Whats the LARGEST caliber you would carry for self defense?

Falcon642 · August 2, 2011, 05:08 PM

There have been thousands of threads about the smallest suitable caliber for self-defense, if the .380 is enough, can a .357 stop a grizzly, etc. However, I can't remember a thread about the largest caliber you are willing to carry for self defense, so lets do it.

Break it down into two categories, largest for self defense against humans, and largest for self defense against wild animals (moose, bears, cougars, etc).

For me

Human self defense - .40 or .45 in an auto, .38 +p or .357 for revolver. Anything bigger than that and I feel you give up too much in terms of pistol size, recoil, and rate of fire. (Sorry 10mm fans

)

Animal self defense - .44 magnum. I've shot .454's, .460's, and .500's and for each of those I almost get off 2 shots of .44 mag to every one shot I can get off with those calibers. If I have a moose or a grizzly charging me, I"d rather get two shots with a powerful caliber, than 1 shot of a uber powerful caliber.

aarondhgraham · August 2, 2011, 05:15 PM

I can't quote the names of the states,,,
But in Oklahoma the largest caliber you are allowed to conceal carry is .45.

I only carry smaller pistols,,,
9mm is the largest round I would use.

Depending on the weather,,,
I might carry a mouse-gun in .25 ACP.

I never bought into the need for "stopping power",,,
I prefer to try for shot placement,,,
I practice a lot.

JMHO - YMMV

Aarond

rclark · August 2, 2011, 05:38 PM

.44Spec is what I like for SD/CC. .45 Colt for woods carry.

TheNocturnus · August 2, 2011, 05:38 PM

The largest I carry is .40 just because that is the largest caliber I own. I have never shot 10mm but would like to, it intrigues me. I would not be opposed to carrying a larger caliber than .40 but the cost of ammunition is a huge deterrent.

I don't hunt so the only woods time I would have would be getting back to a lake to fish or maybe a camping trip.(Been trying for 6 years to get my wife to go camping) My carry guns would be the same, .40 and 9mm. I would probably bring the .22lr revolver in case I had to defend my wife from some evil coke cans...

dalegribble · August 2, 2011, 05:41 PM

45 acp or 45 lc

cbuck · August 2, 2011, 05:47 PM

i would carry a snub nose s&w 500 everyday if i had the money to get one and afford to practice with the ammo

right now i carry a 45 but have been looking at getting a 9mm or .380 and a 38spl relatively soon and they will probably take over carry duty

Opinated · August 2, 2011, 05:49 PM

My choice is .357 or 45 auto. I have larger, but the noise so deafens me that I would be temporarily handicapped after firing it plus recoil recovery is slower. And my 2 1/2" .357 is way too loud. But my choice for self defense is the nearest firearm available at the moment.

I have shot groundhogs with 30-30 and .357, rats with 38 Special, commodes with 30-06 (fun!), whatever was most available.

BFR 475 · August 2, 2011, 05:56 PM

Humans = 45 colt or 50 G.I.

Dangerous Animals = 475 or 500 Linebaugh

BfloBill · August 2, 2011, 05:58 PM

My largest carry guns to date are .357 in a snubbie and .40 in an auto. They have doubled as my woods guns.

The largest I would carry: For people - .44 special (revolver)
.45 ACP (auto)

In the woods I would prefer a revolver and it would be a 4" .44 Mag

C0untZer0 · August 2, 2011, 06:03 PM

10mm

And I'd carry it in a GIGANTIC EAA Witness Hunter !!!

Laz · August 2, 2011, 06:18 PM

COuntZerO - a hypothetical "what I would carry" choice of a powerful caliber in a large pistol is quite fitting coming from one of two states that allows no option at all for legal concealed carry. Being a fellow Illinoisan (emphasis on the "ILL") I can empathize since our legal choices are all hypothetical and need not be tested by reality. Now, if you actually had an option for legal carry, what would you really carry? I mean, really?

Sgt Pepper · August 2, 2011, 06:25 PM

.460 Rowland/.460 Rowland out of my Colt Government.

Accurate, quick and easy followup shots, energy on top of energy.

C0untZer0 · August 2, 2011, 06:33 PM

well, you know - A question like what would I carry if I could carry makes me think OC.

