Rob Pincus Settles the 9mm vs. .45ACP Debate
Last updated: June 7, 2026 · Originally published: January 17, 2018
Looks like World Champion Rob Leatham Struck a Nerve.
Rob Pincus has responded to the rant we posted HERE yesterday where Rob Leatham claimed the all-powerful .45 as being the undisputed knockdown champion over 9mm.
While professionals from the medical, ballistics, armed professional and training side have weighed in decidedly in favor of the 9mm being a superior choice for personal defense in recent years, many shooters still make arguments supporting the choice of .45acp.
Who’s right? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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I have a couple of 9mm for my carry.And have thought About changing to a 380 chambered pistol. Im not going to war im just a citizen that wants a get off me gun .should i keep carrying my 9mm and have a 380 caliber as back up.
Keeping in mind most firearm self-defence scenarios take place 21′ or less, the chance for those who conceal carry or home defence needing more than 2-4 shots, tips the favor in my court for the .45ACP! Always has, always will! Law Enforcement, Military, etc. Like to 9mm as its easier to control, gets you faster follow up shots and obviously you have more rounds in the magazine. I think it comes down to who you are and what your needing it for. God forbid I would ever need to shoot, but stopping power in the first & hopefully only shot tips the scales in the .45 direction for this big Daddy!????
Of course medical professionals voted for the 9mm. Those hit by a 9mm have a better chance of walking out of the hospital.The pluses for 9mm are lighter than .45 and more rounds in the same length mag. If that’s important to you then go for it. But for those of us that want stopping power, a round that will actually go through a windshield, if someone tries to run you over,or is of the one shot one kill mentality and don’t need a higher capacity mag, and you’re tough and don’t notice the extra two ounces of weight for the larger bore, then you’re already carrying a .45 and are wondering why is there a debate. They are two different rounds with different purposes and characteristics. You’re comparing a finish nail to a lag bolt. Your use defines what you want.
It all comes down to bullet placement.
The one in your hand is the best one. All others are irrelevant!