Thinking of consolidating to 1 caliber. Anyone do it recently?

[gorenut]

Just a random musing...

Of my handgun centerfire calibers, I shoot and own 9mm, 357mag, and 44mag (only looking at these at the moment, I'll always have a 22 and thinking of sticking with either 223/556 or 308 for rifles).

I don't currently own a 45, but I've definitely shot a lot of handguns (and frequently) in this caliber.

Lately, ammo and reloading components are still hard to come by in my area at a decent price and even though I do reload, I have a very modest setup. So reloading is kind of slow, but I don't frequent the range as much as I used to so its not too bad (used to go 2-3x a week, now I'm lucky if I even get that per month).

So I was thinking if it'd be a good idea to just consolidate to 1 caliber. It'd allow me to streamline my reloading and I can just stockpile 1 caliber that I'll stick with. Currently, splitting up calibers means I might never get enough of any 1 caliber.

If I do decide to consolidate to 1 caliber, it'll probably be 45ACP. It'll also mean I'd probably have to reorganize my collection. I'd have to sell/trade some and somewhere along the lines replace those with a S&W 625, 1911, and a Glock 30.

Anyone else go through this type of transition, what are your thoughts/experience? Mind you, I've already streamlined some of my calibers because in the past, I had 40SW and 357SIG as well.

The one bad point that immediately comes to mind.. 45ACP is probably one of the most sought after brass, etc. So I'd be competing with everyone else to get my grubby paws on the brass.

Other point of contention is that 357 was the first caliber I started off on. SO it'll always have a soft place in my heart and I already have a ton of brass for it. If I decide to streamline, I wanna go all the way. I'm not looking to add another caliber to reload in.

Update:
If I make this switch.. the main guns I'd be swapping out are these:

S&W 627, G17, S&W 29
to
S&W 625, G30, 1911

I have others I'd keep around, but these are my primaries that I shoot on a regular basis.

[missiontrails]

9mm, period. Had .40, .45....... 9mm is cost effective, has higher velocity than most, and with modern self defense loads, .40 is totally not necessary. .45 has it's merrit, but for range use, unless you are reloading (which I'm not), its just not cost effective. Obviously if I had revolvers, I would need to be open to other calibers.

[The sarge]

I've wanted a nice 1911 for quite awhile but I am leaning towards just buying another 9mm instead for simplicity.

[tonyxcom]

I limited my calibers going in. 9mm only for handguns

[gorenut]

Note: not really a caliber debate. I got into reloading so I can shoot more 357mag and 44mag (never bothered to reload 9mm cause I used to get em cheap enough).. but now its making me think I should find a single caliber that I can just reload for all platforms. 45 ACP just seems like the most solid for all platforms cause I know for sure I'll always want at least a few revolvers in my staple.. and always kind of wanted both a S&W 625 and Glock 30. The 1911 is just something mandatory if I own 45s.

[lisinopril]

9mm....and a 357 magnum for revolver...as simple as that.

[nastyhabts26]

That is kind of like a golfer consolidating to one club isnt it?
Hard to drive and putt with same club.
Need to use the right tool for the job at hand so you need more than one tool in the tool box.

[Oceanbob]

I guess it depends on your situation. I couldn't do it. I reload as well and currently I'am set up with 2 presses (both Dillons) and .45ACP and 10MM.

(I have the ability to change calibers for 9, .357, .40, .223 and 308 if desired)

I just enjoy variety and have several favorite handguns in 9, 40, 10MM, 357 and .45ACP. I'am out of 44 magnum and .380 and have sold off those handguns.

I could never sell my 1911s or my Glocks in various calibers. What's good about owning several calibers is if you can't find 9MM you might be able to find some .40

If you're on a tight budget I can see your point. Pick .45ACP and sell of all the others and invest in reloading components.

You can never have too many .22 caliber handguns and rifles; those will always be a mainstay at our house for many reasons.

One battle rifle is another hard choice. I run AR platforms, Mini-14 and 30, AKs, .308 Bolt guns, and some RAWs that are semi-auto in all those Calibers. I would be hard pressed to decide which ONE caliber to stick too....

Also, what about the Lever guns we all enjoy..? Yes, a .357 lever is a blast to shoot and easy to reload and along with my .357 wheel they make a good pair.

I couldn't do this.

