Hello I can't decide between the SWSDVE in 9mm/40SW. I was hoping somebody could help be decide. The Caliber discussion is constantly a can of worms on any website. So I'm not trying to start an argument.

Price on 9mm is a plus, and some top of the line HPs expand almost as much as 40SW.

I'm sure for the big three calibers we can argue shot placement is key to stopping any "bad guys" out there, combined with modern hollow point technology. So I don't want to turn this thread into which caliber is better.

I'm trying to get into law enforcement/security myself so my question is aimed at which caliber would be better suited to my needs. I hear some Departments make it mandatory you use 40SW/.45ACP.

For those who own the original SWSD40 how was the recoil compared to other handguns? Does the stainless steel slide make a difference compared to say a Glock?

The Magazine count on both seem pretty nice. 16+1/14+1

Also I guess price is an issue too, though wal-mart is pretty cheap on ammo. $12.00(9mm)/$14.00(40SW) per box of 50 isn't too bad. Gun Shops here charge $17.50 for a box of 9mm..

Once again not looking at a Caliber war, I'd just like to hear some input on your experiences with the 9mm and 40SW versions (Both normal and VE versions are fine.) .

40 is snappier than the 9 for sure, both calibers are on a solid platform. The recoil is definitely more noticeable on the 40 than the 9. Both are very comparable to the Glock 19&23.

Just wondering if cost is a major issue in why you would select the SD--VE firearm over the M&P line.

The M&P is easily found at about $100 more, has 3 back straps to tailor fit the weapon to you and if you buy in 40, you have three guns in one. 40, 357, 9. This may offer you the best of both worlds.

The recoil difference in the M&P line is much more controlled and is absorbed over the SD, Sigma, and Glock.

After having Dept. Issue Glocks over many years it only took a buddy's M&P and one magazine full of 40's at the range and I was out the door in the showroom trading in my Glocks.

I've also owned the Sigma 9, 40 as well as the SD 9,40 and while decent weapons. None compare to the M&P

Not trying to sway you on a choice, well maybe I am... Just pointing out the obvious. And redirecting to a better over all choice that truly gives you more bang for the buck.

For Law Enforcement I suggest 40 as most agencies are using this caliber

Self Defense, you are correct they all will be just as effective at the range most defensive shots are taken and yes high quality 9 rounds can be just as nasty as a 40,45 in close combat.

Hope this helps or gives you some direction.

John

S&W M&P FS 9/357/40/45, 40PRO, 40C, 22LR

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M&P 40, M&P 40C,

9mm, both your range time and your pocket book will be more enjoyable.

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Don't look, reload and shoot!

Having used the Sigmas as loaners/trainers for many years, I'd say it all comes down to your training/experience level.
If you are highly proficient, you can handle the .40.
If not, the 9mm is easier to learn on.
I have sold off my .40 Sigmas and only keep the 9s for loaners/trainers now.

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Science plus Art

I thought the M&P was much more expensive. Though looking at Gunbroker and some other websites I am seeing them as low as $398

Is quanticotactical legit by the way? I still need to make some calls and figure out how much my Local Gun shops want. But Bassandpro/Cabelas each want maybe $550 O.O

How reliable is the feeding with the 9mm Barrel/Magazine?

Most depts only allow certain firearms for on duty carry so I wouldnt let that be a factor. I own a SigmaVE9 and SD40. They are both good guns, the SD40 is the first 40 I ever owned always considered it the ******* stepchild myself.

The only reason I got the 40 was because I didnt have one. Id think about what other guns you plan on buying so that they might share a common cal. Unless you are shooting 1000's of rounds the price difference isnt that much in ammo really. If its for range duty 9mm if its for carry go with the 40 (capacity is only 2 less than 9mm with more power per round)

The M&P's have been all over the Web for $399, and the drop in barrel, and s&w 9mm mags are flawless. Barrel for 9mm is about $65 at Brownells.com and 9mm and 40/357 mags are available from botach.com for $22 each and free shipping.

