Is the .357sig the Best Concealed Carry Self Defense Caliber?

I converted my Sig P239 SAS from a .40 S&W caliber to a .357 Sig this summer.  My plumber, who happens to be one of the most knowledgeable “gun guys” who I have ever met, changed his EDC pistol to the Glock 33 .357 sub compact. 

My EDC varied based on a number of factors. Lately I’ve been carrying a S&W M&P Shield 9mm around my small town and a S&W 1911SC Series E .45ACP when I venture into the jungle (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington). In the past I reguarly carried either my Glock 36 slimline .45ACP sub compact or a Ruger SR40c.  I still own all four and have no plans to sell any of them.  They are all great concealed carry pistols that I plan on keeping in the rotation.

It’s October and change is in the air.  Hopefully we have seen the last of the days of temperatures in the 100’s and 90’s.  Today I’m putting the Sig P239SAS into the rotation.  I purchased this fine pistol before I retired.  ICE in all their wisdom refused to approve it for duty carry.  Carrying pistols that ICE would not approve is one of the greatest pleasures of retirement!  None of the five pistols above were listed on the ICE/HSI approved list for either duty of off duty carry.

The .357 SIG cartridge was introduced in 1994. SIG executive Ted Rowe had noticed representatives of many departments, which were trading in their .357 Magnum revolvers for SIG auto loaders had appreciated the firepower and shoot ability of the SIGs, but didn’t think any auto pistol would equal the power of the 125-grain .357 Magnum hollow points they’d carried in the old six-shooters. Texas Highway Patrolmen spoke wistfully to Rowe about the “lightning bolt effect” the 125-grain Magnums, with nominal velocities of up to 1,450 fps, delivered on the street in their actual gunfights.

Rowe reached out to Federal Cartridge in hopes of creating an auto pistol round that could do the same, and the .357 SIG was born. Resembling a necked-down .40 S&W (though the construction is actually more complicated than that), the result was a jacketed hollow point that weighing 125 grains and actually delivering 1,350 to 1,400 fps.

Among the premium loads, the 125-grain Speer Gold Dot is by far the most street-proven .357 SIG round. It has long been used by Richmond (VA) Police, Virginia State Police, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. It has amassed an awesome reputation along the way for tactical penetration and for what is colloquially called stopping power. It also has an excellent reputation for accuracy.

All that being said, Mr. Wolf declares October, .357 Sig Month.  Don’t leave home without it!