45 ACP VS 9MM Opinion 

"We have to have handguns to fit the more lady sized hands" 🤣🤣🤣

This was so educational. As a fairly new gun owner I have a 9mm and a 45 acp. Thanks for the video.

I've used 45ACP, 9mm, and 357Mag to stop criminals. All 3 were effective. For years I EDC'd a 5" 1911 and those are still my favorite pistols. But I switched to a G19 many years ago for EDC. For 1 or 2 bad guys I'd prefer a 45. For more I'd prefer the 9 because I can get more rounds on target more accurately and more quickly. The difference in weight is major. If I know I'll have to fight I'll skip it all and bring a long gun. If, like the military I were restricted to the use of FMJs, I'd switch back to 45. Finally, maybe one guy doesn't think 9mm kills bad guys. There are many documented fatal shootings by police agencies using 124gr 9mm+P Gold Dots. Carry whatever you like but understand that no pistol service caliber is a lightning bolt. You have to place your shot.

Agree with you Sarge. Carried a 1911 in Nam and I still do, loaded with 45 ACP. Thank you.

Dear SGT.... besides being my favorite cartridge caliber and the most pleasant for me to shoot, you now give me one another reason to have the .45 ACP and my 1911's on top of my preferences. Thank you!

Thanks for this video sarge! This was a breath of fresh air. Taylor knockdown factor should be taken into consideration more than just terminal ballistics. I’ve given this analogy before. Would you rather get hit by a real fast 115lb guy? Or would you rather get hit by a slower, 230 lb linebacker? Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. I can’t understand why that concept goes out the window when it comes to bullet weight. Long live the 45 ACP and John Moses browning, 230 grains of AMERICA!

I was trained with the .45 acp in the Military and learned about a soldier taking out a German machine gun squad , there were 6 machine gunners , the soldier did it with a single magazine full of 230gr Ball ammo , That's amazing !

I stumbled on your channel and absolutely love the content you cover. Keep bringing it Sarge!

Excellent video! Didn't know about the Taylor Knockout Factor formula, learn something every day! I carry a Glock 21 for duty and a 45ACP pistol (either a Glock or 1911) as my EDC-CCW. As a firearms instructor, I have had MANY of these 9mm vs 45ACP discussions and these are my thoughts: If FMJ bullets are used, the .4515 or .452 inch bullet in 45ACP is obviously larger diameter than the .355 inch 9mm bullet, so there is more tissue damage even without expansion. With good JHP defensive loads, in our ballistic gel tests, the 45ACP averages .77 to .79 inches in diameter, whereas the 9mm averages .6 to .65 inches in diameter. The temporary wound cavity as well as the permanent wound cavity for a 45ACP is much better than a 9mm. Yes, there is more felt recoil and muzzle flip with the 45ACP than there is with the 9mm, but that can be overcome with training and practice. And yes, 9mm pistols typically hold more rounds than the 45ACP, but it will typically take more hits with a 9mm to subdue a subject than a 45ACP (and yes bullet placement counts). 15 years ago I would not recommend a 9mm as a defensive caliber, but after bullet manufacturers redesigned their bullets and powders to improve its performance, I do now recommend it. Although, personally I still prefer the 45ACP. Our agency is going to switch over to a 9mm Glock because the FBI switched over and will be required to carry a 9mm.

Sir I completely agree with you. I have been involved in things where the 45 and 9 mm was used on certain individuals in justified use of force. The 45 acp does a lot better job. The reason everyone thinks 9 mm is because of ammunition capacity and politics. Personally I can shoot a 45 acp better than the 9mm. I’m a 1911 man. People will argue with me. Now I deal with 4 legged critters and I use a 45 because it puts animals down humanely. A 9 mm is a ineffective round if you don’t shoot them in the brain. 9 mm punches little holes and doesn’t distribute energy well even with hollow points. I rely on 45 acp for everything.

The .45 is an adrenaline rush when firing for me! The 9mm is nice and smooth but lacks the "Bite" that has grown on me from the .45

Great video! The other advantage that a 45 ACP gives you, along with knockdown power, is they are generally subsonic with lower pressure, which translates into them not being as loud as a 9mm, 40, or 10mm.

