How to Choose a Defensive Handgun Cartridge

[@39MercFlathead]

No scraggly beard, no tattoos, no earrings, no yelling. And you don't claim to be "an operator." What a relief. When I was growing up an operator is who you spoke to when you dialed -0- on the phone to make a long distance or collect call. I grew up in the 40s and 50s in a 4 generation law enforcement family and started shooting when I was 7 years old. My youngest brother just retired, so the ones in the family in law enforcement is down to a niece and nephew now. Your cartridge history is consistent with what I remember. I started shooting in a defensive league (we called it a combat league then) in the 1970s and went from a .357 to a .45 to a wonder 9 to a a 10mm, to a .40 S&W by the mid 90s. I tell my kids that a defensive weapon is a shotgun first and then a handgun in a caliber that is small enough for them to handle and practice with at least every couple weeks. I'm going to tell the grandkids to subscribe to your channel.

[@christopherg9806]

"People are not collateral... they're real people that God created." Beautifully stated! The more of your videos I watch, the more I like you. You're not just some guy blathering about his opinions, but a real expert who reflects on decades of firsthand knowledge.

[@wallacegentry4085]

I do like his attitude like you do. Believe it's because he's a God-fearing man, because most law enforcement/prosecutors are not trusted and are true scumbags looking to rack up numbers. There are good guys in law enforcement out there folks, but most are not.

[@RickLowrance]

I watch this fellow mainly because I like him. I definitely respect his opinion. For the most part, the rest of the gun guys on youtube are a dime a dozen.

[@jasonanders9267]

I am a relatively new shooter (15 or so years, not a lot of money for cartridges and range time). I like to think I have decent common sense and your videos confirm my suspicions of hyperinflated, subjective baloney I have listened to for years. Your voice is so common in my house now that my wife knows who you are, "Is that Gunblue?". It is so nice to listen to someone TRULY knowledgeable and not rabid with their tactical egos. Thank you for your peaceful, clear lectures.

[@majorpayne5289]

Jason Anders - Great comment👍 I fully concur🤓😎👮‍♀️👍

[@robertrich2492]

Good response. My opinion exactly.

[@biggusbestus551]

Copy that Jason ! I avoid the tactical training guys, they mostly care about making money. They could give a rat's ass if you go to jail following their advise. Tactical is for the military.

[@grunyonthoughtsfromagrunt8264]

If you ain't got a lot of money for range time and ammo I'll teach you something an old Vietnam Marine Sniper tought me. And considering that while in the Army I qualified expert in over 12 weapon system's was a Squad Designated Marksman I think it serves me well. Get yourself a good Airgun riffle and pistol. Dont have to be fancy just no wallmart special. Next get yourself a cardboard box and stuff it with Magazines and/or newspapers. And whamo you got a range which you can even use indoors. Now when you first use it take it someplace OUTSIDE with a safe backdrop where if the pellets go through it they wont hurt nothing. And then you will know if it's safe to shoot inside. You can then work on your 3 fundamentals of shooting. Trigger squeeze, sight alignment and breathing. Pellets are so so much cheaper then regular ammo. And also some airguns have heavy triggers if you have a few to choose from get the one with the heaviest trigger ( hardest to pull back) Why well if you learn to shoot great on a heavy trigger you will be a crack shot on the lighter ones. Also learn to shot with both eyes open. As a Infantryman of 18 years in my opinion its better tactfully. In the Infantry we always played the what if game. Play that and imagine a bad guy sneaking up on you while shooting with one eye closed or a loved one whom in a worse case scenario you might shoot. You ha e a lot more peripheral vision to identify threats and friendlys with both eyes open. Anyways good luck and good shooting. And I mentioned tactical with both eyes open. That's just a good lesson to teach a lot of people dont think about lol. And I agree with what he said dont worry about beeing tacticool. The average person dont need it. Shoot I've been ther done that and I dont want to do that lol

[@COIcultist]

@@grunyonthoughtsfromagrunt8264 *"I'll teach you something an old Vietnam Marine Sniper tought me."* And what did he teach you?

[@Logjam5]

Man I could sit back and listen to you every evening.

[@jivadaya6439]

Reminds me of my dad, accent and all :)

[@staceyhicks6873]

The thing I like most about your videos is you give a well rounded and easy to understand presentation. Based on scientific, and and "real world" applications. You're not trying to sell us something or showing a bias towards any particular product.

[@tonnywildweasel8138]

Just discovered this channel recently. It's like a breath of fresh air! No disguised advertising for the latest and newest. No flashy tacticool bs with electric guitars screamin' at the background. 'Just' a genuine source of real knowledge! Thank you very much sir, for sharing you know-how. It's very very much appreciated!! Tonny.

