{"id":8813,"date":"2022-09-30T15:49:46","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T15:49:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/?p=8813"},"modified":"2022-09-30T16:16:13","modified_gmt":"2022-09-30T16:16:13","slug":"best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Cartridge for Concealed Carry: Keeping It Under Wraps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>While every cartridge has the capability to stop a dangerous threat, some are just better at it than others.<\/p>\n<p>In the end, the best caliber for concealed carry is one that does enough damage to quickly eliminate a threat. It also needs to be loaded in a gun you can shoot well when you need to, but keep reasonably hidden under clothing until you do.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Prze\u0142\u0105cznik Spisu Tre\u015bci\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Choosing_the_Best_Cartridge_for_Concealed_Carry\" >Choosing the Best Cartridge for Concealed Carry<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#9mm_Luger_%E2%80%93_Our_Top_Pick\" >9mm Luger &#8211; Our Top Pick<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Energy_and_Penetration\" >Energy and Penetration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Recoil\" >Recoil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Concealment\" >Concealment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Magazine_Capacity\" >Magazine Capacity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Cost_and_Availability\" >Cost and Availability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#380_ACP\" >.380 ACP<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Energy_and_Penetration-2\" >Energy and Penetration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Recoil-2\" >Recoil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Concealment-2\" >Concealment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Magazine_Capacity-2\" >Magazine Capacity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Cost_and_Availability-2\" >Cost and Availability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#38_Special\" >.38 Special<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Energy_and_Penetration-3\" >Energy and Penetration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Recoil-3\" >Recoil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Concealment-3\" >Concealment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Magazine_Capacity-3\" >Magazine Capacity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Cost_and_Availability-3\" >Cost and Availability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#357_Magnum\" >.357 Magnum<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Energy_and_Penetration-4\" >Energy and Penetration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Recoil-4\" >Recoil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Concealment-4\" >Concealment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Magazine_Capacity-4\" >Magazine Capacity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Cost_and_Availability-4\" >Cost and Availability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#40_Smith_Wesson\" >.40 Smith &amp; Wesson<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Energy_and_Penetration-5\" >Energy and Penetration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Recoil-5\" >Recoil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Concealment-5\" >Concealment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Magazine_Capacity-5\" >Magazine Capacity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Cost_and_Availability-5\" >Cost and Availability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#45_ACP\" >.45 ACP<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Energy_and_Penetration-6\" >Energy and Penetration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-34\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Recoil-6\" >Recoil<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-35\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Concealment-6\" >Concealment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-36\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Magazine_Capacity-6\" >Magazine Capacity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-37\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Cost_and_Availability-6\" >Cost and Availability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-38\" href=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/best-cartridge-for-concealed-carry-keeping-it-under-wraps\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choosing_the_Best_Cartridge_for_Concealed_Carry\"><\/span>Choosing the Best Cartridge for Concealed Carry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Finding the right cartridge\/handgun combo for concealed carry isn\u2019t as easy as you might think. What works well for one concealed carrier may not work at all for another.<\/p>\n<p>Choosing a CCW is mostly about finding the right balance of power, shoot-ability, and concealment. That balance point is influenced by the individual shooter\u2019s body type, strength, experience level, and even personal wardrobe choices.<\/p>\n<p>The 9mm Luger is currently the most popular cartridge for concealed carry in the US. It is also our top pick. Although 9mm Luger works well for the vast majority of shooters, it doesn\u2019t work for everyone all of the time.<\/p>\n<p>We decided to dive into the most popular cartridges used for modern concealed carry. Self-defense is a very personal issue, and no one other than you should decide which cartridge you should use. This article will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option and get you one step closer to making an informed decision about what to carry.