Choosing a firearm caliber is often driven by what you think you need at the moment. But as any experienced shooter will tell you, sometimes the answer is not as simple as you think. Many gun owners find themselves excited about a new caliber, only to experience some frustrations along the way—whether it’s over cost, recoil, or ammo availability. Eventually, they decide to trade it in or leave it behind, convinced that it’s not the right fit.
What happens next is almost predictable. After some time, that same caliber finds its way back into their collection. The reasons vary, but the outcome is the same: they realize that the issues they thought were deal-breakers aren’t as bad as they seemed, or they simply miss the unique qualities that the caliber offers. These are the calibers that shooters let go of too soon, only to end up buying back once the true value becomes clear.
.40 S&W
The .40 S&W often finds itself on the chopping block during the transition to 9mm. After years of hype as the “perfect compromise” between the 9mm and .45 ACP, many shooters tired of the perceived “snappier” recoil and struggled to justify the higher ammo cost. At first glance, the .40 might seem unnecessary when the 9mm offers similar capacity with lighter recoil, and the .45 ACP brings more punch with a slower follow-up.
However, many people eventually realize that the .40 S&W offers a great balance between power and controllability, making it an excellent option for self-defense, law enforcement, or even home defense. Ammo availability has also improved over the years, and newer pistols are designed to handle the recoil much better than older models. The .40 S&W may not dominate the market like it once did, but it has a dedicated following that only grows as time goes on.
.223 Remington/5.56 NATO
The .223 Remington (and its military counterpart, the 5.56 NATO) is a caliber that has often been sold as “too common” or “too light” by some hunters and shooters, especially those who like to push for more powerful options. For a while, shooters sought heavier calibers, thinking they would get better long-range performance or more “stopping power” for big game. But over time, many of those shooters have come back to the .223, realizing how versatile, effective, and easy to handle it really is.
Whether used in AR-style rifles or bolt actions, the .223 offers low recoil, high capacity, and great accuracy, especially for varmint hunting, home defense, and even some smaller game. When you factor in the abundance of affordable ammo and the ever-expanding range of firearm options chambered for it, it’s no surprise many shooters end up buying it back. It’s not just a military cartridge; it’s an effective and reliable choice that many overlook before coming to appreciate its true value.
.22 LR
There’s almost no caliber as widely loved as the .22 LR, and yet, it’s one that many shooters eventually “outgrow” in favor of larger, more powerful rounds. In the beginning, the .22 is the gateway round—easy to shoot, cheap to feed, and fun for everything from plinking to small-game hunting. However, many shooters eventually decide that they need more firepower, especially for self-defense or larger game hunting, and they leave the .22 LR behind.
But what often happens is that, with time, many return to it. The .22 LR offers low recoil, minimal noise, and unmatched versatility. Whether you’re target shooting, teaching a new shooter, or simply enjoying a day at the range without worrying about cost, the .22 LR stands out for its value. When everything else is too much to handle, the .22 LR always finds its way back into the collection, proving once again why it’s one of the most enduring calibers out there.
.357 Magnum
The .357 Magnum is often seen as a workhorse caliber that’s both versatile and powerful. In the world of revolvers, it’s hard to argue against the .357’s combination of power, accuracy, and ability to handle both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammo. However, some shooters eventually sell or trade their .357 Magnum revolvers, thinking it’s too much recoil or too much gun for everyday carry or home defense.
But as time passes, many shooters realize that the .357’s versatility and stopping power are tough to beat. Whether you prefer the power of full magnum loads for serious defensive use or the lighter .38 Special for practice and range work, the .357 Magnum offers a great balance. It may not be the easiest for new shooters to handle, but for the experienced shooter, it remains an iconic caliber that delivers when needed.
.45 ACP
The .45 ACP has always been a popular choice for enthusiasts, thanks to its strong stopping power and iconic reputation. But the truth is, many shooters who initially embraced the .45 for its reliability and punch eventually find themselves leaning towards 9mm due to the latter’s lower recoil and higher capacity. For a while, it can seem like the .45 ACP is a bit too much for everyday carry and target practice.
What many buyers realize over time is that the .45 ACP has a distinct place in both history and the defensive market. While 9mm is a great all-around round, the .45’s reputation for heavy stopping power, manageable recoil in certain handguns, and ability to control in larger-framed pistols often has shooters coming back for more. Many find that after experimenting with other calibers, the .45 ACP still holds its own as a reliable and powerful defensive round.
10mm Auto
The 10mm Auto can often be considered a “macho” caliber—offering more power than the standard 9mm or .40 S&W, but with a price to match, both in terms of recoil and ammunition cost. While its power and versatility are undeniable, the 10mm was often abandoned by shooters who found the recoil too much or the ammo too expensive. Over time, however, many shooters return to it, appreciating its balanced combination of power and accuracy for defense, hunting, and law enforcement purposes.
What shooters often rediscover about the 10mm is its true versatility. It delivers more power than a standard 9mm while being more manageable than .44 Magnum, making it a great middle-ground choice for those who want stopping power without going overboard. Whether it’s the unique combination of capacity and performance or the availability of newer, more comfortable pistols chambered for it, the 10mm’s appeal keeps drawing shooters back into the fold.
