Is The 9mm The Best All-Around Defensive Cartridge?

It’s possible that there are better cartridges for specific situations, but when it comes down to power, economy and accuracy, there is no substitute for the 9mm Luger.

Sales prices for handguns and ammunition have gone up over the years and fans still keep coming back to the 9mm as a hands-down crowd favorite.

The 9mm beats the .40 and .45. The .40 S&W is comparable but mainly used within police work. As for the .40, the snappy recoil makes some gun owners choose another option, especially when a 9mm is on the table. In addition, while the 9mm packs a punch, it doesn’t take a giant to control that power.

Because both male and female shooters can control the 9mm with ease, the caliber is so popular that it’s now beating the .45 in sales. Specifically, Ruger’s SR1911 has been met with major applause and anticipation as it has a small kick and a lightweight aluminum frame for those with concealed carry licenses.

You Don’t Need A Firearms License For This Weapon!

Ever since its initial introduction as a German service cartridge in 1902, the German Luger has grown in popularity, when the first sub-machine guns were also chambered with a 9mm Luger cartridge.

Years later in 1935, the Browning Hi-Power became the most service pistol in the entire world, as more than 100 nations chose it for battle. Then, after World War II, the 9mm SMGs from Sten and Sterling were developed. When Poland decided to use the 9mm Luger over their own Radom pistol, it was the first time in history a nation chose a service cartridge over their own, based on pure performance.

The Walther P38 came along to further push the 9mm handgun, and soon the United States chose to adopt the modified P38 pistol in the form of a Beretta 92.

Beyond the history of the gun, there are many other reasons why the 9mm remains a fan favorite. Sure, shooters may eventually move on to a heavier caliber gun, but it’s likely they will begin with a 9mm Luger cartridge. Otherwise, it’s possible to start with a gun that recoils too much and discourages a shooter’s improvement.

In addition to minimal recoil, there’s also an economic consideration. The 9mm Luger ammunition full metal jackets are often available at a decent price, which is always important for those trying to save money while visiting the range. Some bargains can be found at Cabela’s, Midsouth Shooters, and Brownells, where the price is often half the price when compared to .40 or .45 caliber loads.

Then there’s ballistics to consider. Obviously, the 9mm can’t produce a wound as impactful as the .45 ACP, .40 S&W or .357 Magnum, but it can be enough to do the job with the proper load. Any loading with proper quality control and cartridge integrity should come first. After all, not all makers have the same quality control, bullet technology, case mouth seal or primer seal.

Finally, some of the best guns in the world are made with the 9mm Luger caliber. Some examples include the SIG P226, HK VP9, Glock 19, and Beretta 92. All of these guns are known for being both accurate and extremely reliable.

Then there’s the Smith and Wesson Shield, Springfield XD, and Glock 26 for those who want to find a compact carry gun. Most recently, the Ruger SR1911 and Arex Rex Zero are also fine choices that have been added to the 9mm mix.

So, while the 9mm may not be the first choice when facing a bear or pack of wolves, it will be a top choice for most personal defense situations where power and proper load are the main concerns.

Do you agree or disagree? Share your thoughts in the section below:

The $360 All-Metal 9mm That’s Great For Concealed Carry

Image source: Armslist.com

Turkish gun maker Canik manufactures a compact 9mm worth looking at for daily carry, recreational shooting and home defense. Though Canik is the manufacturer, this double/single action pistol bears the name of its importer, TriStar.

The TriStar C100 has an all-aluminum frame and weighs 37.3 ounces unloaded. Its barrel is 3.7 inches. It’s not light, and it’s not tiny. However, it is compact enough for carry, and the weight helps make it a low-recoil shooter. It’s shipped with two metal 15-round mags, the followers of which are the only plastic components I can find on the gun.

The C100 has a rather easy-racking slide. Racking the slide, with a loaded magazine, chambers a round and cocks the external hammer. Unlike traditional double/single action firearms, it has no de-cocker. There is a thumb-operated safety that’s easy to use, not unlike a 1911 safety. The pistol is thus capable of being carried “cocked and locked,” avoiding the long double-action trigger pull if desired.

For those who prefer a double-action first shot, for safety or nostalgia, it’ll do that, too. It’s necessary to de-cock the hammer using both the trigger and a thumb on the hammer to let it down softly. Since this requires breaking one of the firearm safety rules, keep your finger off the trigger until the sights are on target and you’re ready to shoot. Be sure to honor another safety rule: Never allow the muzzle to cover anything you’re not willing to destroy during de-cocking.

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The trigger’s operation in double-action mode is heavy, in excess of 12 pounds, but smooth. In single action, there’s still a slight bit of takeup. In both modes, the break is crisp and the travel is buttery.

Textured grips have indentations in all the right places to make this non-modular handgun fit an impressive range of hand sizes. Deep sculpts at the trigger-finger area shorten the distance from backstrap to trigger. The mag release is a fairly easy reach, as well.

The ergonomic assets continue with the low-bore axis of this pistol. In 9mm, it’s a treat to shoot, with very little recoil. The C100 also comes in .40 S&W, which I have not tested.

Under the barrel is a standard rail, long enough to accommodate most tactical pistol lights. Although a DA/SA handgun isn’t my choice for home defense, this one will do the job.

On the range, the C100 has so far been dependable, with a variety of brass- and aluminum-cased ammo, both FMJ and hollow point. I was expecting misfeeds resulting from incomplete or delayed ejection of brass from its small, right-side only ejection port. Those misgivings turned out to be unfounded.

Accuracy is good from this little gun, in no small part due to the rails that run the entire length of the frame. The barrel is not fixed, but its range of deviation is less than half that of typical polymer pistols.

