Did I get the right caliber for a car gun?

**Eurodriver** · 02-16-12, 21:29

After seeing some pretty gruesome LE vids, I felt really underpowered with my Glock 26 as my dedicated vehicle weapon. (I did have a G19 mag as a backup magazine but still...)

11 rounds of 124gr Gold dot is great for a backup gun, or even a discreet CCW but I do not feel confident if I had to shoot through a windshield or other barrier.

So today, I bought a Glock 31 in .357Sig. I paid a stupid low price for it, it was used and in great condition and it has bright night sights. Also, I am a big big fan of keeping all your defensive weapons the same. I carry a G30 or G26, a G19 is on my nightstand, and now a G31 is in my car. Recoil changes between weapons, but the controls are exactly the same.

Anyway, two questions:

Is this an effective caliber for my application? This will not be carried, it won't be used in my house, it will stay in my car. I chose it simply because I've read that the .357Sig is effective in vehicular situations. Is this correct?

Secondly, right now I have FMJ rounds for it. Would these be more effective than hollow points for my application?

For the record, I will still have my daily CCW weapon on me ( firing either .45 or 9mm Gold Dots). This will strictly be used in a situation where I will be firing out of my car and/or into someone elses.

**WS6** · 02-16-12, 21:57

Gold dots should do fine, and in my experience putting holes in metal car-doors, yes, the 357SIG does better at that than anything else comparable.

**ST911** · 02-16-12, 22:00

There was nothing wrong with the gun you had or 9mm in general. Get good ammo and live your life.

There's data that supports 357 SIG having an edge in vehicle aps. I don't know that it's enough to justify the additional expense and sustainability of the cartridge, and fatigue to the shooter. Especially for someone who isn't operating around vehicles professionally.

**Fail-Safe** · 02-16-12, 22:09

Question 1: Yes

Question 2: No

Having been a big fan of the round, not so much now, I found with good ammo, it doesnt do a whole lot than other service rounds. Bonded rounds are only way to go for the caliber. Its going to be harder on the gun, ask New Mexico SP about their issues.

To be quite honest, the G19 is probably what you have for all your contingencies and do very well. It would save you money and time.

**Microalign** · 02-16-12, 22:14

I've always been of the opinion that to train on one platform and caliber maximizes your skills better than using different variants.

**C-grunt** · 02-16-12, 22:23

You could do a lot worse. I have also heard that the .357 Sig does well against barriers. But, why not go with another 45 like a Glock 21?

**Abraxas** · 02-16-12, 22:32

Your 9mm wasis just fine.

Side note-Thought you were selling off your arsenal to move?

**glocktogo** · 02-16-12, 23:53

You picked a good gun & caliber for a car gun I think. But if it were me, I'd have picked a G-34 and stoked it with Winchester Ranger 127gr SXT +P+. With the extra barrel length in a 1911 sized platform, you'd pretty much have an equivalent to the .357 Sig out of the 4.5" barreled 31, with less flash & blast and ammo commonality with your G-26. Carry a couple of spare 17/34 mags that will work in both guns and you're good to go.