[zfields]

I went to all 9mm. Don't regret it at all, though at some point down the road I'd like to get a 357 to combo with a lever gun.

[missiontrails]

Originally Posted by lisinopril

9mm....and a 357 magnum for revolver...as simple as that.

My thoughts.

[sunaj]

Beware of the man that shoots one gun.

If I was to start all over again, that is exactly how I would do it,
one gun in 4 categories:
22 rifle semi
12 ga double
30-06 bolt
45 acp pistola

sunaj

[mcat707]

If it were me, I would keep all the calibers you already own and just add the 45acp caliber to your stable. I know I would end up regreting selling the rest to down size. I regret selling all the extra pistols and rifles and ammo that I had before the panic and now I'm banging my head on the wall while trying to play catch up.

[XVIga_Rob]

Sold off the 9mm long ago, & the .40 not long after.....Sold my .357 to my brother, to fund something else. Keeping it simple with .45ACP & .22lr (I'm sure there will be another .357 at some point).

[missiontrails]

This would make a good poll thread.

[ElDub1950]

Just the opposite. Added calibers to make it easier to find 'something' most of the time.

[BoJackUSMC]

Life is tooooo short to have one caliber. 9mm 40cal 10mm for me right now.

[Glamis]

I'm not down to one just can not cut that deep. 9mm 45. 556 7.62. In shooting line up. If those for tools don't cover it well I'm SOL. 50cal may be when my transfer happens "NV or AZ". All the rest are collectible antiques and never get shot. As fair as reloading I do not but have been saving brass for a long time so I can start some day. I keep sealed up.

[JackRydden224]

Originally Posted by The sarge

I've wanted a nice 1911 for quite awhile but I am leaning towards just buying another 9mm instead for simplicity.

You can get a nice 1911 in 9mm. Take a look at Dan Wesson's Pointman 9 or STI's 1911s.

As for me I shoot 9mm and .45 ACP. 9mm is my favorite pistol round which I shoot out of my CZ and shoot BHP but I enjoy shooting 1911s with more kick so I shoot the . 45 ACP.

My 1911 (s) are probably the only guns I will have in .45 ACP. All my other pistols will be in .22 or 9mm if I have the choice.

[Furncliff]

JM.02 but having multiple caliber ammo in stock is about the simplest part of my life. I like the variety of firearm types that are out there and I'm not about to limit my enjoyment of that variety because I think my life could be simpler if I only chose those guns that shot "X or Y" caliber. The current "situation" is temporary. Stocks of ammo and reloading supplies seem to be coming back and prices will come down. Those that are hoarding will run out of money.... won't they?

Shooting and reloading are a hobby for me. All my guns are range toys for me and my daughter. Now that I've retired and live near some BLM land I shoot often. I enjoy the guns and shooting. I'll bet you do too. Don't limit yourself.

[optimus-primer]

A hard and expensive call. I often think about this, talk with friends and they always point towards the 9mm. LOL Reasons mostly are cost, usually available and today's performance 9mm is pretty potent.
The wheel guns are nice to have. Maybe I would drop the 44 unless I lived in Alaska lol. Keep the 357, don't shoot it a lot then you won't feel the pinch as much.

[NRai2001]

Prices will come bak down eventually... Why not have both 9mm and .45?

Keep it simple though.. Reload only .45 and buy 9mm whenever cheaply found..

[gumby]

Went from 3 to 1. Now just the 40.

[gorenut]

Well, I'm definitely more of a revolver guy.. so if I were to expand calibers, it'd be more revolver calibers (plus its easier to collect brass vs chasing em with semis).

As mentioned in original post.. I've already consolidated all my semi calibers to 9mm (though I still own and shoot plenty of 22).

I just thought 45 would allow me to use it cross-platform amongst my semis and revolvers.

[jwh]

All of my pistols shoot 9mm.

All of my shotguns shoot 12 gauge with 3".

All of my rifles shoot 5.56/.223.

[gorenut]

Originally Posted by missiontrails

This would make a good poll thread.

Hah, thought about it.. but it'd just end up people choosing between calibers unless I just make it a simple yes/no poll for my actual situation.

Essentially I was thinking of scrapping 9mm, 357mag, 44mag and just keep it simple with 45 since I can get a nice striker fire, revolver, and SAO semi in this caliber. I've already gotten rid of 40SW and 357SIG

[valdier]

I have a group of friends that for various reasons all wanted to standardize on certain firearms and calibers.

