Which One for 3-Gun/Home Defense? .40 or .45

[quig]

Alright, I currently have a XD40 for HD, and I am just starting to get into 3-gun. My goal for 3 gun is to practice with the guns I would be using in real life vs competition with others.

I feel comfortable with either round (.40/.45) for HD, but what is the consensus on which round would be best for 3-Gun. I would assume it would be up to personal preference, but what caliber are most of you running? Why would you run one over the other.

Thanks

[1lostinspace]

HD defense they will both do the job I would prefer the 40 for control

[SuperSet]

For 3-gun, most shoot 9mm due to the scoring system of 'shoot to neutralize' that revolves around 1 A hit or 2 Anywhere. You don't get any benefit for larger calibers. AFAIK, USPSA Multi-Gun is the only match that'll reward major power factor (.40 caliber and higher).
If you want to shoot .45 in 3-gun, look up Heavy Metal Division. For that division, you'll also need a .308 rifle and 12 gauge pump shotgun.

[SuperSet]

double tap

[esskay]

Yep, unless you're shooting Heavy Metal, 45 will generally put you at a disadvantage vs 40. You should be able to get quicker shot to shot times with a 40. Also, mag capacity is greater for 40 than 45. The same arguments hold for 9mm over 40 when there is no difference in scoring...

Should add that if you plan to shoot USPSA/IPSC pistol matches, there is a difference in scoring for 9mm vs 40 (minor vs major) so if you want to use the same pistol for those matches too, you might opt for 40 over 9mm.

[2Cute2Shoot]

HD defense they will both do the job I would prefer the 40 for control

I thought 45 and 1911 used the same size ammunition? And I think control is much better on my 1911 than any .40. They kick hard and sharp. Is a 45 different?

[quig]

Thanks for all the input.

Now, do I stick with the XD40 or do I get a XDm40 which I have the opportunity to get?

[SuperSet]

Go with whatever you shoot better (i.e. faster and more accurate).

[BerKim]

I thought 45 and 1911 used the same size ammunition?

1911 - is a style of pistol.. they come in 9mm, 38 Super, 40, 45.. probably others

45 was the first, and the most common

[vandal]

I don't think you need a new gun. Your XD40 is fine. Sorry!

[RaymondMillbrae]

For HD, have a nice carbine on hand.

Or better yet, a reliable shotgun behind your safe-room door.

The handgun is only there for easy concealability...and to hold you over until you can get to your long gun.

Have a good defensive plan/strategy for your house. Make sure everyone knows what will be going on if you ever need to look the elephant in the eye.

In Christ: Raymond

[huck]

Even in USPSA/IPSC pistol matches, there's no major / minor for the Production cateogry ("real life" guns).