9mm vs .40
- Thread starter wolfman90
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Tennessee Ned
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If you don't already have a 9mm then get the 9mm. If you already have a 9mm or two laying around then get the .40.
HippieMagic
Member
I fail to see the point of pocket guns if you are worried about the size and power difference of a caliber. I mean if you go with a stubby little gun who really cares what caliber it is they are all going to be less powerful than if it was coming out of a full size.
Try both calibers out in a G26/G27.
My opinion:
I went with the 9mm G26 myself: Quicker follow up shots, better reliability (in my experience with Glocks), and a lot more pleasant to shoot for fun (e.g. you'll practice with it more).
The Glock 27 is a great gun, but for me it isn't enjoyable to shoot due to the snappy recoil and tiny grip.
I would only go with a .40 for a full sized gun, or a compact with a full length grip.
My decision came down to I didn't believe the slight extra street effectiveness of the .40 was worth the considerable extra snap to it.
My opinion:
I went with the 9mm G26 myself: Quicker follow up shots, better reliability (in my experience with Glocks), and a lot more pleasant to shoot for fun (e.g. you'll practice with it more).
The Glock 27 is a great gun, but for me it isn't enjoyable to shoot due to the snappy recoil and tiny grip.
I would only go with a .40 for a full sized gun, or a compact with a full length grip.
My decision came down to I didn't believe the slight extra street effectiveness of the .40 was worth the considerable extra snap to it.
Try to shoot both models and see what is more comfortable for you. I tried firing the G27 but for me I felt uncomfortable with that model. I tried a G23 and for me it worked out great. I do not reload at all so my G19 gets more use than my 23.
tactikel
Member
Most ranges will rent guns, try them both. My buddy who has several 9mms bought a .40 and hated it -"too snappy", "too loud"- I have shot .45 acp for 30 years and found the .40 easy to shoot, and very accurate. I like the extra rounds the .40 gives you over the .45.
kmrcstintn
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luv 9mm; owned semi's on and off that were 9mm; kinda got burned out on it (mostly shoot revolvers & mostly .38 spl & .357 mag -- medium bore calbers are covered); just got a Smith & Wesson SW99 in .40 S&W and I hope to like it
I have the 26 and a glock 22c and the 26 is ok to shoot with 9mm. Seems to
aim really well and pretty easy to get back on target. Not as easy as a good metal gun, but acceptable. Never had a failure. Now, putting a 40 in that, imagining it from my 22c - it would be somewhat of a handfull for me but i'd manage. If you're just going to use it for carry, it's going to be more powerfull first and any subsequent shots you get on target. I enjoy shooting my 22c more than I do my 26. I do a lot of range shooting. 40 cal ammo can be found for very reasonable prices at walmart and elsewhere. My Glocks will eat anything.
However, now that i've a CZ75b - I can say that if you want a terrific shooting gun - that's it (and unbelievable the Taurus PT92 series). All shoot like a dream. Both are so accurate they are almost boring. Boring yet comforting.
So if you shoot a lot get the 9mm. If you just are going to mostly carry and want more power, go with the 40. You won't likely regret it.
aim really well and pretty easy to get back on target. Not as easy as a good metal gun, but acceptable. Never had a failure. Now, putting a 40 in that, imagining it from my 22c - it would be somewhat of a handfull for me but i'd manage. If you're just going to use it for carry, it's going to be more powerfull first and any subsequent shots you get on target. I enjoy shooting my 22c more than I do my 26. I do a lot of range shooting. 40 cal ammo can be found for very reasonable prices at walmart and elsewhere. My Glocks will eat anything.
However, now that i've a CZ75b - I can say that if you want a terrific shooting gun - that's it (and unbelievable the Taurus PT92 series). All shoot like a dream. Both are so accurate they are almost boring. Boring yet comforting.
