The “Better than Nothing” Factor.

[WinstonSmith]

Depends on how close you expect to be to your target. And how good a shot you are under stress in a bad situation. The closer and more accurate you are the less bigger calibers matter. Having high capacity mags might make up for lack of power, if, you have the opportunity to get off multiple rounds with your expected target being close.

 

[Horsehat]

I’ve always been a natural aim. I can hit a target put holes in holes even with a snappy nine. But carry a 1911? I’m very sinewy muscled. I can handle it I just can’t hide it at 6’ 165.

Clothing choices make concealment possible/easier, I wear untucked shirts a lot as well as vests in the winter. As far as the condition in your hands, I would carry the largest caliber I could handle and practice with a similarly set up handgun in a smaller, lower recoil caliber. If you ever have to use it the consequences of inadequate stopping power are going to be far greater than hand pain, IMO.
Edit, if your Sig Mosquito is like the one I owned I would not trust my life on it. Was a jamomatic.

 

[GeauxLSU]

In my experience the perceived recoil and relative effort for slide manipulation varies greatly among guns. I suspect there is one that would still allow you to comfortable and competently shoot 9mm.
For example, my last purchase was a Springfield XDe. I bought for its DA/SA and max single stack capacity for summer carry. They advertise it as being x% easier to manipulate the slide which was of no concern to me (but I didn't notice it was easier) and I assumed marketing. It feels more pleasant to shoot than a heavier bulkier carry weapon (which still confounds me). Now, I can't hit the side of a barn with it but that's my problem.
Conversely I shot a friends Kel-Tec PMR 30 (22 Wmr) and it was miserable to shoot.
Point being, it "may" be as much a gun issue as cartridge.

 

[rockyfatcat]

I’ve always been a natural aim. I can hit a target put holes in holes even with a snappy nine. But carry a 1911? I’m very sinewy muscled. I can handle it I just can’t hide it at 6’ 165.

1

I’ve always been a natural aim. I can hit a target put holes in holes even with a snappy nine. But carry a 1911? I’m very sinewy muscled. I can handle it I just can’t hide it at 6’ 165.

who said 1911? My 45 is approximately the same size as a snub nose 38

 

[lostchild]

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who said 1911? My 45 is approximately the same size as a snub nose 38

Same with my old Star PD. Love that little blaster.

 

[EMC45]

I would go with centerfire any day over rimfire. That is an ignition concern for reliability, not so much a round power pissing contest.

If you will go about armed vs not being armed, I would buy what you will consistently carry and practice with. .32 and .380 are both good choices.

 

[BIKER13]

9mm in my tote and 22 semi in my pocket

 

[Bandwidth]

The biggest issue I'd have with most cheaper 32's and 380s is reliability. Felt recoil in a Glock 19 will be less than a little .32acp, and you'll have stellar reliability.

Please don't "pocket carry". Get a proper holster, practice drawing and mag changes. You're never too old for that. If you need your firearms, you're not going to want to fumble through your pockets or a bag. Have it accessible in a hurry, all of the time.

 

[Nonliberal]

Hello. I’m interested in learning the popular opinion on the minimum pistol caliber for car/carry/apartment-life.

I am a firm believer that any 9mm round is more than adequate for self defense. But I ask again what about solid-built .32’s and.380’s?

I’ll be 60 this year and age is setting in. I spend a lot of time at the range. Gun weight, recoil and trigger pull have all become factors in considering what kind of gun that a senior might use or is it what some may call a girl gun?

Masculinity intact, do are these guns work? Are they worth having? Carrying?

Accuracy isn’t the problem. I can make 3 concentric head-shots with a 9mm at 25 feet. But now it isn’t pleasant. Arthritis in my hands and trigger finger remind me how important self-defense will be in my 60’s and beyond. It’s not likely I’ll be packing a Desert Eagle in my future.

I’m just a tall skinny guy who prints easily, looking at my gun future. Good thing it’s winter now.

Cheers.

Merry Christmas

Brett

32 used to be a weapon of war. I believe 32 to be a viable caliber but wouldn't carry one myself because of better options available. 9mm wont make you any deader.

 

[Bandwidth]

The only 32 caliber I would carry is .327 Federal. .32 ACP..meh.