Im new to handguns (I have a Yugo SKS, mossberg pistol grip shotgun, and a phoenix arms 22 handgun). Im looking into buying a nice size caliber pistol. What do you think is best to move up with? a 9mm for power or a 45 for even more power? Im also looking into getting a ccw and only want to spend about $500. I want at least a 10 rounder. Thanks for your help everyone
Should I Buy a 9 or a 45?
- Thread starter Kevin33
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Zundfolge
Member
Well since you're in California you're going to be stuck with no more then a 10 rounder.
I recommend 9mm since its cheaper to shoot, so you'll shoot more, and proficiency is more important then power.
More important then caliber is to find a gun that feels right in your hand. If that gun is available in both calibers then start thinking about which you want.
Be advised that one of the most contentious debates in the entire firearms world is 9mm vs .45acp.
So don't expect a definitive answer
I recommend 9mm since its cheaper to shoot, so you'll shoot more, and proficiency is more important then power.
More important then caliber is to find a gun that feels right in your hand. If that gun is available in both calibers then start thinking about which you want.
Be advised that one of the most contentious debates in the entire firearms world is 9mm vs .45acp.
So don't expect a definitive answer
My good man you've just opened a huge can of worms.
It would help if we knew the exact intended purpose of the gun.
I would encourage you to decide on a firing platform/pattern and then seek out a quality firearm in your price range. $500 should get you a very nice handgun if you do your homework first.
If you then are still debating over caliber, well I don't know what to say other than you must decide for yourself.
As for me I actually carry .40 S&W so both the .45 fans and the 9x19 fans will hate me
If it was just to have a gun to shoot I'd probably get something chambered in 9x19.
It would help if we knew the exact intended purpose of the gun.
I would encourage you to decide on a firing platform/pattern and then seek out a quality firearm in your price range. $500 should get you a very nice handgun if you do your homework first.
If you then are still debating over caliber, well I don't know what to say other than you must decide for yourself.
As for me I actually carry .40 S&W so both the .45 fans and the 9x19 fans will hate me
If it was just to have a gun to shoot I'd probably get something chambered in 9x19.
everyone should start out with a .45 ACP 1911! after that everything smaller is easy to shoot because you're used to a big bore handgun. ammo isn't cheap but the simplicity of the 1911 design and its user-friendlyness and power outweigh all of that stuff that 9mm is good for (being light, cheap, easy to control) with enough practice you will be shooting your .45 better than most can a 9mm. cant really go wrong with either unless you run into some crack head looking to stab you for some blow money.. then i would want the .45.
when people ask me 9mm or .45 and a self-defense gun is a factor i am always taken back to what my father told me about his experience with .45 ACP:
"If they don't go down something is going to get blown OFF."
upon further inquiries he mentioned something about hitting bone and limbs hanging on by skin alone. this seems alittle fantastic but, i've read stories like this in accounts from everything form the banana wars to vietnam.
if you live in cali i don't think that having 7 or 8 rounds of .45 would be much more different than carrying 10 rounds of a lesser caliber.
also, a decent used 1911 can be had for around $400 and a brand new one from SA will run about $500-$600, depending on the options.
when people ask me 9mm or .45 and a self-defense gun is a factor i am always taken back to what my father told me about his experience with .45 ACP:
"If they don't go down something is going to get blown OFF."
upon further inquiries he mentioned something about hitting bone and limbs hanging on by skin alone. this seems alittle fantastic but, i've read stories like this in accounts from everything form the banana wars to vietnam.
if you live in cali i don't think that having 7 or 8 rounds of .45 would be much more different than carrying 10 rounds of a lesser caliber.
also, a decent used 1911 can be had for around $400 and a brand new one from SA will run about $500-$600, depending on the options.
Yeah there are so many choices. It sucks being in CA with all these stupid rules. I see myself out of here in about 5-10 years. Well so far I got my eyes on a Taurus PT92 9mm, Looks very nice in ss. Ive also seen this with gold accents and pearl handgrips. But then theres the llama sub compact 45. I really dont know right now. im more for 85% 9mm since the ammo is cheaper and I have to admit I'm a cheapskate. Well theres a gun show coming up in about 2 weeks and I'll probably blow about $1,000 on a handgun and lots of 7.62 ammo
There are some .45 acp pistols out there that offer very low recoil. The Sig 220ST actually is easier to shoot than many small 9mms IMO.
