TOO MUCH???

[williamlayton]

There seems to be a number of post on large caliber weapons, touting the need of such, these days, both here and other places.
I could see the need in some areas, for some things, but they do not seem to be necessary in an urban setting. I know I do not need such even in the Big Thicket area around houston.
How many of you folks feel that a .45 is not undergunned for your purpose???
Blessings
 

[Redhawk1]

It's not a matter of need more than a matter of want. Sure I could use a 45 L/C or 44 Mag. But I find it kind of boring. Give me a 460 or 500 Mag and I will be happy. Well I guess I am, I have both...

[ed1921]

Isn't having a choice great.
A .38 J frame w/ +p's in my pocket doesn't leave me feeling undergunned either.
Not that I would mind having the .45 .

[Questor]

A 45 auto would have me severely undergunned for any hunting purpose that I would pursue. It's a good target cartridge though.

[Dusty Miller]

Questor, that T. Rex seen sneaking thru your back yard can be taken with a .45 ACP 230 gr. JHP at about 950 fps with a single shot right behind the ear.  I've done it a dozen times myself and it ain't hard!

[jhm]

There is a need for most of the calibers being mentioned, for self defence I really believe that a 9mm or 45 is all most will ever need or can handle, the testosterone really jumps into most conversations when the caliber of their handgun is mentioned, for hunting I would look at the 22, 357, or for most of what I would be after the 44 but thats just my .02 worth.    JIM

[Questor]

It may be OK for T. Rex, but it's underpowered for woodchucks. I've found it to be a less reliable stopper than a good .22LR.

[44 Man]

Questor, I don't mean to offend you, but you must be talking about ball ammo in that .45, which is a pretty poor performer.  I've found the 200 gr lead SWC loaded warm (900 fps) is a fine medium game cartridge.  I wouldn't hunt deer with it, at least not up here in Michigan, maybe the little deer they have in Florida would be ok.  I do often carry one for back up when deer hunting though.  Think about it, our forefathers killed lots of game in the past with larger caliber guns throwing 200 to 250 gr lead bullets at about 800 fps.  My first choice?  NO.  But we're talking about what you 'might' run into in the boonies, not going hunting with this particular handgun.  I'm more concerned with two legged predators than something with claws and fangs.  I would feel confident with this gun in the woods.  44 Man

[S.S.]

I have never found that .45 ACP ball was a poor performer at all.
Another myth perpetuated by the Gun rags I think.
Have any of you ever had to use one in a combat situation?
Seen them used in MULTIPLE other combat situations?
Unless people have changed a lot Physically since the early 1980's
or unless folks in Beiruit are more fragile than people in the other
parts of the world. The .45 ACP has and will put men down in a hurry.
Inside of about 50 yards, the .45 is a formidable weapon.
No amount of reading in the Gun Rags will ever convince me any different
I have simply seen it do it's job well too many times...

[Dusty Miller]

Questor, it is a WELL KNOWN FACT that them ground hogs can see the larger bullets coming and that you MUST shoot them with a smaller caliber bullet, one they can't see until it's almost on them.  They're quick little critters and can slip to one side ever so cleverly. 

[mykeal]

Dusty - that's it! Now I know why those paper targets try to move out of the way when I shoot the big stuff but are rock steady when I use the old Single Six! Darn things are printed with woodchuck ink. Gotta get some new targets. I knew it was something simple like that.

[zipperzap]

williamlayton:

...  but they do not seem to be necessary

I think you should define the word 'necessary'. 

[williamlayton]

Well, that is a good question.
As I said, for my urban purpopses--necessary, meaning, or having to do with penetration and range and not necessary for Large/dangerous animals--small dangerous, maybe, hopefully not.
A .460, in my enviroment, would be something which would bring other overpenetration issues into play and would, IMO, not be necessary to accomplish the end results or need.
Blessings

[Questor]

Williamlayton:

Were you referrring to defense purposes, or any and all purposes in your original post? For defense, I think the 45ACP is probably close to an ideal, judging by what "people who know" have to say about it.  357 magnum is right up there too.

[Swamp Yankee]

Will,
    A 357 fills all my requirements from plinking to home defence....Jim

[Redhawk1]

Well, that is a good question.
As I said, for my urban purpopses--necessary, meaning, or having to do with penetration and range and not necessary for Large/dangerous animals--small dangerous, maybe, hopefully not.
A .460, in my enviroment, would be something which would bring other overpenetration issues into play and would, IMO, not be necessary to accomplish the end results or need.
Blessings

It would be nice if you were more descriptive in your posts. If you are looking for a defense handgun for use of self protection agents another person or a hunting handgun. Urban purpose, I take it as you are referring to the city. I would choose a 375 Sig or 45 ACP. No a hunting handgun would not make a good choice for a "urban purpose " handgun.