Caliber Preference

[neomedic]

Hey Neo, I would agree that barrel length is the biggest contributing factor to felt recoil. However, my fatehers Glock 23 (40 s&w with 4 inch barrel) has more felt recoil than my Springfield XD40 subcompact (40 s&w with 3 inch barrel). I believe this is due to the slide on my XD being much heavier than the slide on the glock. Just some food for thought.

I agree. I'm not as accurate with the Glock 23 as compared to XD40sc or P2000sk in .40sw

[MossbergMan]

Compromise

Get one of each and be done with it. Stimulate the economy.
or just the 9mm or the .40....dang. Which ever one you shoot the best and like the best is the one you get. Forget what all us key board mall ninja's say. There is no reliable handgun stopper round. Placement is everything, so get the caliber you can afford to practice with the most. Get the gun YOU like and fire the best. Case closed.
I'd say a G-19/23 or the XD-9/40....

[Corbin Dallas]

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.

Caliber between 9 and 40 is a moot point at close ranges.

Anything you can shoot and train with that will result in a group the size of your fist is good enough for self defense.

My personal feeling is I want the barrel as LOW as possible in my hand to reduce muzzle flip, I want to gun to be small enough to conceal but not so small I cannot grip it properly, I want as HIGH a round count to carry as I can get without giving up on stopping power... AND, I want to train with the same ammo that I may end up using in a real fight so cost considerations my affect my decision (10mm/357sig vs. 40S&W/9mm cost/round)


So, the question really comes down to the operators preference of firearms.

My answer to your question:

You buy what feels right in your hand and the one that you are most comfortable with. If 9mm provides you with better follow up shots and remains on target faster, then this is the one you buy.