[@chrisfev01]

Subscribed. Good to hear someone that actually knows what he is talking about among a world of internet "experts." The last two minutes of the video are the best. If you are considering going armed in public for the benefit of your community and fellow man; you have an obligation to seek professional training.

[@Howardtripper]

he realy know what hes talking about when it comes to guns thats why i have learnt so much from him

[@beargillium2369]

I would disagree with the requirement part, while I absolutely agree it is the best course of action, having a requirement is a slippery slope

[@KPEJD]

⁠@@beargillium2369obligation, not requirement

[@nazdagg2027]

I'm retired, so I have the time to get to the range once(sometimes twice) a week. I shoot and I watch other shooters. I've seen the tactical crowd, seen the desert eagle fans-- all of this is always good for a laugh. my favorite shooter to watch is Doris, she's in her early 80's and shoots a Ruger SR22. Doris hangs her target (with 5 bullseyes) and starts at 3 yards, then 5, then 10 and then 15. she goes around from one bullseye to the next. the last couple of magazines, she's really blasting. when she rolls the target back in there's a nice shot group in each circle. 10 .22lr hollow points in a 3" circle is better than a sharp stick.

[@adamshaw8214]

Still seeing her shoot?

[@strawberyyicecreamdream216]

I love to see people like you doing this. What I mean by that is older men/people, with all their wisdom and experience taking the time to embrace new forms of media and educate the rest of us. All this knowledge would be lost upon me and many others had you not been open to making KZbin videos. I appreciate what you do Gun.

[@DocRock83]

I know this video is 4 yrs old but this is the most informative video on this subject that I've ever seen.

[@wolfpack4694]

Thank you for the reality check between the .357 and the .38 Special. I am amazed at the power of the .357 (and pain in my hands they cause) vs the .38 Special in my S&W 640, and the logic that hitting the target reliably matters most really resonates with me, so I don’t feel so bad spending more time using it with .38 Special. Thank you.

[@k_enn]

It takes a lot of time to get used to and confident with the .357 round. The fact that your S&W 640 is short barreled and lightweight does not help. Also, you don't indicate what load you are using -- a 158 grain bullet has chunk of recoil. With a 3 inch barrel with full underlug, and using 125 grain rounds, it is manageable with a bit of practice. As always, what is right for one person may not be right for another.

[@jc.1191]

Yeah, I load mine with 38 too. It's comfortable to be shoot 1 handed. I actually shoot it better than my 22 revolvers. I think it's the weight, maybe combined with the need to pay attention to the trigger pull. Very fun at the range.

[@jc.1191]

@@k_enn Yeah, I've got a heavy 5 or 6 inch barrel on my gp100. Even for 38. It's very comfortable.

[@Charon-5582]

My second time shooting pistols I fired .38 and .357 out of an old ex-police revolver, 4" barrel... I didn't find .357 too bad, a bit snappy. I probably wouldn't be very good with quick follow up shots though.

[@NothMeeh]

My 6 inch 686 eats 357 like pac man. It has a weighted barrel though. 38 spl is softer, but the difference is not huge. I shoot 38 spl mostly for cost reasons.

[@mikey3800]

Nowadays 38 special has been improved quite a bit. Tons of choices +p, +p+, bonded construction, flex tips, hollow point designs. This brought the 38 special off its anemic knees, it now is a great round.

[@anthonykaiser974]

It's essentially equivalent to 9mmP with similar bullet construction.

[@shaft9000]

^ although _still_ double the size and weight, and always a lower (and less than half vs doublestack) capacity vs 9x19mm. Everything has advantages and disadvantages; the black-powder+low pressure casing heritage of the .38special is what it is.

[@michaellino793]

When I listen to this guy I feel like I'm getting paid professional instruction for free.

[@paulsimmons5726]

After nodding my head in agreement with your views throughout this video, I found myself chuckling about your remarks about which rounds have remained at the top of the list decade after decade - 9mm, 38Spl, and 45acp. I chuckled because, aside from 22lr plinkers, every handgun owned by my wife and myself are in those calibers. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Great video!

[@eribertoacedo9505]

I agree totally with you sir I am very proficient with a 9 mm as well as the 45 , my friend who’s daughter is trying to pass her handgun qualification for the San Diego police department and she failed one more chance to pass I was called and offered my assistance to help her explain to her what she needed to do and we went to the gun range indoors and set up a target for her and she performed very well I signed off her target and told her she’ll pass her qualification which she did know she’s a detective at San Diego Police Department I’m very proud of her and she still my friend I appreciate you sir for your knowledge and expertise and I’m also a fan of your channel I don’t know everything but I’m willing to learn more thank you again. And God bless you sir!!