Having said this, 9mm is cheaper, and in MOST PISTOLS will produce a little bit less recoil than a .45 acp pistol. Neither cartridge is difficult to control though, as I would consider both having "very mild" recoil.
My opinion. Try both out, and if you find a pistol that you like (in either caliber), consider it.
Having said this, 9mm is cheaper, and in MOST PISTOLS will produce a little bit less recoil than a .45 acp pistol. Neither cartridge is difficult to control though, as I would consider both having "very mild" recoil.
My opinion. Try both out, and if you find a pistol that you like (in either caliber), consider it.
Yes, I can testify as to the recoil factor.. I can tell very little difference between the felt recoil of my Springfield Armory Mil-Spec .45 ACP and my Springfield Armory XD9, and i practice with 230 gr FMJs (.45) and 115 gr FMJs (9mm).. so shooting the heaviest bullets out of the 1911 and some of the lightest FMJ loads from the 9mm the difference is negligable. So don't let anyone tell you that .45 is too hard to control. (Although my new Simonich/Strider Gunner Grips help with muzzle flip )
)
B
boofus
Guest
Get a single stack 1911. Then the 10 round limit is of no consequence.
chris93473
Member
buy a smith and wesson 945
Pietro Beretta
Member
If you have 1,000 to spend on a gun, get a 1911. I would get a Springfield Armory version, ...perhaps a Kimber...but I hear Kimbers Customer Service is slipping...
I wanted a 1911, but could not afford the price tag for the one I wanted. I also am one of those people who has to buy things new.
I instead purchased a Springfield Armory XD Sub Compact .40S&W for $550 (In total I paid more than I should have Since no one else within a 4 hour drive had the .40S&W model)
As soon as I held it I was in love... Only 7 more days untill I can pick it up.
The only thing about the SA XD SC .40 is that it Holds 9 rounds. The bigger clip they do have for it holds 12.(but of course living in California, we cant use the bigger one, I wish they would make one that holds 10 I would just like to have the Maximum allowed.)
( Theres no way in hell someone is going to buy a .22lr when they already have their mind set on something different... [BiggEr] )
I wanted a 1911, but could not afford the price tag for the one I wanted. I also am one of those people who has to buy things new.
I instead purchased a Springfield Armory XD Sub Compact .40S&W for $550 (In total I paid more than I should have Since no one else within a 4 hour drive had the .40S&W model)
As soon as I held it I was in love... Only 7 more days untill I can pick it up.
The only thing about the SA XD SC .40 is that it Holds 9 rounds. The bigger clip they do have for it holds 12.(but of course living in California, we cant use the bigger one, I wish they would make one that holds 10 I would just like to have the Maximum allowed.)
( Theres no way in hell someone is going to buy a .22lr when they already have their mind set on something different... [BiggEr] )
Krag
Member
DO NOT buy a .45 for your first handgun - Matt gave very bad advice. I'd advise you to get a .22 pistol or revolver and shoot a lot. Once you've got the hang of it move up to a .38 revolver or 9mm pistol. Once you acquired the necessary skills it's up to you whether or not you need a larger caliber handgun.
Welcome to the club. We need more like you.
I'd advise you to get a .22 pistol or revolver and shoot a lot. Once you've got the hang of it move up to a .38 revolver or 9mm pistol. Once you acquired the necessary skills it's up to you whether or not you need a larger caliber handgun. Welcome to the club. We need more like you.
Black Majik
Member
I started off with a 1911 in .45 ACP with no ill results. But I bought a 9mm SIG P226 shortly after to cut down on shooting costs.
Then theres the niche for the .40S&W round. Then the .22. And the .380. and, and, and.....
No matter what, starting out you're going to try out different calibers. So pick one that you'll be able to shoot comfortably. To start out pick the 9mm. Its half the cost of .45 ACP.
But personally, I find shooting the .45 ACP MUCH more enjoyable than the 9mm.
Oh yeah, there are 10 round magazines for the 1911. So either way you cant go wrong.
Have fun.
Then theres the niche for the .40S&W round. Then the .22. And the .380. and, and, and.....
No matter what, starting out you're going to try out different calibers. So pick one that you'll be able to shoot comfortably. To start out pick the 9mm. Its half the cost of .45 ACP.
