What is the best all-purpose handgun caliber?

Answer:
Some people love 9 millimeter, some people love .40 S&W, some people love .45 ACP, etc. It's strictly a matter of opinion, and very difficult to answer because different calibers are designed/intended for different things, and there isn't really any single "all-purpose" caliber.

A .22 target pistol is a great small varmint gun, but a very poor choice for concealed carry. A .45 ACP is a great choice for concealed carry but a very poor choice for hunting squirrels. A .500 S&W is a great hunting gun for larger game, but a very poor choice for concealed carry, or squirrel hunting, etc.

First answer by Robbiev. Last edit by Robbiev. Contributor trust: 129 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].