[Winzeler]

My wife and I are starting to settle on the P239 for her. She likes the grip and feel and I like the fact that it's still shoots at least a 9mm. My question is, though, how is the recoil on it going to be if she gets a .40 or .357Sig. She has worked with a USP40 and a 4" XD in 9mm. She said the XD is just fine, but wouldn't shoot my .40 because she's intimidated by the size (don't know why). My question is (because we don't have a P239 we can shoot) will the P239 compare to the XD in terms of recoil? Could I even get away with a .40 or .357Sig without pushing it for her?

[HighVelocity]

because she's intimidated by the size (don't know why).

...stands at chalkboard writing.... This is The High Road, 100 times... :neener:

Seriously though. The 239 is a dream to shoot in any caliber. The 40 though is less snappy than the 357 Sig. The 357 Sig is very load and whips the slide pretty good in the little 239.
The good thing about the 239 is that if you buy a 40 or a 357 Sig model then all you need is the other caliber barrel and mags and you can switch them out yourself. No gunsmithing required.

If you buy the 9mm version you cannot change calibers.

[varoadking]

The .357 SiG is much easier to handle than a .40. Think about getting a 9mm BarSto barrel for the .357Sig P239...it gives you 2 guns in one, as she may ultimately prefer the 9mm.

[WillBrayJr]

The recoil of the P239 in 40S&W is alittle stout but not enough to hurt. If the recoil is too much try Hogue finger groove rubber grips. If that sill isn't enough send it to Magna-Port and get it ported. The P239 not only will have less recoil, but you'll have a little fire breathing dragon:D

[AK103K]

I have a P239 in .357 and dont find the recoil to be bad at all. Its a great shooting little pistol.

[Catbird]

I have a 9mm P239 and a .40/.357 P239.

I'm a bit confused why the .40/.357 is being considered for your wife. IMHO, with the correct ammunition, the 9mm is quite adequate for self defense.

[Winzeler]

I have a 9mm P239 and a .40/.357 P239.

I'm a bit confused why the .40/.357 is being considered for your wife. IMHO, with the correct ammunition, the 9mm is quite adequate for self defense.
I agree, my Dad runs a 9 exclusively. The reason I considered the others is just in case she doesn't really take to it too well, I'd like to stick with calibers I already have and like for a carry/back up gun for myself.

Thanks for the comments..

[000Buck]

<opinion on>9mm is easier to shoot than 40cal, no matter who you are. Given a premium expanding bullet over around 100 grains in weight, shot placement is all that matters.</opinion off>

:) Good luck with your decision, P239s are very tasty.

[antsi]

I'd at least rent or borrow one and have her try shooting a 239 in 40 or 357 before buying one, or plan on getting an aftermarket 9mm barrel. There is quite a noticeable difference in recoil between 40/357 and 9mm, and the 239 is a pretty small gun to shoot it out of. Smaller lighter guns - all else being equal - tend to have sharper recoil feel. If I was going to carry a 239, I'd get a 9mm one for just this reason despite the fact that I do carry 357 SIG in a larger gun.

One hint, from experience - if this is going to be her gun, and you want her to shoot it, get the one she likes best and the one she likes to shoot, not the one that's most interesting to you. If you get her a gun that's unpleasant for her to shoot, neither one of you is going to be pleased with the purchase.