There are so many kinds of firearms to choose from, but there are good reasons why most gun owners prefer 9mm handguns over other calibers – and even more than rifles and shotguns. For many, a 9mm handgun is the ideal choice for everyday carry (EDC) and self/home defense.
That’s not to say you can’t use a rifle or shotgun for self-defense. Rifles such as the AR-15 can make excellent home-defense weapons. But here are four reasons that make a 9mm pistol the more practical option for many circumstances.
1. 9mm Handguns are Compact
Most 9mm handguns are already compact enough to make them a comfortable EDC. For owners who prefer even more compaction, manufacturers have designed even smaller versions of their standard 9mm pistols.
For example, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, and Glock all make compact and sub-compact versions of several of their popular full-size duty models.
Possession of a compact EDC is worthwhile, especially when you carry it concealed. It’s not really practical to carry a shotgun or rifle as your EDC, and it’s not possible to carry a long gun concealed on your person in public.
You won’t find many people carrying a .357 or .44 Ruger Redhawk as an EDC, either. Although many firearms are suitable self-defense weapons, they’re just too big and heavy to be practical.
2. 9mm Ammunition is Easy to find Even During the Current Shortage
Since 9mm ammo is the most popular caliber in the world, it’s going to be easier to source even in a shortage. This has been the case since the current ammo shortage began.
Because most law enforcement officials use 9mm as a standard, manufacturers have more reason to direct their energy and resources to producing 9mm ammunition. If the United States ever sees a raw materials shortage, you can bet 9mm will continue production in preference to other calibers.
3. Some 9mm Pistols aren’t Too Picky about Ammo
Certain 9mm pistols will fire a variety of 9mm ammo types, which means if there’s a shortage of one type, you can switch to an alternative. There are exceptions, however, like the Intratec TEC-DC9 models.
Those pistols will only fire properly when using FMJ 9mm ammunition and a manufacturer’s magazine. Owning a pistol that can fire multiple types of 9mm ammunition will be a blessing if the ammo shortage continues.
While you won’t find multiple variations of obscure calibers, such as the .270 Winchester, you will find variations of 9mm ammunition. For instance:
· 9mm ammo can be found in weights of 115 gr, 147 gr, 124 gr, and 135 gr.
· 9mm ammo comes with cases in varying lengths.
· 9mm ammo can vary in velocity from 300 m/s to 410 m/s, and pack a punch of anywhere from 430 J to 640 J.
There are also various types of 9mm ammo, including:
· Unjacketed ammo
· Full metal jacket (FMJ) ammo encased in a copper or lead casing (designed for target practice)
· Hollow point (designed for hunting)
· Open-tip match (OTM) designed for target shooting and competition shooting
· Ballistic tips (designed for hunting)
The broad selection of 9mm ammo gives you more options in case of a shortage.
4. 9mm Ammo is Cheap
Before the ammo shortage of 2020 and 2021, 9mm ammo was extremely cheap. You could find bulk ammo for 20 cents per round.
Even now that the ammo shortage is continuing, 9mm ammo is cheaper than other calibers – when it’s available. At the beginning of the shortage, a 50-count box of 9mm ammo soared from around $12 per box to $60 per box. As of September 20201, the price has fallen to around $20 to $40 per box, depending on the brand and type.
If you’re going to own a handgun for self-defense, 9mm will likely be the most popular type of ammunition for the foreseeable future. Even when prices go up, with the exception of .22LR, you’ll pay more for other calibers than for 9mm.
Unfortunately, Russian ammo has been banned from being imported into the United States. Russian brands like Tulammo have been extremely popular and gratifyingly cheap.
Even during the ammo shortage, you could find Tulammo steel FMJ 9mm ammo for around $20 per box of 50. Although that source of cheap ammunition has been cut off, there’s still plenty of 9mm ammo available if you know where to look.
9mm Pistols are Popular for Good Reasons
If you’re looking for a reliable EDC or home-defense pistol, think about getting a 9mm handgun. They’re small enough to conceal and easy to operate.
Ammunition is easier to come by than for other models, and you can carry spare magazines in your pocket. There can be very little doubt that 9mm pistols are the ideal EDC and self-defense weapon.
