40, 9MM or 380

[RUBZERK]

Im getting a SA XD 40 in a few days. Mainly used for target & ccw from time to time.
My wifes coworker is trying to get me to change my mind & says i should get a 380

Is there anything i should know that makes a 380 better than a 40 ???

The cost of ammo is not a reason to chose one gun over another.
I allready have a S&W 9mm

 

[Zak Smith]

No reason to go 380 over 9x19 unless the size pistol you want cannot be chambered in 9x19.
380 is anemic.

 

[BioDemon]

The 40 S&W. Because it leaves a bigger hole.

 

[Linemup]

380 Acp

I carry a Sig P230 stainless often,or a S&W J-frame 38. I am a small guy (150#) And they are easier for me to conceal.

 

[eagle45]

Another vote for the 40. I have three of the XDs in 40 and love them all.

 

[bakert]

I know all the arguements and data charts but have never been truly convinced the .40 is that much better than the better 9 MM loads (and I'm a big bore fan). My best friend disagrees. Regardless of that though the 9MM is a much better choice than the .380 in a like size gun. The .40 would probably be your best choice if you want another calibre pistol.

 

[The Drew]

Nothing wrong with .40 as I own an XD in .40 but since the end of the AWB I prefer having a few extra rounds, along with more controllable recoil of the 9mm. With modern ammo the 9mm is more than adequate for self defense.

so I vote 9mm. but If I had to choose between two 10+1 (max) guns i'd go .40

 

[Calhoun]

380 is not even in the same class as the 9mm or .40. When people say it is the minimum self defense round, they really mean minimum. I would go with the 9mm myself. More controlable, more rounds on board, and with a god load every bit as as good as a .40. that, and I've never really cared for the .40. YMMV

Cal

 

[rhubarb]

What Calhoun said.

Plus, 9mm is the cheeapest centerfire handgun round. Literally more bang for the buck.

 

[KevinB]

Alot of people like the larger calibers because they "make bigger holes" etc. It is true, even if it is only by a few milimeters. But my thinking about it has always been different. I wouldn't opt for a larger caliber for the size difference. Its the extra weight that I find appealing. That being said I went with the XD9. I think I would have enjoyed the .40, 180gr. bullets are a good thing. But I don't reload, and I knew I would practice alot more with the 9. Either one you go with, I know you will be pleased. The XD is a great gun. Oh, and a .380 over an XD40...

-Kevin

 

[Marshall]

It's like asking if you should use a baseball bat or a broomstick.

 

[dolanp]

The only reason you might consider a .380 over a 9mm or .40 is if you are planning to use a small back-up type gun for deep concealment.

For all other practical purposes the 9mm or .40 will serve you best I think. I prefer the 9mm due to capacity and cost.

 

[Black Majik]

I dont even think XD's are chambered for .380.

For range fun, I'd go for the 9mm. For defense, I'd go for the .40

Keep in mind, the value pack of .380 and .40 is almost the same in price around $15.

9mm WWB is about $11. So all favor 9mm IMO.

 

[caz223]

I personally don't have much use for .380 or 10mm kurz.
Of the choices here, I'd say go with 9mm.
If you get a chance to fondle/shoot a .45, don't pass it up.
My favorite auto calibers are, in order.
10mm, .45 acp, 357SIG, 9mm.
I'll let you guys shoot the rest.

 

[BryanP]

If you're not worried about the money get the XD40 and then buy a 9mm barrel to go with it.

They XD doesn't come in .380. If I was going to get one of the tiny XD's like the subcompact I'd probably get the 9mm if for no other reason then the lesser recoil would be kinder to my arthritis.

 

[5Wire]

I prefer the 9mm for economy and concealability over the forty; the forty is a nice round but more expensive to shoot and the guns are necessarily larger and more difficult to conceal. Advances in gun design have allowed 9mm guns to shrink in size to compete with .380s for concealability. My next choice would be something small in .45ACP .

I think the .40s may be ideal as service weapons. I liked my Ruger KP944S but I was going broke at the range.

 

[RUBZERK]

Like I said. I have a S&W sigma 9mm that I love, But im goona get a new toy soon & this goofball friend of my wifes is trying to tell me to buy a 380 that I think is useless.

My choice is a Bi-tone XD 40


Just wanted other feed back for kicks.

 

[Elmer]

.40 S&W. Performs like a good 9mm, with more recoil, less magazine capacity, and higher cost ammo. What's not to like?

 

[faustulus]

Get the one YOU want.

 

[Dragun]

quote: "The cost of ammo is not a reason to chose one gun over another."

yes it is.... i belive the 9mm is winning this poll is because secondarily if not primarily for that reason. i think my vote just became obvious.

 

[LMC]

At first the reason that i settled for the .40 is that beretta doesn't make a full size .45 then i did a litte looking around on the internet an ballistic wise the .40 seems superior to the ol .45. Just my opinion not trying to state facts.

 

[Clayton]

.40 S&W if you are purchasing the gun for self defence. If you are buying a gun to target shoot or plink then by all means go with the 9mm or the .380.

Jay

 

[jc2]

For general use (plinking, informal target, defence), you just can't beat the 9x19. With current generation premium JHPs, it is every bit as effective for defence as the .40 S&W with the added benefits of lower cost practice ammo, higher capacity and considerably faster recovery time between shots. It's also a lot easier on the weapon--.40 S&W weapons have more problems, problems earlier and more severe problems than their 9x19 equivalents. Thought it's very, very slight, the 9x19 will have a reliability edge over the .40 S&W.

Now, if concealed carry is in your plans (or you want to ensure domestice tranquility--all ways a big plus), the .380 may be a viable choice. You certainly give up some effectiveness by going to a .380, but as has been pointed out, it beats having nothing. A .380 will be a whole lot easier to carry concealed than an XD. You can drop a .380 in the pocket (or the wive's purse, etc. If you plan on carrying an XD, you are looking a good belt and a good holster or two at a minimum, and having to dress around the weapon. The .380 definitely has the edge when it comes to casual concealed carry.

An alternate solution, would be to purchase Makarov (not a .380 but close enough) for the wife for about $150 and the XD9 for you. That way she has her ".380," and you have your XD9 (and a weapon you can drop in your pocket or in her purse).

 

[Super Trucker]

.380 ammo would be harder to find than 9 or 40. I voted for the .40 from the choices you left, not only for the ammo variety (9mm is the most common)but for the bigger hole also. My wife is 5'3" 103# and fires my XD-40 service with no problems, so your size will not be an issue. The only .40 I have fired that had noticeable recoil was the Kahr P40.

 

[R.H. Lee]

9 minimeter. Ammo is plentiful and inexpensive. Recoil is minimal, especially in a full size all steel pistol. Why even bother with a .40 when you can go all the way to .45acp? .380 is mousegun material.

That's all.