Get a weapon that is reliable and comfortable to handle. Best Expansion in my pumpkin test with different ammos. in 1986 which took the life of two agents and injured five more. For this reason, I find the 9mm to be the superior choice when it comes to choosing a service pistol or home-defense weapon." The exact velocity is 1450 fps from my Walther PPS. I don't mind using a full size frame for everyday carry . The 9’s definitely have less recoil, but gun frame size and material have an effect too. I might’ve missed it, but +p rounds cause more wear and tear. I've seen LOTS of GSW's, from .22 up to .45 ACP and shotguns. The ammo price is the only reason for government agencies changing calibers, don't think otherwise. the size and recoil doesn't bother me . Unless you are shooting zombies on a video game with infinite reloads available, anything from 8 to 15 rounds is likely to be more than enough with plenty to spare. The 23 became my EDC after that. If the 40 kicks a little hard for you, step down to the 9. Feelings of superiority because you have one caliber or another However, if you live in another country (as I do) there may be many more reasons to go with .40 S&W (although they are not due to actual characteristics of the two rounds but rather legal issues): So with everything that’s out about both the 9 and 40 I’m very much on the fence about which to carry for SD. The 9mm has a deficiency here as it can only expand so much, and in many cases the small bullets don’t have enough physical material in them to open up very wide. You do not pay anything extra and your I have a Springfield EMP and an XD both in .40 S&W. Ball is.....ball. I like my 9mm. Skeet shooting and duck hunting are his all-time favorite hobbies, but he's more than ready to talk your ear off about collecting and sport shooting as well. Honestly I don't know how I feel about the .40 mostly because the only pistols, other than my vp9, I've shot have been compact concealed carry options... For the most part. My agency even allows the Vickers slide stop on both guns and they’re uptight about aftermarket stuff on guns. The army went to the 45ACP for similar reasons and only then went to the 9mm as many of their allies use it, not because it is effective. Bunk. My favorite ammunition in this pistol was Hornady’s 115-grain XTP Custom load. I think of it as the minimum in terms of terminal effects of bad guys. With the modularity of the P320 I can quickly switch between a 9 mm subcompact and a carry size .40 S&W maintaining the confidence that either will serve me well should a defensive situation ever arise. It's not even close. Higher energy and a wider, flatter bullet make the .40 objectively better than 9mm FMJ in most circumstances. Bruce Davis stated "Summarizing, just because the FBI did something do not assume they made the right choice as we have seen the results of their mistakes oo many times in the past. One can't automatically do the "same" thing to one piece of matter as to another and get the same result. I have 16 different handguns, that vary between 5 different brands, ranging in 4 different calibers (9’s, 40’s, 45’s, & 10mm). The military never touched the .40 S&W, so there was never any support there. That’s why .40 cal is better. I've prefaced all this, to say what the following simple piece of advice. I have a glock 21, glock 31 . Learn how to shoot. Great gun! I know it is not widely known to the public but if you are in Special Forces you can pretty much get anything your command deems necessary. That depends on your purpose. The dog kept charging and was trying to attack me by going into a J pattern and bite me from behind. The .40, speaking of typical factory ammo, doesn't suffer from this. If you happen to be in the market for a new handgun and you’re torn between picking a .40 S&W or 9mm, here are some key facts to consider: Overall, the truth is that the .40 S&W was a great cartridge during its time – even with the recoil. That said for someone purchasing a gun for home defense rather than as a hobby there is no better value than a glock .40 police trade in. I like both. Use the 9 for greater penetration but less cavitation. I respectfully disagree. It’s really hard for me to believe that so called knowledgable people, let their bias get in the way of truth and accuracy. If the Miami Shootout happened now the robbers would be confronted with a team wearing kevlar, helmets and assault rifles, not the guys in tweed suits with .38 revolvers and 9mm pistols back in '86. Quit bashing a great round. I have recently decided to give the 40 a try. So thanks for your opinion but I have to throw a flag on it, that's a personal foul. But, it’s a safety issue with the 42/43’s since the OEM stop is SO DAMN HARD to use. The reason for Germany losing WWII had much more