.38 Special
The .38 Special is a caliber that many shooters dismiss early on, thinking it’s too mild or outdated compared to modern rounds. Some move on to .357 Magnum or 9mm, looking for more power or capacity. But with time, many realize that the .38 Special has an undeniable place in the world of defensive firearms.
It’s a proven caliber that strikes a great balance of low recoil, effective stopping power, and excellent accuracy in smaller revolvers. It’s perfect for those new to firearms or for shooters who just want a reliable handgun that doesn’t overwhelm. Once the dust settles, shooters often find themselves returning to the .38 Special, realizing that its practicality, comfort, and long-term dependability outweigh the allure of more powerful rounds.
.308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester, known for its power and effectiveness in the field, is often traded away by shooters who opt for the newer, sexier, and lighter options such as the 6.5 Creedmoor or .223 Remington. The .308 seems too harsh on the recoil and too heavy for certain hunting applications, but as many hunters and shooters find, it’s hard to beat the performance of the .308 when you need a proven caliber.
With its unmatched performance for both hunting and tactical applications, the .308 comes back into the picture for many shooters when they realize that newer calibers often don’t offer the same consistency, range, and availability of ammunition. It’s a workhorse that doesn’t go out of style, no matter what other calibers come into the limelight. The more time you spend in the field or at the range, the more you appreciate just how effective and versatile the .308 really is.
.223 Remington
The .223 Remington, often seen as the standard military round, was once written off by some as being too weak for bigger game hunting or too small for serious defensive use. While its low recoil and fast velocity make it a fantastic round for plinking or varmint hunting, many shooters dismiss it early, thinking it’s not capable of taking on larger game or providing adequate defense.
Over time, shooters return to the .223 after realizing that, with the right rifle and bullet choice, it can do far more than originally thought. It’s ideal for defense, especially in urban environments, where a smaller round is often more manageable in rapid-fire situations. When paired with the right gun, .223 Remington is a very capable round for self-defense and even medium-game hunting.
.22 Magnum
The .22 Magnum often gets ignored in favor of the more common .22 LR or larger centerfire rounds, but it has been steadily gaining back popularity. Some shooters abandon the .22 Magnum early on, thinking that the .22 LR is just fine for small-game hunting or plinking. But what many come to realize is that the .22 Magnum offers more power and versatility than the .22 LR, while still being manageable for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
The .22 Magnum is perfect for those who want a bit more power than the .22 LR can offer but without stepping up to a much larger caliber. It’s a great choice for varmint control, small-game hunting, and even home defense. Over time, many shooters realize that the .22 Magnum fills a very practical niche that often gets overlooked in favor of other rounds.
.45 ACP
The .45 ACP has long been a trusted round for both law enforcement and civilians, but many shooters abandon it in favor of smaller calibers like 9mm, which offer higher capacity and less recoil. Some shooters feel that the .45 ACP is a bit too heavy for everyday carry or defensive purposes, especially when newer options provide more manageable recoil and a higher round count.
However, many come to appreciate the .45 ACP again after experiencing the stopping power it provides. The large, heavy bullet delivers more force on target, and its proven track record for stopping power makes it an excellent choice for self-defense. As time passes, more shooters return to the .45 ACP because they appreciate its strength and reliability when it matters most.
.357 Sig
The .357 Sig is a caliber that many shooters dismiss early on, thinking it’s too niche or that it doesn’t offer any significant advantages over the more common .40 S&W or 9mm. However, after some time, shooters often return to the .357 Sig, realizing that it offers impressive velocity and excellent performance for self-defense.
The .357 Sig is an excellent choice for those looking for a caliber that offers both power and precision. Its high velocity ensures that it delivers excellent penetration and expansion, making it ideal for defensive use. Shooters who want something a bit more powerful than 9mm but with less recoil than the .40 S&W often find the .357 Sig to be the perfect middle ground.
6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, but for many shooters, it was initially overlooked in favor of more traditional hunting rounds like the .308 Winchester. However, as the 6.5 Creedmoor has proven itself in competitive shooting and long-range hunting, many shooters are now realizing its advantages in both accuracy and flat-shooting performance.
The 6.5 Creedmoor’s relatively low recoil, combined with its impressive range and accuracy, makes it an excellent choice for hunters and precision shooters. Whether you’re looking for a more effective long-range hunting round or a competition caliber that offers high performance, the 6.5 Creedmoor has become a caliber that many shooters wish they had invested in earlier.
9mm Luger
The 9mm Luger was once dismissed by some as lacking the stopping power of larger rounds like .45 ACP or .40 S&W. However, over time, many shooters return to the 9mm, realizing its effectiveness in terms of recoil management, ammunition availability, and capacity.
The 9mm offers a great balance of power and control, making it ideal for self-defense, law enforcement, and concealed carry. Its popularity has grown steadily over the years as ammunition technology improves, and it has become the go-to choice for both professionals and civilians alike. While larger calibers certainly have their place, the 9mm remains an enduring favorite for those who value controllability, affordability, and practicality.
Like The Avid Outdoorsman’s content? Be sure to follow us.
Here’s more from us:
