9mm, 40 cal, or 10mm?
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BlindJustice
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9x17, 9x18, 9x19, 9x23?
.40 S&W or .400 CorBon ?
i0MM Auto or Magnum?
.40 S&W or .400 CorBon ?
i0MM Auto or Magnum?
As I read thru all the suggestions, I see a major problem.
First gun and new to shooting.
With that being stated.
First gun in a handgun should be a wheelgun in .22 long rifle; and about a couple cases of .22 ammo. After he/she feels that they are proficient with .22 caliber handguns then they move up to larger calibers.
New shooters should also consider getting into reloading. I have shot for over 40 years now and have been reloading that long also. Having loaded everything from .380 acp to .50 BMG with tens of thousands of rounds of .40 S&W and 10mm on progressive presses. By reloading your shot groups will get smaller, and cost to make your own rounds are normally a quarter of that of factory ammo.
Best defense caliber - 9mm, 357 mag, 40 S&W, 10mm, 45 acp ?
They all work great, depending on shot placement by the shooter.
A consistence shooter with ANY caliber is more lethal then which caliber or what weight bullet they are shooting. I shoot mainly .357 mag, 40 S&W, 10mm, and 45 Colt in both semi-auto and revolvers. I also would also feel comfortable if I only had one of my .22 LR pistols if that was what was at hand. Repeat shot placement, recoil recovery, and feeling comfortable with what your are carrying are a lot more important than big, or small calibers. I personnally like the 10mm and either carry a semi-auto or a revolver in that caliber.
Practice, and practice offen. I normally run miniumal of 200 rounds a week at the range, for any day that I shoot. Cost does factor into the totals of what you can do. In the efford, you would be wise to look into reloading what you are shooting. Pickup your brass at the range; in fact pickup all brass at the ranges, it is good trading material if you are not shooting that caliber, others do. Costs to reload is 1/4 or less of buying factory rounds. Calibers do not matter, as components costs are about the same for all. It might cost a little to setup at first, but the pay off is great. The more you can afford to shoot, the more you can shoot. Try to find a friend whom is into reloading to help you get started.
Safe shooting.
First gun and new to shooting.
With that being stated.
First gun in a handgun should be a wheelgun in .22 long rifle; and about a couple cases of .22 ammo. After he/she feels that they are proficient with .22 caliber handguns then they move up to larger calibers.
New shooters should also consider getting into reloading. I have shot for over 40 years now and have been reloading that long also. Having loaded everything from .380 acp to .50 BMG with tens of thousands of rounds of .40 S&W and 10mm on progressive presses. By reloading your shot groups will get smaller, and cost to make your own rounds are normally a quarter of that of factory ammo.
Best defense caliber - 9mm, 357 mag, 40 S&W, 10mm, 45 acp ?
They all work great, depending on shot placement by the shooter.
A consistence shooter with ANY caliber is more lethal then which caliber or what weight bullet they are shooting. I shoot mainly .357 mag, 40 S&W, 10mm, and 45 Colt in both semi-auto and revolvers. I also would also feel comfortable if I only had one of my .22 LR pistols if that was what was at hand. Repeat shot placement, recoil recovery, and feeling comfortable with what your are carrying are a lot more important than big, or small calibers. I personnally like the 10mm and either carry a semi-auto or a revolver in that caliber.
Practice, and practice offen. I normally run miniumal of 200 rounds a week at the range, for any day that I shoot. Cost does factor into the totals of what you can do. In the efford, you would be wise to look into reloading what you are shooting. Pickup your brass at the range; in fact pickup all brass at the ranges, it is good trading material if you are not shooting that caliber, others do. Costs to reload is 1/4 or less of buying factory rounds. Calibers do not matter, as components costs are about the same for all. It might cost a little to setup at first, but the pay off is great. The more you can afford to shoot, the more you can shoot. Try to find a friend whom is into reloading to help you get started.
Safe shooting.
easyg
Member
Forget the weaker 9mm...go for the .40S&W!
I don't see why the recoil of the .40 would be a problem....after all, tiny female agents and tiny female law enforcement officers shoot the .40 just fine every day.
I don't see why the recoil of the .40 would be a problem....after all, tiny female agents and tiny female law enforcement officers shoot the .40 just fine every day.
Dahwg
Member
Yes by all means, because there is SOOOO Much difference in size between the .40S&W and the weak little 9mm- that 1mm of difference is going to make all the difference in the world. You wouldn't want to shoot a BG with a 9mm, he will just laugh and say
"Good thing you didn't shoot me with the .40S&W- one more mm of bullet and I'd have had to fall down."
And of course recoil won't be a problem, it's not a problem with a .45 or even a .50 for that matter. Yes you can recover from recoil, and getting back on target is really not THAT important- after all, the extra mm of bullet will stop ALL BGs with one shot!
And by all means avoid the 9mm- the ammo is so plentiful and inexpensive you'll be able to afford more time on the range. Wouldn't want to improve your skills and thus your shot placement would you?
Seriously though, it really is all about shot placement, you have to shoot what YOU feel comfortable with, not what a consensus of people on the internet say is the best- they're all good.
easyg
Member
It's not just a 1mm difference.
With the .40, you're shooting a bigger and HEAVIER slug at nearly the same speed as the typical 9mm.
It makes a difference for sure.
I can get back on target just as easy with my .40 as I can with my 9mm.
Follow-up shots are not difficult at all.
The recoil from the .40 is really no worse than a hot 9mm+P.
Why not go with .22LR?
It's even cheaper to shoot!
Seriously, I think it's foolish to let ammo prices dictate your choice in caliber for personal protection....especially when the price difference between 9mm ammo and .40 ammo is not that significant.
It's incredible how some folks get so bent out of shape if anyone points out that the 9mm is weaker than the .40 or .45.
abrink
Member
Another vote for 9mm. The other posts explain why. The 9mm was my first gun when i was 13. A ruger auto.
Let us know what you decide to go with.
Let us know what you decide to go with.
Greg8098
Member
Get a 9MM first, then get SOME 10MMs 
!!!!
!!!!I disagree. With the 9mm you have a faster shot recovery allowing for quicker follow up shots.
I'm 6' 2", 225 lbs. and have big hands. I shoot both calibers very often, and I can speak from experience. I can send more lead down range with more accuracy with the 9mm as oppossed to the .40 cal.
In an exchage of gunfire, that's what you want, rapid recovery, more lead going out, and accuracy. But of course that's just me, but I would think that it would be true with many others as well.
JustinL
Member
It has probably been mentioned already but I would go with the 9mm for several reasons
1. ammo cost
2. less recoil & therefore easier to learn proper technique.
3. 9mm is just fine as a defensive round.
1. ammo cost
2. less recoil & therefore easier to learn proper technique.
3. 9mm is just fine as a defensive round.
Indifferent
Member
9mm is very cost effective for new ammo at Walmart.
100 rounds is $18
(side note, how much should be on hand to deal with Zombies or etc?)
I've played with 9mm, 40cal, 10mm, etc. For the price the 9 is awesome.
Next bet, is the most proven manstopper .357 magnum in a snub.
And if we are talking other than handguns..... a 12gauge pump.
I researched Zombies and made my choices.
100 rounds is $18
(side note, how much should be on hand to deal with Zombies or etc?)
I've played with 9mm, 40cal, 10mm, etc. For the price the 9 is awesome.
Next bet, is the most proven manstopper .357 magnum in a snub.
And if we are talking other than handguns..... a 12gauge pump.
I researched Zombies and made my choices.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
I personally prefer 9x32R.
better known as 357 Mag.
better known as 357 Mag.
I had the S&W 340 PD Lite weight in 357. It was brutal, and I'm a big guy. Had to readjust for every shot. Went to .38 +P, it was a little better. Put Hogue grips on it, a lot better. Then the more I thought about it, only 5 shots, I traded it for a Glock 26, 10 shot. Glad I did.
DougDubya
Member
You're comfy with the 9mm. Don't sweat it, and just train hard.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Don't ever forget this: "Shot placement is PARAMOUNT"~!
Whether you are shoot'in a BB gun, or a .5500 caliber boom-stick.
With that said, I DO NOT feel that the 9m/m is inadequate for self-defense
situations. Just practice-practice-practice, and know YOUR limitations, and
what YOUR firearm and chosen load will do~!
Whether you are shoot'in a BB gun, or a .5500 caliber boom-stick.
With that said, I DO NOT feel that the 9m/m is inadequate for self-defense
situations. Just practice-practice-practice, and know YOUR limitations, and
what YOUR firearm and chosen load will do~!
easyg
Member
I don't know of any man who is content with just a 9mm.
