Introduced by Georg Luger in 1902, the 9mm Luger (also called 9x19mm or 9mm Parabellum) is the standard chambering for most modern carry and duty pistols and many pistol-caliber carbines.
Modern hollow-point defensive loads give the 9mm excellent performance, and its moderate recoil lets most shooters make fast, accurate follow-up shots. Magazines hold more rounds than larger calibers in the same size pistol.
Practice ammunition is the least expensive centerfire handgun ammo you can buy, which means more trigger time. If you are choosing your first defensive handgun, 9mm is the sensible default.
Always use only the ammunition marked on your firearm’s barrel or slide, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.