In reality if OC was passed in Illinois I'd probably carry my HK P7M8, but that wasn't the question! Technically .45 is "bigger" than 10mm right? But I think in terms of recoil 10mm has a "bigger" recoil so I think of it as the top end for me in carrying a powerful round.

10mm does everything from SD to protection against really tough predators that we have in Illinois - like racoons, and everything in between...

But if Illinois passed CC, I'd probably save up for a Rohrbaugh R9.

EddieDaGreat · August 2, 2011, 07:00 PM

For normal carry a .45 acp... For animals a 500 mag...

zombieslayer · August 2, 2011, 07:04 PM

My largest carry gun is a .45.
But I'm really wanting a 10mm.
My most comfortable gun to carry is my .357.

SRH78 · August 2, 2011, 07:06 PM

Interesting question.

For 2 legged predators, my upper limit has more to do with appropriate ammo with an appropriate amount of penetration than anything else. Imo, that is pretty much a stout 45 Colt, 357 Magnum, 10MM or something similar with relatively light bullets. More than that and you are basically dealing with hunting loads that don't dump that extra energy into the target but rather into whatever happens to be behind it. I don't mind putting a 300 grain XTP into a tree that happens to be behind a hog or deer but I would hate to see how many walls it would take to stop it as it went through the neighbor's house.

Out in the woods, I carry a Super Redhawk in 454. I would love to shoot a 500 but I don't have much interest in using something as bulky as an X-frame S&W for self defense. Right or wrong, I view them along the lines of something like a Contender or Encore, great to hunt with but not very handy. If I felt that I needed something more than the 454, I would just carry a rifle.

Dave T · August 2, 2011, 07:15 PM

The largest would range between .451" and .452", depending on bullet material. Semiautomatic or revolver doesn't matter, the answer would be the same.

Just sayin',
Dave

youngunz4life · August 2, 2011, 07:23 PM

357 for revolvers but I am right on the cusp for 44 magnum

it's a done deal though, as I am not going to change now & I seem to have picked the one more accepted

C Philip · August 2, 2011, 07:25 PM

Largest diameter or most powerful?

Humans - 10mm (45 acp if going by diameter)
Large animals - 44 mag unless in grizzly/moose country, then 500 S&W mag or preferably a 45-70 lever gun.

orionengnr · August 2, 2011, 08:03 PM

I carry a handgun chambered in the most powerful round that I can shoot well and conceal effectively.

Currently, that is either a .45acp or 10mm semi-auto, or a .41M or .45LC revolver.

I would really like to carry a Commander-sized .50 GI Model 3, but $3000 is a tad pricey for a carry gun.

P97 · August 2, 2011, 08:06 PM

I have a 45 colt for hunting, but 90% of the animals I've killed in the woods, have been with my 45ACP CCW. Its because I always have it with me.

Kreyzhorse · August 2, 2011, 08:28 PM

I carry a .45 acp as my winter carry gun for two legged critters. In the woods, I either carry my .45, my .40 or my .357. If I were going to be in bear country, I'd carry a .44 mag.

Deaf Smith · August 2, 2011, 09:19 PM

I guess I'd pack a .50 GI, considering it is in a 1911 package.

Kind of be cool sporten a 50!

Deaf

bluetopper · August 2, 2011, 10:53 PM

My 3 inch S&W 44 Magnum downloaded with 250gr cast lead wadcutter bullets.

Andy Taylor · August 2, 2011, 11:02 PM

On the premis that we are talking about handguns only:

For two legged critters .50GI
For 4 legged .44 Magnum.

That said, these are the largest that I would carry, not that I do.

Currently I carry a .357 most of the time, for either. I do sometimes carry a .45 (ACP or Colt). Hopefully in the next few months, I will add a .44 Special to the carry routine.

August 2, 2011, 05:08 PM	#1
Falcon642 Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 2010 Posts: 316	Whats the LARGEST caliber you would carry for self defense? There have been thousands of threads about the smallest suitable caliber for self-defense, if the .380 is enough, can a .357 stop a grizzly, etc. However, I can't remember a thread about the largest caliber you are willing to carry for self defense, so lets do it. Break it down into two categories, largest for self defense against humans, and largest for self defense against wild animals (moose, bears, cougars, etc). For me Human self defense - .40 or .45 in an auto, .38 +p or .357 for revolver. Anything bigger than that and I feel you give up too much in terms of pistol size, recoil, and rate of fire. (Sorry 10mm fans ) Animal self defense - .44 magnum. I've shot .454's, .460's, and .500's and for each of those I almost get off 2 shots of .44 mag to every one shot I can get off with those calibers. If I have a moose or a grizzly charging me, I"d rather get two shots with a powerful caliber, than 1 shot of a uber powerful caliber.

