9mm caliber

Here’s a comprehensive category overview and specifications for the 9mm caliber, commonly used in firearms:

1. Overview

• The 9mm refers to a family of cartridges that are popular for various types of firearms, including handguns, submachine guns, and some rifles. The most common variants are the 9x19mm Parabellum (also known as 9mm Luger) and 9mm Short (9x17mm, .380 ACP).

2. Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm (approximately 0.354 inches)
• Case Length:
  • 9x19mm: 19.15 mm (0.754 inches)
  • 9x17mm (.380 ACP): 17.3 mm (0.679 inches)
• Bullet Diameter:
  • Standard: 9.01 mm (0.355 inches)
• Overall Length:
  • 9x19mm: 29.69 mm (1.169 inches)
  • 9x17mm: 25.0 mm (0.984 inches)
• Typical Bullet Weights:
  • 9x19mm: 115 to 147 grains (7.45 to 9.54 grams)
  • 9x17mm: 90 to 100 grains (5.83 to 6.49 grams)
• Velocity:
  • 9x19mm: Generally between 1,000 and 1,300 feet per second (fps), depending on bullet weight and load.
  • 9x17mm: Typically around 900 to 1,000 fps.

3. Applications

• Self-Defense: Widely used in personal defense handguns due to its manageable recoil and effective stopping power.
• Law Enforcement and Military: Preferred by many law enforcement agencies and military forces around the world for sidearms and submachine guns.
• Sport Shooting: Popular in competitive shooting sports, including IDPA and IPSC.

4. Advantages

• Manageable Recoil: The 9mm cartridge offers a balance between recoil and stopping power, making it suitable for a wide range of shooters.
• Capacity: Handguns chambered in 9mm typically have higher magazine capacities compared to larger calibers, allowing for more rounds to be carried.
• Availability: The 9mm is one of the most widely produced and available cartridges globally, making ammunition easy to find.

5. Popular Firearms

• Handguns: Glock 17, Sig Sauer P320, Smith & Wesson M&P, Beretta 92.
• Submachine Guns: Heckler & Koch MP5, Uzi, and various models from companies like SIG and FN.
• Rifles: Some carbines and rifles are also chambered for 9mm, such as the Ruger PC Carbine and the AR-15 platform variants.

6. Considerations

• Ballistics: The effectiveness of the 9mm can vary based on the specific bullet type (e.g., hollow point, full metal jacket) and load.
• Legal Restrictions: Different regions may have specific laws governing the use and ownership of firearms chambered in 9mm.

This overview provides a detailed look at the 9mm caliber, covering its history, specifications, applications, and advantages.