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9mm_Luger_%E2%80%93_Our_Top_Pick\"><\/span>9mm Luger &#8211; Our Top Pick<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Although it was once considered \u201ctoo little gun\u201d for defensive shooting, modern technology has brought the <a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/9mm-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">9mm Luger<\/a> a long way in just a couple of decades. Today, 9mm is the most popular CCW cartridge on the market. It is widely used by law enforcement and civilians alike.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_and_Penetration\"><\/span>Energy and Penetration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Advancements in bullet and ballistics technology have moved the 9mm Luger from the \u201cunderpowered\u201d category and made it a viable option for eliminating bad guys.<\/p>\n<p>Although the 9mm shoots a smaller projectile than larger calibers like the .40 S&amp;W and the .45 ACP, the differences in wound diameters between these three cartridges are nominal. Many 9mm home defense loads feature hollow points that expand up to twice their original diameter.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8822\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8822\" style=\"width: 422px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8822\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"422\" height=\"280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/1-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/1-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/1-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 422px) 100vw, 422px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8822\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/9mm-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop 9mm Ammo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>9mm is sometimes criticized as a self-defense load because larger calibers shoot heavier projectiles and carry more kinetic energy (which is often construed as \u201cstopping power\u201d). What the smaller 9mm lacks in weight, it more than makes up for with velocity.<\/p>\n<p>9mm bullets zip from the muzzle at around 135 fps faster than projectiles fired from a .45 ACP. Velocity has a major effect on kinetic energy. If you double a bullet\u2019s velocity, its energy quadruples. The extra speed behind the 9mm doesn\u2019t quite even the energy score, but it definitely improves terminal performance.<\/p>\n<p>The real question here isn\u2019t whether 9mm has more \u201cstopping power\u201d than larger calibers. That answer will always be \u201cno\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>But does the 9mm have sufficient energy for self-defense? Absolutely.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recoil\"><\/span>Recoil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Perhaps the 9mm\u2019s best selling point is its relatively light recoil.<\/p>\n<p>The effects of recoil on shooter accuracy, especially in a high-adrenaline, life-or-death situation shouldn\u2019t be overlooked. Because the 9mm\u2019s recoil is relatively easy to control, shooters can get more rounds on target faster, which is essential to eliminating bad guys who are hellbent on destruction.<\/p>\n<p>Shooting 115-grain loads from a 1 \u00bd-pound 9mm pistol produces a relatively mild 5.2 foot-pounds of recoil. All but the most recoil-sensitive shooters should be able to handle this mild-mannered cartridge.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Concealment\"><\/span>Concealment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>9mm handguns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from subcompact to full-size. Smaller pistols are obviously easier to conceal. However, the recoil on the lightest handguns can be a bit on the snappy side, which can make follow-up shots more problematic.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8821\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"415\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 415px) 100vw, 415px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/9mm-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop 9mm Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Magazine_Capacity\"><\/span>Magazine Capacity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Because there is so much variety in the world of 9mm handguns, magazine capacity also varies greatly. Choosing a smaller model will always cost you a few rounds of capacity. However, smaller models are obviously easier to conceal.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_and_Availability\"><\/span>Cost and Availability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Because 9mm is the most popular concealed carry cartridge on the market today, there are tons of gun and ammo options to choose from.<\/p>\n<p>Every major ammo manufacturer produces multiple 9mm loads in all their popular target and self-defense lines.<\/p>\n<p>There is also a vast selection of firearms chambered for this popular handgun caliber. You can choose from easy-to-conceal subcompact options (like the single-stack Glock 43) to full-size pistols (like the Springfield XD) that are easier to shoot but much harder to conceal.<\/p>\n<p>The polymer Glock 19 is currently the most popular 9mm pistol in current production. Although this model is considered a compact pistol, its size can be difficult for smaller-framed shooters to effectively conceal.<\/p>\n<p>Other popular 9mm concealed carry handguns include the Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P Shield, the Sig P365, and the Springfield Hellcat.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"380_ACP\"><\/span>.380 ACP<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Designed by John Moses Browning in 1908, the <a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/380-acp-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">.380 ACP<\/a> (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge is basically a shorter version of the popular 9mm Luger. A standard 9mm round measures 9x19mm, while the .380 ACP is one millimeter shorter.