But personally, I find shooting the .45 ACP MUCH more enjoyable than the 9mm.
Oh yeah, there are 10 round magazines for the 1911. So either way you cant go wrong.
Have fun.
Pietro Beretta
Member
How about this.
Buy a 1911, then buy one of those conversion kits for it to shoot .22lr
Buy a 1911, then buy one of those conversion kits for it to shoot .22lr
38SnubFan
Member
Although the 9mm is about the same (or a little less recoil) to shoot AND is cheaper to practice with, I still prefer the .45 ACP. It puts a bigger hole when you need it most, and I personally find that the .45 "kicks back" on recoil where the 9mm "kicks up" (more muzzle-flip than the .45). The .45 I can get quicker follow-up shots with.
Then again, it all depends on the gun and platform. I'm only talking from my personal experiences.
What someone else here gave is really sound advice that I would definitely consider: Go rent some, shoot them, then make your decision. Try different platforms - maybe even try some revolvers - and then go from there. Also, try a couple other calibers as well. You might find that neither the 9mm OR the .45 fits the bill as well as maybe a .357SIG or .40 S&W will.
Good luck, and welcome to the realm of handguns, and hopefully CCW (if you can get your permit where you're at).
-38SnubFan
Then again, it all depends on the gun and platform. I'm only talking from my personal experiences.
What someone else here gave is really sound advice that I would definitely consider: Go rent some, shoot them, then make your decision. Try different platforms - maybe even try some revolvers - and then go from there. Also, try a couple other calibers as well. You might find that neither the 9mm OR the .45 fits the bill as well as maybe a .357SIG or .40 S&W will.
Good luck, and welcome to the realm of handguns, and hopefully CCW (if you can get your permit where you're at).
-38SnubFan
That is your opinion, Krag.
There is no need to "move up" through the calibers.. that is just a waste of money (unless you actually want all those handguns). It doesn't matter wether you buy a .22 or a .44 for your first handgun. Once you are about 10 years old and able to understand the added precautions you need to take with pistols versus rifles and have the maturity associated with your level of reasoning skills, buy what you want.
Checking the topic again reveals that he wants either a 9mm or a .45 ACP and does not want to start out with a .22 LR with training wheels.
(Btw, why do I get the frowning face?! there were alteast two or three others that suggested getting 1911s if he wants one!
)
cortez kid
Member
See if you can use(rent) both a 9mm and a .45, than buy a .45
kid
kid
Joejojoba111
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.45, and a lee anniversary reloading kit
Or CZ52 in 7,62x25 and a crate of cartridges! If you're ok with a 9mm then why not a 7.62? And you can get the pistol and the crate for less than either a 9mm or a .45 pistol alone.
Or a Tokarev in the same calibre, they also have adaptability to fire 9mm if you want. But I hear a lot of good of the czech pieces.
Or CZ52 in 7,62x25 and a crate of cartridges! If you're ok with a 9mm then why not a 7.62? And you can get the pistol and the crate for less than either a 9mm or a .45 pistol alone.
Or a Tokarev in the same calibre, they also have adaptability to fire 9mm if you want. But I hear a lot of good of the czech pieces.
lee n. field
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Ten.
Foot.
Pole.
I see you have 2 posts total, so you may not realize this is what they call a "Frequently Asked Question." It tends to quickly generate (degenerate might be more accurate) a huge long thread best summarized as "9" "45" "9!" "45!" "Old Fart!" "Pansy!"
Pick one. I don't care. Pull petals off a daisy, going "9, 45, 9, 45, 9, 45. . ." That'll work at least as well as following advice off an Internet gun board.
(Get the .45 (ACP, of course) and be done with it. Which .45 is another huge arguement. )
Foot.
Pole.
I see you have 2 posts total, so you may not realize this is what they call a "Frequently Asked Question." It tends to quickly generate (degenerate might be more accurate) a huge long thread best summarized as "9" "45" "9!" "45!" "Old Fart!" "Pansy!"
Pick one. I don't care. Pull petals off a daisy, going "9, 45, 9, 45, 9, 45. . ." That'll work at least as well as following advice off an Internet gun board.
(Get the .45 (ACP, of course) and be done with it. Which .45 is another huge arguement. )
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