So if you shoot a lot get the 9mm. If you just are going to mostly carry and want more power, go with the 40. You won't likely regret it.
biblefreak
Member
Just out of curiosity, what makes you think that a 9mm is a spray and pray cartridge? A round of any caliber has little bearing on what an improperly trained shooter is doing behind the trigger. It should be the responsibility of the shooter to become proficient with their caliber of choice. I am a fan of the .45 and the 9mm and have nothing against the .40, I just hope that regardless of the caliber chosen one would train/practice on proper shot placement without regard to the size of the projectile exiting the barrel!!!
I carry my 27 more than anything else. My next gun may be a 26. Why? Because I don't have one.
I must admit that the .357 conversion barrel on the 27 gives you a jolt. I would not keep that barrel in for daily use, but it is an experience on the range.
I must admit that the .357 conversion barrel on the 27 gives you a jolt. I would not keep that barrel in for daily use, but it is an experience on the range.
Fumbler
Member
Your size has little to do with being able to handle recoil.
Now, if your head's bloated because you think being big is a good thing then I guess it helps in shooting simply because your confidence level is higher.
I one hand my 480 all the time and I'm only 5'-8" and 170 lbs.
I don't think of it as spray and pray. I think of it as "my 6 shots in your heart and lungs is better than your 4 shots in my arm and guts."
DougDubya
Member
I have to say, neither me nor my girlfriend are six foot plus muscle people.
Your size has little to do with being able to handle recoil.
Now, if your head's bloated because you think being big is a good thing then I guess it helps in shooting simply because your confidence level is higher.
I one hand my 480 all the time and I'm only 5'-8" and 170 lbs.
I don't think of it as spray and pray. I think of it as "my 6 shots in your heart and lungs is better than your 4 shots in my arm and guts."
She enjoyed shooting the .50 AE Desert Eagle far more than the .380 PPK/S we shot in the same session.
I tended more toward the 629 Classic than the PPK.
Snowdog
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I've always been rather impressed with the .40 S&W cartridge. Using Cor-Bon as an example:
9mm +P
125gr @ 1250 FPS (430 FPE)
.40S&W
135gr @ 1325 FPS (520 FPE)
A .40S&W can lob a heavier slug faster, so the "short and weak" moniker never stuck with me (yes, I'm aware it refers to its relation to the 10mm). When compared to a 9mm, it's a capable cartridge and I think it's just dandy.
That said, I still carry a 9mm (K9/147gr HSTs).
I've been toying with the idea of a G38 or perhaps a G26 SF... and I'm not a Glock fan. Something about both the stubby .45GAP and personally wieldable 10mm I find annoyingly intriguing. Why I must go through the BS every few months, I do not know. I'll probably still by carrying my K9 ten years from now.
9mm +P
125gr @ 1250 FPS (430 FPE)
.40S&W
135gr @ 1325 FPS (520 FPE)
A .40S&W can lob a heavier slug faster, so the "short and weak" moniker never stuck with me (yes, I'm aware it refers to its relation to the 10mm). When compared to a 9mm, it's a capable cartridge and I think it's just dandy.
That said, I still carry a 9mm (K9/147gr HSTs).
I've been toying with the idea of a G38 or perhaps a G26 SF... and I'm not a Glock fan. Something about both the stubby .45GAP and personally wieldable 10mm I find annoyingly intriguing. Why I must go through the BS every few months, I do not know. I'll probably still by carrying my K9 ten years from now.
I agree with this. I like to carry the .40, though I don't like the snappy recoil one bit. The .45 recoil is much more comfortable, but sometimes it's hard to conceal a .45.
I agree it's a compromise, but I don't see compromise as a negative word. I mean, we all compromise or else we'd be carrying AR15s on our shoulders every day. Or 308s. I think the 40's a BEAUTIFUL compromise.
Magnumite
Member
Try to get an opportunity to shoot the pistols you seem to like in either caliber. With modern loadings, both calibers are effective. Then buy the pistol you like and don't lose any sleep over it. Practice often.