What we decided was (based on their military and shooting backgrounds):
.40 for pistols
.223 and .308 for rifles (defense and hunting for both)
.22 is the optional fun/varmint rifle

If I lived somewhere other than Los Angeles, I would probably also pick up a single stack of some kind, not sure what caliber though... maybe .45 or 9mm.

[k1dude]

Originally Posted by ElDub1950

Just the opposite. Added calibers to make it easier to find 'something' most of the time.

^This.

In the current insanity enveloping us right now, I can always manage to find ammo and/or components for something that I have in my stable. And I usually pay a pre-insanity price. Those that are stuck with only one or two or three calibers are almost always SOL. And when they do score, they pay insane prices because those calibers are usually the most common and in the most demand.

.17 HMR, .380, .40, 5.45x39, and 20ga. has been easy to find and has kept me shooting for cheap while other shooters are sidelined.

[zfields]

Originally Posted by ElDub1950

Just the opposite. Added calibers to make it easier to find 'something' most of the time.

Can't speak for Bob, but as a reloader it's a lot easier, and cost effective to stock up on a ton of one set of components.

[gorenut]

Originally Posted by zfields

Can't speak for Bob, but as a reloader it's a lot easier, and cost effective to stock up on a ton of one set of components.

Pretty much this. When I had zero intentions to reload, I had more calibers. It was actually nice to be able to casually walk into a store and be able to pick up 40SW and 357SIG in the last ammo draught.

If I make this switch.. the main guns I'd be swapping out are these:

S&W 627, G17, S&W 29
to
S&W 625, G30, 1911

I have others I'd keep around, but these are my primaries that I shoot on a regular basis.

[NRai2001]

Originally Posted by valdier

I have a group of friends that for various reasons all wanted to standardize on certain firearms and calibers.

What we decided was (based on their military and shooting backgrounds):
.40 for pistols
.223 and .308 for rifles (defense and hunting for both)
.22 is the optional fun/varmint rifle

If I lived somewhere other than Los Angeles, I would probably also pick up a single stack of some kind, not sure what caliber though... maybe .45 or 9mm.

Why .40?

[Oceanbob]

Originally Posted by gorenut

Hah, thought about it.. but it'd just end up people choosing between calibers unless I just make it a simple yes/no poll for my actual situation.

Essentially I was thinking of scrapping 9mm, 357mag, 44mag and just keep it simple with 45 since I can get a nice striker fire, revolver, and SAO semi in this caliber. I've already gotten rid of 40SW and 357SIG

Another reason why I'am a Glock lover is for about $100 bucks you can buy conversion barrels (using the same magazine) to run a Glock 22 (for instance)in .40, to .357SIG with a barrel swap, or even install a 9MM barrel (and a 9 magazine) to give you 3 calibers in one handgun.

I'am not a big fan of .357SIG, but I do have a conversion barrel and I have shot several hundred rounds of .357SIG out of my .40/10MM Glocks. It cost me $90 in the Classifieds and it's like having another handgun without the extra expense.

Same reason I enjoy the Glock 20SF. Same exact frame as the Glock 21SF in .45ACP. Buy a top end in .45 to swap onto the G20 frame and run 10MM and 45ACP. Also, the G20 will run .40, .357SIG and 9X25 with just a barrel change (same exact mags). 5 calibers on one handgun.

I guess you could get a .22 conversion unit as well; but I have no experience with them.

Also, if you wanted to just keep it simple with a SHTF rifle for hunting deer or small game, I favor a .357 Lever gun (with a companion .357 wheel in stainless). You can't beat that combination and reloading .357 is easy and cheap. You can run LEAD and cast really good boolets at real low prices. A Lever with a nice scope will do the job. JMO...

[ap3572001]

9mm.

[gorenut]

Originally Posted by Oceanbob

Another reason why I'am a Glock lover is for about $100 bucks you can buy conversion barrels (using the same magazine) to run a Glock 22 (for instance)in .40, to .357SIG with a barrel swap, or even install a 9MM barrel (and a 9 magazine) to give you 3 calibers in one handgun.

I'am not a big fan of .357SIG, but I do have a conversion barrel and I have shot several hundred rounds of .357SIG out of my .40/10MM Glocks. It cost me $90 in the Classifieds and it's like having another handgun without the extra expense.

