What is the ideal caliber for a concealed carry handgun?

No handgun cartridge is inherently accurate or inaccurate.

The shooter is by far the bigges factor, and second to that is the actual handgun being used, and third to that is finding a loading that specific handgun seems to like.

If you are looking for balance, what you need to balance is capacity vs power, and capacity vs overall size.

Normally people say "Shoot the most potent handgun catridge you can shoot well" But a 13 shot 45 is generally a lot bigger than a 7 shot 380.

In terms of power, the catridges go, from least powerful to most powerful

380acp-->38 special-->9mm-->40S&W(tied with)357Sig-->45acp(tied with)357 magnum-->10mm-->44 magnum

Now, of course, as you get to more powerful rounds, the recoil level increases, often to the point that shooting is hindered somewhat.

All those are very common rounds as well. (well maybe not the 10mm)

the 38 special and 357 magnum and 44 magnum are usualyl only found in revolvers, and the others are usually only found in semi-autos. There are some crossovers, probably most notably snub nosed revolvers in 9mm designed as a backup for a 9mm semiauto duty weapon, but they are pretty rare.

Now, while all the revolvers are generally 6 shot, the 44 mag requires a much larger frame sizem, actually a frame big enough to get 8 of the 357 magnums in. But really for capacity, lets look at the semiauto offerings.

380 is usually only found in smaller guns, so usually low capcity, however it is the same width as a 9mm, and in a full sized gun would have the same capacity.

otherwise in general in average sized handguns, you get 15 rounds of 9mm or 12-13 rounds of 40s&w or 357 sig or 10

rounds of 45.

or to look at it from a different angle, a 10 shot 9mm is going to be easier to conceal than a 10 shot 40, as the 9mm will be smaller.

now, you mentioned revolves. I would actually suggest getting a revolver first. They are a bit more direct and striaght forward for new users. Also, it is easy to tell if they are loaded or not! Another selling point, if you get a 357 revolver, you can shoot 38 specials in it! Glance at that power list. That is a huge range a single gun can cover. And I didn't take the time to list that there are 38 +P+ loads that would be a step up from regular 38 spl, and 357 extra mild that would be a step or two down from regular 357, or that you can get very hot 357s to push a step beyond regular 357 mag ammo. A 4 inch revolver by a respected maker like Smith and Wesson (model 686, or 686 "plus" for 7 shots!) or Ruger GP100 with adjustable sights is a hard gun to beat. Of course it doesn't conceal real well...but then neither does a full or even midsized glock or H&K

I'd strongly suggest getting a 4"-6" 357 revolver for your general shooting handgun, and then get a very small 380 for everyday carry.

Most guys who carry full size or even mid size start leaving them at home pretty often after the novelty wears off, they are just to big, but that litle 380acp whatever, that is great to slip into a pocket holster.

I personally love the .45 but some models are a bit hard to conceal. As far as autos go, I would have to say stick with at least a .40 cal. They come in all sizes and are a much better defensive round than the 9mm. For a revolver I would stick with .38 or .357. But really it is more important to get a weapon and caliber that you can manage and be comfortable with. Its better to be able to hit your target with a .380 than to miss it with a whole bunch of .45's

Not too many autos and revolvers shoot the same rounds. There are a few exceptions, but not many. I know that some of the revolvers are being made to fire the .45 acp. They just require a moon clip to hold the rounds. That might be an option for you. Also Ruger had a single action convertible that was chambered for .357 and had another cylinder that you could fire 9mm through using the moon clips. Not sure if that model is still in production though.

I do own both a springfield 1911 A1 .45 and a Ruger GP100 and a few others. I would have to say that both pistols have worked well. The springfield 1911I would have to say you couldnt go wrong with one. The one I have is a GI edition with high cap mags so mine will hold more rounds. From other people I know that own springfields say the same thing its a good pistol. The .357 is a tough round no doubt but it still cant compare with some bigger stuff like a .44 for big game hunting. For personal protection you would have alot of power. A snubnose revolver in .357 may give you more of a kick than my GP100 with a 6 inch barrel. At least you could still fire 38 special in it too. If your worried about recoil then the .45 auto may be the better choice. It dont kick hard from what I notice and it destroys the target. I like to freeze 2 liter pop bottles and use them for targets both the .45 auto and .357 mag break chunks off and of course knock the botttle over.