DougDubya
Member
I guess I'm just a luddite. I'll give the .40 another 10 years to win me over. Meanwhile, I'll be happy with 9mm AND .45.
razorback2003
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Either Great
Try them both out and see which you like. I went with a 9mm because I shoot a lot and it has always been almost 50% cheaper than practice 40 cal ammo. I have no problems shooting either. My wallet can't afford shooting a 40 very much. I shoot a 22LR pistol quite a bit to save money. If you don't have a 22 pistol, consider picking yourself up a quality 22 pistol. It will make you a much better shooter and it will pay for itself in no time.
Try them both out and see which you like. I went with a 9mm because I shoot a lot and it has always been almost 50% cheaper than practice 40 cal ammo. I have no problems shooting either. My wallet can't afford shooting a 40 very much. I shoot a 22LR pistol quite a bit to save money. If you don't have a 22 pistol, consider picking yourself up a quality 22 pistol. It will make you a much better shooter and it will pay for itself in no time.
BushyGuy
Member
the 9mm FMJ can go where no .40 has gone before....now were talking firepower... i choose the 9mm the .40 is just another fad thats gonna disappear soon the 9mm and .45 acp has been around long since my daddys been in diapers.. so its gonna be around for another lifetime . i dont know about the .40 i think its a waste if you want some heavy hitters go to the .45 acp if you want speed go for the 9mm the .40 is in the middle no need for a middlegun. IMHO!
LoneStarWings
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Maybe if you already have both a 9mm and a .45, but if you only want one caliber or one gun, I think the .40 is a solid choice.
.40 Cal Federal HST's, two 180gr on the left, two 165gr on the right.
Logos
member
Doesn't look like a fad to me.
More like a long overdue bit of common sense.
More like a long overdue bit of common sense.
kansas coyote
Member
If you do any balistics research you will find the 40 is nowhere near a middle caliber what you are stateing is an old whives tale of sorts . This quote was taken from Willey C. the feild editor for Shooting times and handgunning Magazine as a contribution to The complete reloading manual for the 10mm and 40 s&w .
" The 40 S&W cartridge is a marvel in packaging . It's small enough to go into a double column magazine of a 9mm sized pistol but big enough to deliver sufficient energy as to compare favorably with the venerable .45 acp . The fourty is plainly the personification of compromise. But-and thats a big but - don't fall into the trap of thinking the 40 S&W is halfway between the two established cartridges. While the 40S&W is a little less than a .45 ACP it is assuredly a lot more than the 9 mm .
I will take a pros word for it over Joe Internet Pro everyday. You don't get that kind of job with out being alot smartet than you and I .
" The 40 S&W cartridge is a marvel in packaging . It's small enough to go into a double column magazine of a 9mm sized pistol but big enough to deliver sufficient energy as to compare favorably with the venerable .45 acp . The fourty is plainly the personification of compromise. But-and thats a big but - don't fall into the trap of thinking the 40 S&W is halfway between the two established cartridges. While the 40S&W is a little less than a .45 ACP it is assuredly a lot more than the 9 mm .
I will take a pros word for it over Joe Internet Pro everyday. You don't get that kind of job with out being alot smartet than you and I .
DougDubya
Member
@kansas coyote - I was being a tad facetious. But as I read in Outlaw Red, an owner can only give his full love to one or two dogs at a time.
As such, my heart trends toward the 9mm and .45 Auto, despite my brain talking about the awesome superiority of 165 grains at 1150 fps.
As such, my heart trends toward the 9mm and .45 Auto, despite my brain talking about the awesome superiority of 165 grains at 1150 fps.
Magnumite
Member
The 40 just another fad?
Then ALL those police departments are taking stock in an already obsolete round.
The 40 is a very good round. The 357 Sig hasn't the foothold the 40 does, and the nine has been losing ground to it steadily in law enforcement circles. It will be around for a long, long time.
Then ALL those police departments are taking stock in an already obsolete round.
The 40 is a very good round. The 357 Sig hasn't the foothold the 40 does, and the nine has been losing ground to it steadily in law enforcement circles. It will be around for a long, long time.
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