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_and_Penetration-2\"><\/span>Energy and Penetration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8820\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"365\" height=\"242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 365px) 100vw, 365px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/380-acp-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop .380 ACP Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Because the .380 Auto case is shorter than the classic 9mm, there is less room to pack in propellant. That means the .380 has a lot less oomph behind it.<\/p>\n<p>The .380 ACP pushes 90-grain hollow points from the muzzle at an average velocity of 1000 fps with 200 foot-pounds of energy. That is extremely modest when compared to the 9mm\u2019s muzzle velocity (around 1135 fps) and muzzle energy (332 foot-pounds).<\/p>\n<p>Critics of the .380 ACP claim it doesn\u2019t have enough \u201cstopping power\u201d for personal defense. However, with modern defensive loads and careful shot placement, the .380 Auto can be a highly capable round.<\/p>\n<p>Because 9mm and .380 shoot the same diameter projectiles, the widths of the wound channels they create are comparable.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recoil-2\"><\/span>Recoil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Compared to any of the other cartridges on this list, the .380 ACP\u2019s recoil is an absolute pussycat. With only the mildest felt recoil, this cartridge is often the best option for weak, disabled, or recoil-sensitive shooters.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Concealment-2\"><\/span>Concealment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Smaller calibers are genuinely easier to conceal, and the .380 Auto is one of the smallest self-defense options on the market today. Pistols chambered in .380 ACP are generally compact, lightweight, and perfect for all-day EDC.<\/p>\n<p>The .380 Auto is a popular chambering for pocket pistols, so if you\u2019re looking for an option for spy-level deep concealment, this is it. The perfect size for an ankle holster or pocket carry (for safety, always use a proper holster), .380 pistols make a great backup partner for full-size pistols.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Magazine_Capacity-2\"><\/span>Magazine Capacity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8831\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/4-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"380\" height=\"252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/4-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/4-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/4-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/4-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 380px) 100vw, 380px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/380-acp-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop .380 ACP Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>.380 ACP pistols are small guns, which means they don\u2019t hold a surplus of ammo. Most models only hold 6 or 7 rounds, which means you\u2019ll need to make every round count.<\/p>\n<p>The low round count is another reason many defensive shooters consider .380 ACP as a backup option rather than a primary weapon.<\/p>\n<p>Carrying an extra magazine (and having the skills to change it under duress) is just a smart idea.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_and_Availability-2\"><\/span>Cost and Availability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Because .380 Auto rounds are usually harder to find than 9mm, expect to pay a few extra pennies per round.<\/p>\n<p>Popular concealed carry guns chambered in .380 Auto include the Glock 43, the Walther PPK, the Sig Sauer P238, and the Ruger LCP.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"38_Special\"><\/span>.38 Special<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Developed by Smith &amp; Wesson in 1898, the <a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/38-special-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">.38 Special<\/a> was the standard law enforcement cartridge for more than 60 years. Although this cartridge has been largely usurped by newer options engineered for semi-automatic handguns, the .38 Special remains the default cartridge for self-defense revolvers.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_and_Penetration-3\"><\/span>Energy and Penetration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>9mm Luger and .38 Special cartridges are both topped with the same diameter bullets. However, there\u2019s a lot less power behind bullets coming from the .38 Special.<\/p>\n<p>Because the .38 Special\u2019s case was originally designed to hold black powder, it isn\u2019t safe to handle the higher pressures a full dose of modern propellant would produce. For that reason, these wheelgun cartridges have a SAAMI pressure specification of 17,000 psi. Meanwhile, the 9mm Luger has a SAAMI rating of 35,000 psi.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8830\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/5-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"409\" height=\"271\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/5-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/5-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/5-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/5-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/5.