I have both. A .357 revolver and a 9mm Glock. Which is equipped with a very rugged laser sight. And use the Glock almost all the time as a ccw.

Really need to spend some time looking a several different types and makes of pistols.

Keeping focused on how you will carry it.

Needs to of course be 100% concealed. Yet comfortable to wear and at the same time easily accessible.

Thus when making your determination-keep in mind just what type of holster will do all of that for you.

.45acp, when it absolutely needs to be done, do it right. Having said that, You need to go fire some different calibers, in different handguns. Yo need to decide what your experience level is. Should you stay with a revolver or should you upgrade to a semi auto. Have had any training with either? It's always a good idea to start with a revolver, gain experience, then buy a .22 pistol to learn ho to handle all the problems that can occur with a pistol, before going to a pistol for self defense. Also, just my input, don't start out with a Glock. The "safe action trigger" is a sure bet for a new shooter to get hurt, or hurt someone.

It is good to see another law abiding citizen not willing to become a victim. If it were up to the second poster, only criminals would have handguns.

That said you are already looking at two of te best duty/defense pistol makers on the market. Glock and Springfield make sub-compacts in all the popular flavors, HK has very nice compacts, as does Sig. You cannot go wrong with any of those. I would like to throw my weight behind the .45 suggestion. All of these manufacturers offer compact or subcompact models in .45 ACP. In my experience nothing is comparable to the .45 in stopping power (in the popular handgun calibers that is). It can be counted on to end a life threatening situation immediately with proper shot placement, and that is what you want to look at. If someone is trying to use any kind of weapon on a family member, you want to be able to end it without them having a chance to pull the trigger or make a desperate slash. The term is "dropping like liquid" and the .45 can achieve that.

Buy a weapon that will do the job. Stop the threat with the least number of rounds. But remember that it must be concealable, this eliminates the .45 or 500. 9mm is not a stopping round, there are too many incidents where police have shot someone with 9mm and the threat continued. Go for the .40 cal in a semi auto, or .357 in a revolver.

Sigsauer makes a concealable .40 cal in the P239 model. Easy to use, concealable, light weight, and accurate right out of the box.

Smith & Wesson makes some of the most reliable, concealable, and accurate right out of the box revolvers. Buy a model in .357 cal, and you can use .38 semi wad cutters for target practice.

Whatever you can handle with proficiency consistently. I am not a big fan of sub calibers but if you can hit all the time with it when under pressure, then it is better than a large gun you cant hit with at all.

eyebulle.... Your parents brought you into this world, what have you done and what harm have you caused?. You don't want a gun, don't buy one. It's an old saw but still true, people kill people and the gun is just a tool some of them choose.

Bet I can find something you do that I dont agree with and maybe we should outlaw that practice/habit.

The biggest caliber you can comfortabley carry and shoot accurately is the one to use. If you can not shoot a 45 look at a 40 or a 9mm.

Mr. B

Solving the worlds varmint problems 50gr at a time.

2nd poster needs to grow up. My gun hasn't killed anyone. And, by your logic we should ban cars. Since they kill more people in this country than guns. Idiot.

Anyway...I own a sig p229 in .40 cal. I chose that weapon b/c of its proven reliability, my hand fits it perfect, and I can conceal it well under my tshirt even with my small frame (5'7" 155 pounds). I also plan to use it next semester when I put myself through a police academy.

As for the round itself I am more than confident in its stopping power. For self defense I use whatever brand of defense round Bass Pro Shop has in stock.

Dont own a revolver. But there's something about a 5 shot .38 smith and wesson that works my mojo.

Good luck!