[Kimber45]

"I work in a level one trauma center. The most common gunshot wounds we see are multiple hits from a 9mm, 99+ percent of whom survive. The rarest we see,that is, make it to the hospital are those from a .45acp. The last (and only) two that came in over the last year were “code traumas” who were essentially DOA. Neither survived. There is no substitute for shot placement but under less than optimum conditions a heavier bullet of larger caliber will always do a better job as a stopper."

Firearms-Related Comment of the Day: .45 vs. 9mm Edition |

I think thoughts like this are being rethunk as we sit here and read, since the Arizona shootings and deaths of so many people by a wee bitty 9mm cartridge see it ain't so slight. Yes, bullet placement is the key but lots of holes in flesh will have the same effect.

[c3shooter]

Seriously, tho- WW I and WW II pretty well established that both the .45 and the 9mm Parabellum could be deadly. A lot a variation will exist based on what bullet, and where it hit.

In the meantime, when it is too cold to go shooting, it makes for good argumen... Uh, discussions.

I really don't have a dog in this fight, since I usually carry a .357 mag, which has it's own respectable track record of helping evildoers mend their ways. Personally, I don't want to get shot with ANYTHING, including paint-ball and airsoft.