August 2, 2011, 05:15 PM	#2
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	In many states .45 is the limit,,, I can't quote the names of the states,,, But in Oklahoma the largest caliber you are allowed to conceal carry is .45. I only carry smaller pistols,,, 9mm is the largest round I would use. Depending on the weather,,, I might carry a mouse-gun in .25 ACP. I never bought into the need for "stopping power",,, I prefer to try for shot placement,,, I practice a lot. JMHO - YMMV Aarond __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

August 2, 2011, 05:38 PM	#3
rclark Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2009 Location: Butte, MT Posts: 2,650	.44Spec is what I like for SD/CC. .45 Colt for woods carry. __________________ A clinger and deplorable, MAGA, and life NRA member. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Single Action .45 Colt (Sometimes colloquially referred to by its alias as the .45 'Long' Colt or .45LC). Don't leave home without it. That said, the .44Spec is right up their too... but the .45 Colt is still the king.

August 2, 2011, 06:18 PM	#11
Laz Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 1999 Posts: 1,278	COuntZerO - a hypothetical "what I would carry" choice of a powerful caliber in a large pistol is quite fitting coming from one of two states that allows no option at all for legal concealed carry. Being a fellow Illinoisan (emphasis on the "ILL") I can empathize since our legal choices are all hypothetical and need not be tested by reality. Now, if you actually had an option for legal carry, what would you really carry? I mean, really? __________________ Laz I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about Somebody, who can save anybody.

August 2, 2011, 07:15 PM	#17
Dave T Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2000 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,458	The largest would range between .451" and .452", depending on bullet material. Semiautomatic or revolver doesn't matter, the answer would be the same. Just sayin', Dave __________________ RSVN '69-'71 PCSD Ret

August 2, 2011, 05:38 PM	#4
TheNocturnus Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,097	The largest I carry is .40 just because that is the largest caliber I own. I have never shot 10mm but would like to, it intrigues me. I would not be opposed to carrying a larger caliber than .40 but the cost of ammunition is a huge deterrent. I don't hunt so the only woods time I would have would be getting back to a lake to fish or maybe a camping trip.(Been trying for 6 years to get my wife to go camping) My carry guns would be the same, .40 and 9mm. I would probably bring the .22lr revolver in case I had to defend my wife from some evil coke cans...

August 2, 2011, 05:41 PM	#5
dalegribble Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2007 Posts: 861	45 acp or 45 lc

August 2, 2011, 05:47 PM	#6
cbuck Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2011 Location: NC Posts: 141	i would carry a snub nose s&w 500 everyday if i had the money to get one and afford to practice with the ammo right now i carry a 45 but have been looking at getting a 9mm or .380 and a 38spl relatively soon and they will probably take over carry duty

August 2, 2011, 05:49 PM	#7
Opinated Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2006 Posts: 354	My choice is .357 or 45 auto. I have larger, but the noise so deafens me that I would be temporarily handicapped after firing it plus recoil recovery is slower. And my 2 1/2" .357 is way too loud. But my choice for self defense is the nearest firearm available at the moment. I have shot groundhogs with 30-30 and .357, rats with 38 Special, commodes with 30-06 (fun!), whatever was most available.

August 2, 2011, 05:56 PM	#8
BFR 475 Member Join Date: April 13, 2011 Location: central Illinois Posts: 88	Humans = 45 colt or 50 G.I. Dangerous Animals = 475 or 500 Linebaugh

August 2, 2011, 05:58 PM	#9
BfloBill Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2010 Location: Buffalo, N.Y. Posts: 457	My largest carry guns to date are .357 in a snubbie and .40 in an auto. They have doubled as my woods guns. The largest I would carry: For people - .44 special (revolver) .45 ACP (auto) In the woods I would prefer a revolver and it would be a 4" .44 Mag

August 2, 2011, 06:03 PM	#10
C0untZer0 Junior member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,555	10mm And I'd carry it in a GIGANTIC EAA Witness Hunter !!!

