If you were limited to only ONE auto round, what caliber would you choose and why?

[MarshallDodge]

I voted 45 because I am a 1911 guy but 40 would not be a bad choice either.

[m4fun]

9mm - availability, large capacity mags and ability to carry a lot. Simple to reload with not too much powder, etc, etc.

In the right hands, +P+, being accurate and well placed shots, what cant you love.

[Detmongo]

9x19 i get it free

[ToddG]

9x19 i get it free

Have I told you lately how brilliant and handsome you are?

[Damascus]

I voted for the .45... =I was just thinking... "If that was the only pistol I could ever have for the rest of my life - maybe in an "end of the world" type scenario..." We could be driven to scavenge for food, and of course, hunt. I've seen many deer killed with a 5" 1911 .45, and I have killed one. Only made it about 30 feet after taking the 230gr. Barnes hard in the vitals... not to say you couldn't take a deer with a 9, but I'd much rather have knockdown power for this scenario.
My close second choice would be the 9x19.. from all the human wounds I have seen, the 9 is as good, and sometimes even performs better than the .40S&W... I'm not a .40 fan.
If the 10mm Auto was listed, that would be my pick - I love 10's

[RogerinTPA]

I really enjoy shooting the 9mm, .40 and .45, shooting the .40 the most. BUT, for one type of round, I would have to go with the ubiquitous 9mm. To echo what others have said, it's cheap, high cap, found world wide, good stopping power with good ammo, easier to control, faster follow up shots and easy to train all family members from children to the elderly, to shoot well.

[Detmongo]

don't hate Todd, don't hate

[decodeddiesel]

While I love my .45 1911, if it came down to one cartridge and pistol choice I would have to pick my Walther P99, ie the thinking man's G19 . 15+1 rounds, small frame so I can conceal it easily, accurate as hell (I can ping 12"x12" plates at 100 yards with ease), and absolutely 100% reliable with everything I have put through it. When loaded with 16 shots of 147gr HP it is a hard combination to beat.

[adh]

assuming this is for handgun only 9mm......it's the most readily available round I've ever seen. I love the .45 but have been to numerous places that did not have it/have it in stock but did have 9mm

[Tungsten]

I'm interpreting the question as one caliber for both handgun and rifle. That's why I voted 9mm.

1. It's available everywhere
2. Can be chambered in both handgun and carbine
3. Cheap to shoot