9mm vs .40

[Justin727]

I am shopping / researching my next firearm purchase currently. I am primarily looking at Glock 26/19 or 27, S&W Shield 9mm or .40.

A little background:

I bought a Walther PK380 shortly after turning 18. (at the time caliber wasnt a major concern) I made this choice at the time because I loved the way it felt in my hand and everything is ambidextrous on it. (I write left handed but do many other things right handed) with minimal handgun expirience I wasnt sure which would be my primary hand when firing a handgun. I picked up the Walther so I could try both left and right handed. I recently traded off the Walther for a Smith and Wesson Airweight .38 spl. I am now looking to purchase a new firearm for daily carry.

What I am looking for here is advice / opinions on 9mm vs .40. What do you choose and why?
Also, If you care to add a comment on one of the above mentioned guns feel free (or something similar). Any advice is welcomed

 

[Mr Boomer]

I would purchase a 9mm purely for price of ammo. But I like to shoot quite frequently

 

[Justin727]

I would purchase a 9mm purely for price of ammo. But I like to shoot quite frequently

This is definately a consideration for me. I am a frequent shooter as well.

 

[saintnick81]

I would purchase a 9mm purely for price of ammo. But I like to shoot quite frequently

Price on 9mm is great, when you can find it. Also, take a look at the ruger sr9c. I just picked up the full size. Also, has an ambidextrous safety and mag release. Price is pretty good too.

 

[Justin727]

Price on 9mm is great, when you can find it. Also, take a look at the ruger sr9c. I just picked up the full size. Also, has an ambidextrous safety and mag release. Price is pretty good too.

How is the trigger pull on the sr9c?

 

[Dj15802]

If ammo prices are a concern figure $6-10 difference per hundred on average. It just depends on what you feel comfortable with. I personally wouldn't mind the .38 you currently have for a CCW.
I like the .40 as my Carry choice. But that's just a personal preference.

 

[Justin727]

If ammo prices are a concern figure $6-10 difference per hundred on average. It just depends on what you feel comfortable with. I personally wouldn't mind the .38 you currently have for a CCW.
I like the .40 as my Carry choice. But that's just a personal preference.

I love the .38 especially being hammerless. It slides right into my pocket. I carry it everywhere. At the same time I would like to add a semi auto to the family being that currently I only have revolvers and long guns

 

[fallenangel1]

In this situation I'd side with 9mm due to the lower cost of ammo as well as higher capacity standard mags.

 

[seedubs1]

Love my shield. I iwb carry it in the cooler months when I can wear a long sleeve shirt. It doesn't work for me in the summer with shorts and a t shirt though. I pocket carry a .38 when it's hot out.

The shield is a very nicely put together handgun.

 

[lww]

I recently went through the same decision process and settled on the 3.8" Springfield XD(M) in 9mm. It is similar in size to the G19 on your list. I found the XD(M) to be well-designed & well-made. It carries 19+1 rounds with its standard mag., and it was in stock at my LGS! It has performed flawlessly for me so far.

Gun Review: Springfield XD-M 3.8 9mm | The Truth About Guns

--Bill

 

[Justin727]

Love my shield. I iwb carry it in the cooler months when I can wear a long sleeve shirt. It doesn't work for me in the summer with shorts and a t shirt though. I pocket carry a .38 when it's hot out.

The shield is a very nicely put together handgun.

Did you go with 9mm or .40?

 

[slowG]

Buy what you like, reload and ammo prices don't really matter that much.

 

[Justin727]

Buy what you like, reload and ammo prices don't really matter that much.

Do you have an opinion on 9mm vs .40 regardless of price?

 

[Birds Away]

I also write and do many other things left handed but I shoot right handed. I prefer 9mm because of price, the ease of follow on shots due to less barrel rise and also capacity. I carry a CZ 75 Compact 9mm with 16+1. I believe you should carry what you shoot best. Most people seem to shoot 9mm better. You will have a much better chance of putting the biscuit in the basket with the best gun you shoot. Might take a while to figure that out. It makes no sense to carry a gun just because you like the caliber. If you don't shoot it as well as others. Plus, I can afford a lot more practice time with the 9mm. I love .45s and if I ever find one I shoot as well as my Compact, unlikely as that is, I will carry that.

 

[Justin727]

I also write and do many other things left handed but I shoot right handed. I prefer 9mm because of price, the ease of follow on shots due to less barrel rise and also capacity. I carry a CZ 75 Compact 9mm with 16+1. I believe you should carry what you shoot best. Most people seem to shoot 9mm better. You will have a much better chance of putting the biscuit in the basket with the best gun you shoot. Might take a while to figure that out. It makes no sense to carry a gun just because you like the caliber. If you don't shoot it as well as others. Plus, I can afford a lot more practice time with the 9mm. I love .45s and if I ever find one I shoot as well as my Compact, unlikely as that is, I will carry that.

Good point! That is the very reason I am leaning towards the 9mm.

 

[throttletony]

Both are great choices. I like 40 in midsize and fullsize anything, but I own 9mms cuz they are fun and less expensive to feed. For a small (read: subcompact) carry gun, I'd go for the 9mm simply for rounds you can carry, fast follow up, and general ammo prices.

 

[saintnick81]

How is the trigger pull on the sr9c?

Pull on the full size is nice. Feels very crisp. I think it's around 6-7 lbs. I believe the trigger on the compact is lighter.

 

[slowG]

Do you have an opinion on 9mm vs .40 regardless of price?

Honestly anything I would say about the two calibers would not hold a candle to the giant wealth of information from a quick search.

My best opinion I can give is to shoot what you like, and reload so that price isn't a issue. I don't think it's fair to discredit a .40 because its more expensive. I only own 9mm but think either caliber is perfectly fine.

 

[Dj15802]

You can't go wrong either way. They both have advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on what you'll shoot best. I'd get the 9. As stated: higher capacity, less$ for ammo and less recoil.

 

[SpyderRick]

I got the Glock 23 which is the .40 but also got the 9mm barrel with it to be able to shoot cheaper 9mm. Love it. The 23 is the same frame as the 19