Nothing starts an argument at a gun counter faster than caliber. The honest answer: the best carry caliber is the one you can shoot accurately and quickly, in a gun you'll actually carry every day. Here's how the three most common choices compare.
The quick comparison
| .380 ACP | 9mm | .45 ACP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recoil | Light, but snappy in tiny guns | Moderate | Heavier, slower push |
| Typical capacity (compact gun) | 6 to 10 | 10 to 15+ | 6 to 10 |
| Gun size | Smallest | Small to full size | Usually larger |
| Ammo cost | Higher than 9mm | Lowest | Highest |
| Gun selection | Limited | Huge | Good |
9mm: the default for good reasons
Most people who carry today carry a 9mm, and most police departments issue it. Modern defensive 9mm ammo performs well, recoil is manageable for most shooters, magazines hold a lot, and ammo is the cheapest of the three, which means you'll practice more. Nearly every carry pistol on the market comes in 9mm. If you're not sure, start here.
.380 ACP: small and light, with trade-offs
.380 guns are among the smallest and lightest you can carry, which makes them easy to bring along when nothing else will fit. The cartridge itself has less recoil than 9mm. The catch: .380 pistols are often so small and light that they feel snappier than a slightly bigger 9mm. Many shooters are surprised that a micro 9mm is easier to shoot well. A .380 is a great fit for shooters with limited hand strength who struggle to rack a slide; several .380s are built to rack easily.
.45 ACP: big bullet, fewer rounds
The .45 has a long history and a loyal following. Recoil is heavier but slower, a push rather than a snap, and many shooters handle it fine in a full-size gun. The trade-offs are fewer rounds, generally bigger and heavier guns, and the most expensive practice ammo.
What matters more than caliber
- Shot placement. A hit with any of the three beats a miss with any of them.
- Good defensive ammunition. Carry quality hollow points from a major maker, and make sure your gun runs them reliably.
- A gun you'll carry. The gun left at home because it's too big doesn't help anyone.
- Practice. Cheaper ammo means more range time, and range time is what makes you good.
Try all three before you buy
The best way to settle this is on the range, not the internet. Our indoor range in Mesa keeps 40+ rental guns, with handgun rentals from $15. Shoot a .380, a 9mm and a .45 back to back on the same lane and you'll know in 20 minutes. Then pick a good holster (see How to Choose a Concealed Carry Holster).
Classes that help
Whatever you carry, you have to be able to hit with it.
- Basic Handgun · $95
2 hours, 1-6 students. Grip, stance, sights and trigger, then 50 rounds with one-on-one coaching. Handgun provided. Wednesday evenings at 5:45 PM. - Arizona CCW Certification · $85
4-hour classroom course. Arizona carry law and use of force; DPS application and fingerprints done in class. Select Saturdays at 11:30 AM. - Defensive Pistol · $295
Advanced, coming soon: stress-fire drills, low light, malfunction clearance and force-on-force scenarios. Prerequisite: CCW. Join the interest list.
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Taught by NRA-certified instructors. Range members save 10% on every course.
Questions? Call us at (602) 715-2677 or stop by 6030 E Main St, Suite 103, Mesa, AZ 85205. Open Mon–Thu 10–6, Fri–Sat 10–7, Sun 12–6.