Thoughts on .32 cals?

[CowboyT]

Also got to think of practice ammo availability and expense. If the ammo's expensive to practice with, you aren't as likely to do it. If the ammo's cheap, you're more likely. If you handload, this isn't a concern, but a lot of shooters don't do that yet. For that reason, and because it's just a very good round anyway, I'd go with something in .38 Spl.

[gunderwood]

Caliber is only one of the many variables required to put down an attacker. And, I put shot placement just a wee bit higher than how big the bullet is...like at the top of the list...as a matter of fact, I dont think I would even put caliber second...

+1

[zephyp]

Most gunfights happen at point blank range. I'd be willing to bet the .380 will look like a cannon if you're staring down the barrel of one... If you get the change to shoot an LCP - it's very little recoil compared to other .380s...

And if you really want a .32 cal - I think there's a thread around here somewhere that talks about the .327 Federal Magnum.. From what everyone says - it's big power without the .357 recoil. Still haven't shot one, so we'll see when I get around to one.

Indeed, point blank range. Too many folks carrying for defense practice for accuracy at the range. We need to seriously think through the scenarios for SD and ask the questions: where will I likely be required to apply deadly force and what is the max range I would engage an attacker?

Most probable answers to the first question are in our home and on the street. Answer to the second question should naturally follow. For me max range in my home is less than 20 feet. On the street would be more or less point blank.

I can think of only one probable scenario where this might be different. If I observe an attacker with a gun going after someone else and I decide to act against them...

Now back to SD in the home. Think in terms of a fully extended draw. On the street it will most likely be different...with an attacker's gun in your face or gut you will most likely shoot from the hip (literally) as there is very little opportunity for a full draw...hypothetically -- pop them in the gut, push back and push their gun away as you fire immediately upon drawing, then apply the mozambique technique as applicable...and please, make sure your wife or SO know they need to get directly behind you if something like this happens...you might take a bullet, but if they are with you then that is far better than them taking one.

Just my thoughts but we all need to think through the likely scenarios and practice accordingly. And, not only practice accordingly but apply those thoughts to our carry as well. Those of you carrying anywhere forward of your strong hip side might want to rethink that...hard to draw unobtrusively if you carry elsewhere...on the street what will be the most likely reason you will get stopped..."give me yo wallet..."

Just my $0.02 and I am under the tutelage of a real pro by the way...thanks Bill!

Edit: For the "gunderwoods" of the board, please feel free to pick apart my logic...

[SgtBill]

Dam DK y'all sound like me. LOL
Bill

[gunderwood]

Dam DK y'all sound like me. LOL
Bill

Must be something in the water down there.

[SgtBill]

You might be right Garret about the water thing but I also brought over 35 years exp. of carrying a weapon of some type with me from Jersey when I moved here and more encounters with armed people then I want to remember.

LOL I think
Bill