[singlestack9]

I am slowly settling in on the idea of getting a SIG P239 to fulfill my need for a compact single stack autoloader for concealed carry.

The only question is, which caliber?

[singlestack9]

Or, to put the question another way:

Why would I choose a .357 SIG or .40 S&W over a 9mm?

From all the info I've seen, the .357 SIG and .40 S&W shoot with a higher velocity and energy than the 9mm, but they fail to achieve any higher penetration or expansion.

[Extremist]

9mm. Cheaper practice ammo (practice makes for a better shooter which is more important than a bigger diameter bullet). Load it with Federal EFMJ or Federal/Remington 115gr +P+ ammo for defense and you are good to go.

Regards,
James

[Flashpoint]

My p239 in 9MM is a smooth shooter plus it holds one more round than the others. As mentioned above 9MM is cheaper than the other stuff.

[Marko Kloos]

9mm. Holds one more round, ammo is a lot cheaper (=more practice), shoots milder, and works just as well for defense with premium HP loads.

[Alan Fud]

.40S&W

Bullets don't always expand the way that they should and when that happens, bigger is better. Also, some states (like NJ) and counties do not allow hollowpoints. In which case, the .40S&W offers superior stopping power over the 9mm and I don't think that you can even get the .357SIG in FMJ.

[Safety First]

9mm was my choice, it has sufficient stopping power,recoil is easy, ammo is available everywhere and at a better price than .357 or .40. That said, I don't think you would have any regrets with the P-239 no matter which one you select. It is a great CCW....good luck...

[444]

9mm
IMO, .045" increase in diameter isn't going to make any difference in performance on target. IMO, 200 fps velocity will make a difference, just not a big difference. I would go for the 9mm just because it is more mainstream and I don't think the difference in performance is enough to make any significant difference on the target.

[cool45auto]

:cool: 9mm of course!

[10-Ring]

I can rule out the 40 right off the bat...don't like the round. Of the remaining 2 I can shoot the 9mm the fastest & the most accurately too. Don't get me wrong, I like the 357 sig too, but coming from a small gun, I like the 9mm ;)

[boing]

9mm, because the half-height slide serrations are way more wicked cool looking. :)

[Kentucky Rifle]

I just LIKE it. I guess that might be because my Glock 27 is such a good shooter. Hey! My wife just left--gotta go check my bed side table! She loves to shoot my/"our" G27. Hummm. Maybe a Glock or Sig of her own is in order.
(My G27 is my "bed side" gun because it's got night sights and I shoot it so well.)

KR

[Newton]

The P239 was designed around the 9mm, being of European origin, it will handle +P and +P+ loads without issue. Don't worry about the alloy frame scaremongers, noone shoots more than a few hundred rounds of the hotter stuff anyway, and anyone who can afford to shoot +P+ as a practice load can afford to buy a new P239 when the frame starts to peen.

Most people who try one, shoot the 9mm P239 better than almost any other gun.

I would go with the Ranger T series 127 grain +P+, Remington 115 grain +P+, Federal 124 grain +P+, or the Federal 115 grain 9BPLE +P+.

All of these will give you everything a .357 SiG or .40 S&W could with an extra round in the mag.

It has one potential weak spot, and that concerns rusting, hopefully the Nitron finished versions have finally laid this issue to rest, so make sure you get one with this finish.

I believe the 9mm P239 to be one of the finest modern handguns ever designed, whether it be for CCW, home defence, or even competitive shooting because of it's high levels of accuracy - it's that good.

[ninjalawyer]

Had to vote for the 357 SIG since I picked one up last weekend, but I still haven't shot it...

[Climb14er]

My P239 357 Sig

Reliable, accurate, great CCW.

[Waste of Money]

I prefer the 357SIG round for this gun. I feel the extra energy is worth the slightly higher recoil. I own a 239/357SIG and have fired a 9mm model and just fell in love with the hotter round.



Bullets don't always expand the way that they should and when that happens, bigger is better. Also, some states (like NJ) and counties do not allow hollowpoints. In which case, the .40S&W offers superior stopping power over the 9mm and I don't think that you can even get the .357SIG in FMJ.

:rolleyes:

You will have NO problems finding 357SIG FMJ ammo. All you have to do is look at any ammo site.

I have recently purchased a 9mm conversion barrel for my 239 to get the benefit of cheaper practice ammo but I only carry 357SIG. I've been buying 357SIG ammo in bulk that is equal to .40 S&W as far as pricing goes.

No matter what caliber you choose, you will more than likely appreciate this model. It is exceptionally reliable, very accurate for such a short sight radius and easily concealable. The only complaint I've ever heard is that it doesn't fit some, large handed people.

[jacketch]

I have been totally satisfied with my 9mm P239. Reliable, accurate and easy to conceal. And it's a Sig:D

[JeepDriver]

I voted 9mm.

It's a sweet heart of a gun.

But then again I only have 9mm auto loaders, so I may be a bit biased :D

[Chip00]

Is this a vote?

[Rich357]

I have two SIG P239s. One in 9mm and the other in .357/.40. The 9mm is one of my favorite pistols to take to the range. If I had to use one for SD I would pick the .357SIG version.

Rich

[emann]

The 9.

[surfinUSA]

40 S&W. Take full advantage of a big round in a compact gun.

[New_comer]

For such a small gun, I'd take the 9mm.


Less recoil to worry about, one more cartridge, cheaper to practice with. Just select one of the premier cartridges available in the market and you'll be just as formidable.


Think of it at the point of view of almost cheating on your opponent. Last poll here on surviving a gunfight, cheating is still the best way to win.


Machismo sends you ten toes up! :D:D:D

[Mal H]

9mm. Of the three calibers, I went for the 9 myself because ... because ... oh yeah, now I remember - it was the only caliber available when I bought the P239! As several have mentioned, one more round and you can practice on the cheap.

[Obiwan]

I love the .357 caliber.....

But a 9 is enough if you do your part

Comes down to preference

[JonnyB]

I don't wish to hijack this thread, but...

How much can one expect to pay for a brandy-new 239 in 9mm?

I have half a notion to pick one up for Mrs. B., who ins't a fan of semi-autos, but could learn to love a truly reliable one. No Glocks or P99s need apply, as she doesn't care for either.

If not a semi, then I'll have to buy her a used model 19 or 66, or SP101 wheelie.

Jon B.

[Black Snowman]

JonnyB, save yourself some pain, and quite likely some money, and make HER buy her gun. Find someplace that rents and see what they have for her to try. I was intimidated by what my Dad calls "fly appart guns" at first but my own 1st handgun ended up being a Glock.

Like "Schoolhouse Rock" says, "Don't knock it 'til you try it!" so give her the chance to try out everything she can. Who knows, she might end up with something niether of you even suspected.

[krept]

can't really say more than that which has already been said.

I chose the 9mm for the poll because it's easier on the pocketbook and the hand. If you hit a leg or lung or intestine with a 9mm and it doesn't expand or a .40 and it does expand, chances are you will need more shots anyway - continue to shoot until the threat ceases.

So which one are you more accurate and fast with, considering you will probably need multiple shots and be under stress? Are you accurate and fast 'enough' with 357SIG/.40? Many feel they are... tis truly a personal decision.

cheers