Should I buy?....

[phils]

My edc guns are a M638 or 2" M60. Included are a speed strip and/or speed loader.

Some friends say I should get a 9mm S&W with an extra mag. to replace the above.
I really can't see any real advantages. Are there some?
Please give me your thoughts. Thanks much.

[Notary]

phils, only you can determine what best suits you. IMHO: if you are happy with what you have, let it be and save your money. Only advantage is you would have extra rounds without reloading, but at what cost?? Size, Weight, Bulkiness?
If you are not a LEO or engaged in high crime areas, 5 shots is fine with a speed strip in your pocket.

[JH1951]

^^^ What Notary said above. ^^^
Too many people (IMHO) arm themselves for the zombie apocalypse.... several hi-cap semis and a j-frame backup on the ankle. If you are in law enforcement, I don't think you can have enough these days. If you are not a LEO, carry to your level of comfort and don't be overly influenced by friends or acquaintances. Spend some time assuring that you are proficient with whatever you carry. I was never one to carry extra hi-cap mags so that I could spray and pray. Most often you will find me with a J-frame .38 spl. and maybe a speed stick, maybe. I assure you that those five rounds will be likely well placed if the time ever were to come, and therein lies my comfort.

[robertrwalsh]

If you are happy with what you've got, go with that Don't buy stuff just because some well-meaning friend says you need to.

[GKC]

There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Modern semiautos are more reliable than ever, but they can malfunction. When they do, most of the time it's pretty quick to clear the malfunction. They are usually faster to reload, assuming you are carrying a spare loaded magazine. That isn't to say that an experienced revolver shooter can't reload pretty quickly with a speed strip or speed loader.

Revolvers aren't usually ammo sensitive, but some can be. A revolver is almost always reliable, but it can malfunction, and a lot of the time it can't be easily cleared in the field. Some revolvers have a 7 or 8 round capacity, equaling that of the Shield, although those revolvers tend to be larger.

Personally I prefer to carry a Shield and a backup magazine. As others have said, it really comes down to what works best for you, and what you like. Also as mentioned, most of the SD encounters expend an average of 2 or 3 rounds...long drawn out gun fights are very rare for civilians. So either one should suffice for almost everyone, other than LEOs.

[colt_saa]

I just responded to an almost identical thread

[1sailor]

I agree with posts 2 and 3. Far too many guys seem to think that they are going to engage in a prolonged gun battle. To be sure, there are some places where that can become possible but those are the exception rather than the rule. I've heard guys claim to always carry at least two pistols and plenty of ammo for each. My thinking has been that if you feel you must go armed like that then you're likely better off just moving to a safer neighborhood. I can only speak from personal experience and cannot quote from any statistics but the odds are that no matter how many rounds you carry you won't likely be able to reload anyway. This is going to start an argument but, the guys I know who carry semi's always tell me how quickly they can clear a jamb or a failure to fire. Some even practice at it. I always ask them to hold their weak arm up like they are blocking a hammer or a lead pipe and then show me how they clear their action. So far no one has been able to show me.

[Maddog 521]

phils

Are these close friends or just casual acquaintances?

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by colt_saa

I just responded to an almost identical thread

With the same OP'er......

[RGVshooter]

Originally Posted by phils

My edc guns are a M638 or 2" M60. Included are a speed strip and/or speed loader.

Some friends say I should get a 9mm S&W with an extra mag. to replace the above.
I really can't see any real advantages. Are there some?
Please give me your thoughts. Thanks much.

The answer is really simple.... Do you own a 9mm pistol? Can you afford a new gun? Do you WANT a 9mm pistol? If you answered yes to the last question then go for it... it doesn't have to be your new EDC, but there's no harm in diversifying your home arsenal.

[double-dipper]

I carry an XD-S and one extra magazine for a total of 10-12 rounds. Like others have said a self defense shooting most likely will happen at an arms length. I believe it's more important to understand the 5-Stages-of-Violent-Crime and always be aware of your surroundings and ready to react.

[Ribwizzard]

I'd get a full size 9mm, like a glock 17. Then keep your EDC and keep the 9mm in the car/truck.

[ken158]

When were you or any of your friends ever involved in a gun fight and how many rounds were fired? The point is, you will carry what is comfortable more then a heavier gun with extra mags, knives, flashlights and all the things the internet warriors claim are required to make a trip to the grocery store... you will quickly tire of such nonsense and revert back to the 5 shot if you carry at all. Yes, it can happen and in today’s climate, it is happening more often - but, part of self defense is not putting yourself in harm’s way in the first place. Also, a LEO that shoots a perfect score at the range will likely shoot a failing score in a gunfight so getting the idea that you are invincible with all the extra gadgets and gizmos you can carry can be a fatal flaw. My final point is to be observant because you have a better chance of getting hit by the city bus then being shot by a bandit as a normal citizen. Be safe!

[1sailor]

As was already pointed out, if it isn't easy to carry you probably won't. On the other hand it doesn't hurt to have a nice 9mm to play with at the range.

[lkabug]

If you are happy with your EDC as it is why change? Friends mean well, but what is good for them doesn't necessarily fit your needs.
HOWEVER
If you're looking for excuses to buy a new gun. Then........
Of course you need one.

[BlackTalonJHP]

Advantages of 9mm over .38 special.
9mm costs half as much as .38 spl
9mm is considerably more powerful than .38 spl +P
9mm has more ammuntion options than .38 spl

That said I have several 9mms and several .38s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YTOV4dYLQE

[phils]

Originally Posted by Maddog 521

phils

Are these close friends or just casual acquaintances?

Both types.

[phils]

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

With the same OP'er......

You guys read too much. That was me as I wanted to get the wheelgunners take.
Thanks for noticing.

[moralem]

Listen to your friends, you can never have too many friends nor too many guns in too many calibers. I usually acquire in pairs.