to do with overextended logistics, destruction of their manufacturing base and internal political strife between the Nazi party and the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht than pistol round selection. I prefer the 9mm because ballistics have improved and the greater capacity of the magazines. The real reason many agencies have gone to the 9mm is both the cheaper cost of ammunition and the fact that many females simply cannot tolerate the recoil of the more powerful 40 caliber round. So if you've got a quality.40 that you like keep it and if the cost of the round bothers you just cut back on the happy meals. If I lived in a state where magazine sizes were limited to 10 rounds I certainly would rather carry 10 rounds of 40sw than 10 of 9mm. The truth is that premium 9mm ammo can do everything that a .40 S&W can. 12”x 12” squares back to back. I now carry a Glock 19M. Dominant hand, non-dominant hand, single hand. I shot it fine. I recently shot another 50 rounds of this ammo with the same revolver. Hernandez was shocked when Bradley called him from the hospital the next day. I know the 40 cal brass is strong thanks in part to its small pistol primer(something 10mm should do). The .38 Special (which has the full name of “.38 S&W Special”) is based off the older .38 S&W, but they are different rounds that are not interchangeable. Another point to consider, most 9mm shooters practice with 115gr or 124gr standard pressure but carry either 124 +P or 115 +P+, which does what? the FBI made a bad choice in we have seen the results of their mistakes too many times in the past." If you want a range toy then take your pick of calibers, and choose what best fits your needs and budget. People often debate “heavy and slow (.45)” vs “light and fast (9mm”. I know people who have 22lr pistols as edc. The .P320 is a dang fine platform that lets you do the Mr Patato Head and switch around. Training with different weapons was not the scope of this article. For example, Vihtavouri shows its "softest" load with N-320, a 180-grain Hornady XTP, as being 10.2 grains and 1,300 fps. even 9mm +p does not even approach the power of what standard 40. the problem is none of the major manufacturers produce anything more than middle of the road loads for the 40. underwood and bb come the closest but there's still a little left in the tank. First, it offers an incredible amount off power in a small framed handgun even in short barrel lengths. Just change the locking piece and rollers to compensate for the added pressure and you should be good. Sorry not everyone can handle a pistol, especially college students masquerading as officers. Ammo companies have been refining the two for the past two decades now because of their use in LE. .45 colt is an even bigger bullet, so does that make it better than the .40 in your view?. For that difference, I loaded up on the .40. Read ammo data from highly trusted and respected ammo MFG, Underwood. Only pain in the neck was loading the last 40 cal round in the Glock mag (no speed loader) after doing it a dozen times, it was very unpleasant. Either way I'm sure we would be better off if you kept the thoughts to yourself. I'd argue that +P 9mm kicks as much as a 140-155gr .40 caliber. The Springfield XD-S would also be a fine option. I own 1 40 cal and it is not going anywhere. FTX Ammo, 250rds - 38 Special Hornady Critical Defense 90gr. I found that while the .40 does have more recoil in a Glock 22 over the Glock 19. The 10mm cartridge, and by proxy the .40 are both actually very accurate rounds. Very reliable, high capacity magazines and a proven performed against human targets. HP Ammo, 200rds – 38 Special Federal Hydra-Shok Low Recoil 110gr. has 675 ft.lbs of energy, at 1500 fps. Love it or hate it, the .40 S&W isn’t going anywhere anytime soon due to this fact alone: police trade-in .40 S&W Glocks are cheap. Good article. And 11+1 in the gun and a 16 round spare mag gives you 28 rounds of .40 to make an assailant’s day get very bad, very quickly. So if you’re looking for a new Glock, the price won’t impact that choice much when it comes to 9mm Vs. .40 S&W. It is non corrosive, it is dirtier than US ammo but is alot more affordable. My prefered carry round is a underwood lehigh xtreme defence for example ? So if you’re not worried about longevity, then you’re good. I have a sig 226 40 I like it because it's heavy enough to tone down recoil. With having a mag limit of 10, you can literally have any of the main players across the board. It really becomes a matter of personal choice. Interesting, well presented article. what 1-2 rounds??? While I could care less about recoil I cannot deny physics. It has become clear to me that 9mm and .223/5.56mm ammo is what will first disappear from the shelves during any panic, and things