.40 VS 9mm for SHTF

.40 S&W or 9mm

  • Buy the .40!

    Votes: 32 39.5%

  • Buy the 9mm

    Votes: 49 60.5%
  • Total voters
    81
  • Poll closed .
Wrong Way

Wrong Way

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Hypothetically speaking (meaning carrying for self defence and mag limits lifted.....maybe someday it could happen! Of course...it'll probably snow in hell first)...what is a better choice? .40 (manageable recoil, better "takedown power) or 9mm (Higher mag capacity, lots of ammo)

Seriously. The recoil on the 9 and 40 are close enough not to concern me, the ammo argument is moot (as .40 factory only costs 3-4.00 more per 50)

I notice that the military uses 9's, while most LEO's carry 40's.....

WHICH SHOULD I BUY?
 
In the words of Gabe Suarez, "Use the most powerful handgun you are able to handle."

(Or words to that effect....)
 
The difference in magazine capacity between the 9x19 and .40S&W is negligible (2 rounds?) I'd go with the .40 if it is your only pistol.

However, 9x19 and .45acp is a pretty good combo (assuming there are no magazine limitations) otherwise skip the poll and go straight for the .45acp :D
 
If the entire world comes apart there is a lot more 9mm ammo available than 40 S&W. Yes, this means 9mm ammo is easier to find. In the case of a single melt-down I am not convinced that a double tap to a vital area with 9mm isn't as good as one 40 S&W. This statement is based on the use of very good personal protection ammo. Regards, Richard :D
 
A 9mm+P 124 grains self-defense load will give about 450 lb/ft of muzzle energy, while a 40S&W 180 load will also give 450 lb/ft. So I'd say they're pretty identical.

However, guys from the Box-O-Truth did show, in a 9mm vs 40 test, that the 9 mils will have a slightly greater penetration and better expansion than the 40, due to it's higher MV.
 
richardoldfield said:
If the entire world comes apart there is a lot more 9mm ammo available than 40 S&W. Yes, this means 9mm ammo is easier to find. In the case of a single melt-down I am not convinced that a double tap to a vital area with 9mm isn't as good as one 40 S&W. This statement is based on the use of very good personal protection ammo. Regards, Richard :D
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Yes, I agree than 9mm is more plentiful. I still voted for .40 S&W, though. For me it would be a Glock 22, .40 cal., nite sites & with the 15 shot "law enforcement" mags. Ammo would probably be something like Speer Gold Dot 180 gr JHP's. Let's just say I have it on good authority that this pistol/ctg/ammo "works" for it's intended purpose. ;)
 
In a real SHTF type scenario, I don't think caliber will be all that important.

- How easy is the pistol to conceal?
- Will the size/weight bother you after carrying it everyday for 5 months?
- Single Action pistols (1911's) means having to fumble with a safety.
- Reliability of the firearm is paramount. FTF's, FTE's will get you killed. Will it function even when it's muddy/dirty?

I'd go with the 9mm unless you think the police will be handing out ammo during a SHTF scenario. ;)
 
either way, all you need is a spare barrel and possibly mag and spring to switch- so the argument is moot- just get a spare top end in the one you don't have and it's like a 3-4 second switch with most handguns
 
"Fumble with a safety" - Assuming you have shot a pistol before working the safety on a 1911 is about as difficult as taking a leak after drinking a pail of beer!

In the case of the SHTF scenario you are going to be worrying about the world supply of 9MM vs .40cal but that said 9MM is likely to be more plentiful locally, weighs less, takes up less space and is just as effective. My choice would be a CZ or Hi-Power. Both are steel and when you run out of bullets you still have a hammer/club. Not sure the plastic Glocks would work long term in the latter's role.;)

Take Care

Bob
 
Canuck44 said:
"Fumble with a safety" - Assuming you have shot a pistol before working the safety on a 1911 is about as difficult as taking a leak after drinking a pail of beer!
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Any manual safety is a potential for disaster in a life or death situation. For a concealled carry weapon, it's hard to imagine a worse design than the 1911. The exposed hammer, the horn shaped frame, the weight, the size, the low ammo capacity. Add in an extended safety and this thing is almost guaranteed to remain tangled in your clothes while you're shot dead. They are a great range gun, they are incredibly robust & reliable while retaining great accuracy, and they've been battle tested like no other, but unless you can carry it openly like a soldier, I'd rather pick something else.

I have owned a 1911, but I haven't owned a Glock. If I had to pick today, I'd take the Glock for SHTF. I'm hoping that the world will stay together a little while longer though, because if I can find one, my next handgun will be an NP-29 (9mm 1911 clone). After that I'll start saving for a Glock again.
 
CanFire said:
In a real SHTF type scenario, I don't think caliber will be all that important.
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+1 Caliber won't matter much since there will be no gas (or very little) to run vehicles so we will have to be carrying everything. Personally I'd have the 10/22 and 22/45 Mark III with several thousand rounds of ammo on my back with all the clothes and tools as I bicycled for higher ground.
 
Paulinski said:
^^ I guess there are a lot of dead soliders by having tangled their 1911 in their uniforms while krauts/japs shoot them to pieces:):):)
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Gee, I'm pretty sure I covered that in my previous post...
 
Gee I think your previous statement makes no sence.
dunno.gif
If you want to play the sarcastic way.
shakehead.gif
 
CanFire said:
Any manual safety is a potential for disaster in a life or death situation. For a concealled carry weapon, it's hard to imagine a worse design than the 1911. The exposed hammer, the horn shaped frame, the weight, the size, the low ammo capacity. Add in an extended safety and this thing is almost guaranteed to remain tangled in your clothes while you're shot dead. They are a great range gun, they are incredibly robust & reliable while retaining great accuracy, and they've been battle tested like no other, but unless you can carry it openly like a soldier, I'd rather pick something else..
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You forgot to say "IMHO" .:p It all comes down to training,training,training.

I'am a big fan of the 1911A1, it has stood the test of time,and is still used.
O.K. having said that,Back to topic,.40 cal,Its becoming as plentiful as 9mm,just a matter of time before its more common.

Oh, and RULE 25 of the U.S.M.C. Rules for Gun Fighting.
25.Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun,the caliber of which does not start with a "4"
 
Greenhorse six said:
Oh, and RULE 25 of the U.S.M.C. Rules for Gun Fighting.
25.Do not attend a gunfight with a handgun,the caliber of which does not start with a "4"
Click to expand...

Sorry but a brain can't tell whether a bullet going thru it is 9mm or .40. :dancingbanana: :dancingbanana:
 
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