Half the struggle in picking a new handgun is choosing a quality caliber. You want to choose the right one for your purpose. Will you be using it for plinking at the range? For concealed carry? For home defense? You’ll also want to consider your budget: You want a handgun that’s not too expensive so you can actually get out and shoot it, and it should also be a good experience for everyone who will be shooting it—not one that results in someone’s wrist aching from recoil.
Both 9mm and 22TCM will serve you well in a number of situations. Here’s a look at the upsides of each.
9MM PROS
9MM CAPACITY
Out of the big three pistol cartridges (40S&W*, 45ACP and 9mm), 9mm has the highest velocity and the smallest size. Thanks to its small size, you can fit more rounds in a magazine. So, what you lose in knock-down power you trade off for more rounds. When you compare with the 22TCM, though, capacity is equal—so this showdown amounts to a draw.
*The 40S&W has fallen out of favor in recent years as more shooters migrate to the 10mm.
AVAILABILITY OF 9MM AMMO
One of the best things about 9mm is the amount of manufacturers who produce it. You’re going to find 9mm everywhere, from big-box outdoor retailers to your local gun store. There are also plenty of varieties of 9mm ammo. If you want self-defense loads or range ammo, you can find it.
PRICE OF 9MM AMMO
Thanks to the availability of ammo, the price of 9mm is also relatively low, making it a great choice for shooting on a regular basis.
THE 9MM’s REPUTATION
Another upside to choosing 9mm is that you’ll also be using the round many militaries and law-enforcement agencies use. If it’s good enough for them, you know it will be just fine as a plinking or self-defense round.
22TCM PROS
THE RECOIL OF A 22TCM
If you're after a high-performance pistol with limited recoil, you can't get much better than the TCM Series from Armscor. These 22TCM-ready pistols are built to maximize muzzle energy with minimal effect on its surprisingly light recoil. It's a 2,000-feet-per-second round without the intense kickback that would typically match that velocity.
22TCM AMMO VELOCITY AND BALLISTICS
Low recoil doesn't mean you’re sacrificing speed. 22TCM consistently flies at around 2,000 feet per second, which is quite the accomplishment for a pistol caliber. Higher muzzle velocity cuts down on bullet drop, making for shots with flatter trajectories over longer distances. This gives you a more consistent, stable shooting experience. Higher velocity also makes your bullets hit harder and expand more—contributing to knockdown power in a self-defense situation.
22TCM’S DURABILITY
Our 22TCM line of pistols is part of our Armor Series, which means it comes with a diamond-like carbon coating designed to increase reliability, durability, and performance—even in the most challenging conditions like sand, dirt, dust, and moisture.
We’re not talking about a spray-on coating that’ll eventually wear off. Armor Series weapons feature an advanced surface treatment that applies a clean, dry lubrication, which results in permanent hardness while eliminating the need for oils or greases.
CONCLUSION
Now that you know the pros for each, it’s time to shoot them both. Grab some ammo and a buddy and head out to the range to fire off some rounds and put these pistols through their paces.
👉 Shop our TCM line.
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