[@minnajog]

What a great informative video. As a retired law enforcement officer from 1977-1997 I served through the 357 magnum / 38 special S&W revolver to the S&W 9mm semi auto's. This video was spot on. Now in retirement when I carry concealed I still favor my S&W Model 13 357 loaded with...you got it...38 special loaded with Winchester silvertip hollow points. Thanks for a wonderful lecture.

[@boostimalaka1]

The load we carried in our off duty .38 Special revolvers was the Remington 158 LSWCHP +P. It was the most reliable bullet to expand from a snub-nosed revolver. The lead used by Remington was softer. The FBI load was the Winchester 158 grain LSWCHP +P. The Silvertip never caught on with Law Enforcement in .38 Special because of cost. I know the newer Gold Dot 135 grain +P has a stellar reputation with the NYPD for it's officers who carry revolvers. I am hearing good things about the 130 grain Federal HST out of snub-nosed revolvers.

[@lordofthemound3890]

Rem. Golden Sabre .38sp 125gr +P is a good one too.

[@peteswright]

Brilliant!!! I don't know why we bother watching all the other so called experts on youtube. Thanks for yet more of your knowledge and experience sharing.

[@toddboone333]

This is the smartest gentleman on the internet. Not just pertaining to guns. No bullshit, no smoke. He’s giving away knowledge that most people have to pay for.

[@frankz4900]

We very much appreciate your videos ,sir. It's a pleasure to watch them. May God bless you .

[@richardenglebright8393]

Wow you are the most eloquent and Professional it is a pleasure listening to you Sir!!!!

[@TehKarmalizer]

As someone considering what first handgun to buy, this was very helpful. I am primarily interested in one for home defense, but I may decide to carry when I become more confident. It’s easy to get caught up in the energy/velocity mania, but I was leaning away from .357 for exactly the reasons you outlined. Everyone for the last 20 years of videos and forum posts talks about .38 special like it’s .22 plinking ammo, so I hadn’t really considered that load. That said, a borrowed 1911 felt so natural and comfortable to shoot that I’ll probably go that route.

[@tonyelum8145]

I enjoy all of your videos. This is my new favorite. So much useful information and no BS! Thank you.

[@dennispeltier6142]

Thank you for being a mentor I have learned so much from you, God bless...

[@mobius6290]

Thank you Sir for all the knowledge and interesting stories that goes with it. You remind me of an old timer when I was growing up he was a great man. I learned a lot from him , and not just practical hands on things but life lessons along the way too. If your ears were open. Thanks

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you. Your comments are appreciated. Much of the experience I hand down to others was collected from the valued experience of certain elders that I learned from in my lifetime, too. You have a great gift in recognizing such opportunities, that few unfortunately are willing to mine from elders these days.

[@calebburns3414]

I first shot a 41 when I was 19 years old , fell in love. Now at age 60 I have a smith 4 inch mountain gun six inch smith scoped, and a marlin in 41 also. I have shot deer with all of them. I enjoy the lever gun with a skinner peep and fiberoptic front sight.Had to work up handloads that shot well out of lever and revolvers, not easy but I got it done. Perfect for the woods of northeast PA, much like the Maine woods, dead falls rocks and boulders swamps lots of trees. Sixty yards is a long shot. If I think I might have longer shots I use a 7mm08 rem mountain rifle. I do not communicate like this very often, but you speak truth and common sense. Thank You keep up the great work.

[@mikemegame1]

Merry Christmas Mr gunblue. I enjoy listening to your lectures nightly, I think I nearly seen most of them. You remind me of my uncle, super knowledgeable and thorough. God bless you

[@charger19691]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I'm a firm believer in the firearm fitting the person so they can handle it properly and be the most effective.

[@minnajog]

Another great informative video, thank you. I conceal carry daily and my usual choice is my S&W model 10 in a 2" and sometimes my 4". Always loaded with quality hollow points, I'm very comfortable with that. Your relocation of the 357's loaded with 38 specials hit home with me. As a retired LEO my S&W Model 13 with the 4" bull barrel issued to me in 1977 was 99% of the time loaded with the 38 special's. Thank you for all your video's.

[@poot111111]

I have never heard terminal ballistics explained like the comparison of the 2 types of watercraft in a small creek. What a great representation, I love it!!

[@dr.killjoy29]

I love this guy, we’re lucky to have him talking to us. 👏👏👏

[@davidwhendricks6979]

Wonderful discussion. I wish you had covered the 22lr and magnum. I have both a 9mm and 22lr. The 22 is a favorite for my needs.

