Posted: 2/21/2010 11:27:08 AM EDT
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I was originally set on getting a Glock 19, but now am considering a Glock 23. Even though the 9mm loads are lighter and have a smaller diameter, they're penetration tends to be slighly better than their .40 equivilents.
I know the differences between the two are miniscule, but which would you recommend? |
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All handgun rounds are weak (service pistol rounds, not .577 BFR) when compared with rifle rounds. I'm not convinced that there is any real difference between 9mmP. 40S&W, or .45ACP.
How much do you shoot? I do a couple matches a month and might go thru 250-300 a month. I can buy surplus 9mmP for around what it would cost me to reload. I've owned 40S&W handguns before. It is a good handgun round but I don't think it's significantly better than 9mmP. I've sold all the 40S&W weapons and standardized* on 9mmP. BSW *My wife really, really, likes her Sig P220, so it's the only oddball. |
| Considering the similarity look at which you shoot better and cost as well. Never saw any compelling reason to go with 40. If that's what you really want, go for it. It's really a matter of personal preference although as I understand it there may be issues with the glock 40's . Others would know more about it than I. |
| there are no issues with glock 40's. Yes the 40 has more power than a 9mm but how much more do you really need? Its the how much power do I really need to get the job done arguement. Most have come to the conclusion that 9mm is plenty. I carry a .40 for duty but its because my agency insists I use that. I would be fine carrying a 9mm or 45 as well. Doesn't matter to me. |
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I'd go with 9MM. Here's why:
I feel more comfortable as far as reliability is concerned in Glocks. Their .40s and larger calibres have a few issues with unsupported cases going kaboom. Most were reloaded cases which Glock has already said is a no-no, so go figure. Higher capacity. Easier to control recoil for quicker follow up shots. Cheaper ammo. |
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I would go with the 9mm for a few reasons.
1 In shootings with either 9 or .40, I have never seen any difference in performance between the two rounds*. 2 The 9 is going to easier to control and shoot well, especially with a good 147 grain bullet. 3 You can carry more rounds. 4 Ammo is cheaper. * By this I mean shootings I have seen, and to clarify my source here, before Katrina I spent my career in the most violent district in New Orleans, and after K (before getting sent to narc.) I worked in the part of the city with the most people in it, and the most violence in it then.....so I have seen a lot of shootings. |
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That's good info you posted. I don't hate the .40, it's just not my favorite. I haven't shot my G23 in about two years or more. To keep this on topic I'd suggest Speer Gold Dot ammo in whatever caliber you choose. I really like the 9mm 124 gr. +P load. |
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Personally I would go with the 9mm based on the things I stated here.
1 - 9mm has more ammo capacity (15 9mm VS 13 .40 S&W [not taking into account extended magazines]). 2 more rounds can make a difference. 2 - (generally speaking) All reputable 9mm ammo penetrates 12inches (close enough or more). 3 - 9mm is a common round and ammo should be on the cheap. 4 - 9mm +P loads tipped with hollowpoints. Higher velocity = more Kinetic Energy. But when it comes down to it, all I have to say is that you should pick what you want, what you prefer and what you can accurately shoot be it revolver or pistol, .32 cal or .44 magnum. |
| I had Glock models 17, 19, 22 & 23. I sold the 22 & 23 I can shoot my 17 and 19 all day long same for my 1911's and have great accuracy, give me a 40 and my times between shots and spread go out the window. For me I cant shoot the 40 as good as the 9 & 45, the snap of the 40, just isnt worth it to me for what gain? |
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I shoot both. I carry .40 for my EDC because as a CCW I wanted something that was a little better then 9mm.
But I love shooting my G17. My CCW is a G27. After getting used t the recoil I shoot .40 just fine. Not as accurate as 9mm, but at close range it isn't going to matter. |
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While I agree that all handgun rounds suck at killing people quickly, I try to avoid the comparison of "9mm is about equal to .40 which is about equal to .45..." It is absolutely true that they are close, but I stay away from that line of thinking. Because when you keep doing that, then you might get into the: ".380 auto is about equal to 9mm..." and taken to the extreme, it would seem to a noob that ".380 is about the same as .45 ACP," and that is just not the case. Sorry about the mini rant... kinda a pet peeve of mine.
OP... The tiny difference between the 9mm and .40 is not going to make a difference in nearly any SD encounter that you could be involved in. Shot placement will! 9mm is easy to handle, allows faster follow up shots, and is cheaper to practice with... these three variables are a good thing to look for in a SD caliber. I often tell people who have a 9mm but want something bigger to jump right up to the .45. In a Glock, you have to deal with a wider frame, a lot fewer rounds in a similar sized package, and more recoil... nothing too extreme, but it is a difference. I will go out on a limb and tell you that if you follow the "try them all and then go with what you shoot the best"... you will end up with a 9mm, and there is nothing wrong with that. Edited for spelling, and clarity. |
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Do you mean deeper? I am confused as to what your point is...
One thing that some here will calculate is total permanent wound cavity area in cubic inches... most 9mm rounds are 3.8 - 4.6ci... .40 are around 4.0 - 4.8. In looking at the ATK ballistic workshops results, it looks like most of the time the 9mm penetrates slightly deeper, and the .40 only expands to be slightly larger, depending on the load and bullet design. IMO it is a toss up as far as terminal ballistics go, so what it comes down to is which one is easier to shoot well under stress, and that is the 9mm. OP, if you feel like the 9 is too small, do not hesitate to try the .45 ACP... it is a great round as well. |
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Quoted:
I was originally set on getting a Glock 19, but now am considering a Glock 23. Even though the 9mm loads are lighter and have a smaller diameter, they're penetration tends to be slighly better than their .40 equivilents. I know the differences between the two are miniscule, but which would you recommend? Here's what you do. You buy the 23 then you get a Lone Wolf 9mm conversion barrel for about $100. When 9mm ammo gets scarce, you can usually find .40. The savings from shooting 10 boxes will pay for the barrel. You also need to get 9mm magazines. If you do decide you want to stick w/ 9mm you should get a 9mm extractor. ETA: My G23 has factory adjustable sights. That may be something you want to consider as an option as the 2 barrels are going to send rounds to 2 slightly different places. |
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If I had to own a gun in every caliber, I would buy a .40 S&W.
For me, it is an in-between round. It fits nicely between 9mm and .45ACP. I would prefer either 9mm or .45ACP however...instead of playing the middle of the road. I own two 9mm and one .45ACP handguns. I don't own any .40S&W, and I don't plan to either. That would just be another caliber that I needed to hoard. |
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Quoted:
Personally I would go with the 9mm based on the things I stated here. 1 - 9mm has more ammo capacity (15 9mm VS 13 .40 S&W [not taking into account extended magazines]). 2 more rounds can make a difference. 2 - (generally speaking) All reputable 9mm ammo penetrates 12inches (close enough or more). 3 - 9mm is a common round and ammo should be on the cheap. 4 - 9mm +P loads tipped with hollowpoints. Higher velocity = more Kinetic Energy. But when it comes down to it, all I have to say is that you should pick what you want, what you prefer and what you can accurately shoot be it revolver or pistol, .32 cal or .44 magnum. +1 I do admit I am a .40 hater though. I would much rather pick up a 10MM, .45, or .357 Sig. That being said, 9MM is my primary carry gun. |
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Please Read...Some good points are made.
I just think that everyone who carries should read this article. Many valid points and it just goes to show that "It's the singer, not the song. Spend your money on practice ammo". ~ISherman (BTW I have a G19 and it is always my go to carry gun) |