9mm vs 40SW

[Karate]

We have a small group around here and we have been getting together lately for a little competative shooting...later we plan on trying an IDPA match or two...I have always shot either a 40SW or .357sig....I currently shoot and carry a Walther P99 in 40SW but have been think of getting another one in 9mm for practice and competition...mainly because the ammo is cheaper and the recoil is slightly less allowing quicker follow up shots in competition....do you guys think this is a good idea? or would I be better off just staying with the 40SW... Can you buy light loads in 40SW this might help with follow up shot in comp...I already realize that I can buy a lot of ammo with what I would pay another P99...Thanks

 

[Kor]

If you're gonna shoot IDPA, I'd stick with your .40S&W gun - you can't use the extra rounds you'd be able to fit in a hi-cap 9mm mag(10 rds per mag for competition), and round counts are usually low enough(18 rds max per stage) that any cost savings on ammo should be negligible in the short run.

You don't wanna go with light-loaded .40S&W ammo, as it might not function your gun reliably - and, if you're serious enough about IDPA to shoot in a major state/regional match, expect to have your match ammo test-fired over a chronograph to ensure it meets mimimum Power Factor standards(IDPA Stock Service Pistol: (Bullet Weight X Velocity) / 1000 => 125). Local/club-level matches usually aren't that formal, though.

Another ammo-related issue - often stages will include steel-plate knockdown targets, and .40's usually drop the steel faster than 9mm, which sometimes requires multiple hits to knock down a Pepper Popper, depending on how it's adjusted.

If you'd like to try IPSC and shoot in "Limited 10" or Production Class, there's no advantage to 9mm & hi-cap mags either, since you're also limited to 10 rds per mag, AND you'll be disadvantaged in scoring by shooting Minor Power Factor ammo - peripheral hits with 9mm Minor ammo score less than the same hits with .40S&W Major ammo. Basically, you gotta shoot straighter than AND as fast as the .45/.40 guys to get the same scores they do. If you decide to compete in Limited or Open class, where you CAN use hi-cap mags, you'd be running a stock 9mm P99 against top-flight shooters with super-tuned 1911s using 17+ rd mags - sure, it could be fun, but it would also probably be a humbling experience.

So, on balance, I'd recommend against buying another 9mm gun solely for match use.

 

[ryucasta]

It’s my opinion that for IDPA competition you would be better served with a 9x19 cartridge, it’s a lower cost cartridge for the same size gun it will have less felt recoil and all of the manufactured cartridges in market today will make and exceed the 125 PF.

With regards to the poppers all of the games require that they be calibrated so a projectile with a 125 PF will knock them down so that is really a non-issue. So if you can afford to purchase another firearm configured for 9x19 do so but don’t take my word for it try both cartridges at a match and see which one is better for you.

 

[wun_8_seven]

i agree with ryucasta, there is no advantage to shooting 40 s&w in idpa more recoil and higher cost. 187

 

[bedlamite]

Keep the 40, and start reloading.

 

[stipilot]

You don't wanna go with light-loaded .40S&W ammo, as it might not function your gun reliably

That's why recoil springs are available in a variety of weights and at $7, they're not even going to break the bank.

 

[ryucasta]

Stipilot,

You bring up a valid point with regards to the spring, but if Open Hand decides to compete in SSP division he'll have to use the original stock parts. And let's say he decides to change the springs then he's in the ESP division which is another ball game altogether.

 

[rebbryan]

or you could get a USP in .40, recoil's supposed to be less than most, just a thought