Pros/Cons for 9MM and .40

[rcmodel]

People do it, and it seems to work as well as could be expected.
You do need 9mm mags, but the .40 slide works, after a fashion.

http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=984&CAT=241

Might be O.K. for range play.
But I wouldn't want to bet my life on it for SD use.

See, there really is a good reason Glock and other manufactures make two different guns / slides for 9mm & .40 S&W.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

I have a 9MM Conversion barrel from Firedragon for my XSC in .40. I use a 9MM mag and it runs fine.

I will go with rcmodel on this though, I don't use it set up like that for self defense, just cheap range time. The .40 barrel and mag go back in as soon as range as the session is over.

 

[BeerSleeper]

Interesting to know. I wish I could find a conversion barrel for my sigma. I'd like to shoot .357sig from the .40.

 

[GW Staar]

Just looked at the Springfield XD 9MM and it looks pretty good too. Now I dont know what i like lol. Springfield XD or Smith and Wesson M&P.

Anyone have both those kinds or have had them and can give me info on either one?

Since your all mixed up anyway....check the Springfield 9mm XDm.....and while yer at it the XDm 45. I'm trying reeeaal hard trying to justify another pistol myself right now! Damn nice gun...even with my small hands.(with the smallest back strap of course)

I know the 19 rounds per load, the smaller grips, the cheap ammo, and cheap reloads of the 9mm are hard to resist....but I still do.

Only Zombies scare me a lot. I'm referring to drug addicts who feel no pain (until they runout of drugs), and have brains depleted of intelligence, remorse, compassion, or reason. Ask any cop. They know them well. With them, there are accounts of 12 shots of .45 (police rounds) being needed to stop a big one. I know...placement... but when the adrenalin is surging and/or you're already wounded.... that same thug, might use up every bit of an XD or XDm's 19 round 9mm load. (unless you can get lucky, and put one between the eyes, with your hands shaking)

Okay, as to your original question...for self defense...there's a reason that many police departments went to .40 S&W from 9mm. There's also a reason Gaston Glock created the .45 GAP. There's also a reason the special forces started taking bigger guns into the caves of Afghanistan. (the same reason the army learned in the Philippines to spec a bigger caliber handgun for future engagements...which they forgot after WW2).

So, given your choices, IMO, I'd learn to shoot (and reload) the .40S&W well, in spite of its recoil and blast, over having the 9mm as an only gun. That said, I think they are great at the range to learn to shoot with. If I can learn to shoot a Kahr CW40...anyone can. It has been dependable, super small and is as light and comfortable to conceal-carry everyday as any 9mm. But .45 ACP is my choice at home and in my automobiles.

 

[Mudinyeri]

The XDm's are very nice guns right out of the box. I own two XD's - a .40 sub-compact and a .45 Tactical - as well as an XDm in 9mm. All are nice, but the XDm is definitely in a different league.

 

[GW Staar]

The XDm's are very nice guns right out of the box. I own two XD's - a .40 sub-compact and a .45 Tactical - as well as an XDm in 9mm. All are nice, but the XDm is definitely in a different league.

I have to agree....accurate as hell, and they're even a joy to field strip! And why don't I own one yet. Let's see, what does the wife want right now?...alway's best to play fair.....uh, a new kitchen...geeze...

 

[Maverick223]

I have always held a bit of hatred for the .40S&W, it seems to have a sharper recoil (snappier) and more concussion than a similar .45ACP, and far more recoil at greater expense than the 9mmPara. I greatly prefer the .45ACP for stopping power (though most are hard for me to carry due to bulk and weight), the little 9mmPara for plinking, and the .380ACP for light carry. I plan to purchase either a S&W 360PD .357Magnum and/or (most likely "and") a HK P2000sk .357Sig for a winter carry pistol. You may want to give these cartridges (not necessarily the pistols themselves) a look as well. FWIW, Ruger is coming out with a new LCR in .357Magnum as well, this may prove to be an excellent option for you and the wife (much cheaper than the aforementioned S&W revolver, but at the cost of being DA only).

 

[nm3]

Take this info for what it's worth. I have a full size M&P.40. I've shot the 9mm and wasn't overly impressed, don't know why. I've shot the .45 and liked it, but decided on the .40 figuring the ammo would be cheaper, and it is. I just took up reloading and I shoot 180 grain FMJ at low/starter charges, so I can't say I notice or experience the snappy recoil others mention. I've tried a Glock, but I like my S&W M&P better. This is my first pistol and for me, I love it. Hope this helps in some way.