Integrative Preparedness on Patreon shared this video. Fantastic presentation. Been a .45 guy for 37 years. My 34 year old Springfield 1911 was having some hiccups, and I bought a Sig M18. I tried a Beretta 92FS in the 80's, sweet shooter, passing fad. A friend who was a Ranger turned me on to .45's in the early 80's, in my opinion, one of the best platforms there is. I never felt short of ammo. I now have this 9mm, it's not bad, but I am saving for a Wilson Combat 1911, because at this age, why not. Subscribing to your channel. Again, Fantastic presentation!

"I got one projectile knocking somebody on their ass". Well said, and thanks for posting!

Hey Sarge, gotta ask: What's your opinion of the 10 mm (in a 1911 platform, of course)? This caliber seems to give you a range of power options. At the top end, Buffalo Bore's 220 grain moving at 1295 fps gives a TKO of 16.28 (if my math is correct). Given this, would you still prefer the 45 acp over the 10 mm and why?

Glad you did the math, I ain’t got enough fingers to figure that out!

Love the channel Sarge! I’m a .45 fan myself and won’t even think of a lesser caliber! Keep them coming brother!!

Heard the exact same argument from a former special forces operator. Thanks for the video

Spot on. Women entering the ranks in the 1980s caused the 9mm phenomenon. Now, men want to be women. It’s a vicious cycle. .45 until I die. 😜

I have been rolling with a Ruger Vaquero 3-1/2 inch barrel birds head for a sidearm while hunting’ I will tell you this’ it puts 4 legged critters down just dandy’ I love the 9mm for a CCW weapon and in a Carbine length weapon it hits hard and packs the knockdown power needed in the hotter loadings’ I can hit what I shoot at so I’m not to concerned with what I have’ I’m more concerned with adrenaline and Murphy rearing his head then anything else, training is paramount’ arguments over caliber make me chuckle! Most people who never sent a pill down range get caught up in ballistic politics’ thanks Sarge for putting the video out! Well done on the finer points!

The Sarge went there! Hilarious!! Love it👍

Glad I found your site ! I subscribed. You got a lot of knowledge.🇺🇸👍

You’re right on. The 1911 is a “defensive”, stop them cold piece. In the trenches, you bet. It’s not meant to be an “offensive” weapon. That’s what your rifle is for. Lots of rounds there for good or poor shots.

I agree with you completely! One hits like a Ford Pinto the other hits like a Mac truck!

Thank you. My thoughts exactly. Also, I find the recoil of the 45 is smooth where the 9mm is very bity. I have shot a lot of both.

Thank you sir I have always chosen the 45 I carry the Glock 30 sf very good for conceal carry. Your 100% correct 👍🏾

God bless you sir, so happy I subscribed. I've carried 9mm, 40 and 45, and I always come back to the .45 ACP. I currently carry the P220 but looking at getting a 1911. SGT1911, can you recommend a quality 1911 that I can carry everyday? Not looking for a safe queen, thanks.

Aaaand SUBSCRIBED! I shoot both 9mm mainly for cost and there’s more variety of platforms. 45acp is actually 12.1mm and you punch a hole in em with it and that cavity is not closing back up! Sucks it’s approaching 50cents a shot for cheap stuff!

Damn SGT1911 this was a very informative video. It really gives you more perspective from a logical standpoint.

I own several 1911 pistols and a few 9mm poly micro pistols.The convenience of light carry is the only reason I have my 9mm pistols. I have always felt the 45 is superior.I remember the day I bought my first 9mm . When I opened up the box of ammo I couldn’t believe how small the bullets looked! Excellent video. Well done.

At handgun velocities, I want the biggest piece of metal that I can throw at the other guy. That is why I still like both 45 and the 40. Thanks for the work you do on all your videos.

The first pistol I bought was a 1911 45acp. My dad was in the Korean War and he carried a 1911 45acp because he said it had knockdown power. I love the 45acp it’s a badass round. Thank you for clarifying about the 45acp!

Love my Colt Commander in .45 ACP. Also love my other 1911's in 9mm. My answer has always been an enthusiastic "Both!" Because of the reasons you stated about the "me too" caliber gang, in a SHTF scenario there will be plenty of 9mm available for scavenging.