The three-dot sight system on this pistol is better than it needs to be for an economy gun. They’re steel, and the rear sight is drift-adjustable. It’s easy to distinguish the front from rear-sight dots as the front one is larger, but not gaudy. The rear sight has rounded edges that are concealment-friendly.

There is detailed texturing on the pistol, with a line of about 12 custom-looking grooves along the top of the slide, grippy-cocking serrations, and grip panels with sandpaper-like texturing for the lower fingers. Such detail is quite unexpected and lovely to behold, but could prove annoying for those who work in dusty conditions or roll around on the ground with the gun.

For the person who wants a classic profile and a solid metal handgun for daily carry, the C100 just may fit the bill. For the family wanting to have one gun every trained member of the household can easily use, it fits the bill. Thanks in part to having a rail and 15+1 capacity along with a trim size, the C100 will make a top pick for anyone needing versatility from their handgun.

The price is right, too. Currently, the C100 is typically priced around $360.

Incidentally, much ado has been made about whether the C100 is a clone of the CZ 75. In many ways, especially its profile, it appears to be. I, for one, wouldn’t hesitate to choose this well-made new model over the CZ, especially where budget is concerned.

Have you ever shot a C100? What did you think? Share your thoughts in the section below:

7 Concealed Carry Guns That Are Perfect For Range Training

Image source: Glock

Many gun buyers new to concealed carry are eager to get out on the firing range. That’s great, but some subcompact guns suited for concealed carry are of limited usefulness for extensive practice. Low ammunition capacity and lack of outside-waistband holster and mag pouch choices mean the owner of the tiny gun may have to sit on the sidelines while his friends participate in a defensive pistol class or weekend match.

What’s more, a limited budget can put the purchase of two guns for these two roles out of the question. What to do? Fortunately, many companies are making guns that bridge the gap between range and everyday carry (EDC). These guns are truly jacks of many trades.

To keep the playing field somewhat level, all choices here are chambered in 9mm. It’s an affordable load that’s readily available in most locations. Due to cartridge size, capacity is generally higher, too, a factor I believe favors both range and self-protection use. Many are available in larger calibers and some are also offered in full-size versions of what’s listed here.

1. Glock 19

This compact, but not really small rendition of the Glock design, has a huge following among those who carry a gun for a living. Extraordinary reliability is its hallmark. With a generous 15-round, double-stack magazine and 4.01-inch barrel, it’s as easy to handle as a full-size range gun. It weighs in at 23.7 ounces unloaded. Glock’s Gen 4 rendition of this gun is more expensive, but the adjustable grips and improved texturing add value compared to past versions. Retail prices are around $550 for the Gen 4 model; sub-$500 for earlier editions.

2. Smith & Wesson M&P compact

Smith & Wesson’s popular design has undergone some updates over the years. Modular grip panels and an improved trigger are good upgrades to the 12+1 capacity striker-fired gun. Its low-profile rear sight on the 3.5-inch barrel serves the purpose of carry. This is one of two guns on the list available with or without a thumb-operated safety. At 21.7 ounces unloaded, it’s handy. Pricing hovers around $500.

3. Springfield Armory XD subcompact

With a three-inch barrel, this is one of the shortest guns on the list, but it’s big on capacity. The XD Subcompact 9mm ships with a 13- and 16-round magazine. Its chunky, 26-ounce frame soaks up recoil from the short barrel. Some prefer the XD line because of the passive safety device at the top of the backstrap. Priced below $450 and with a trigger that’s more forgiving of typical new-shooter mistakes, it makes an ideal starter handgun.

4. Ruger American compact

The folks at Ruger took their time and listened to customer feedback about their own and other brands before scaling down their relatively new, full-size American 9mm to a packable size. Their methodical approach directly benefits the consumer.

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Modular grip panels and an optional thumb safety help an owner make it their own. One of the larger guns on this list, the mag packs 17 rounds into a long grip balanced by a 3.55-inch barrel. Depending on options, it’s about 29 ounces unloaded. High-quality Novak three-dot, no-snag sights help make it a joy to shoot. Left-handed shooters could love this, as it is one of two fully ambi pistols on the list. Retail is in the mid- to high $400s.

5. Smith & Wesson SDVE

This is an older model that’s not been updated for some time. It’s earned my respect as I’ve seen two very different students have great success and enjoyment from this dependable pistol. With a 16-round mag and four-inch barrel, it’s not the smallest choice. It’s a modest 22.4 ounces. The SDVE is a very dependable choice for less money at around $390.

6. Heckler & Koch P30

Another ambidextrous choice is HK’s excellent P30. Modern polymer construction and features, combined with HK’s classic double/single action and a 3.85-inch barrel combine to make a packable and accurate shooter. HK’s luminescent sights and excellent trigger contribute to a gun that feels like an upscale choice, assuming the user is committed to the additional practice required to use a DA/SA platform effectively, especially under stress. The 15-round magazine capacity, 27- ounce pistol usually sells for upwards of $800.

7. REX Zero 1CP

This is a new release for the double/single action fans who want seriously solid construction. Made by major military arms producer Arex of Finland, the REX Zero 1CP is imported to the US by FIME Group of Las Vegas. It features a safety so it can be carried cocked and locked. The slide stop doubles as a de-cocker.  It comes in flat dark earth or black. The grip is rather thick, making the gun a good fit for medium to large hands. It has a 3.85-inch barrel and 15-round mag, and weighs in at 30.4 ounces. Though it’s not a mass-market gun like others listed here, holsters are available as it fits those made for the classic DA/SA Sig Sauer. MSRP is $650; real-world prices should come in at well under $600.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of concealable but range-friendly 9mm handguns. There are many folks who’ll also not consider them concealable for their body type. I’ve chosen them based on their track record as quality, dependable guns for myself and many friends and students.

What would you add to the list? Delete from it? Share your tips in the section below:

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