.40 or .45

[MrBAD]

thinking of getting another gun to add to my small collection. I have basically narrowed it down to a glock 23(.40SW) or a Springfield xd .45 service. Im torn between the two even though they are different calibers. Also torn between .40 and .45. Is there that much of a difference?

[AAShooter]

Yes . . . endlessly discussed on Calguns.

[Euphoria526]

^^^^
This, plus .40 is cheaper in the long run unless you reload, then that's up to you. But I'd go with something other then a glock for a .40 unless it's the g34(?) recoils a ***** on those. I'd actually get one of the sd's in .40 those are niiiiice.
Unless you say f**k it and get a new xds

[far from tactical]

I would stay with a 40 instead of the 45 it's just easier on the pocket book in shooting a 40 then the 45. IMO

[GearsCOG5]

I just got the xd .45 tactical for my first, I love it very easy to shoot

[thomashoward]

Sig .40 or a 1911 .45 Had an XD but SWC reloads destroyed magazines so I sold it

[corcoraj2002]

I have an XD .40 and I like it alot.

[Euphoria526]

Get a CZ in .40!!!!! You'll never regret or look back.

[SoCalXD]

"Add to the collection"? Dude, you have to tell us what you are going to be using a gun for before we can recommend a gun and caliber! Otherwise, I recommend a 50AE Desert Eagle... a great "collectors gun"

If you are talking a primary home or vehicle self defense handgun, here's my take:

Handgun Caliber? they all put out 350-450 ft-lbs of energy with combat ammo, and all open up just fine to 65cal or bigger on impact. I own all of them, but recommend a 9mm for the lower ammo price and easier shooting for new shooters (such as your current or future significant other). Lots of high speed, low drag operators use 9mm and have no problem dropping bad guys.

As for the pistol... XD, S&W, Glock, Sig... all good choices, just get the one that feels right in your hand, shoots well for you at the range and fits your budget... that turned out to be the 1st Gen XD40 Tactical for me, with a 9mm conversion barrel to reduce the cost of my weekly tactical shooting hobby.

[justin_5585]

If you're not able to get full capacity magazines, I'll always choose a 45. 10 rounds of 45 is > than 10 rounds of 40...

[decepticon6551]

I like only having to pick up three kinds of ammo.

I have 9, 45, & 22, I'd vote 45.

XD is awesome btw.

[Capybara]

Have you shot both? Most people who have would have little problem choosing the caliber. To me, .40 has more unpleasant recoil and definitely more muzzle flip/climb.

.40 S&W = snap, .45 ACP = push.

I find the .45 more pleasant to shoot although I don't mind shooting a .40 S&W.

[Legasat]

For me personally, .45 is much easier to handle, and more pleasant to shoot.

[SoCalXD]

.40 S&W = snap, .45 ACP = push.

Ever shoot a 3" barreled .45? SNAP!

Good point though... I just love that slow, "loping" recoil of a full sized .45 Auto, not matter what gun it's coming out of. Certainly easier to shoot that a .40, but not so easy on the pocket book for regular range use, unless you reload.

[marathonman]

.45 is easier to tell which are my shell casings to pick up at the range for reloading.