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 409px) 100vw, 409px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/38-special-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop .38 Special Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The .38 Special is a low-pressure, low-velocity cartridge, so it doesn\u2019t carry the same kinetic energy or penetrate as deeply as 9mm loads. While wound channels will be shallower than those delivered by 9mm, the .38 Special rarely over penetrates, which is a good thing if you have to draw your snub nose in a populated area.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recoil-3\"><\/span>Recoil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The .38 Special produces even less recoil than the 9mm Luger, which is why it is a popular option for women, new shooters, and people who are recoil-sensitive.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Concealment-3\"><\/span>Concealment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A small, lightweight J-frame snub nose revolver chambered in .38 Special is one of the easiest handguns to conceal, especially if you opt for a snag-free \u201chammerless\u201d model.<\/p>\n<p>One of the main drawbacks to small revolvers is that they are difficult to reload, especially in a high-adrenaline defensive situation.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Magazine_Capacity-3\"><\/span>Magazine Capacity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Because most .38 Special CCWs are wheel guns, capacity is limited to five or six rounds.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_and_Availability-3\"><\/span>Cost and Availability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The .38 Special is almost exclusively a revolver cartridge, which seriously limits your handgun selection. In some cases, your options may be limited to secondhand firearms.<\/p>\n<p>.38 Special ammo can also be hard to find and the selection is usually pretty limited. However, it tends to be significantly more affordable than larger calibers like .45 ACP.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8829\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/6-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"464\" height=\"308\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/6-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/6-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/6-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/6-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/6.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 464px) 100vw, 464px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/357-magnum-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop .357 Magnum Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"357_Magnum\"><\/span>.357 Magnum<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/357-magnum-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">.357 Magnum<\/a> was designed by packing more powder into the case of a .38-44 Smith &amp; Wesson cartridge. Sometimes called a \u201chot 38 Special,\u201d the .357 Magnum was engineered for outdoorsmen, although it quickly caught on with law enforcement officers.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_and_Penetration-4\"><\/span>Energy and Penetration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Shooters sometimes snub the .38 Special claiming it is underpowered for today\u2019s self-defense needs. The .357 Magnum addresses those concerns by adding an extra 400 fps and 150 foot-pounds of energy behind the same size bullets.<\/p>\n<p>When loaded with quality hollow point loads, the .357 Magnum not only works well for home defense but also for hunting small to medium game animals.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recoil-4\"><\/span>Recoil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>That extra power comes at a price. No one would classify the .357 Magnum as a mild-recoiling cartridge, and the smaller you go in gun size, the harder the recoil is to control.<\/p>\n<p>Choosing a lightweight, snub nose with a barrel length under 4 inches is something akin to recoil torture. Unfortunately, larger revolvers are much harder to effectively conceal.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Concealment-4\"><\/span>Concealment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Full size .357 Magnum revolvers are big and bulky and hard to conceal. Unfortunately, the smaller you shrink these revolvers, the more difficult they are to shoot.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Magazine_Capacity-4\"><\/span>Magazine Capacity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8828\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/7-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"491\" height=\"326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/7-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/7-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/7-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/7-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/7.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/357-magnum-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop .357 Magnum Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum are usually limited to five or six rounds.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_and_Availability-4\"><\/span>Cost and Availability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Like with .38 Special, your handgun options for .357 Magnum are limited to revolvers.<\/p>\n<p>.357 Magnum ammo runs on the pricey side, so you may want to <a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/357-magnum-ammo?dir=desc&amp;order=quantity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">buy your rounds in bulk<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to practice on the cheap, .357 Magnum wheel guns can also safely shoot less expensive .38 Special loads. However, the reverse is NOT true. You can not safely shoot .357 Magnum cartridges in a .38 Special revolver.