Choosing the right handgun caliber is a critical decision for gun owners, whether for self-defense, sport shooting, or everyday carry. The most popular handgun caliber is a subject of much debate and consideration among firearm enthusiasts. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of handgun calibers, exploring the pros and cons of the most popular options to help you make an informed decision.
The Latest Most Popular Handgun Caliber Explained
The .22 Long Rifle is considered the most popular handgun caliber, according to gun sales.
The statistic indicates that the .22 Long Rifle caliber is the most widely purchased handgun ammunition among gun owners. This suggests that a significant portion of gun owners prefer firearms chambered for the .22 Long Rifle, possibly due to factors such as affordability, availability, and versatility. The popularity of this caliber is likely driven by its suitability for various shooting purposes, including target practice, small game hunting, and competitive shooting events. Overall, the statistic highlights the widespread appeal and use of the .22 Long Rifle caliber in the firearms community based on the frequency of sales in the market.
Roughly 32.1% of handguns used in crimes were .22 caliber.
The statistic indicates that approximately 32.1% of handguns that were used in crimes were of .22 caliber. This means that nearly one-third of the handguns involved in criminal activities were of this specific caliber. The prevalence of .22 caliber handguns in crimes suggests that they may be popular among offenders for various reasons, such as availability, cost, or ease of use. Law enforcement agencies and policymakers could use this information to potentially target interventions or strategies aimed at reducing the illegal use of .22 caliber handguns in criminal activities.
As per the ATF, .9mm ammunition is the most produced pistol caliber in the US.
The statistic provided states that according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), 9mm ammunition is the most manufactured pistol caliber in the United States. This indicates that a significant amount of 9mm ammunition is being produced and used by firearms owners in the country. The popularity of the 9mm caliber may stem from various factors such as its versatility, moderate recoil, and widespread use by law enforcement and military agencies. This statistic suggests that the demand for 9mm ammunition is high among gun owners, highlighting its prominence in the firearms industry.
.45 Auto is one of the top five most popular handgun calibers in 2021.
The statistic that .45 Auto is one of the top five most popular handgun calibers in 2021 indicates that among gun owners and firearm users, the .45 Auto caliber holds a significant and widespread preference. This suggests that a considerable number of individuals are opting to use handguns chambered in .45 Auto for various purposes such as self-defense, recreational shooting, or professional use. The popularity of this caliber could be attributed to its perceived stopping power, accuracy, and availability of firearms and ammunition in this caliber. Additionally, the statistic implies that the demand for firearms chambered in .45 Auto remains strong in the firearms market, making it a relevant and prominent choice among gun enthusiasts and shooters in 2021.
In terms of homicide, 9mm handguns were used in 46.6% of cases.
The statistic stating that 9mm handguns were used in 46.6% of homicide cases indicates the prevalence of these specific firearms as the weapon of choice in almost half of all instances of homicide. This statistic suggests that 9mm handguns are a frequently used weapon in violent crimes resulting in death. The data points to the significant role that these firearms play in fatal incidents, highlighting the need for potential policy interventions or law enforcement strategies to address the availability and use of 9mm handguns in order to potentially reduce the overall homicide rate.
Among new gun owners, the 9mm was bought by 26.1% of them.
This statistic indicates that out of all new gun owners, 26.1% chose to purchase a gun that fires 9mm ammunition. This information provides insight into the preferences and choices of individuals who are acquiring guns for the first time. The popularity of the 9mm among new gun owners suggests that it is a commonly selected caliber, potentially due to factors such as availability, price, ease of use, or perceived effectiveness. Understanding the distribution of firearm choices among new owners can be valuable for market analysis, safety education, and policy development within the context of gun ownership and use.
In a 2021 survey, 40% of the respondents claimed they use 9mm as their standard round.
In a 2021 survey, 40% of the respondents reported that they use 9mm as their standard round. This statistic indicates that a significant portion of the survey sample, representing nearly half of the respondents, prefer or commonly use 9mm ammunition. This information provides insight into the preferences and behaviors of gun owners or shooting enthusiasts in the surveyed population, suggesting that 9mm may be a popular choice among firearm users for various purposes such as self-defense, target shooting, or recreational shooting.
