September 16, 2026
The Handgun Caliber Showdown
Photo: Same job, three different approaches, the caliber debate that never really ends..
Few debates get gun folks fired up faster than the caliber wars. Walk into any range and you'll hear someone swear by their 9mm, another vouch for their .45, and a third holding the line for .40 S&W like it's a personal crusade.
I've carried all three over the years, and each one's got a fan club willing to die on that hill.
Today we're breaking down where each round came from, how they actually perform, and which one might make the most sense for you. Let's get into it.
Where Each Caliber Came From
The 9mm Luger dates back to 1901, designed by Georg Luger for early semi-autos. It's been NATO's standard sidearm round since the 1980s, prized for being compact, controllable, and easy to shoot well.
The .45 ACP showed up in 1904, built by John Browning after the U.S. Army wanted more stopping power following the Philippine-American War. It became the round behind the legendary 1911.
The .40 S&W is the new kid, developed by Smith & Wesson and Winchester in 1990 after the FBI went looking for something between the two. It became a law enforcement favorite through the '90s and 2000s.
How They Actually Perform
On paper, .45 ACP hits hardest, .40 S&W splits the difference, and 9mm kicks the least while holding the most rounds per magazine.
In practice, modern hollow-point ammo has closed most of that gap. Today's 9mm defensive loads expand and perform close enough to the bigger rounds that the old "bigger is better" argument doesn't hold up like it used to.
That's part of why so many police departments quietly dropped .40 S&W and went back to 9mm over the last decade.
Which One Should You Carry
If you want the softest recoil, more rounds in the mag, and easier follow-up shots, 9mm is hard to beat, and it's why it's become the default carry round for most shooters.
.45 ACP still has its loyalists, especially in a 1911, for shooters who value the round's long track record over the range chart.
.40 S&W remains a solid performer, but these days it's more of an "if you already own one" caliber than a first pick for someone buying new.
Every caliber gets the job done in the right hands. Hit reply and tell us which one rides in your holster.
Until next time, stay locked and loaded.
- Randy, Locked N Loaded
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