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"40_Smith_Wesson\"><\/span>.40 Smith &amp; Wesson<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/40-cal-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">.40 S&amp;W<\/a> was developed following the infamous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.recoilweb.com\/shootout-in-miami-142459.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1986 Miami Dade shootout<\/a> that left two FBI agents dead and another five injured. The agents had been outgunned by two bank robbers armed with two .357 Magnum revolvers, a Ruger Mini-14, and a shotgun.<\/p>\n<p>After the incident, law enforcement set out to find a cartridge that matched the performance of the FBI\u2019s reduced-velocity 10mm Auto. The idea was to engineer a cartridge that delivered better ballistic performance than the 9mm Luger of the time but was easier to shoot than the FBI\u2019s large 10mm Auto pistols.<\/p>\n<p>The .40 S&amp;W was the result, and it caught on quickly with both law enforcement and civilian shooters. While this cartridge was insanely popular for several decades, it is slowly beginning to fall out of favor. As the performance of the 9mm Luger has improved with better bullet technology, more and more shooters are moving from .40 S&amp;W to the smaller 9mm.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_and_Penetration-5\"><\/span>Energy and Penetration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8827\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/8-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"472\" height=\"313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/8-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/8-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/8-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/8-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/8.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 472px) 100vw, 472px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/40-cal-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop .40 S&amp;W Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>When it comes to velocity and energy, the .40 S&amp;W sits almost exactly in between the 9mm Luger and .45 ACP.<\/p>\n<p>While the in-flight ballistics of the 9mm and .40 S&amp;W are incredibly similar, once the bullets strike the target, those similarities disappear. The .40 S&amp;W hits with far more energy. That energy also drives bullets deeper into soft tissue, producing larger more devastating wound channels.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recoil-5\"><\/span>Recoil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>When we compare this cartridge to other smaller calibers, the kick is significant. The felt recoil from a 1 \u00bd-pound 9mm shooting 115-grain bullets is a manageable 5.2 foot-pounds.<\/p>\n<p>Shooting 155-grain bullets from a 1 \u00bd-pound .40 S&amp;W pistol produces 10.6 foot-pounds of recoil energy.<\/p>\n<p>That means the .40 S&amp;W kicks more than twice as hard as a 9mm pistol of the same size.<\/p>\n<p>Many shooters claim that the recoil produced by a .40 S&amp;W makes it more difficult to control than the larger .45 ACP. Some of that can be chalked up to .45s being heavier pistols (the weight helps absorb some of the felt recoil.<\/p>\n<p>The numbers definitely support that claim. A 2 \u00bd-pound .45 ACP pistol shooting 185-grain hollow points produces 6.8 foot-pounds of recoil energy, which is significantly less than the 10.6 foot-pounds of kick from a .40 S&amp;W.<\/p>\n<p>Even in full-size pistols, the .40 S&amp;W\u2019s recoil can be pretty snappy. It also has pretty significant muzzle rise, which can make getting back on target and making fast, accurate follow-up shots tricky.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Concealment-5\"><\/span>Concealment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Bigger cartridges usually mean bigger handguns, and bigger handguns are logically more difficult to conceal. However, the .40 S&amp;W gets you closer to big bore power without having to tote around a monstrous sidearm.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8826\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/9-1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"468\" height=\"310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/9-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/9-1-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/9-1-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/9-1-600x398.jpg 600w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/9-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/40-cal-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop .40 S&amp;W Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Magazine_Capacity-5\"><\/span>Magazine Capacity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Most pistols chambered in .40 S&amp;W have ample magazine capacity for most defensive scenarios. However, larger cartridges take up more space in a magazine.<\/p>\n<p>For that reason, a .40 S&amp;W pistol will usually hold fewer rounds than a 9mm pistol of comparable size. On the other hand, a compact .40 S&amp;W pistol will hold a few extra rounds compared to a compact pistol chambered for the beefier .45 ACP.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_and_Availability-5\"><\/span>Cost and Availability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>As both law enforcement and defensive shooters continue to abandon the .40 S&amp;W, handgun options are slowly dwindling. That means second-hand pistols chambered for this cartridge may be more abundant than factory-fresh options. However, powerhouse Glock is still rolling out plenty of pistols (including the popular compact G23), so that may be a good sign that the .40 S&amp;W is heading for a popularity revival.