[Superman]

Whoa. You guys had a nice little discussion. I'll settle the argument for you guys:

You're both right. "Stopping power" is not a myth. I know we're talking about pistolas here but I have personally watched a good number of elk get knocked on their asses by a 30-06 projectile. Seriously. Knocked over as if they had been hit by a car. There is such a thing as "stopping power."

I have also seen animals run after they've died. I once saw a deer run about a hundred yards without a heart. No kidding. When we dressed the animal out, the heart looked like a handful of hamburger.

So.......my conclusion is this: If I am going to carry an "effective" weapon, I figure a .45 should do the trick. If some nutcase on PCP attacks my family, I figure he might be so hopped up on drugs that he might not notice being hit by small caliber bullets at first. I bet .45-caliber ones will get his attention. Indeed, I'd guess you could make a guy walk backwards with a .45 ACP, assuming he can stay on his feet.

That Springfield XD looks like a good gun. I want a 1911 for its reputation and reliability, but I'm still gathering information. Thanks, guys.

I don't like revolvers. Too wide, too Neanderthal and only six bullets.