Pros and Cons of .45 Vs .32 - Please help me choose

[AndyK]

Hello forum members,
I am new to this forum, and am hoping to get some valuable inputs.
My handgun license has been approved and am expecting it by this week. I am deciding between .32 and .45 for self defence. I need a compact, light weight, easy to carry and easy to conceal weapon, yet it should be effective.

I dont like used and old weapons. I only like Pistols, that too very good quality imported names preferable. My research says:
For 0.32 - Webley Fox good choice?
For .45 - looks like Kiehberg Girsan is a good choice

I am used to handling weapons in gun ranges in the USA (handled 9 mm revolvers and pistols and am aware of their high recoil)

Here are my questions:
1) I like the Girsan .45 - but will the bullet size and effect be too much for self-defence? Should I opt for 0.32 instead?
2) Will a .32 be an effective self defence weapon? (In US gun shops, they scoff at .32 and say they are useless for self-defense, and in fact don't offer gun choices at all in that bullet size caliber)
3) What other .45 guns are available in India - that are as reliable as Girsan (which seems to be of good quality given that is it imported and assembled and have good reviews abroad)
4) what .32 options are better than webley fox?
5) What disadvantages exist with .45 sub -compact pistols? (Poor accuracy? lower effective distance range?)

YOur help and valuable inpus will be much appreciated

Thanks

[timmy]

1) I like the Girsan .45 - but will the bullet size and effect be too much for self-defence?

No

Should I opt for 0.32 instead?

This is something you will need to address by assessing many factors: cost, what you are willing to carry around (weight and size), your expected situations, availability of holsters, etc.

2) Will a .32 be an effective self defence weapon? (In US gun shops, they scoff at .32 and say they are useless for self-defense, and in fact don't offer gun choices at all in that bullet size caliber)

Yes, within limits. It won't penetrate heavy cover like winter jackets. There are lots of places to find information on this, and I've posted a bunch of 32 Auto penetration information on this site. You might try your own searches for such information.

Most of those manly he-bulls at the gun shops and other Old Stove Society locations would not be anxious to stand in front of the muzzle of a 32 Auto to demonstrate its ineffectiveness! Remember that, when it comes to guns, the Hindenburg wasn't the only flammable gasbag.

3) What other .45 guns are available in India - that are as reliable as Girsan (which seems to be of good quality given that is it imported and assembled and have good reviews abroad)

There's the MHD

5) What disadvantages exist with .45 sub -compact pistols? (Poor accuracy? lower effective distance range?)

My understanding is that subcompacts in 9mm and 45 Auto can experience feeding problems. The angles inside the action are different than for longer versions of the same gun. I'm sure that this depends on the make and model of pistol, and other factors. As I don't own any compact pistols, I can't offer any personal observations, other than to note that I'm not at all interested in carrying a pistol that won't feed and operate correctly, even if it mows the lawn for me.

[AndyK]

Timmy, Thanks for your detailed replies and the humour!

Just to clarify - MHD is Malhotra defence right? IS that an imported gun also? or made in india? I hear that some made in india guns have barrel bulging and other quality issues. Is that true? Please dont mistake me for an India basher. I am not! I am a patriot. But when it comes to quality in guns, I cannot compromise, because that will compromise my personal safety.

Based on your response, I have decided to go for .45. Now I just need to choose the right brand. Leaning towards Girsan. Anyone else has any usage experience or opinion on Girsans? Please share your views. Thanks.