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There are niggers out there.

Non-answer that really is the answer: The best gun is the one you are confident using.

Some manufacturers make autos that are double-action on first pull and single afterwards, which is pretty cool in my opinion.

I've carried a couple full-size autos and, while they are more accurate (due to the longer barrel length than compacts/subs) and generally have higher capacity, there were times when it felt like I had a goddamn boat anchor in my pants.

As to caliber, opinions vary. I believe it's not completely outrageous to suggest that the caliber is a lot less important than the specific ammunition you select and, again, that's more of a non-answer.

I personally like lighter bullets in a .45 ACP, e.g. Lehigh (sp?) extreme penetrators. They look like screwdriver bits and create massive cavitation. I keep one magazine stacked with those on top and 230 grain +P hollow point loads underneath in case I need to put more lead into whatever needs killing after closing distance.

For home use, you might consider pre-fragmented and/or epoxy bonded powder rounds as they will do massive damage to soft tissue at close range without over-penetrating (e.g. you miss, bullet goes through wall and drills your kid/neighbor/etc.).

Point of all this is to say that there really isn't a single "one-size-fits-all" approach, though there are many "one-size-fits-most".

The most straightforward answer I can offer you to your direct question is to go .380 if you need it to be really tiny, otherwise 9mm is probably a better choice.



*Edit: Changed "caliber has a lot less to do with" to "caliber is a lot less important than"

Any one will do, just make sure you keep one in the chamber, and when you carry, carry every day.

Both replies currently below are correct. I'm going to be more direct. Glock 26. It's a 9mm. It's simple; safeties are in the trigger. It will not fire without your finger (or something) on the trigger. They are reliable and last forever. Do you know the difference in a new Glock and a used one? About $50. (Well known joke.) Take a class. Get confortable shooting and drawing. Ammunition is expensive these days but get a lot. If anything big ever goes down, you will only have what you've got on hand. Stores sell out fast, ask anyone that bought at the beginning of Wuflu. Seriously, have no less than 1000 rounds. It doesn't go bad and people will often buy used ammunition for the price it currently sells at from estate or private sales. It could wind up being currency if SHTF.

.45 striker fired. Glock 30 is a great choice. 10+1. I carry a kahr CW .45. 6+1 Hornady CRITICAL dUTY SELF DEFENSE AMMO. 490 LBS OF DELIVERED FORCE. EXTRA MAG IN POCKET. 2 MORE IN TRUCK.

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Something there says you've been around a while. Outside of vintage firearms, you're not going to find much chambered in .38 ACP.

Most modern carry guns are striker fired, so single action. There are still plenty of good DA/SA options too. 9mm is fine with any modern HP loadings, probably ideal because of ammo availability; it's cheaper to practice with.

And white men will do nothing about it because we've been conquered.

This is the only logical answer