So, you may as well get a .40 or a .45 now and not waste money and time on the 9mm.
So, you may as well get a .40 or a .45 now and not waste money and time on the 9mm.
DougDubya
Member
easyg - why the vendetta against the 9mm?
Or do you just not know that many people who own firearms?
Or do you just not know that many people who own firearms?
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
I am content with my Glock 19 in 9mm it will do what I need if I would have to use it. I am also contemplating getting a keltec P-11 and maybe a BHP, both in 9mm. I also have converted a S&W 642 into a 9mm with a cylinder from a 940. It does very well with most regular ammo and is very fast reloading with the moonclips. That said I wish I could get a K frame S&W in 9mm that was not a conversion or a 547 so I could use it with moonclips. A fixed sight K frame with a 3" mid weight barrel and chambered in 9mm moonclipped from the factory would be one of my favorite guns, particularly if it was blued.
DougDubya
Member
You know how to make a man drool, Brian.
+1
possum
Member
welcome to thr.
glocks are fine pistols they work reliably, and accuratly. i however wil not own a glock in any other caliber than 9mm. which is good for me as ammo is cheaper. the recoil of the .40 in the glocks isn't to bad but way worse thn my xd's and the 10mm good lord no thanks and 10mm ammo is expensive. so i would go with the model 19 and i am sure that you will be happy.
glocks are fine pistols they work reliably, and accuratly. i however wil not own a glock in any other caliber than 9mm. which is good for me as ammo is cheaper. the recoil of the .40 in the glocks isn't to bad but way worse thn my xd's and the 10mm good lord no thanks and 10mm ammo is expensive. so i would go with the model 19 and i am sure that you will be happy.
Joe the Redneck
Member
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2006
- Messages
- 249
Well, I guess we have proven once again that is really is pointless to ask question like there.
It's like asking which gun is best, there is no right or wrong answer.
Here are my thoughts, and they are worth every penny you paid for them.
I tend to lean toward the 40. Hi cap mags are still think enough to be comfortable and you get 15 rounds. Nice feature for a military style sidearm.
The 45 acp is fine in a 1911, double stack mags are too bulky for a lot of people. Bigger than the 40, but I don't feel it is "enough" bigger to justify all the extra bulk.
10mm too uncommon. Great round but never caught on. Tends to have a bit more kick than alot of people like. If you want something with a lot of punch, get a revolver in 357 or 44 mag. That is real stopping power.
9mm, again fine round. But I can't see why you would need one. YOu only get a few more rounds in the mag, but it makes a smaller hole in the bad guy.
It does have less recoil, but I think you will get used to the 40 in a few trips to the range.
Had the 40 been around when I got in this game, I wouldn't own a 9. I have over 20 handguns in a lot of calibers. I only have one 9mm (my Glock 17) and have no intention of buying another.
The 40 is the way to guy.
OK< no ignore all this and do what you like.
JTR
It's like asking which gun is best, there is no right or wrong answer.
Here are my thoughts, and they are worth every penny you paid for them.
I tend to lean toward the 40. Hi cap mags are still think enough to be comfortable and you get 15 rounds. Nice feature for a military style sidearm.
The 45 acp is fine in a 1911, double stack mags are too bulky for a lot of people. Bigger than the 40, but I don't feel it is "enough" bigger to justify all the extra bulk.
10mm too uncommon. Great round but never caught on. Tends to have a bit more kick than alot of people like. If you want something with a lot of punch, get a revolver in 357 or 44 mag. That is real stopping power.
9mm, again fine round. But I can't see why you would need one. YOu only get a few more rounds in the mag, but it makes a smaller hole in the bad guy.
It does have less recoil, but I think you will get used to the 40 in a few trips to the range.
Had the 40 been around when I got in this game, I wouldn't own a 9. I have over 20 handguns in a lot of calibers. I only have one 9mm (my Glock 17) and have no intention of buying another.
The 40 is the way to guy.
OK< no ignore all this and do what you like.
JTR
I skipped the 40, it came out too late for me. I have an accurized Browning HP 9mm and it's a great gun but I prefer a 45 for stopping power, think of it this way 9mm = 35 cal, 10mm=40 cal, 11mm=45 cal.
10mm auto is fine, recoil is more than 40 auto same bullets at much higher velocity= more recoil. I have a 10mm in a Colt Delta Gold Cup. Advantage the ten has over the others is the flat trajaectory with retained energy. Don't quote me but when it came out I think I read it did at 200 yards what the 45 does at 50 energy wise. I do not know of any small handguns made that would be of use for cc in 10mm.