[@George1mac]

Enjoyed listening to your history and the circular progression toward the defensive weapon. You are so correct about theings going in a circle. My first handgun purchase was a used colt detective special which the local police department consigned to a gun shop....I still have it and love to shoot it. I have a .45 also and love it, but it is heavy...I wanted it because a former ROTC instructor told us why he preferred the .45....he said when in Vietnam if a VC ran toward you with a grenade and you shot him with a .38, he would walk up and hand the grenade to you, but if you shot him with a .45, he would back up a few steps and drop it. Those were my only handguns for years, then the military came out with the desire for a 9mm. I just knew Ruger would win the contract with the P-85, so I bought one of them....hmmmm Beretta stole the show. During those days of the 1980's I also developed a taste for the .357 and I had several....I now have only the Ruger SP101 due to its small size. I never liked the Glock after hearing of the police shooting themselves in the foot or hip trying to draw the weapon. I never did go for the .40 and now the FBI is saying the 9mm is adequate....what a circle!!! Now I find myself carrying a compact Ruger SR9 and my wife has a Sig P938 for the size. I still like all the guns and I have kept most selling only a couple of .357's. Saying that, when I lived in Miami in the 1980's, the stopping power I saw most devestating as a healthcare provider was the .357 with a 125 gr HP. Probably the .45 was next in line.

[@montanamountainmen6104]

My late uncle was a Maryland State Trooper in the 70's. His revolver was a Colt Trooper MK III 357 Magnum, his duty ammo was 357 158 gr JSP. My duty weapon and CCW weapon is a Colt Commander 1911 45 ACP , ammo was either CCI/ Lawman 200 gr HP's or 230 gr ball.

[@adamshaw8214]

Your uncle didn't even use hollowpoints 🤔

[@CandidZulu]

European cops usually carried autos when American cops had revolvers. A common handgun for a European cop in the old days was a .32 auto or .380ACP blowback like a Walter PP or Walther HSc (and many others). Most had flap holsters, some were cross draw. This changed in the early 1980s, when most transitioned to 9mm Wondernines .

[@joe1940]

The best gun channel on KZbin. Great video.

[@duradim1]

I love the history lesson behind your topics. Thank you.

[@gregwright392]

Best said info out there! Having started in LE in 1980 through 2004, I've been though the .357 mag, .45acp, 9mm, and .357sig circus! S&W Mdl19, 686, Colt1911, Sig229, then Glock.

[@texasbeast239]

Being a child of the '80s, I went with a Glock 10mm for my first. My dad traded a .380Auto for a .357Mag from a cop buddy of his when I was little. I studied and followed along on YT for awhile. I tried on several pistols at a gun show. And then I tried out several at ranges, in different calibers and loads. And after all that, I decided that I wanted a Glock, and I wanted it in 10mm, and I wanted training to grow into it. I wasn't impatient, and I wasn't egotistical. I viewed it as an investment into my safety, and into my future.

[@gregshadrick5157]

I absolutely love watching and listening to the history lessons of how, when, why a cartridge was developed. Thank you for sharing!

[@fegsanchez7344]

This is some of the best knowledge on KZbin... Decades of experience... You need to appreciate

[@ManDuderGuy]

CAH-tridge. I love this channel. Thanks goodsir for what you do.

[@christopherg9806]

I love when he says cah-tridge too. Makes me smile. :-)

[@texasbeast239]

"Pepp'ridge Fahm remembers... "Because one shot from this cahtridge reminded them!"

[@michigunsanta8680]

You are correct about many police not being “gun enthusiasts”, I found I know much more about firearms than most officers, which I always found weird.

[@mikey3800]

A lot of them view guns as a necessary tools just like wrenches and hammers

[@RickJZ1973]

I concur. Over the years, I have seen quite a few current and former people that were employed by a police agency shoot at the club that I belong to. Most of them were terrible shooters! Definitely not enthustis either.

[@mikey3800]

@@RickJZ1973 Firearms does not play a part in most cops day to day activities. The problem is if a gun is needed, then your skill with it becomes a matter of life or death

[@John-mf6ky]

All politics aside, it sort of makes sense when you look at all the officers involved shooting in recent years

[@DYLANJJK94]

In Canada and America, many civilians know more about their gun and at least how to take it apart clean it, when the cop barely knows the cartridge their firing.. I wasn’t for defunding the police, but if many are this bad with millions of dollars in training for their department… lol

[@ManDuderGuy]

Thanks for all the great content you've made; and for your accent. My defensive handgun CAH-tridge of choice is 9x19.

[@prostudentdriver9347]

This is a good video! Thank you for taking the time to make it. Also you always seem to teach me new words like "Frenetic," 👍

[@michaelb.4372]

Thank you for your informative videos. I much appreciate the historical perspective and practicalities you include in your presentations.

[@bunberrier]

I let the whole talk play while I was doing some wrenching on one of my vehicles. I found a lot of value in this chat; there is no substitute for the context provided by decades of experience. Wisdom, I've heard people call it. Thank you.

