What is the best semi automatic pistol for personal defense?
That’s a broad question of sorts. But going with pistols does narrow it down some. On caliber (and stopping power) you have to ask yourself, what do you need? Do you really need a 45? Most people would quickly answer yes. After all, why risk it? What if you do run into a musclehead who’s high on pcp or something of the sort? Given that nerves are going to be high and you are probably going to go for a chest shot and not a head shot… yeah, it’s not a bad bet as far as better safe than sorry goes. Personally, though, I see little problem with 9mm. With good ammo (hollowpoints that will expand well and reliably), 9mm is generally going to get the job done, and personally, I like having more magazine capacity. By the way, here’s a handle table I made for myself some years ago which does illustrate the power difference in muzzle energy and momentum: Cartridge Cal Typ Weight Muzzle V Muzzle E Momentum Cost Avg dB Supp Recoil .22 LR .221 in 40 grains 1060 fps 96 ft lbs 42 gft/ks 0.03 160 dB