45 makes bigger hole, proven track record in defensive mode.
I am currently waiting to get a Para Ordnance PDA LDA in 45, weighs 24 oz and should be nice for carry.
10mm auto is fine, recoil is more than 40 auto same bullets at much higher velocity= more recoil. I have a 10mm in a Colt Delta Gold Cup. Advantage the ten has over the others is the flat trajaectory with retained energy. Don't quote me but when it came out I think I read it did at 200 yards what the 45 does at 50 energy wise. I do not know of any small handguns made that would be of use for cc in 10mm.
45 makes bigger hole, proven track record in defensive mode.
I am currently waiting to get a Para Ordnance PDA LDA in 45, weighs 24 oz and should be nice for carry.
I skipped the 40, it came out too late for me. I have an accurized Browning HP 9mm and it's a great gun but I prefer a 45 for stopping power, think of it this way 9mm = 35 cal, 10mm=40 cal, 11mm=45 cal.
10mm auto is fine, recoil is more than 40 auto same bullets at much higher velocity= more recoil. I have a 10mm in a Colt Delta Gold Cup. Advantage the ten has over the others is the flat trajaectory with retained energy. Don't quote me but when it came out I think I read it did at 200 yards what the 45 does at 50 energy wise. I do not know of any small handguns made that would be of use for cc in 10mm.
45 makes bigger hole, proven track record in defensive mode.
I am currently waiting to get a Para Ordnance PDA LDA in 45, weighs 24 oz and should be nice for carry.
sorry duplicate, got interrupted.
10mm auto is fine, recoil is more than 40 auto same bullets at much higher velocity= more recoil. I have a 10mm in a Colt Delta Gold Cup. Advantage the ten has over the others is the flat trajaectory with retained energy. Don't quote me but when it came out I think I read it did at 200 yards what the 45 does at 50 energy wise. I do not know of any small handguns made that would be of use for cc in 10mm.
45 makes bigger hole, proven track record in defensive mode.
I am currently waiting to get a Para Ordnance PDA LDA in 45, weighs 24 oz and should be nice for carry.
sorry duplicate, got interrupted.
easyg writes:
"I don't know of any man who is content with just a 9mm.
So, you may as well get a .40 or a .45 now and not waste money and time on the 9mm."
I disagree. With the 9mm you have a faster shot recovery allowing for quicker follow up shots.
I'm 6' 2", 225 lbs. and have big hands. I shoot both calibers very often, and I can speak from experience. I can send more lead down range with more accuracy with the 9mm as oppossed to the .40 cal.
In an exchage of gunfire, that's what you want, rapid recovery, more lead going out, and accuracy. But of course that's just me, but I would think that it would be true with many others as well.
"I don't know of any man who is content with just a 9mm.
So, you may as well get a .40 or a .45 now and not waste money and time on the 9mm."
I disagree. With the 9mm you have a faster shot recovery allowing for quicker follow up shots.
I'm 6' 2", 225 lbs. and have big hands. I shoot both calibers very often, and I can speak from experience. I can send more lead down range with more accuracy with the 9mm as oppossed to the .40 cal.
In an exchage of gunfire, that's what you want, rapid recovery, more lead going out, and accuracy. But of course that's just me, but I would think that it would be true with many others as well.
XD-40 Shooter
Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2007
- Messages
- 912
I settled on the 40 cal and have become very proficient with it. With the exception of the XD-45, most 40 cal pistols hold more rounds than the 45, and only give up a couple to the 9mm, pretty good middle ground in my book. Also, the 40 cal is shooting large bullets at a significantly higher velocity than the 45 is, especially in the 165 and 155 grain loads. In a short barrel, under 3.5", the 40 is the way to go, very efficient, not a major velocity loss.
I'm with the other folks here, that don't trust the 9mm. Yeah, they hold 18 rounds, but you might need all 18 of'em to put the bad guy down.
Also, the 40 cal is shooting large bullets at a significantly higher velocity than the 45 is, especially in the 165 and 155 grain loads. In a short barrel, under 3.5", the 40 is the way to go, very efficient, not a major velocity loss.I'm with the other folks here, that don't trust the 9mm. Yeah, they hold 18 rounds, but you might need all 18 of'em to put the bad guy down.
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