I always liked the 45 better than the pop gun 9mm. The Army should not have dropped the 45 either.
>>pop gun 9mm<<
This is absurd. If you NEED more than a 9+P, you NEED a rifle of some sort. I see statements like this and they are usually made by those who know very little about what they’re talking about. Shot placement is key, and when shot placement isn’t good enough, a traditional compact or full size handgun isn’t going to be good enough.
I love 1911’s. I borrowed a friend’s for a number of years (I cried when he wanted it back) and would often carry it in the “wild” (no, not South Dallas) on a Tac vest as a backup. I’d switch between that and a revolver. My 13 shot 9mm H&K stayed at my side all the time, with or without the “backup.”
If you WANT a .40, .45, .357mag/sig, 44 mag, whatever, get one. They’re all great guns, but a 9 is NOT a pop gun. In fact, a 9 should be the “default” choice — the one to get unless you specifically desire another caliber. Cheaper ammo and a little easier to shoot than most, so you’ll practice more and be more proficient. I would not recommend the .45 for purchase unless one has shot it a bunch or just wants to have it around.
Don’t try to stand in front of the pop gun 9mm, loaded with Hornady critical defense load, when it goes off.
I don’t think that the result will be much different from getting hit with a .45 ACP.
In both cases you will say “ouch”.