[@romak4756]

Even with 20 ads? I dont think so

[@bunberrier]

@@romak4756 skip

[@romak4756]

@@bunberrier i let videos play when i gunsmith, don't always have the opportunity to spare a hand to skip, and at every 4 minutes or so i refuse to anyway so i just wont watch his videos anymore

[@bunberrier]

@@romak4756 one thing you can is take the URL of the vid you want to watch and put the letters "VD" onto the word youtube, like -> vdyoutube . Leave the rest of the URL the same. Then go there. It points you to a spammy sort of site where you click away all the garbage and then it will allow you to download the video in various formats. This will be the whole video without commercials. I collect videos that way. You could then play it while you work without being harangued every 5 minutes about "Grammerly" and "messenger" . This is not worth the effort for most content but gunblue's counsel is definitely an exception.

[@camdogify]

I posted your video about choosing a defensive hand gun on my regular gun blog and they tried to tear me a new grommet for even thinking negative thoughts about the vaunted Glock Perfection. Your were 'careless with firearm handling' was their biggest complaint. Without as much as watching the video, they based their assumptions on a frozen frame where you were holding a Redhawk with the weight of the pistol resting on a cocked trigger, with an ink pen up the bore to help maintain balance. You were discussing how this was done at the factory to test trigger pull. I guess some people are so knowledgeable and set in their ways, that they can no longer learn something new. All I had to do was Google police accidental discharges, and found hundreds of documented cases of the dangers of D/A striker fire polymers in police work. I enjoy your talks. I find that there's nothing better than firing up a new pot of coffee and sitting through your training sessions. Please continue to keep up your fine work.

[@GunBlue490]

camdogify Well, one of the concepts that are taught by the Glock company is that a gun cannot be pointed at anything that you do not wish destroyed, and that's where it is left, without rational qualifications. The simple qualification is that guns may indeed be properly and safely unloaded, whereby they may be demonstrated and safely pointed where one would not if they were loaded. The conclusion to their absurd and unyeilding interpretation of the rule would prevent the shipping of a gun, where its direction cannot be controlled, the peering down of an unloaded bore to inspect for obstructions, training by military and police, and a host of other circumstances. I either demonstrate on camera the clearing of the guns that I demonstrate, assure the viewer that I did off camera, or leave it to their understanding that I assume the proper care and control of them. They do not see me performing insane witless acts that amount to careless or inept behavior that negligently risks myself or anyone else. What they are doing is exactly what the Glock mantra has sought to do, which is to replace the ages old safety with a rule that seeks to accommodate and obscure a fundamental fact that their gun has no mechanical safety. My entire point is that I am not so much opposed to the construction of their gun which has no safety. I am opposed to their obfuscation of this reality, and the various premises that they have erected that fail to disclose this fact, and how they grant themselves immunity. In this era of disclosure, they have managed to insulate themselves with an army of faithful who repeat mindless mantras that Glock brainwashes folks with. Many unfortunate accidents have occured that would not have with proper safeties, but they duck responsibility by blaming those involved with failing to obey their rules. Their supporters parrot back that someone pointed a gun wrongly.

[@ToddSikking]

This man has forgotten more about firearms then I will ever know. In a world of self-proclaimed gun gurus, here is the real deal. I've been shooting for 40 years and still learn something from every one of his videos.

[@Aron_7777]

Best gun channel I know of! Thank you Sir!!!

[@D45VR]

wow, I have learned so much from you. I wish all gun owners had your expertise and wisdom.

[@gunsguitarsandgambling3614]

Great description of the police officer in the dark warehouse. That's reality.

[@fload46d]

Thank you , sir. Well you talked me out of getting a Glock. Now I will see what you have to say about caliber. My experience is basic training and advanced infantry training for Vietnam. One is never too old to learn. And I think you have some great answers and teachings.

[@happyhome41]

A(nother) wonderful discussion ! I thought the FBI shootout north of Miami in 1986 with the loss of two agents and wounding of five, led to the choice of 10mm, which as you describe, hardly anyone could shoot (well). Just can't say enough two key items you mention: 1) best cartridge is one the shooter can handle; 2) no substitute for good training with periodic refresher. THANK YOU !

[@billbarnett8007]

Your videos are are a source of knowledge & relaxation not to be found on TV.

[@Jeff_Seely]

I completely agree and you are absolutely right about getting professional and skilled training in carrying a concealed handgun. And what needs to really hit home is the idea that it must remain concealed until that very moment of imminent lethal threat and only then should it be considered for use. It is critically important and must be understood fully.

[@AnthonyIncantalupo]

You are the best instructor I have ever seen.

[@FabioAmar100]

Thank you for this and other masterclasses, Sir!

[@Prussia_is_not_yet_lost.]

One of the most realistic vodeos I ever have seen. Yes thats why I stick to 9x19 lead truncated cone, weak realoaded 357 mag with lead Wadcutters (453 ft-lbs) and for EDC 380 acp lead flat point. All reloads.

