The culture of violence strikes again...
Human culture has ALWAYS been violent. . . the US was forged in war and has always been a bit more violent than other places. We have toned down quite a bit in the last 60 years.
here we go with the old only a .45 will do the job talk. I dont care what caliber you use, if you are a poor shot it doesnt matter what you carry. I carry a 9mm and am a very accurate shot. I know darn well a 9mm can easily stop a threat. And I am very comfortable carrying what I do.
Exactly, A missed shot with a S&W500 will do nothing but give them the chance to run and a point blank with a .22 to the skull will drop them in a heartbeat.
It's always nice to have something bigger and more powerful but it also won't do much good if you can't control it after the first shot either.
Since there is always a discussion on the size and power feel free to read the first two paragraphs here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.40_S&W#Performance
I carry a 40 and have no qualms about it.