9mm or .40 cal?

[high_lander]

So I have settled on a Springfield XD. Which caliber? I already own a 9mm (Hi Point). So should I get 9 or 40? Is there a reason for one over the other?

[berg]

If you intend to shoot it a lot 9mm is much cheaper than .40 cal.

[Zion Lion]

Its good to have variations in a collection. I'd say go with the .40. The .40 is a bit more snappy compared to the 9mm though.

[moreno]

I went with the xd40 , you can always buy a conversion barrel to 9mm or 357.

[Zion Lion]

That is a very poor picture. haha, I totally forgot about the .40's being able to convert down

[eccvets]

If you intend to shoot it a lot 9mm is much cheaper than .40 cal.

only if you can find 9mm which you cant find any cheap 9mm anywhere now adays. go with the .40 cal.

[sirnonz]

.40 ammo is a lot more readily available

[sd_shooter]

If you go with the .40, consider getting the 'tactical' version. It adds a little heft to the slide and might be a smoother shooter.

[st.clouds]

From what I could gleaned off the internet, before I went with my purchase of a 9mm.

1) 9mm is better. More variations, from regular to +P+ (which apparently has more energy than a .40). There's no +P for the .40

2) Easier recoil.

3) Widespread adoption in the military around the world.

4) Better penetration through thicker clothing/body armor/hide see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywk_B5-woGw

5) Less likelihood to blow up, unlike the 40.

I think the real question is not the 9mm or the .40, but rather the 9mm vs. .45acp.

The .45 acp has as much variation as the 9mm, can be upgraded up to magnum calibers with Super or .460 Roland, so you can use it as home/wood protection, however you'd probably need a 1911 for the hotter loads. Although the steel 1911s are a bit out of reach for me, cost wise. Most of 1911s do not sport accessory rails.

As a starter I prefer lighter recoil and more control than power.

Just my .02

[adamsreeftank]

.40 is a great compromise between 9mm and .45. There is good reason it is the most popular round for LE.

[asgalindez]

.40 is a great compromise between 9mm and .45. There is good reason it is the most popular round for LE.

Because small females and girly men couldn't handle a 10mm?

I kid, I kid...no, but really, 'cause 10mm was too much for them to handle.

Hence, 40 S(hort) & W(eak), but I'm a bit biased.





Oh, and I vote 9mm.

[Jim40]

9mm is better. More variations, from regular to +P+ (which apparently has more energy than a .40).

IIRC, there is no such thing as "+P+," in the sense that SAAMI hasn't issued specs for it. In other words, you don't know the maximum pressure that will be created when you fire any given +P+ round. And that means there's a very real chance that your gun will go KA-BOOM!!! in your face.

[sorensen440]

Go with the 40

[JTROKS]

9mm will be easier to shoot and cheaper. I have a Glock 23, 35 and a couple of 1911s chambered in 40 S&W, but I choose the 9mm just because of the thought of over penetration. The house I live in is surrounded by houses that are no further than 35 yards from the center of my house to their walls. Ever considered over penetration?

[Alvin Tostig]

Go with the .40 because it's fun to say FOTAY!