I prefer my 45acp over either one but having said that I tend to shoot my 9s a lot more, mainly due to the high cost of ammo. I just never cared for the 40 mainly because of the snap recoil, it just didn't feel right to me, guess I am just a wuss! My son loves his 40 and doesn't mind the snappy recoil, however, he shoots his 9mm far more and the 45acp also. So go figure. If ever in a bad situation....give me anything bigger than a rock or a stick!