Which Caliber Bullet is Best for Self-Defense?

One of the most commonly asked questions from beginning shooters is what is the “best” caliber bullet to protect their home and family. This is a difficult question to answer because there are a multitude of variables that must be considered when making this important choice. Since shooters come in many different sizes, it’s impossible to prescribe a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors that must be taken into consideration include the size and weight of the shooter, hand strength, and ability to withstand the recoil of the gun chosen. Price often also comes into play, and if the gun will be used only by one person, or by several family members of different sizes. That said, there are some guidelines that will help new shooters select the appropriate firearm and caliber for their needs:

Size and Strength of the Shooter - If you ever find yourself threatened at your home or business, you’ll certainly agree that the possession of any firearm, of any caliber, is better than no firearm at all. And often, the mere possession of a gun may be all you need to frighten away some criminals. However, you may also find that smaller, less effective calibers may not have the desired effectiveness against a more determined aggressor, yet may give the gun owner an unfounded sense of security. For the new shooter, it’s smart to start with a caliber that is small yet powerful, like the .22lr. A .22lr handgun is often the ideal firearm for the novice shooter, offering enough power to get the job done, but with less recoil to control. For a larger, stronger, or more experienced shooter, you may want to consider something a bit more powerful, like a 9mm, which is used in great numbers by law enforcement and the military. 

Budget - While the price of the gun certainly will be taken into consideration, another aspect to be mindful of from a budgetary point of view is whether the shooter can afford to practice regularly with the chosen caliber. .22lr and 9mm have been historically available and reasonably priced, while some rounds such as the .308 get a bit pricier. Be sure that you budget not only for the gun, but for enough ammo to get regular practice at the shooting range. 

In the final analysis, the “best” caliber is the caliber that allows you to quickly and accurately stop the threat posed to you, your loved ones, and your property. Our best advice is to try a variety of guns and caliber bullets to find the one that you’re the most comfortable shooting.

At Northern Illinois Carry, we offer the USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Course, designed to enable you to exercise your Second Amendment Right to protect yourself and your loved ones. Visit us online to learn more, or call us at 815-501-9421 with any questions.