aren't going back to "normal" anytime soon. What a lively discussion! Get proficient on YOUR time. The answer is yes. Maybe even write an article, or just buy a Prius. I love my .40s for the more engaging training and target practice. I personally prefer, own and carry the 40 but could use the 9 just fine. No. Never matter. And BTW, out of the 2500 GSWs he treated, none involved centerfire rifles, or close range buckshot wounds. So to be more accurate: Bigger isn’t always better. Very good article and I enjoyed the read. I like it too. Underwood extreme defense or extreme penetrators work better than all the ammunition you tested in this article. While the .40/.45’s are racking up shooting data from PD’s all over, the 9mm is playing second chair. The same technology that has made 9mm better has also made the 40 better and 9mm is no where close in stopping power of the 40. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. From the FBI to farm towns across the nation, when a police department looks to adopt a service firearm for their officers – the number one choice by far is a Glock of some flavor. Both seem to do equally well punching holes in paper! the 4omm was developed by the FBI and coming back to the 9mm was only the manner of used! they act like its 10 vs 17 when in most cases it 17 vs 15 or 15 vs 14 that is not a plus in my book for the power im giving up. For me - at my age and orthopedic concerns I do not carry a .45 any more. Trying shooting .40 out of something other than a plastic gun and your eyes might be opened. Plus, if you initially buy a gun in .40, you can often get an aftermarket barrel for 9mm to shoot the cheaper range ammo. I would say this about the caliber war. Hollow Base Wadcutter Ammo, 38 Special - 130 Grain FMJ - Tula - 50 Rounds, click here to see the differences between 357 magnum vs 38 special, the best 38 special ammo for self-defense, head to this article on our blog. I like both rounds and feel for me personally serve different purposes. I'm curious - what improvements can you specify that have been applied to the modern 9mm, but not to the .40 S&W? The .40S&W with good placement is pretty much one and done. Now, the .45 ACP compared to .22LR...that would definitely be superior. For years, novice shooters and experts alike snatched up the .45 Long Colt/.410 Bore-shooting Judge revolver for either its novelty factor or Taurus’ promise of what the handgun could do for self-defense.. .40 is still decently priced which now tips the scales in favor of .40 for me. Actually the advancements in the 9mm are a direct result of the advancements in .40 & .45. It's simple physics and physiology: The more damage to the human body and more blood lost from the circulatory system in any given period of time, the faster incapacitation and cessation of threat will occur. As far as CCW? //]]>, We’ve got a dedicated section for the AR-15 here. A fair trade by my standards. .40 is a very popular round among competition shooters. I've seen the same thing on departments who went from a large frame.45 to a large frame 9mm. I own and have shot practically every single stack 9/40/45 to date with only a few exceptions(Boberg, kimber) and I can tell you from experience that the PPS is the best all around. Just use what’s on there, especially the trigger. The wild pig I shot(unintentional cadaver) weighed 185 pounds and the shot entered just in front of the left shoulder and exited the right shoulder hitting ribs and the right shoulder bone. With the explosion of concealed carry those who prefer the wheel gun can’t go wrong with a snub nose 38 special. And I have a 135 grain load just for my HK USP that clocks over 1500 FPS and it’s still under max pressure. Am I to understand that after reading articles on the stopping power of each round, that the only way you can stop an assailant is with ten or twenty rounds. I've shot lots of CCW weapons in different formats and various calibers. Rubbed the skin off my thumb. But for me as a recreational shooter who carries a 9, or a .380 it was just too much. Plus, I'm of the philosophy that, given that I don't have much "tactical" training, I'd better make the first shot quick and accurate. I also carry an off the shelf, big box store 115 grain standard pressure hollow point that gets 13-14 inches of penetration consistently and seems to expand nicely for each and every test I've personally done with it or seen online for it. On that note, could someone PLEASE recommend a reliable G43 trigger shoe?!? We’ve built dozens of AR’s and we’ll cover all the best AR-15 upgrades such as handguards, triggers, BCGs, gas blocks, and more. No input on Glock parts, I’m personally not a Glock fan. These six shooters became symbols of the lawman, long after being retired from military service. Time to sack up boys.