Everyone wants to carry a 9mm but in an emergency they'd rather have a .45. The best chance is that you'll never have to use a gun to defend yourself, and the second chance is that the attacker will be discouraged when he realizes you're not an easy target because you're armed... and walk away. So it's best to own and carry the gun you like to use most at the gun club. Eng. RF

Hi. .45 full size or commander 1911s are the way to go for the average healthy guy. But what about the older guys..70 yo or more? Would you suggest a 9 mm pistol or a .38 revolver?

...excellent video on a contentious subject...you showed us the numbers. Very clear and well done.

I prefer the 45 Auto myself. I agree with all your points. I must say that I carry one because it makes me feel like I have a real connection to the past. I carry a Dan Wesson 5”, amd I keep an old Winchester 1894 in 32 special under the seat.

I sure do enjoy your videos Sarge! Thank you for your Service!!

Dang it Sarge you're not just a pretty face, you got shmarts as well! 👍After watching too many of the 9mm vs 45acp videos I have to say that this one is the best. Thank you. I would like to ask you what is your favorite US military rifle?

Today I watched your show for the first time. Love the explanation. I've been a 1911 fan. Boy. Since I was in the military in the 70s and 30 years of law enforcement . I carry an officer's model everywhere I go.

I like the 45 ACP. I often carry one. However, JMB originally intended his pistol to be chambered in the 38 ACP. Which he created in 1897. It is basically the equivalent of modern day 9mm: 115 grain at 1150fps. The army wanted a cartridge capable of stopping horses. They wanted the equivalent of a 45 Colt which they had successfully used in the past. JMB therefore, invented the 45 ACP to duplicate 45 Colt loadings at that time, which he accomplished. He had to enlarge his pistol to accommodate the larger round. It was then discovered that this larger pistol, utilizing the case of the 38 ACP could withstand much higher pressure, and yielded the 38 Super which was far superior to any pistol cartridge of that time. They were running 130 grains at close to 1300 FTPS. This pistol was used to shoot through car doors, driven by gangsters, which the 45 often failed to do. The 38 Super was, and still is, a fantastic cartridge in a 1911 platform. The 45 didn’t have the penetration of the Super or the 9mm. Along comes the 357 magnum, and America’s preference for revolvers, and that was that. Having said all of that, the 45 ACP has become a far more versatile cartridge than the 38 Super or the 9mm. It can be loaded from 120 grains at 1420 FTPS up to 255 grains at 925 FTPS with factory loads. All with the same pistol. That’s amazing really, especially for an auto loader. One can also run 45 Supers through it if needed for animals that bite back. That’s why I like it, and carry the 45 often. The 9mm is more than adequate for self defense against people, is much less expensive ammunition wise, has a million different pistols and sizes to chose from, is much easier for many to shoot well, and in general, has far greater capacity. Which is why my house gun is a full-size double stack 9mm with 20 rounds in the magazine. But, I live in the mountains. So, when I go out, I often carry my 45. I have one mag loaded 120 grain moving at 1420 and one magazine of hard cast 255 grains moving at 920. We have a literal ton of bears, including in my yard, but no grizzly bears. When hunting with pistols, I may use a 357 magnum or a 44 magnum. But, the 45 is easier to carry, conceal, and shoot well for me for everyday purposes. Thanks for the video.

That is such a good video. Thank you for the clear thinking and reasoning.

Great video, TKOF was a consistent way to compare and I noted your comment on 22lr. I have been a fan of 22 for years and more recently, 22 mag. However. the subsonic speed of the 45 is worth the choice because it does not have the sonic boom . It also doesn't fly through 5 houses before it comes to a stop. I think it would be a great match with a mini 30 chambered in 300 black out, also subsonic. Thinking out loud, Its a lot easier to hide gunfire at the house if no one can hear it...I am a medic and have been for a while and I concur with the surgeon. I've seen more fatalities with .22lr than i have with 9mm. 45 acp will be the house and truck gun for all the aforementioned reasons.

I'm glad I found your channel, its awesome thank you Sir.

Excellent topic Nolan & well said Sgt 1911. I did an informal study of these 2 at my house. I actually own more 9s than .45s. The 9s were easier find/count because they were all in the safe. It took me a while though to round up the .45s: 1 was on my hip, another on the nightstand, another in the truck, etc...

