Caliber Preference

[neomedic]

I'm looking to get a subcompact with barrel length to be about 3.25 inches. Just wanted to see what you guys would prefer: 9mm or .40SW

For the P2000sk, the one round difference is not a deal breaker for me. And cost of ammo is not an issue. Just want to know which you would choose / feel most comfortable with.

I don't want to cause a caliber debate...just what you would choose and what you would feel most comfortable with. Just to avoid the debate...assume that either with the 9 or 40 your shot placement will be exactly the same.

I'm going to the range and find out how the recoil will be in the .40 in a sub-compact platform. But not withstanding the recoil and thus shot placement or follow up shots, which would you choose.

thanks.

[OneSevenDeuce]

Since you added in the POI variable being the same for either round it seems to me like your major inquiry in concerning recoil. A short barrel and a lighter (less mass) gun means recoil, or the energy transferred from the round firing through the gun and into your hand, will be greater/felt more. 9mm is generally considered a "lighter" round than a .40, and I would agree with that assessment in terms of felt recoil. Although 9mm +P is different. Personally I would choose the 9mm, but I have fired a lot of 9mm in my life and am comfortable with that round.

[1911Operator]

i like 9mm, its cheap, and easy to find.

[Kodemonkey]

40 is snappier, but it's pretty close to a 9mm. Both good rounds. I went with a 9mm because it was a faster followup and the ammo is cheaper (and easier to find). I've shot the 40 in a glock compact and it was very controllable, and I competed very well with it in IDPA. But it is no match for my USP 9mm in speed or accuracy for ME.

With the impending ammo hoarding because of AB962 and the possibility of ammo being just plain hard to find, my choice would be the 9mm.

[Legasat]

9mm is less expensive, more available, less snappy, and with modern rounds, you won't compromise lethality.

[JTROKS]

9 or 40 would be the best choice. I'd probably pick something that starts with a .4 if the purpose is for CCW.

[Andy Taylor]

9mm.
Less recoil=faster follow up shots.
Lower priced ammo=more practice or the same practice at lower cost or because of less recoil less practice needed=even more $$ saved.
With modern ammo stopping power is not an issue.
In my experience 9mm pistols TEND to be less ammo sensitive than .40 cal pistols.

[gorenut]

If money isn't an issue and you're comfortable with the recoil of a .40sw (I am, I think most people overstate the recoil), I say go for it. Especially if both calibers can hold atleast 10 (not sure about the specific gun you're talking about). In my experience, .40 is easier to find than 9mm at Wal-Mart

[Turo]

I feel that most people say .40S&W recoil is more than it is too. Even in something as lightweight as a Glock subcompact, the difference in recoil between 9 and 40 is pretty small.

I would choose (and did choose) .40S&W. My Glock 27 treats me well .

[telcolineman]

The bigger the better, .40 cal

[neomedic]

Here are some pics of my range report. All targets shot at about 21
feet. All using subcompacts from HK P2000sk, XD sub compact, and
Glock 27. Didn't shoot the Glock 26....shot it before and remember I did well with it.
All using ball ammo (9mm = Winchester), (.40SW = Fiocchi)
All shots was in Single Action, taking my time.

I shot best with the XD9, but it was not as comfortable. The slide
release was rubbing my hand on each shot. Can see it being a problem
if I shot like 100 rounds. Also didn't like how it didn't have a pinky rest and had to curl it in.

The P2000sk 9mm had very good results too.

Of the .40SW, I think the best was HK P2000sk. The XD40 was very close
as well. The worst for me was the Glock 27.

The .40sw recoil was a bit sharper, but nothing I can't handle. Thus
a little slower with follow up shots if needed. The 9mm was more
enjoyable to shoot and follow up shots were a bit quicker. But I do
like having a larger caliber.

So what do you guys think? What should I get?

P2000sk 9mm - 10 shot group (Could be me, but I think the sights are a little to the left)



XD9 sub-compact - 10 shot group



P2000sk .40sw - 9 shot group



XD40 sub-compact - 9 shot group



Glock 27 .40sw

[Synergy]

Here are some pics of my range report. All targets shot at about 21
feet. All using subcompacts from HK P2000sk, XD sub compact, and
Glock 27. Didn't shoot the Glock 26....shot it before and remember I did well with it.
All using ball ammo (9mm = Winchester), (.40SW = Fiocchi)

I shot best with the XD9, but it was not as comfortable. The slide
release was rubbing my hand on each shot. Can see it being a problem
if I shot like 100 rounds.

The P2000sk 9mm had very good results too.

Of the .40SW, I think the best was HK P2000sk. The XD40 was very close
as well. The worst for me was the Glock 27.

The .40sw recoil was a bit sharper, but nothing I can't handle. Thus
a little slower with follow up shots if needed. The 9mm was more
enjoyable to shoot and follow up shots were a bit quicker. But I do
like having a larger caliber.

So what do you guys think? What should I get?

Your pictures are irrelevant. Any gun you train with with give you the best accuracy. Pick the one you feel most comfortable with.

[kellito]

Caliber Preference

You say no caliber debate? This thread looks to be a debate waiting to happen. 9mm sucks something fierce.

J/K, pick the one you like to shoot the most.


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[neomedic]

Additional comments? About to put the order in before Aug 1 (since leaning towards the HK).

Thanks.

[JTROKS]

What is the chance of running into a 250 lb+ highly aggressive crack starved lowlife that has no remorse if he has to kill you to get to the bills in your wallet? What caliber would you prefer in that situation? Now how about a quick and nimble 135 lb lowlife wielding a blade? I know one shot stops are unlikely with a handgun, but which caliber do you think will be more effective? It all depends on your ability and tactical knowledge to put a plan into action when that moment comes. The gun is just a tool to help you accomplish the task. If you have a big nail to pound would you use a small hammer?