[@stephenferrera-grand7827]

Unbelievable, I have just found your You Tube videos, great information. In a world of 10 second sound bites you are making 1 hour plus videos. I had a problem with that at first because I don’t want to waste my time on B.S. . When I watched your video I quickly realized your high level of experience. That makes you an authority on what you are speaking of. Where do I sign up for a class with you? Thank you for saving me the travel time and making these videos so I don’t even need to leave the house for this information. Straight talk with no sales pitch...priceless. *****

[@byrdland3576]

GunBlue, you are an experienced, excellent educator. I really appreciate your videos. I love .357 magnum, but in a tense, survival, shoot straight or die situation, I feel that I could put more rounds in the right place quickly with my 9mm Beretta.

[@kolschesky]

Another great video. I would really appreciate if at some point you would do a video on the various nomenclature of handgun parts. Forcing cone, dust cover, hand. Where are they and how do they contribute to the overall function? Thanks again.

[@Edgy01]

Retired military. Part time Range Safety Officer at a nearby outdoor range. I keep my eyes open, so I have seen the transition from one popular calibre to another. 90% of the brass left behind today is 9mm and 45 ACP. Occasionally we see the oddballs. Even 38 special is now falling by the wayside. Your observations and comments fully support what I have seen. The vast majority of LEOs are not gun guys. The few there are have another smaller subset,-those that come up to practice. We do have the local PD and SWAT folks come up for a training day-and I’m happy to see them visiting on a more frequent basic. Our son in law is an exception to this being a LEO at a major metropolitan area-with a short military background, he’s one of the few LEOs who shoot extremely well, and enjoy the shooting sports. His weapon of choice is whatever gives him the ability to pack the greater number of rounds in the handle. Since we also sell ammo at our range I see what is popular to shooters. It’s all mostly 9mm, 45, and 556. Although brought up on a 1911A1 as a kid, I prefer the 9mm for repeatability. The bonus was growing up on the 45, and 9mm is all downhill (when it comes to recoil). Unfortunately, your videos are tying up all my time! But it’s all worthwhile. We seem to be in the same mindset about this stuff. Keep up the great work. The community is very fortunate that we have someone who is willing to take the time to share decades of experience, knows how to record and handle those technical issues, and can entertain as well as to educate. Usually people like you THINK about doing something like this but die of old age about six months before they start to do it. Stay well.

[@albundy2403]

Master class, from a true expert. Thank you, sir.

[@drphibesrises]

Just found your channel and have enjoyed and learned from your videos. Look forward to exploring the rest of them. Thanks.

[@arrowpt28]

I listen to alot of internet gun vids how to do this how to do that. At the end of the day, I always find myself right here listening to you to see if all the info I've been listening to is actually true. Thank you

[@mikey3800]

I remember reading Jim Cirillo recommending wadcutters over round nose to improve 38 spc performance. NY did not allow hp at the time

[@fbrieden]

Jim Cirillo! First time hearing his name in 35 years.

[@Paul__108__]

Paul Harrell has a great series on ammo selection.

[@seapimpnh.9307]

I truly enjoyed this like all your videos that I have watched . Very informative . I especially enjoyed your Elmer Keith quote . Considering I just finished reading Hell I was there for the second time ( first time was about 15 yrs ago ) and I’m currently reading “ sixguns “ by Keith. Again thank you very much for sharing your wisdom and knowledge.

[@patrickslevin6424]

Nothing deafen's like the .357 magnum. I found that out as a kid. Took a Ruger .357 Single Action revolver out to the river to shoot a little......and shoot a little is all I did, my ears rang for days and my ears felt like I had to spikes shoved in them. But...it damn sure worked in terms of power.

[@mojoman2001]

I fired exactly one (1) 180 grain .357 magnum round at an empty can without hearing protection. I, the shooter, ducked. And the ear-ringing was completely deafening for a minute. Way too much power.

[@219garry]

Now imagine shooting it in your hallway

[@jonathangriffiths2499]

Gee purrs imagine it in a car 😬

[@219garry]

@@jonathangriffiths2499 I keep a 357 loaded with 38 speer gold dots. For the woods I load it with cor bon hardcast 357s

[@6h471]

I had a similar experience with a 6 inch security six. 357 about 40 yrs ago. Fired 12 shots with no ear protection. My ears hurt for 2 days, and I credit that single instance with the tinnitus I have today. Ear protection is a must, even with a 22 rimfire. I simply can't imagine shooting a 357 indoors with no ear protection.

[@johnwidell8092]

There is a big difference between opinion and wisdom. Wisdom trumps all. This is a wise man.

[@grunyonthoughtsfromagrunt8264]

Just the little bit I've seen of this guy so far and the little bit of responses I've seen. This guy seems on par with Paul Harrell. Sure different personality and style and format. But same quality and level of knowledge and info. And I dont know yet that if that's a bigger compliment towards him or towards Paul Harrell lol.