Growing up, my Dad taught us shot placement was key, and more rounds are not always better. I joined the military at 17. I was trained with the 1911. When I got out of the service, I bought my Colt 1911a1. At 21, I became a cop. Back at that time we were not allowed to carry a .45 Acp. So I bought and carried a Ruger .357 Magnum. I shot well with it, and with new grips it fit me great. Then came the big switch, and they wanted us all to carry a 9mm. I bought a S&W model 39 single stack. I carried it just a short time, but it didn't fit me as well, and I scored better with my Ruger, so I went back to my .357 Mag. I could have bought a S&W Model 59, double stack but didn't like the feel of it either. Then everybody was carrying a Berretta 92. So, I bought one of those. I actually liked and I shot ok with it. But I still shot better with my Ruger, and my 1911a1. Still not allowed to carry my .45 Acp on duty, I carried it as my EDC off duty and still do, once in a while today almost 50 years later. I still hear my dad teaching me, "Round Placement is the key, over more rounds son". I still own my Colt 1911a1, my Ruger Security Six, and my Beretta 92. But I still like my Colt first for the same reasons you mention here.

Good points, Sarge. I have a few "micro" or "compact" 9mms I use in the spring/summer time, but I carry larger calibers in the fall/winter when it is easier (for me) to conceal a larger frame. I am going to be buying my first 1911 shortly after watching your videos & recommendations. Looking forward to my first .45! Just my 2 cents, but I think the best gun is the one that will be carried. I'd rather have a .22 in my pocket than a 30-06 in the safe. With that said, I think folks should carry the largest caliber they can personally shoot well. Keep up the great work on the videos!

Love it!!! Keep up the good work! 👍

I’ll take the 45 over the 9mm I don’t care about the amount they can carry

Thank you for telling the truth about 45 vs 9. I am 76 years old been carrying a handgun every day sense I was 21. Retired from major law enforcement agency. Did specialized work for several government agencies. seen numerous gun shot victims and caused of few myself. you are dead on.

Good video sgt. I have to confess i love my plastic 9's but this is food for thought. Thanks

.45acp 1-2 shots 40S&W 2-3 shots 9mm 3-5 shots if it starts out big it only gets bigger and more chance to disrupt tissue. The human body is elastic but permanent wound damage will be larger.

I really enjoyed your style of story telling, and the Taylor Knockout Formula explanation. The biggest takeaway from these debates is to use what works best for you. An important thing to consider with these debates, is the weight and type of bullet. A .45 ACP hollow point at 230 grains at standard pressure is far less likely to expand like it’s 9mm 124 grain counterpart. Furthermore, it is important to consider, for reasons of life and liberty, the ammunition type of whatever group that choose to work with, if any. Also, availability of said ammunition. Based on this presentation, I’d say the best choice is a 10mm Auto, not considering price of acquisition or availability.

A lot of nuggets of wisdom!! Listen carefully to the Sgt.!! Because is a lot to unpack. I subscribe and sending greetings from Chile!!

Interesting video SGT. I have used a 45 in 1911 in my career. It was always an effective round. According to data the fatality of a 9mm is effective to about 100 yds. However, the 45 acp is fatal to about 150 yds., according to foot pounds of energy. An astute observer should see that maybe there is something to a larger diameter & heavier bullet! Keep up the good videos!👍😊🇺🇸

Glad to be here again!

Love my 1911s! .45 is my choice as well! No gonna say I don't own some 9s but the .45 is and always will be my choice! Great video as always!

Best comparison explanation I've ever seen Sir, thank you for this🤝

Keep on keeping on Sarge. You definitely got your shit together. Thanks for all your reviews.

Great video- I love the 9mm and 45 ACP equally for different reasons and uses. However, my favorite part of the video was the knock down power “slides” and the surgeon story you shared. When you said that only one person survived a 45… my jaw dropped lol

Another excellent video, thank you Sarge.

Thanks,totally agree with you!!!

Great video sarge, is you use the numbers for the 185 grain at 1150 fps knock down becomes 13.74 lbs.

I totally agree. I love my 1911! Which.45 ACP do you recommend for self defense?

I really enjoyed this video, and as a result of watching it, I bought myself a SW1911.

