.40 S&W or .45 ACP CC

[Just One Shot]

Ok, so I've been reading on how bigger is better and I agree that in an actual gun fight that I would prefer the biggest round available.

My concern is concealability. So I'm wondering what is out there in either a 40 S&W or .45 ACP that is easy to conceal. The catch is cost, is there anything that can be had for $500.00 or less?

 

[General Geoff]

Plenty of quality pistols can be had for $500 or less, as for concealability, well, I never had a problem concealing a full size sidearm, so you'd really have to specify your requirements in that regard.

 

[Just One Shot]

Jeans and a T-shirt type of conceal without a major print. I saw a Kimber 1911 in .45 acp that was close but I would like a little thinner and less money.

 

[trekgod3]

Cobra Patriot 45- $275 New in box:

 

[M&PVolk]

Keep in mind, the smaller the gun, the fewer rounds you can carry. Given that handgun rounds are not always the best for stopping an individual, you should pick a platform that provides you a reasonable amount of rounds and stopping power. For me, that means a .40 caliber. YMMV.

 

[NG VI]

Glock 27? That's what I got when I was awaiting my CC permit, I love the thing. 9+1 of 180 HST, good to go!

And with a proper holster concealment is easy. Belt too. I like FISTs ultra-thin kydex holsters, because they are so small and don't bulk up your waistband.

 

[possum]

all handguns suck when it comes to terminal ballistics, that is just the fact of the matter. it dosen't matter what caliber you use, i say get the cheaper of the 2 that will allow you the most training value.

personally there are a few guns in .40 s&w that i own/ have carried and they have all been great. kahr k-40, glock 23, xd service model, and an xd sc. there are many great options you just have to find what you like best and what fits you, don't get wrapped around the axle about caliber and all that.

 

[Blowby]

Shoot a few and decide on the gun that feels right and is accurate. Shoot without using the sight and lean toward the gun that has a natural point of aim so under a high stress CCW situation this will allow you to hit your target so the number of rounds will not be the deciding factor. I carry a P220 (.45) with an 8 rnd magazine and 1 in the chamber. An extra mag on the belt can provide additional ammo but if you have time to reload either the immediate threat is gone, stopped or your not using a gun that is accurate with your shooting methods. BTW I'm not against an extra mag.

 

[outerlimit]

all handguns suck when it comes to terminal ballistics, that is just the fact of the matter. it dosen't matter what caliber you use

That is the case. But I always say, why make things worse?

 

[Sato Ord]

For the money I felt that the S&W Sigma .40 couldn't be beat. I bought one, practiced with it, got good, and it's my constant companion.

That being said, there's absolutely nothing wrong with a good .45. I love a good 1911, and I also like the Sig my friend just bought as well.

Spend some time getting to know the pistols you're looking at buying and then choose the one that fits you best. Just because I, or somebody else, makes one choice is no reason for you to make the same selection. Firearms are definitely personal, and it requires that you put the time into research before you spend the bucks, especially if you're on a tight budget.

Remember, as it has already been pointed out, when comes down to that little bit of difference between the .40 and the .45, it's probably going matter more how much time you spent on the range so that your shot placement is good, not the little bit of extra lead coming out of the pipe.

 

[JBinMontana]

I carry a fullsize 12+1 .45 acp concealed with no problem at all.

 

[salesguy]

Glock 30 is 45 auto. My current carry gun. 10+1. Grip is a bit bulky for small hands but I will take the extra rounds in 45 over grips any day. Fun to shoot! Easy to conceal IWB.

 

[gglass]

The best .40 for conceal carry would have to be the Kahr PM-40.

Here is a review that picks the Kahr as the best CC 40.

http://www.kahr.com/PA-1B/review_gt1104.html

 

[Magichelmt]

I carry a Mini Cougar in .45 and it drops into the back of my pants and nobody knows it is there unless I forget and bend over, but then anything will imprint....

 

[Sato Ord]

it drops into the back of my pants and nobody knows it is there unless I forget and bend over, but then anything will imprint....

I could have lived happily for a long time without that mental image.

 

[possum]

I carry a Mini Cougar in .45 and it drops into the back of my pants and nobody knows it is there unless I forget and bend over, but then anything will imprint....

wow what to say to that? well welcome to thr.