[@markmadsen6828]

I think I've found my new favorite channel.. Listening to you reminds me of all the long talks I would have with my Pop. I'm really appreciative that your video's are in depth and always of prudent subject matter.. Thank you very much for your time.. God Bless.

[@boomdawg56]

Great video, talking to a friend recently with little experience with firearms about getting a gun for self defense and carry. She started out wanting a .45 or .44 because of the "power". After a trip to the range, she shot a .45, a .38, a 9mm, and my wife's Walther .22, the difference in her level of competance changed dramatically with each change of caliber. She left the range with the idea that she would get a .22 auto to become more familiar with the basics and then get a .38 or 9mm.

[@timothysuddath3852]

At the end, spot on. "A well regulated militia". If you're going to carry, which is your constitutional right. You personally have a responsibility to be proficient. Learn your gun, your abilities, improve those abilities. Your liberty ends at your neighbors door. Do not just go buy a gun, put 50 rounds through it and say "I'm ready", you're not. I've fired thousands of rounds, and I'm still learning.

[@timothysuddath3852]

I have to add. I respect our law enforcement officers a great deal. Past and present. They place their lives on the line, for us. ( lol you got paid better than us grunts though! ) Admittedly I'm not a huge fan of many of the changes. I do not like the "Para military" uniforms. I preferred the older, respectful dress uniform, but I understand society is more violent. Where my issue comes in, is when standards are changed to suit individuals. Fire departments lowering the weight carrying threshold so women can qualify. All that does is potentially kill two people. The firefighter, and the person being rescued. Standards are set for a reason. Revised, of course. But a standard should never be lowered to accommodate weakness.

[@rosswebber9278]

You are an example of high morals and common sense . THANK YOU . P.S. I also think you are some what of a comedian at heart ? Right ?

[@jessemasonoutdoors]

Your explanation of why the 357mag didn't work well makes sense it's not hard with practice to shoot the 357 well but in situations like you describe I would not want one

[@jamesbronson12]

Well spoken. I wish the people in our government had the attention span to watch that.

[@thomaslutz1056]

It is obvious that you have lived , walked and taught the talk. A clear, concise and professionally delivered lesson. No script or hyperbole in this presentation. In my police academy class , a recruit shot himself through the hand with his service revolver on the first day while fumbling to open the cylinder for morning inspection. ALL FIREARMS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE EMPTY /UNLOADED for the first few weeks until the class was introduced/taught firearm safety/function at the firing range . He was allowed to continue the rest of the academy and pass with a useless/injured arm. Thank you for educating and inspiring us.

[@fload46d]

Thanks for the headsup on .357 and hearing protection. I fired my .357/38 the first time and had in the ear inserts and after 18 rounds my hearing was affected. Next time, if there is one, I will use ear muffs and the insert.

[@tbjtbj4786]

He point on most of the offices I was around never shot except for mandatory training. There was marked difference between the hunters/ shooters that were in the department vs normal cops.

[@russelder9743]

I love your videos. always come away with great info. Thanks for teaching

[@chrisallen3741]

My dad was doing police work during those times you mention. He has had all those pistols and told me years ago. The Springfield 45 was one of the best rounds You could have…the biggest issue i had was as a young woman it was difficult for me to carry. It wasn’t til 2012 i found a kimber 45 raptor pro carry. I had to have a lot of time using it and to this day keep up my shooting.

[@MrRicholive]

this has to be one of the best channels for gun owners.....thank you gunblue490

[@markmcdougal1199]

Fascinating and very informative. Thanks so much sir, for sharing your experience and expertise. You helped me a lot.

[@stevebeutelspacher1157]

Thank you GunBlue490 for the great advice and information. I recently discovered your videos on KZbin and watch them with interest.

[@lens7859]

Great job! I can listen to your information for hours

[@charlespresley8238]

I’ve liked the 40sw Carthage since I was 17 now I’m 59 still like the 40 xd Springfield have lots of choices like listening to this guy so smart thanks buddy

[@robertdykes2708]

You are a trainer for sure. You didn’t leave out nothing. You video on reloading is the way I learned to reload. On the lee press. You make good sense

[@arcfide]

Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

[@virginia7370]

Thanks for the video, and some memories ... I worked as an LEO for several years about 1977 to '84, and served as firearms instructor for a few years then as well ... I carried a few autos, including a Colt series 70, and couple different revolvers ... Finally settled on the Ruger Service Six (4" stainless .357cal., fixed sights) ... Tried 357 mag, but agree, too loud (literally deafening indoors), and too much flash ... Back when the 125gr hollow points were becoming the newest rage I took some out one night, and fired a few at the old B27 from about 7yds - after two rounds I couldn't see anything. Was like someone popped a flashbulb off in front of me. Determined indoors in the dark would really be the pits! Settled on duty load of Remington 38Spec.+P, LSWCHP, and still like 'em today.