Great Video SGT!! Merry Christmas Brother !!!

I have read stats on bullet speed actually being one of the failures of the Taylor calculation when comparing the FMJ bullet. For instance, if the 9mm round moving at 1150 fps actually goes through the target faster with less cavitation than slower larger rounds like 45 ACP moving at 870 fps. can you detail this data as to whether it is accurate or not? BTW, I like both rounds but carry a single stack .45 for CC.

Thanks Sergeant.

Damn. This was a great video. You sir knocked it out the park. Subbed.

I agree 100% with everything you said. I didn't even factor in the TKOF before reaching the same conclusion you did. I went off of the fact that back in 1904 the U.S. Army conducted the Thompson and LaGarde tests which is the only test to date where they actually shot something living with the various calibers they tested. After having shot several cattle in the exact same area under the exact same conditions they discovered repeatedly that it took 2 to 3 times more 9mm Luger rounds to equal the same effects as one .45 caliber round. There was no over-penetration by any of the calibers so all "useable" energy was dumped into the animals. On paper the 9mm actually had more calculated kinetic energy than the .45 caliber rounds yet that didn't matter. The overall diameter difference was .10" between the 2 rounds so that is not a factor of "2 to 3 times". The only factor that made the .45 caliber double that of the 9mm was the overall mass/weight. It would appear that momentum plays a pretty big role. People have always had the perception that the .45 ACP hits harder from combat to guys shooting steel plates and bowling pins and it doesn't matter what bullet design is used either because design doesn't change the overall mass only the shape. There's way too much evidence out there that points to the heavier slugs having a big advantage over smaller calibers regardless of designs for me to buy into the current marketing campaign being used to sell the 9mm. Gel blocks don't respond like the living and the FBI even said they don't have a way to test the actual effects of kinetic energy or momentum on anything living.

I have talked to a lot of convicts that's been shot with a 9 mm I never have talked to one it's got shot by 45

thx Sarge. good job.

Try reading “The Thompson-LaGarde Report” that came out in 1903. The final sentence of which was, “The Board was of the opinion that a bullet which will have the shock effect and stopping power at short ranges necessary for a military pistol or revolver should have a caliber not less than .45.”

Fantastic and educational video, great for newer students of 2A and related history (worked for obvious reasons), of which I am one. Subscribed, look forward to more of your content. Thanks and regards from Montana.

I am 57 years old, I remember back in the 1980s reading Guns and Ammo, every issue had a new "wonder nine", I tried a Ruger P-85, a S&W Model 59, a Beretta, and a few others. Then the FBI shootout happened and the 9mms started losing some appeal. There was a book written by a couple of police officers called "Handgun Stopping Power". Number 1 was the .357mag with 125 grain JHP, number two was the .45ACP with a 185 grain JHP and number 3 was 9mm+p with 124 grain JHP. There was only about 1.5 or 2% split between the top 3 spots in one shot stops. I have been a 1911 fan since I was a child watching John Wayne in "The Sands of Iwo Jima", I have several 1911s and one is usually with me every day. I think the only place the .45 is lacking for me is penetration with a good JHP. If I am out in the woods, I usually take a .357 and leave the .45 in the pack in the truck.

FMJ's .45>9mm Hollowpoints .45=9mm 10mm>>>>>>>>.45 Real 10mm is running 1350-1400fps with about 10% less sectional diameter and 15% less grain weight. A 10mm has double the muzzle energy of a .45ACP .45ACP is 450 ft/lbs. 10mm is 700-850 ft-lbs Hell well loaded 10mm is more powerful than .45 Super.

That Taylor KD scale seems off to me. I am no scientist, but as I am aware, bullet energy increases more with an increase of velocity than mass because velocity is squared whereas mass is linearly calculated. I don't know if that makes sense, but I don't see that reflected in Taylor's formula.

Probably the best opinion based on facts video out there I’ve seen 💯 good shit GI Joe

Totally agree brother my father having survived WW11 always told me one and done

I have shot "things" with a 9mm, 10mm & 45. I will ALWAYS choose 10mm 1st followed CLOSELY by 45. 9 is a great back up to those.