Same reason I enjoy the Glock 20SF. Same exact frame as the Glock 21SF in .45ACP. Buy a top end in .45 to swap onto the G20 frame and run 10MM and 45ACP. Also, the G20 will run .40, .357SIG and 9X25 with just a barrel change (same exact mags). 5 calibers on one handgun.

I guess you could get a .22 conversion unit as well; but I have no experience with them.

Also, if you wanted to just keep it simple with a SHTF rifle for hunting deer or small game, I favor a .357 Lever gun (with a companion .357 wheel in stainless). You can't beat that combination and reloading .357 is easy and cheap. You can run LEAD and cast really good boolets at real low prices. A Lever with a nice scope will do the job. JMO...

Personally, I really liked 357SIG. I had the same thing as you mentioned, except for Sig P226. Just swapped out barrels and they shared the same mag. Was pretty handy. Got rid of all that when I narrowed down all my semis to be 9mm.

The 22 conversion kits on the Glocks are nice. I had an Advantage Arms one.. but ultimately, I just sold it to get a dedicated 22. I've had 22 conversion kits for several guns and I've decided I just prefer a dedicated 22 over them.

[SIGSHOOTR]

9MM -- for all the reason stated previously in this thread.

[Gary13]

I have been consolidating for the last couple of years. I mainly shoot 9mm, but still have two 45, a 1911 and Glock 21(just sold my Sig 220 Carry today), and one 357. I have a 9mm rifle and hope to have a lever in 357 soon. Probably will not have a 45 rifle.

If I consolidate further, it will be to sell my 45's, but will have to buy a 9mm 1911 then. I also consolidated my style of guns to one type of stricker fired(Glock), one DA/SA(Sig), and one SA(1911), selling my CZ and HK.

I have generally been reducing my guns in general, spending some money on the ones I am keeping on upgrades. I also sold off my 17hmr rifle to reduce my non handgun caliber rifles to .223 and .22.

I don't know if I could stick to 45, but understand why. I also would like a 625.

Why a Glock 30 over a 21 if you are replacing a 17?

[hossb7]

I never went through the phase of owning every type of handgun or caliber on earth so I don't have a problem with having to consolodate.

I got a Sig P226 in 9mm when I turned 20 and learned how to run it. Last month I bought an M&P in 9mm and I see myself using that more than anything else.

With that being said, would I want to own a revolver in .357/.38? a .45acp 1911? sure, but its not a priority.

[beerman]

Downsize to one caliber? Hell I did that when I got married.... I'll never make that mistake again.

[Cyc Wid It]

I'm down to only .45 ACP and only 1911's.

[gorenut]

Originally Posted by Gary13

I have been consolidating for the last couple of years. I mainly shoot 9mm, but still have two 45, a 1911 and Glock 21(just sold my Sig 220 Carry today), and one 357. I have a 9mm rifle and hope to have a lever in 357 soon. Probably will not have a 45 rifle.

If I consolidate further, it will be to sell my 45's, but will have to buy a 9mm 1911 then. I also consolidated my style of guns to one type of stricker fired(Glock), one DA/SA(Sig), and one SA(1911), selling my CZ and HK.

I have generally been reducing my guns in general, spending some money on the ones I am keeping on upgrades. I also sold off my 17hmr rifle to reduce my non handgun caliber rifles to .223 and .22.

I don't know if I could stick to 45, but understand why. I also would like a 625.

Why a Glock 30 over a 21 if you are replacing a 17?

Funny, we've owned a lot of the same guns. I further streamlined by getting rid of all my Sigs, H&K, and Walther because I didn't want to deal with DA/SA anymore. It was all striker fire or SAO for my semis.

I've owned both a CZ 75 SA and Springfield Loaded in 9mm.. and I think I actually liked the CZ better overall. They were both super soft shooting 9mms with great triggers.. but I dunno what it is about a 9mm 1911 that makes it feel like a lot of wasted space/material for a 9mm. The good thing was, since most of us are limited to 10 rounds anyways, the 9mm 1911 perfectly housed 10 rounds if you got mags with that slight extension.

As far as the Glock choice.. I've been thinking of trading my 17 for a 19. Would like an all-arounder more. Since I already had that in my mind, I figured I might as well go with a G30.

[Chunker]

Started with 9mm (for handguns) and sticking with it.