August 2, 2011, 06:25 PM	#12
Sgt Pepper Senior Member Join Date: August 19, 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 811	.460 Rowland/.460 Rowland out of my Colt Government. Accurate, quick and easy followup shots, energy on top of energy.

August 2, 2011, 06:33 PM	#13
C0untZer0 Junior member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,555	well, you know - A question like what would I carry if I could carry makes me think OC. In reality if OC was passed in Illinois I'd probably carry my HK P7M8, but that wasn't the question! Technically .45 is "bigger" than 10mm right? But I think in terms of recoil 10mm has a "bigger" recoil so I think of it as the top end for me in carrying a powerful round. 10mm does everything from SD to protection against really tough predators that we have in Illinois - like racoons, and everything in between... But if Illinois passed CC, I'd probably save up for a Rohrbaugh R9.

August 2, 2011, 07:00 PM	#14
EddieDaGreat Member Join Date: July 6, 2010 Location: Dallas tx Posts: 73	For normal carry a .45 acp... For animals a 500 mag...

August 2, 2011, 07:04 PM	#15
zombieslayer Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,198	My largest carry gun is a .45. But I'm really wanting a 10mm. My most comfortable gun to carry is my .357.

August 2, 2011, 07:06 PM	#16
SRH78 Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 517	Interesting question. For 2 legged predators, my upper limit has more to do with appropriate ammo with an appropriate amount of penetration than anything else. Imo, that is pretty much a stout 45 Colt, 357 Magnum, 10MM or something similar with relatively light bullets. More than that and you are basically dealing with hunting loads that don't dump that extra energy into the target but rather into whatever happens to be behind it. I don't mind putting a 300 grain XTP into a tree that happens to be behind a hog or deer but I would hate to see how many walls it would take to stop it as it went through the neighbor's house. Out in the woods, I carry a Super Redhawk in 454. I would love to shoot a 500 but I don't have much interest in using something as bulky as an X-frame S&W for self defense. Right or wrong, I view them along the lines of something like a Contender or Encore, great to hunt with but not very handy. If I felt that I needed something more than the 454, I would just carry a rifle.

August 2, 2011, 07:23 PM	#18
youngunz4life Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2010 Location: United States of America Posts: 1,877	357 for revolvers but I am right on the cusp for 44 magnum it's a done deal though, as I am not going to change now & I seem to have picked the one more accepted

August 2, 2011, 07:25 PM	#19
C Philip Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2005 Location: USA Posts: 784	Largest diameter or most powerful? Humans - 10mm (45 acp if going by diameter) Large animals - 44 mag unless in grizzly/moose country, then 500 S&W mag or preferably a 45-70 lever gun.

August 2, 2011, 08:03 PM	#20
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,213	I follow what I consider some pretty good advice... I carry a handgun chambered in the most powerful round that I can shoot well and conceal effectively. Currently, that is either a .45acp or 10mm semi-auto, or a .41M or .45LC revolver. I would really like to carry a Commander-sized .50 GI Model 3, but $3000 is a tad pricey for a carry gun.

August 2, 2011, 08:06 PM	#21
P97 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2006 Location: Panama, Ok. Posts: 660	I have a 45 colt for hunting, but 90% of the animals I've killed in the woods, have been with my 45ACP CCW. Its because I always have it with me.

August 2, 2011, 08:28 PM	#22
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,464	I carry a .45 acp as my winter carry gun for two legged critters. In the woods, I either carry my .45, my .40 or my .357. If I were going to be in bear country, I'd carry a .44 mag. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

August 2, 2011, 09:19 PM	#23
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	I guess I'd pack a .50 GI, considering it is in a 1911 package. Kind of be cool sporten a 50! Deaf

August 2, 2011, 10:53 PM	#24
bluetopper Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 1,214	My 3 inch S&W 44 Magnum downloaded with 250gr cast lead wadcutter bullets. Last edited by bluetopper; August 2, 2011 at 10:59 PM.

August 2, 2011, 11:02 PM	#25
Andy Taylor Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2010 Posts: 499	On the premis that we are talking about handguns only: For two legged critters .50GI For 4 legged .44 Magnum. That said, these are the largest that I would carry, not that I do. Currently I carry a .357 most of the time, for either. I do sometimes carry a .45 (ACP or Colt). Hopefully in the next few months, I will add a .44 Special to the carry routine.