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[Evolved]

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[Bananajacksonthe 3rd]

What caliber are you more comfortable shooting? What handguns do you currently own? What are your overall plans? Home defense or just a fun range gun? So many questions that only you can answer.

[Bananajacksonthe 3rd]

I will also spot in that I own a g17 and love it. But that's personal preference caliber wise.

[Albs]

Carrying is all personal preference. Asking others what they're comfortable carrying won't help you, try to be more specific.

Regarding 9 or 45.... question is, do you have loads of money to kill? Unless you're reloading shooting .45 is the same as shedding money for rifle rounds. It gets quite expensive.

I rather go with Glock 17, I'm more accurate with it.

Carry a M&P Shield 9 and Glock 19.

[Albs]

Have you shot any of those firearms you mentioned yet? Most people make the mistake of buying subcompact gun as their first gun because it's easier to conceal, but can't shoot to save their life. Test it out, if you can handle the recoil then make your decision based on what you're more comfortable shooting and carrying with.

[Beenhadthose]

If it's your first pistol get the 17, less intimidating, cheaper to shoot.
The 21 is a good gun also. Was my first pistol, a little intimidating. Get grip tape for the glocks regardless, my hand got too sweaty on the plastic grips, and harder to handle.

[area51]

Have both.. I enjoy shooting the 45 much better

[Beenhadthose]

I'm split because if I need it for defense then .45 would be nice to deposit all the power in the threat and not have overpenetration but on the other hand 9mm is cheaper and if it's cheaper then I can shoot it more and become more proficient with it.

#300

Check out Hornady ammo.

[Bananajacksonthe 3rd]

First hand gun then yeah get the g17. For the hd scenario I run 147 gr federal +p hollow points

[cabikefreak]

The 21 needs bigger hands. Make sure you are comfortable with the grip.

[MMXX]

turtles subs.

[Click here]

.45 acp is a great round but if you like to shoot stick with 9mm. The cost of 9mm is significantly less in the long run. However, if money is not an issue just base your choice on which one you shoot best.

[Soginator]

For whatever reason I am a better shot with my .45's. That could also be because I tend to spend more money on higher end 1911's. But since you're asking for opinions I thought I'd mention it. I don't think you'd be disappointed with either, although I would choose an XD all day every day over a g17. If you haven't checked it out, do so before you make your final decision.

[Thanatos2203]

My first handgun was a .45 due to both interest and what was available at the time (post Sandy Hook / Obama Re-election). It was kind of like jumping in the deep end to learn how to swim having never owned and barely shot a handgun before then. Once I got the hang of it I loved it and bought another. I shoot my friend's 9mm's now and while you can probably get faster follow up shots with them, there is no enjoyment or thrill factor for me like there is with a .45. Ammo costs more, but its not as bad as people make it out to be and I highly recommend buying in bulk.

As far as home defense, either one is going to kill bad guys as long as you are able to put the rounds where they need to go. Debating the nuances and myths of killing power is just going to bring the fan boys and keyboard warriors out of hiding.

Either one will treat you well, just consider that there is a greater learning curve for handling the increased recoil of .45. 9mm is easier for the average person to shoot well, that is part of its allure to Police departments and the military who unfortunately are forced to train shooters to the lowest common denominator.

[HKMadness]

Both. I use my 21 as primary sidearm now, but for many years it was my 17. Sounds like you'd be better off with a 17 to start.