In your opinion which is the most versatile commercially available defense handgun caliber?

I find 9mm versatile because I have a 9mm revolver, a couple 9mm semi auto handguns and a number of 9mm rifles. That being said, I can use the ammunition in any of them.

I am going to step on some toes here. I used to think like the guys above me on this post but then someone bought a Taurus Judge into the range Sat. It is a very large handgun for concealed carry but the positives out weigh the negatives in my opinion. I had never shot a ..45 long Colt before so was surprised at the control available for second shot. A buddy of mine had one in a colt revolver and it kicked crap out of him or maybe he just loaded his rounds too hot. The Judge had none of that problem. Then we fired some .410 shot shells. He had a bunch of # 4 buck shot and some 00 as well. Again the recoil was not bad and the shot pattern was amazing out to about 6 to 7 yards. Beyond that the .45 was accurate out to almost 35 yards which was all we could do in an indoor range. Here is the web site for the gun I shot. I am buying one as soon as my income tax refund hits.

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details....

The handgun is a Taurus MODEL 4510 .45/.410 (3" CHAMBER) MATTE STAINLESS REVOLVER. It shoots both the .45 Long Colt and a .410 shot round.

Please note That I recommend at least a beginning pistol shooting course. Preferred NRA sanctioned. Last but not least practice practice practice muscle memory and training will beat fear when it counts.

I have no idea what you'd consider "versatile." Nothing has yet made a significant improvement, though, on the defensive capabilities of the 1873 Single Action Army Colt in 45 Colt caliber, and you can hunt with it, too.

Also, if you can't stop a fight or put down the critter you're hunting in five shots or fewer, you're past due to run like hell. There is no practical use for a larger number of shots.

Hands down

357 mag

load down for small game and up for larger game

It is the most proven man stopper ever invented

Any one that sells ammo will sell 357 or 38spl

Guns can be found 5 shot pocket sized for carry up to full framed 7 shot hunting hand cannons

it's the closet thing to an all around caliber that you will ever find other than 41 mag and spl but those are hard to find

9mm no question. Distant second is the 40 S&W, and then 45, followed by 357 sig.

There are bigger calibers, that do more damage, but the 9mm is cheaper to buy, and there is an abundant choice of loads. Recoil in the right pistol is manageable even for a small handed woman. And, the velocity/energy developed is sufficient for most defense situations.

If you want absolute smack down-move up to a 45.

If you're a handloader, the most versatile is anything you want it to be.

Me personally, favorite semi-auto pistol caliber is 40S&W.

Favorite revolver caliber, 45 Colt.

For factory ammo, 40SW still has the best choices, closely followed by the 357mag, and 45acp.,

All of those things point toward a 9mm, good stopping power, all premium defense ammo will have over 300 ft lbs of energy at muzzle in 9mm, recoil is easy to handle which makes double taps and follow up shots easier, ammunition is cheaper and easier to find than many other calibers, as well as higher capacity magazines.

180 grain silver tip .45ACP in a Kimber Ultra Carry. A tactical light can be mounted and laser grips come with the new models.

in pistol caliber for self defense against humans:

1).45acp

2) .40 S&W

3) .45 GAP

4) 9mm

in revolver for self defense against humans:

1) .41 magnum

2) .357 magnum

3) .38 spcl

in pistol for self defense against animals:

1) .50 AE

2) .10MM

in revolver for self defense against animals:

1) 500 S&W

2)454 casull

3) .44 magnum

4) .357 magnum

These are all commercially available, and stocked by most sproting goods stores.

Tried and true...a semi-auto Colt .45. Even the US Army is considering going back to it.