Sarge, thank you for that analysis on the .45 acp. It’s the best one I have seen in a long time. I appreciate your dedication and time to this channel. P.S. where can I get a cool shirt like the one you’re wearing. Thanks

To your comment about the 22lr - a .45 (bigger diameter) also gives you more area and therefore a better chance to hit those vital areas

SGT. My wife loves 9mm and 380 because she is more accurate with those rounds. Quite honestly I have extra large hands and I have always been able to control the recoil in 45 acp. I tried 9 mm and went thru over 12 different types of 9mm firearms and always found myself right back where I started 45 acp. I don't knock anyone who perfers 9mm 380, 40 s&w, 10mm, or even 22 LR. I just know for myself I'm dancing with 45acp at the prom, the nightclub, the engagement party, and the wedding. Loved the video, so continue to keep educating young, as well as older, inquiring minds. Peace✌️

Finally someone willing say the facts without worrying about offending 9mm enthusiasts because they may stop buying their products or ammo! Absolutely WELL said!! Why a 45? Because they don’t make a 46!!!!!!

Just shot my sr1911 for the first time today. I have to say I’m in love. Coming from shooting strictly 9mm , shooting the 45 was refreshingly awesome. You can feel the power in every shot. But it’s wasn’t overwhelming. The recoil was still manageable. I shot 1.5-2 inch groups from 30ft. I think I found my new favorite caliber ! What are your thoughts on the G30 as a EDC?

I like what you said in this video but there’s a lot of cases and I know it’s less then 9mm but but there’s a bunch of cases where people surviving several shots to the body and in the face and still continue to be in the fight after getting shot by a 45, it comes down to shot placement and yea the more stopping power the better “odds” you have but the human body is very unpredictable like glass , some break easy while other take forever to break but this video explains it good , and I like the formula you did it makes more sense when you put it that way , awesome video 👍🏽

That trauma surgeon’s answer towards the end makes a good point

Can't say enough. THANKS. The King and Queen of all are still .45acp and .357 Mag.

Best explanation I have heard!

What i like about the Taylor knock down factor is that the math is just a quantitative way of explaining what a real big game expert hunter saw in his lifetime. People often argue its not an accurate way to express ft/lbs of energy and its not supposed to be, it’s all about how much impacting lead will lead to knock out based on real world experience and the math is just a clever way of comparing bullets. 45acp , 338 lapua, 50 bmg and 458 socom are perfect examples of real military use and need for a heavy hitter where a small light bullet didn’t do the job adequately . I live in Alaska and the Taylor knock down factor definitely explains Alaskans choice of pistols and hunting rifles.

I’m 100% on board with your assessments. Also, if they hate 1911s, there is a 13-round Glock 21 • 45 ACP. Lastly, Liberty Civil Defense 45 ACP is a sight to behold.

Good video for sure. Gracias, Amigo! You make good points, for sure. Placement is everything.

Thank you SGT. For me, I shoot the government sized 1911 in .45 acp best. I carry the government sized 1911 in .45 acp because I can shoot it well and it has been a successful round for 111 years.

Great video, I have a USP45 myself and I shoot it as well as my glock 19. Unfortunately, I am in California and we are limited to 10 round magazines. It is a no brainer when it comes to 10 rounds of 45 acp and 10 rounds of 9mm. Carrying the gun ofc is a different story but nothing that can’t be worked around.

This is great, Sarge, thanks. Speaking as an ordinary civilian, my Colt 1911 was the first pistol I could hit anything with. Don't ask me how, but suddenly I could shoot a pistol. Anyway, there's no reason to change what works. Then I see these kids on Youtbue saying that the revolver is "outdated." Hello? I'll take a S&W revolver any day over the modern stuff. And I'm right . . .

13:13 "put on their Jungle Jim outfit" ...lol

Forgive me for asking this question, but I am actually curious and I have not seen any information to answer it. I know that 9 mm has a better penetration through hard targets due to its speed, but how does it compare to the .45 ACP when moving through fluid or soft material like a fleshy target? Do they travel the same distance through such a medium? Does one more efficiently transfer its energy?

You said it. It's a Man's Gun ,there's no roomfor it in a military that has Safe Rooms for when you're stressed and you D I is talking mean to you. Lol

Good stuff, Sarge

"Velocity and expansion are variables! Mass and cross section are constants!" The late Colonel Cooper