.38 Special, despite being older, is still one of the top 10 purchased calibers in 2021.
The statistic suggests that despite being an older firearm caliber, the .38 Special remains highly popular and in demand, as it continues to be among the top 10 purchased calibers in 2021. This indicates that the .38 Special has maintained its relevance and appeal among gun owners and shooters, possibly due to its perceived performance, versatility, availability, historical significance, or other factors. The statistic highlights the enduring popularity and enduring presence of the .38 Special in the firearm industry, reinforcing its status as a significant and sought-after choice among firearms enthusiasts.
The .380 Auto, designed in 1908, has consistently ranked in the top 10 most popular handgun calibers.
The statistic that the .380 Auto, which was designed in 1908, has consistently ranked in the top 10 most popular handgun calibers indicates the enduring popularity and widespread adoption of this particular caliber among gun owners. Despite being over a century old, the .380 Auto has maintained its relevance and appeal in the firearms market, suggesting that it offers a favorable balance of characteristics such as stopping power, recoil, and versatility that continue to resonate with both enthusiasts and casual users alike. Its consistent ranking in the top 10 most popular handgun calibers also points to the trust and confidence that individuals place in the .380 Auto for self-defense, target shooting, and other shooting applications, solidifying its place as a well-regarded and enduring choice among firearms enthusiasts.
Guilty verdicts in 1985 were most often associated with .38 caliber handguns.
The statistic ‘Guilty verdicts in 1985 were most often associated with .38 caliber handguns’ suggests that individuals involved in criminal activities and convicted of crimes in the year 1985 were frequently found to have used or possessed .38 caliber handguns. This statistic implies a potential link between criminal actions and the use of this specific type of firearm during that time period. It does not necessarily establish causation, but it does point to a notable association between the type of weapon and criminal convictions in 1985, highlighting a possible trend or pattern in criminal behavior. Understanding such associations can be important for law enforcement agencies and policymakers in addressing crime prevention strategies and gun control measures.
The .44 Magnum is still one of the top 15 most frequently bought handgun calibers.
This statistic indicates that the .44 Magnum caliber handgun remains a popular choice among gun owners, as it is ranked in the top 15 most commonly purchased handgun calibers. The .44 Magnum is known for its powerful performance and versatile applications, appealing to a significant portion of the firearm market. Its continued popularity suggests that there is a sustained demand for firearms chambered in this caliber, reflecting the preferences and needs of gun enthusiasts and potentially indicating a level of trust and confidence in the .44 Magnum’s performance characteristics.
Back in the 70s and 80s, 64% of guns recovered by police were .22, .25 and .38 caliber.
The statistic indicates that during the 1970s and 1980s, a significant portion, specifically 64%, of the guns recovered by police were of .22, .25, and .38 caliber. This suggests a prevalence of smaller caliber firearms during that time period. Understanding the distribution of gun calibers recovered by law enforcement can provide insight into the types of firearms that were commonly used in criminal activities during that era. It may also have implications for law enforcement strategies, firearms regulations, and public safety efforts to address gun violence and illegal firearm possession.
The .25 ACP, a round over a century old, was still one of the top 20 popular handgun calibers in 2021.
This statistic highlights the enduring popularity of the .25 ACP handgun caliber, which has been in use for over a century. Despite the introduction of newer and more powerful handgun calibers over the years, the .25 ACP continues to maintain its relevance and remains among the top 20 most widely used calibers in 2021. This suggests that the .25 ACP continues to be favored by a significant portion of handgun users for various purposes such as self-defense, target shooting, and concealed carry, showcasing the resilience and sustained demand for this historic caliber in the modern firearms market.
References
0. – https://www.www.opticsplanet.com
1. – https://www.www.pewpewtactical.com
2. – https://www.www.atf.gov
3. – https://www.www.bjs.gov
4. – https://www.www.nssf.org
