Do you shoot some calibers better than others?

[Legasat]

Hi All,

Newby here (came out of lurk mode). I have owned my M&P 9mm for about 16 months. Love it. I need/want another M&P only bigger caliber. I had my heart set on buying a .40 FS. I went to the range with my 9mm, and rented a .40 and .45 (all M&P's). To my surprise, I shot the .45 as well as my 9mm, but not the .40S&W. I'm not sure why. These are both "range guns", so I'm sure they get their share of abuse. I have always read "buy the one you shoot the best". My target tells the story; 3" pattern with the 9mm & .45, about a 6" pattern with the .40, both @ 10yds.

I'm in SoCal, so the next closest range is about 30 miles.

Is it most likely there was an issue with gun, or is it me? Is it possible I shoot the 9mm & .45 better than a .40?

What are your experiences?

Thanks.

Gary

 

[Kind of Blued]

A lot of people (myself included) will tell you that they find the .40 S&W to have "snappy" or fast recoil, whereas the .45 is more of an even "push".

Also, if you have big hands, it could be that the larger-framed .45 fit your hands better.

 

[Sapper771]

Legasat,

Welcome to the High Road.

I do shoot some calibers better than others. My department was issuing Glock 22 (.40 cal). My qualification scores would hover between 90% and 95%. My department issues Glock 31's (.357sig) now. My qualification scores now hover between 95% and 98%. I qualify with my 1911 government models (Wilson Combat and STI Trojan in 45acp) and a Glock 30 SF at 95-100% as off duty weapons.
Most of it is the platform you are shooting. My 1911's are more accurate than my glocks in my hands. There are way too many factors to bring into the picture, but your not alone.

 

[sohcgt2]

I shoot .45acp much tighter groups than .40 S&W from very similar guns (full size Glocks). If you shoot the .45 better I would say get the .45.