Choosing the Right Caliber
February 21st, 2025 | By Midwest Shooting Center
Choosing the right handgun caliber is one of the most important decisions when purchasing a firearm. Caliber refers to the diameter of the barrel and the bullet, directly impacting the firearm’s performance, handling, and usability. Whether you’re a beginner shooter or someone looking to add another handgun to your collection, understanding the differences between calibers can help you make an informed decision.
In this blog, we will explore some of the most common handgun calibers, their pros and cons, and the scenarios where they shine. By the end of this blog, you will have a clearer picture of what works best for your specific needs and preferences.
What Is Caliber, and Why Does It Matter?
Caliber, measured in inches or millimeters, affects the size, power, and purpose of a handgun. A smaller caliber, such as a .22LR, is popular due to its minimal recoil and is cheaper to practice with due to ammo cost, while larger calibers, like .45ACP, are favored for self-defense because of their stopping power.
When choosing a caliber, consider your intended use, experience level, and comfort with the recoil. Let’s dive into some popular options to help you make an informed decision.
.22 Long Rifle (LR): A Beginner’s Favorite
The .22 LR is one of the most popular calibers. Its low cost and minimal recoil, perfect for rimfire and make it an excellent choice for training and target practice.
Best For:
● Target Practice
● Small Game Hunting
● Rimfire
Pros:
● Low recoil and noise
● Affordable and widely available ammunition
● Ideal for beginners
Cons:
● Limited Stopping Power
● Less Effective in Self-defense Scenarios
MSC Brand Highlight:
.380 ACP: Compact and Convenient
The .380 ACP is a compact caliber known for its ease of concealment and manageable recoil. It’s a popular choice for concealed carry, offering a balance of performance.
Best For:
● Concealed Carry
● Close-Range Self-Defense
Pros:
● Low Recoil for Better Control
● Compact Handgun Designs
● Easy to Conceal
Cons:
● Moderate Stopping Power
● Less Effective at Longer Ranges
MSC Brand Highlight:
9mm Luger: The Most Common
The 9mm Luger is arguably the most popular handgun caliber known worldwide, and for good reason. Its versatility, manageable recoil, and widespread availability, make it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Best For:
● Self-Defense
● Law Enforcement
● Target Shooting
Pros:
● Balanced Power and Recoil
● Ammo is Widely Available and Affordable
● Used in many Handgun Models
Cons:
● Slightly More Recoil Than Smaller Calibers like .22 LR or .380 ACP
MSC Brand Highlight:
10mm Auto: High Power
The 10amm Auto is a high-power handgun caliber that is known for its versatility, offering excellent stopping power and accuracy. It is ideal for self-defense, hunting, and tactical use.
Best For:
● Self-Defense: High stopping power
● Hunting: Suitable for medium to large game
● Tactical Shooting: Great for defense and law enforcement
Pros:
● Strong stopping power
● Good penetration
● Versatile for multiple uses
Cons:
● Heavy recoil
● More expensive than other calibers
● Harder to find and may over-penetrate
MSC Brand Highlight:
.45 ACP: Power and Precision
The .45 ACP is known for its larger, slower-moving rounds, offering substantial stopping power. While it’s not as versatile as 9mm, its effectiveness in close-range self-defense scenarios makes it a trusted choice.
Best For:
● Self-Defense
● Home Defense
Pros:
● High Stopping Power
● Excellent for close-range engagements
Cons:
● Higher recoil
● Larger handguns with fewer rounds per magazine
MSC Brand Highlight:
.357 Magnum: Power and Versatility
Known for its power, the .357 Magnum offers impressive stopping ability and versatility. It’s commonly used in both revolvers and lever-action rifles, making it suitable for self-defense and hunting.
Best For:
● Self-Defense
● Small-To-Medium Game Hunting
Pros:
● High Stopping Power
● Compatible with .38 Special Rounds for Practice
Cons:
● Strong Recoil
● More Expensive Ammo
MSC Brand Highlight:
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Caliber
When selecting which caliber you want, keep the following factors in mind:
1. Intended Use: Are you looking for a handgun for self-defense, target practice, or hunting? Different calibers are suited for different purposes.
2. Recoil Sensitivity: Smaller calibers like .22LR and .380 ACP have less recoil, making them ideal for beginners or those who prioritize ease of handling.
3. Ammo Cost: Calibers like .22LR are affordable, while others, such as .357 Magnum, may cost a little bit more.
4. Handgun Size and Capacity: Larger calibers often require larger handguns, which may limit concealability but provide greater stopping power.
The Importance of Testing and Training With Different Calibers
Choosing the right caliber is only the first step in finding the perfect handgun for your needs. Equally important in spending time at the range to familiarize yourself with how each caliber feels and performs. Factors such as grip, trigger pull, and muzzle flip can vary significantly between handguns, even if they are the same caliber. For instance, a 9mm in a compact model might feel different than a full-sized 9mm model due to the size and weight of the handgun and brand. By being able to test different calibers you will gain an understanding of what you can confidently handle. At Midwest Shooting Center, we offer an extensive rental fleet which allow you to test out various brands and calibers on the range.
Training is especially critical when selecting a caliber for self-defense. Developing muscle memory and precision takes a lot of practice, and consistent training can help you manage recoil, improve accuracy, and build confidence. At Midwest Shooting Center, our professional instructors can help you figure out the differences between calibers and help you practice in real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience ensures that you not only choose the right caliber but also master its use should a situation arise.
Find Your Perfect Match at Midwest Shooting Center
Choosing the right caliber is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are just getting started on the range, calibers like .22 LR and 9mm offer a great balance of affordability and manageability. For self-defense, calibers like 9mm and .45 ACP are popular choices that cater to different levels of experience and comfort with recoil.
At Midwest Shooting Center, our expert trainers and extensive rental fleet can help you test different calibers to find the one that is the perfect fit for you. Visit us today and let us help you take the first step toward selecting the right caliber for you.