[@jamiesloan5902]

Virginia 7 What does LS stand for, when you said LSWCHP? I know it's "something" wad cutter hollow point.

[@MrSkinnyn71]

I believe L is for lead

[@boostimalaka1]

The Remington 158 grain .38 Special LSWCHP +P was the load our department recommended for off duty revolvers. It was the only bullet to expand from a snub-nosed revolver. Remington used a softer lead bullet. The FBI and Chicago load.

[@foyrobert6]

I'm with you 100% controlling muzzle flip is essential in speed target recovery and repeated shots on target. This is why I am so quick to push my 22TCM. I have 19 shot with one in the tube of 45 gr sphp nearing 2000 fps from a 41/4" tube. This double stack 1911 from Rock Island comes with an additional 9mm pipe and recoil spring and in less than two minutes I'm shooting for less than 13 pennies a trigger pull. Best of all very tolerable recoil with the 9mm pipe and almost no recoil with the 22TCM all for under 800 clams. I actually switch from day to day weather I carry the TCM or my SR1911 commander. What can I say once a Marine always a Marine, an old Navy issue colt 1911 earned me my cross pistols and my babies will be in my final resting cradle at my side. And I love running drills with the TCM as my AR alternative being the round is a shortened 223. I could write you a novel from this line on, Thanks again gun blue. PS, my Rock Island 10MM is capable of hand gun hunting; yep its a 1911.

[@stephen562]

The best thing about the .357 revolver is that it’s generally a heavier more robust firearm which makes the .38 special that much more manageable.

[@Fux9999]

As always, great information! I like that you explain things in detail, it's very interesting information. And it's much easier to remember something, if you know WHY things are the way they are.

[@anyhonyvittorioso2915]

I really enjoyed your informative and knowledgeable talk. THANK YOU, TONY VITTORIOSO

[@fproszek]

i inherited a tiny .25 from an uncle who carried it for 40 years. He pointed it ONCE at 3 muggers who ran off. Poor caliber? Picture getting stabbed by a 4" long screwdriver the thickness of a .25 round. Those thugs feared that .25 as much as a .45 because THEY know bullets put holes in a body. Most gun carriers haven't even been in a fist fight since high school.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

Most well adjusted adults dont get in fist fights.

[@curtisblanco4029]

Good info, especially the reminder that muscle memory is so important when shooting under stress. Fact is there was a bullet that was very effective when shot from the short barrel 38 specials, the wad cutter bullet. Go to buffalo bore bullets website. Go to 38 special section. From there click on thr wad cuter bullet and read what it has to say. Inside here is also a link discussing a NYC policeman's experience with 38 special wad cuter bullets. Bottom line, if you have a gun that isn't powerful and you want to use it for defense purposes, wad cutter bullets are an excellent choice.

[@LatestHour]

Great video, refreshing to hear your take on why people become police officers. I'm not one myself, I was in the US Army Infantry though and a lot of those guys had never shot a gun before. They just wanted to serve.

[@oldcop18]

My first gunfight was 1974 when I had six years on the job. I was trying to arrest three armed robbery suspects and had to reload my Colt DS in the midst of the fight before it was over. In the aftermath one suspect died after being transported to the hospital, one surrendered at the scene and a third guy was arrested the following day seeking treatment for a gunshot wound. Our duty round then was the 158 grain lead round nose thirty-eight.

[@bobvilla5064]

Wonderful Video. You explained this very well. You remind me of my Dad he taught Sharp Shooting in the Army.

[@charlesmurray1220]

So true. What you say about cops being people oriented, I have found in my career, is very true. How gun oriented they might be or not be as an additional aspect of each individual is irrelevant. Cops, as well as medics if they're good, are people oriented. Years ago I had been on the job 5 or 6 years and had gotten a good idea about what the job really entailed. I was on the morning shift and would relieve the over-night crew at 07:00. This fellow came into the crew room to be relieved. He was frequently a grumpy guy as he was that morning. He came in grumbling about something and said, "I guess I'm just not a people person." I stopped and turned to him and said, "Joe, if you're not a people person you are in the wrong career my friend. This job is all about people. Think about it." I took the radio and keys to the rig and went out and took care of people for 8 hours as best I could.

[@nohandle257]

Kudos for your videos on 'self defense'. I understand why you had to turn comments off on the other two. People are all too often not rational about this subject. Your video on the dangers and realities of ever having to actually shoot someone was very sobering to me and I've watched it twice now. Really REALLY made me think. Thank you.

[@D5quared91]

Got to love that North East accent! "Cahtridge" : )