S&W M&P FS 9/357/40/45, 40PRO, 40C, 22LR

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M&P 40, M&P 40C,

+ Shipping and FFL transfer could be anywhere from another $50-$100

Couple of them offered free shipping and most FFL here in Tampa Bay area will do $30.00 transfer fee that does not include the $5.00 to the FDLE

S&W M&P FS 9/357/40/45, 40PRO, 40C, 22LR

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M&P 40, M&P 40C,

If you are only going to make holes in paper get the 9mm, If you may carry, home defense get the 40. The price of 1000 9 vs 40 is 15-25$. Carry loads will be about the same for quality ammo. You might want to check out NIJ, National Institute of Justice for info on 9 vs 40 stopping effectiveness in humans, Be Safe,

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I BACK OUR BLUE

Not too worried about the cost of ammo, worst comes worst I can order a $70 replacement barrel chambered in 9mm/9mm Magazines.. I hear it fits the S&W M&P40. Also getting a barrel for 357 Sig sounds tempting as well. 3 Calibers in one fire-arm and all it takes is a drop in part.. Sounds pretty good to me.

Edit- LGS wants $510, other GS by me wants $530, and Cabelas wants $545 or so. I'd rather try and get one online for $399+ FFL/Shipping Fees. For the money I can spend at a LGS/Cabelas I could get that 9mm Barrel, or some extra ammo.

I didn't realize how flexible the M&P could be.

I live Near Chicago so everything is going to be overpriced at the moment. Say I can get an M&P for $399, with $25 shipping, and a $25 FFL fee that still would be cheaper than any LGS in my area.

Both Calibers are fine for self defense with modern HPs IMO. I was thinking of choosing the 40SW over barrier penetration and it seems many departments in my area choose 40SW(Free Ammo when I get to that point. >_O) I believe the M&P is also on some approved fire-arm lists for said departments.

I might end up using it for armed security of it is approved by my employer as well. (Thinking about the future here.)

You will not be disappointed in choosing the M&P over the SD- - VE line. You are making a better investment in the long run. Not that the SD isn't a good weapon, just a better choice for your future. Good luck, be safe and if and when your on the job... Your brain and smart decision making will be the best tool at your disposal.
God Bless

S&W M&P FS 9/357/40/45, 40PRO, 40C, 22LR

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M&P 40, M&P 40C,

1 x S&W M&P40 .40S&W 15 rd No mag safety (209300) = $450.00
Total: $468.50 Shipped.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/prod ... mag+safety

FFL is charging $35.. cant get in contact with anyone close to me except that guy. Whatever though it saves me some gas in regards to my gas guzzler. Midwest sports actually wants $50~$100....


Saved $41.20 because I didn't buy locally (with FFL fee.) I figure I can get a few more boxes of ammo.



Gah I need to pick up a 357Sig/9mm Barrel/9mm Magazines

Thanks very much for talking me into this purchase. I got it for $465 shipped. A LGS by me wanted $565 which would have been $600 with tax...

9mm! No question! More economical, more trigger time equates to better shooting. Enjoy more time at the range!

You are welcome, it's just so much more for your money and you will get a lot more out of it!
Have fun, be safe and enjoy that M&P!
S&W M&P FS 9/357/40/45, 40PRO, 40C, 22LR

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M&P 40, M&P 40C,

Try this web site by Rob Pincus see if it can help you choose.

[url=http://www.downrange.tv/blog/being-wrong-is-important-and-admitting-it-is-too-or-why-rob-pincus-prefers-the-9mm-over-the-40-for-defense/11563

He spells it out very well. I like both calibers and it really doesn't matter to me which one I have. One milimeter is really not going to make that big of a difference. The question is what do you shoot better and feel the most confortable and confident with. Way too much is placed on caliber by people. Both work equally well. Remember the whole world uses the 9mm, including our own military. Think about that.

Its not really about the dia of the round as it is about fps and ft/lbs as that will determine penetration and total delivered energy to target.

I hate to say this but fps and foot lbs does not control penetration. The 9mm & the 40 are real close in energy they both hover around 400 with a good round, give or take some. The 45 only hovers around 360. What makes penetration deeper is the bullet design not FPS. Now momentum on the other hand would go to the 40 over the 9 and 45 over the 40 because of weight. All three calibers overlap each other with different bullet weights, velocity and bullet design.