CCW - 9mm or .40?

[rotor_powerd]

.45

I carry a Glock 36 (Single stack, compact frame - just like the XDS. Actually, almost identical to the XDS.) daily. Wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[Machdup1]

To be an effective carry gun, you need to practice with it on a regular basis so factor into your decision what a box of each type of ammunition costs. For example, using Federal American Pistol Ammo (basic range ammo), if you shoot two boxes ammo per month ammo will cost you the following per year (using midwayusa pricing, better pricing can probably be had):

9mm $348.00/yr
.380 $468.00/yr
.40 $431.76/yr
.45 $611.76/yr
10mm $791.76/yr
357 Sig $864.00/yr

Your best choice is price wise is 9mm by a longshot (excuse the pun).

 

[Synyster06Gates]

What ever you are able to shoot accurately and quickly. I went from shooting .40 in a Shield to 9mm in an M&P full size because followup shots were far far quicker and on target. I also carry a 1911 compact in 9mm since it's easier to conceal. It's fairly heavy, so I have no doubt that follow up shots would be quick.

 

[Colt .45]

Are they really going to actually release it next month? I have been waiting what seems like forever.

Just going by what the Springfield Armory rep told me at the NRA convention a few days ago.

 

[REPCobra10]

OP, get what you prefer the most. The 9x19mm or the .40 S&W will both get the job done in a self-defense scenario. There are plenty of pistols in both that are highly concealable, as well. My favorite carry pistol at the moment is my Springfield Armory XDs .45 ACP--it's tiny and packs the punch of the venerable .45 ACP!

 

[vettez062002]

springfield sub compact 9mm with extended clip is what I have. i really like it. but its what you like. best thing to do is go out to the range and rent a few options. and figure out what you like best. What you someone else likes may not be exactly what you like. I like the way the springfield fits in my hand only with the extended clip because my fingures dont hang down like with the normal clip in it. some people want compact. to each his own. but 99% of the time whatever you get will do the job.. as long as you dont buy a taurus.

 

[STAMPEDE3]

XD-S Compact 45ACP Pistol | Springfield Armory USA

This is my carry.

^^ My plans.
The XD-40 subcompact is my current.

 

[04MystiCobra]

XDS 45 and Ruger LC9

 

[Muff Daddy]

XDS 45 and Ruger LC9

Have you done the trigger kit on the lc9? Well worth the money IMO.

 

[Gray_Ghost]

For me 9mm is the easiest ammo to find, so that's what I carry. That being said, it's all about personal preference. Hollowpoint of any size will do considerable damage if you're a decent shot. Both of my CCW weapons are 9mm, and they're both loaded with hollowpoints. I hope I never need to find out firsthand what they're capable of though.

 

[w3bb3r04]

I also carry an XDS .45 and love it. Also a good range of ammo from a 165 grain to 230 grain are available.

 

[Artie1957]

My everyday carry gun is a TCP 738 .380 but my favorite is my XD40 sub-compact.
And like the others said, buy the gun that fits your hand. The one you can draw and shoot well.

 

[astrocreep96]

Either 9mm or .40S&W is fine. Stay away from .380 - the round is garbage.

 

[VirtualSVT]

To be an effective carry gun, you need to practice with it on a regular basis so factor into your decision what a box of each type of ammunition costs. For example, using Federal American Pistol Ammo (basic range ammo), if you shoot two boxes ammo per month ammo will cost you the following per year (using midwayusa pricing, better pricing can probably be had):

9mm $348.00/yr
.380 $468.00/yr
.40 $431.76/yr
.45 $611.76/yr
10mm $791.76/yr
357 Sig $864.00/yr

Your best choice is price wise is 9mm by a longshot (excuse the pun).

Uh for practice buy some reloads and live cheap. 1000 for 270 for .40.

And I carry 40. Either my G23 or my G27.

 

[blwn306]

XD-40 Sub compact here!!! Love it! But I'm gonna me a 9 later this month! I'm kinda addicted now...

 

[Sinister04L]

I have an XDs and my wife has an M&P Shield 9mm. They are both about the same size but I prefer the XDs and the .45 round personally.

 

[Artie1957]

Either 9mm or .40S&W is fine. Stay away from .380 - the round is garbage.

You think a .380 is garbage?
With all due respect: A well placed round from any gun will kill you.
Even a .22.

 

[astrocreep96]

You think a .380 is garbage?
With all due respect: A well placed round from any gun will kill you.
Even a .22.

Sure, a well placed strike with a plastic whiffle ball bat can hurt too. No reason to encourage its use for self defense.

 

[Colt .45]

Sure, a well placed strike with a plastic whiffle ball bat can hurt too. No reason to encourage its use for self defense.

Exactly. After reading multiple stories like this one:
‘My Wife Is a Hero’: Georgia Mother Shoots Home Intruder Five Times After Being Cornered in Attic | Video | TheBlaze.com

I am not going to use it.

In a high pressure situation that I, or my girl, are not accustomed too, I do not want to rely on the "perfect shot placement".

I also like the saying of, "9mm may expand, but the .45 won't shrink".

 

[static74]

I've carried .45, .40, and 9mm. I carried 9mm for three years and recently switched to .40. The frame of the gun is not any larger, and the difference in recoil isn't as much as some crack it up to be.

.45 was a cannon, and when you have 8 rounds to miss with vs 14, I would rather have more to put down range at a bad guy. Say what you will, you can practice until your hand falls off but when you are under the stress of the situation you will miss more than once unless your 12 inches from the perp.

Also, don't listen to people talking about shot placement, your not going to have time to aim for vitals. Point at the torso and squeeze.