9MM versus .40 S&W

I was where you are with my purchase a couple of months ago. Someone who knows way more than me, suggested that I try out quite a few different guns before I make the pick. After all you're shelling out a lot of cash for this sport. You should get something you will love to shoot. My wife and I did it together as we are empty nesters now. We shot different models each time and made notes each time we went to the range. Originally thought I liked a Sig 226 or S&W MP40. As it turned out, I didn't like either one. Ended up with an STI Edge in 40. My wife fell for a CZ75 in 9mm. It really is a personal thing. Don't get me wrong; all the guns we tried were very well made. For me it came down to how the trigger pull felt. So if you can, try a few out. You might surprise yourself with you ultimate choice.

Good luck
Gerry
 
Originally 40S&W was a way to get 45 power in a 9mm package. Some 40's are literally the 9mm with a stronger recoil spring, others have heavier slides. Essentially however, the 40 puts more stress on the pistol (and shooter) than the 9mm - even though the newest 40 cals are actually designed as 40 cals, the 9mm version will still last longer and be more reliable overall due to the lower energy of the 9mm.
 
The only useful purpose for 40 is in a 2011 platform to make major in standard division of IPSC. Other than that there are better choices all around. 9 is cheaper and paper can't tell the difference. If you shoot matches in the states you get higher capacity mags.

If you want more performance/ccw/etc most pro's don't recommend 40 either as it's not enough more powerful than 9 and it doesn't have the power of 45.
 
I feel the following: 9mm=pop, .40=snap, .45=thump...the paper doesn't care much but for me the 9mm is economically the best, but the thump of a .45 is pretty solid. I'm still trying to get used to the .40...it is a snappy little thing, IMO. I'm still shooting, so it's still fun!
 
Darky said:
I'm a nine man as others have said it cheaper and its only holes in paper.
Click to expand...

You should try .22, even cheaper holes.

In all seriousness, 9mm is a great choice for all of these reasons. I enjoy shooting 40 as well though - sometimes i feel like a bit more recoil than 9mm.
 
Last edited:
Just my opinion but it appears HG's are more readily available in 9mm vs .40cal. (I vote 9mm)
I personally try to not have too many calibers of ammo just for the sake of simplicity. That said..I still enjoy variety so my handgun's are: .22lr, 9mm, 45ACP, 44mag(44sp), and 460V(45LC, 454Casull, 460mag)
 
clhdluke said:
I feel the following: 9mm=pop, .40=snap, .45=thump...the paper doesn't care much but for me the 9mm is economically the best, but the thump of a .45 is pretty solid. I'm still trying to get used to the .40...it is a snappy little thing, IMO. I'm still shooting, so it's still fun!
Click to expand...

I love my 40, I agree with you on the recoil but I only find it snappy on the polymer pistols. The heavier 226 sig feels like its almost meant for the 40s&w IMHO it feels like I'm a shooting a +p 9mm
 
If you want to spend $1-4 more per 50 bullets to punch 1mm larger holes in the paper......................then get a .40

You'll get a .40 eventually. Be patient grasshopper. Grab up that 9mm buy some bulk ammo and get shootin!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom