Perfect Caliber "CARRY GUNS":

How would you define the most perfect carry gun?  - There are as many different priorities as there are different body types to be seen in a shopping Mall crowd .. so I'm not expecting my reasoning to extract a standing ovation with cries for "..author-author".

It needs to be said that the selection of any particular self defense tool must come secondary to then training safely with this aid -  to a level of practiced smooth and accurate skill. We must also accept that an essential part of that ability is our own fitness and awareness.

 In 'modern days' .. say the last 100 years .. the military (or "Defense Forces" 😊) have mostly settled for rifles from .50" caliber & 7.62 mm (thirty caliber) - down to .223"(5.56MM) caliber - including the .22" rim-fire.

- For handguns both Military & Law Enforcement have selected within the range 11.43MM(.45") through 9 MM to "thirty-twos"(7.65MM) and includes the "lowly" .22"(5.58mm) rim-fire in specialized applications such as Israeli Mossad covert operations.

New Zealand Law currently precludes defensive carry & ownership by citizens** - but in the USA there is a huge variety of pistol models to choose from - and a spread of priorities - resulting in a wide range of preference.
** Some Foreign Nationals are however permitted to carry covert arms in New Zealand - e.g. watch for visiting Presidential Security personnel.

The physical size & weight of the carry piece is widely accepted as needing to be "compact" and lighter than both sporting or military sidearms .. however, larger bodied folk can conceal larger lumps easier about their person and may also control a more powerful caliber.

That 'cream-of-the-cream' - fit, active, strong, experienced & above average performing well trained military / law enforcement person IS NOT a typical defensive firearm user - and her/his standard issue offensive arm is rarely suited for every day civilian carry.

The US civilian choosing a 'carry gun' may well need a smaller lighter caliber piece that is easier to control & carry while having limited strength - and one that is not painful when fired .. perhaps one that is fun to shoot when used recreationally while maintaining their skills.

The point for me about 'concealable' is that means 'non-threatening', - non intimidating to casual passers-by.

The beauty of all those sometimes heated "stopping power debates" is that most every firearm caliber when directed to a critical area may be a fatal performer and "stopper" - So the right defensive firearm is the most powerful one that you are able to control safely & accurately - and one that is to hand when needed ..

All guys who believe that a pistol caliber has to begin with "fortyfive" are asked not to hold a soda can on their head while a "thirty-two" owner pops at it at twenty yards range - are there any stupid volunteers?

For a FACT-based study of actual shootings go to: LINK:

https://www.buckeyefirearms.org/alternate-look-handgun-stopping-power

- Accepting that NO defensive handgun caliber is a complete 'death ray' and that accurate shot placement is the key ... is there one caliber that while doing the job - is available in a compact lightweight format with adequate capacity that does not need high strength to manage? - Certainly - there are in fact several. - A light recoiling handgun will allow the experienced shooter to rapidly fire multiple rounds on target.
You know which ones these are already 😁
.. Your choice,

Beretta Tomcat .32 ACP

327 Fed. Magnum Ruger SP101

Ruger LCR

S&W Ladysmith .38" Special.

Glock 26 - 10 Shot "Baby"

NOW: I have changed my search engine of choice from 'Google' to ECOSIA. It works just as well as that other site AND it is funding tree planting where needed around the planet.

- Run by those oh-so-clever Germans🙂 .. may I prompt you to switch over to ECOSIA - particularly if you like eating foods that grow on or under trees .. or if you enjoy breathing oxygen rich air.

Marty K.