.40 or .45 that is the question

[WCB]

I'm not going to read all the replies. Pick a gun that feels good, you can shoot accurately/quickly and is reliable. 9mm, .40 or .45 really doesn't matter. Center tap 3 rds. and move to the next target...

[Daniel75]

It is historically informative in that the Miami FBI shootout led to the invention of the .40S&W.

The rest was just opinion and for the most part unproven or meaningless.

Couldn't have said it better myself. I always roll my eyes at these guys, who is going to put 50,000 rounds through their pistols anyways????? Not 90% of us. What I will agree with him on is that, in my experience, 9mm and .45's are easier to shoot than the .40's I've shot (Sig and Glock). The 9mm is just a light recoiling and IMO inherintly (sp?) accurate round. The .45 always felt like more of a push from the gun than a sharp bite upwards like some of the .40's I've shot.

I disagree that the .40 was created because the FBI would have to admit a failure of not originally going with the .45. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the point of creating the .40 penetration, specifically against glass and barriers that the 9mm's were having problems with in this famed Miami shootout?

Load up some Speed Gold Dot hollow points or Winchester Rangers in either caliber and that's what I would carry. It still comes down to capacity....I think if we could carry .45's in a .40 sized gun with the same magazine capacity, no one would carry .40's anymore. Since we can't, the debate will rage on.

[txtrophy85]

I'm not a weapons guru but I stopped a 150# pig in his tracks with one round from a .40 s&w using 155 grain federal hydra shocks. I'm a believer in the .40

I carry a 9mm at the moment, ive killed a deer and a pig with it so I'm a believer in that as well

I tried to kill a deer that was hung in a fence using a Walter .380.... Results.....not so bueno

[Skyjunky]

I'm not going to read all the replies. Pick a gun that feels good, you can shoot accurately/quickly and is reliable. 9mm, .40 or .45 really doesn't matter. Center tap 3 rds. and move to the next target...

Bingo!

[EHS]

Why not think about going to a range and rent the model you are interested in the .40 and .45. They are both very popular defensive rounds. I would do your research on the cost of your training ammo.
Just my .02

[stikem]

does this work with the xdm as well?

xd40.....can buy a barrel and shoot either 9mm or .357sig

3 different rounds with just a barrel change

[Keg]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJKZO71mEns"]45acp--Vs--9mm----BALLISTICS GEL TESTING - YouTube[/ame]

[tvc184]

45acp--Vs--9mm----BALLISTICS GEL TESTING - YouTube

Let's see, he said they are about the same but the .45 definitely has more "stopping power" because it picked up the block of gelatin. Then, if they come in your home, "it will put them on their *** (butt) every time".

Definitive there. If it will move a 5 pound block of gelatin, it will put them on their butt every time.

Gotta love the internet.

[Keg]

Definitive there. If it will move a 5 pound block of gelatin, it will put them on their butt every time.

Actually..I was more impressed by the wound channel.....

[4wheels]

1911 45 acp.... they go together like peas and carrots.

X5!! 1911 .45 for me. Full size.

I believe in gun control - I believe you should hit what your aiming at!

[AtTheWall]

A STI Custom .45 ACP....why even shop for anything else?!?!?!

[4wheels]

In all honesty - the best gun is the one that you have with you.

[Bonesplitter]

Some of ya'll will argue with a freaking wall! They all will kill you just as DEAD! Carry the one you can afford to shoot and practice with.

[TexasDon]

.40 or .45 that is the question

Some of ya'll will argue with a freaking wall! They all will kill you just as DEAD! Carry the one you can afford to shoot and practice with.

Exactly!! A .22 will kill you just as dead as a .50

[TexasDon]

.40 or .45 that is the question

Personally a Glock 27 in .40 works for me. It's all in what YOU like and can afford. I also prefer Chevys and mustard on my burgers!