<\/p>\n<p>While .40 S&amp;W ammunition may not be as prevalent as it was just a few decades ago, it hasn\u2019t completely disappeared. Every major ammo manufacturer is still rolling out loads in all their major defensive lines.<\/p>\n<p>Because .40 S&amp;W cartridges require more raw materials to produce than smaller caliber options, ammo is generally more expensive. The lower demand for this cartridge also drives pricing, so expect to spend up to ten cents more per round.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"45_ACP\"><\/span>.45 ACP<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/45-acp-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">.45 Automatic Colt Pistol<\/a> (more commonly called .45 ACP or .45 Auto) was the preferred carry round for military and law enforcement personnel for almost a century. The cartridge was developed by John Moses Browning to go along with his now iconic 1911 semi-auto pistol.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8825\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/10-1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"497\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/10-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/10-1.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 497px) 100vw, 497px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/45-acp-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop .45 ACP Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_and_Penetration-6\"><\/span>Energy and Penetration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Although the .45 ACP produces slower velocities than the 9mm Luger, its heavier projectiles deliver more on-target energy.<\/p>\n<p>Another big advantage the .45 ACP has over the other cartridges on this list is expansion.<\/p>\n<p>Right out of the muzzle, the .45-caliber bullets are pretty large, almost a tenth of an inch larger than 9mm projectiles. Quality defensive loads can expand up to twice their original diameter in soft tissue. The result is massive wounds, more blood loss, and more pain, all of which are critical elements in neutralizing a dangerous threat.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recoil-6\"><\/span>Recoil<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Although the .45 ACP features big, beefy bullets, it isn\u2019t all that hard to shoot. However, this isn\u2019t the cartridge for recoil-sensitive shooters. Expect significantly more recoil energy from the .45 ACP than from smaller calibers.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Concealment-6\"><\/span>Concealment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A standard-size pistol chambered in .45 ACP is going to be much bulkier and more difficult to conceal than a 9mm pistol. However, the .45 ACP is about as large as you can go on the caliber spectrum and still have a handgun you can adequately conceal.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Magazine_Capacity-6\"><\/span>Magazine Capacity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A significant trade-off for the .45 ACP\u2019s \u201cstopping power\u201d is its lower magazine capacity. The venerable Colt M1911 only holds 7 +1 rounds.<\/p>\n<p>Other semi-auto pistols chambered in .45 ACP that are designed for concealed carry have a single stack configuration, which limits magazine capacity. Double stack pistols may hold up to ten rounds, but the thicker design can be difficult to hide under clothing.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-8824\" src=\"http:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/11-1-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"464\" height=\"308\" srcset=\"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/11-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/11-1.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 464px) 100vw, 464px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ammo.com\/handgun\/45-acp-ammo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shop .45 ACP Ammo<\/a><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cost_and_Availability-6\"><\/span>Cost and Availability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>.45 ACP ammo is typically more expensive than 9mm Luger, sometimes up to twice as much per round. However, it isn\u2019t nearly as pricey as big revolver loads like .44 Magnum.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>We firmly believe that the 9mm Luger is the best caliber for concealed carry for the widest range of shooters. It delivers adequate power and ballistics, has mild recoil, and there are plenty of models that work well as concealed carry handguns.<\/p>\n<p>However, 9mm isn\u2019t perfect for every concealed carrier. Ultimately, the best concealed carry handgun is the one you can shoot proficiently and carry with confidence. For some shooters, that might be a .38 Special. Others might feel more confident with a .45 ACP in their holster.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While every cartridge has the capability to stop a dangerous threat, some are just better at it than others. In the end, the best caliber for concealed carry is one that does enough damage to quickly eliminate a threat. It also needs to be loaded in a gun you can shoot well when you need [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8823,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"default","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[98,208],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8813","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-sam-jacobs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8813"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8813\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8833,"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8813\/revisions\/8833"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/primegunseurope.com\/pl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}