT 200 -300 IN 40 S&W WITH GREEN LASER .I DOCUMENT ALL RANGE TIME & SHOTS I FIRE VERIFIED BY THE RANGE OFFICERI SHOOT @ 50 YARDS. AT 50 YARDS I KEEP ALL SHOTS WITHINA 6″ CIRCLE. I AM HOLDING A 3-4 INCH SPREAD @ 25 YARDS.I SHOOT WITH A SHERIFF AND A STATECOP(COUSIN) LOL I GET MY PERSONAL INSTRUCTION FROM BOTH I APPRECIATE THEIR HELP GREATLY.THEY HAVE HELP ME SHOOT LIKE I NEVER DREAMED POSSIBLE.STARTING NEXT MONTH I WILL BE ADDING 200-300 ROUNDS NIGHT SHOOTING.I FEEL I AM A ASSET TO MY COMMUNITY TO HELP PEOPLE WHO FELONS PREY ON. I FEEL I CAN TAKE MY DOUBLE TAP WITH COMPLETE CONFIDENCE OF SHOT PLACEMENT I USE 180 GR. HP IN MY 40 MY BACK UP GUN& I USE 230 HP GRAIN IN MY S&W.45ACP.I WILL BE A GOOD WITNES FIRST BUT IF I HAVE TO I WILL NOT HESTIATE TO SHOOT AFTER COMMANDING THE FELON TO DROP THEIR GUN.I AM 55 YEARS OLD IVE BEEN RETIRED SINCE 1995.I VOLUNTEER TO BE A HELPER ON SOME SKIP TRACING AND FELON APPREHENSION TO GET ON THE JOB TRAINING.I WEAR A SECOND CHANCE MONARCH+P+ I THINK IT WITHSTANDS A ICE PICK ATTACK WITH 81LBS OF PRESSURE. IT HAS GORETEX THAT MAINTAINS YOU STAY AS COOL AS POSSIBLE.I HAVE 2 SETS OF CUFFS AND 2 10 ROUND .45ACP BELT CLIPS THAT GIVES ME 31 ROUNDS. AND 1 LOADED.40 S&W 16. MY POLICE BUDDIES SAY THAT WHAT I CARRY SHOULD BE ENOUGH FOR MOST FIGHTS I HAVE ENOUGH ROUNDS BUT I CARRY A 40 &45 IN LOCKED GLOVE BOX JUST IN CASE THEY ARE NEEDED.I DID A YEAR IN A FLORIDA COMMUNITY COLLEGE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE .I MIGHT FINISH BUT I’M ABLE TO HELP & HUNT IN MICHIGAN DUE TO HOUSE BILL THAT GIVES MICHIGAN CITIZENS A RIGHT TO ARREST ANY PERSON WHO COMMITS A FELONY IN YOUR PRESENCE.I LOOK AND CARRY A BOOK OF WANTED FELONS WHEN I GO SOMEWHERE.THERE IS ALOT OF TRACKING SOURCES OUT THERE I WILL LOOK AROUND CAUSE ONE DAY ILL GET THAT PEDOPHILE OR RAPIST THAT ACTUALLY HAS SOME VERY NICE REWARD . I JUST NEED TO FIND & CALL 911 .I WILL DONATE 50% OF MONEY I WILL GET TO WHATEVER ORGANIZATION THAT HELP SEXUALLY CHILDREN OR WOMAN THAT HAVE BEEN RAPED OR PREVENTION OF EITHER OF THESE CRIMES THAT MAKE ME ILL TO KNOW WHAT HAS HAPPENED.I WILL BE WORKING ON SEX CRIMES AFTER I TAKE SOME CLASSES FROM LOCAL BOUNTY HUNTERS AND BONDMEN THAT OFFER THIS TRAINING.I THINK I WILL BE READY TO GO IN A LITTLE AS 6 MONTHS .I PRAY WITH THE LORDS HELP I CAN PREVENT JUST 1 CRIME AGAINST A CHILD.I HOPE I AM TRAINED ENOUGH TO DO JUST THAT!!! I WILL SUCCEED BILL
I am picking up that Kahr CW4543 on the 20th. Look for a future full review write up on it in the Features & Editorial section of the website.
I like the Kimber 1911 45 Ultra carry in 3 in barrel. It carries 7 rounds but its a sweet shooting weapon and not too many want to look down the bore of a 45 cal and still cause a problem. Also 1 well placed shot will overcome any resistance. Stay Safe.
I work for small department where we are subject to call at any time. I carry my duty weapon (G-22) most of the time on my waist in the open. If I need to conceal (travel out of the area) I have a G-27 that takes the same Mags as my duty weapon. I have always been told train to be prepare for the worst. When the worst is before you, you real be prepared like you trained. I saw a surveillance tape were a off duty officer confronted a armed subject and went to draw his none existed weapon on his side. He was shot 2 times before he realized that his weapon on his ankle. We train and train for the worst. When it happens we have only our training to fall back on.