M&P 9mm vs .40 !!!URGENT!!!

[Jacob5]

Which is better?
9mm
holds 17+1
.40
holds 15+1






Im a little hesitant to buy the 9mm due to the ammo shortage. Even though every store around me has 9mm ammo it is possible they run out in the future.

[Shuutr]

Flip a coin.

[ken158]

Better for what? With the selection of ammo on the market now, either is a good defensive weapon. The 9 will be a little less expensive to shoot.

[FF112173]

I love my 9mm, but I stand in line every Sat for 1 1/2 to 2 hrs before the store opens in the hopes to get some factory 9mm.

[Donmc01]

Originally Posted by Jacob5

Which is better?
9mm
holds 17+1
.40
holds 15+1






Im a little hesitant to buy the 9mm due to the ammo shortage. Even though every store around me has 9mm ammo it is possible they run out in the future.

This is a joke right? Where do you live?

[Jyezahn]

Might as well have asked, "Which is better? Snowflakes or shaved ice?"

Without some idea of what you're looking for, nobody can answer your urgent question with any accuracy.

[BananaDoc]

!!!URGENT!!! ? really...??

[NucPhysics]

Just pick what caliber you like best.

There will always be ammo ups and downs so don't base your choice on current ammo availability.

As far as which round is inherently better. They are both good. Each has differences that to some seem better but at the end of the day, they will both get the job done.

Again, pick which caliber YOU like, or choose based on what you already have or don't have.

[prairie]

Buy the .40 and an extra 9mm barrel.
You can shoot 9mm in the 40 magazines with reasonably good functioning in most cases.
Later on buy some 9mm mags when they become available.
Best of both worlds!

[walkin' trails]

I carried 9mm Glocks and Sigs up until about 15 years ago, then went to 40 and 45. I am a decent shooter and am pretty decent with my M&P 45 full sized, although I have started to feel a bit of arthritis in my gun hand over the last year or so after a 300 round session. My M&P's striker broke a while back, and the gun is grounded while waiting for a replacement to be delivered. That put me back to carrying Glock 40s (23 and 27). I have come to realize that I really don't care for the smaller Glocks anymore, and I will induce a flinch more often that I care to. I'd had a discussion about the 9mm with an old buddy a while back. He's a proponent of shooting a handgun accurately that doesn't beat you to death. Last weekend, I dusted off my old 1986-vintage G17 and went to the range. One of the boxes I put thru it was Winchester 115 +P+. Because the recoil of a 9 was much more controllable than a Glock 40, I found I was making failure to stop shots much more accurately, and of course much faster. I am getting ready to order an M&P 9 full size as a result.

I don't know how bad ammo is to find in your area, but I believe that this frenzy will pass eventually. From what I've seen in my area, if its a common military or police, or defense caliber it is not in stock - that includes 9s or 40s (and 22LR). When things do calm down, 9mm will still likely be cheaper than 40.

Though it has been a while since I fired an M&P 40, I do seem to recall that recoil management was better for that gun than for a comparable Glock (that was my observation). Recoil for an M&P 9 should, in theory be much more controllable.

[Justin69]

Go with the 9!

[JoeyEcko]

I my self went with the .40 perfect balance between 9mm and .45 big enought for a gun punch and keep a good capacity, also this video might help a bit with some facts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgz7...e_gdata_player

[ginzo]

I only have a 40 FS so I can only say 40. LOVE IT!!

I'm pretty certain that the 357 barrel and 40 mag work together, but the 9 barrel needs a 9 mag. I won't say it won't work, but I think it is not recommended.

Originally Posted by prairie

Buy the .40 and an extra 9mm barrel.
You can shoot 9mm in the 40 magazines with reasonably good functioning in most cases.
Later on buy some 9mm mags when they become available.
Best of both worlds!

[prairie]

There are plenty of posts about using 9mm ammo in .40 mags, when converting from a .40 to 9mm. Basically functioning is not reliable enough for real use, but good enough for practice.

[timn8er]

Originally Posted by Jacob5

Which is better?
9mm
holds 17+1
.40
holds 15+1






Im a little hesitant to buy the 9mm due to the ammo shortage. Even though every store around me has 9mm ammo it is possible they run out in the future.

Since you posted earlier this evening & I just now read this thread, I assume its too late & some evil fate has already befallen you.

[shawn mccarver]

Personally, with the right ammo, 9mm is probably fine as a stopper - at least as good as 38 Special +P and probably a little better. Ammo is cheaper and recoil is just a little less.

The .40 is probably a better stopper with the right ammo, but maybe not by much.

Where the .40 really shines is in comparison of ball ammo. The .40 is quite a bit better with just the standard "ball" ammo in stopping power. Thus, in case you cannot get premium hollow points, you are probably better of with a .40.

That said, if it is just for plinking around at the range, then the 9mm is better as ammo is a little cheaper.

[Arik]

40 can be just as sold out as the 9.

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[Rastoff]

The recoil will be less with the 9mm. Other than that, it's a toss up.

Why the urgency?

Originally Posted by shawn mccarver

Personally, with the right ammo, 9mm is probably fine as a stopper - at least as good as 38 Special +P and probably a little better. Ammo is cheaper and recoil is just a little less.

Shawn,
I gotta call you on this one. Wouldn't a regular .38Sp will have more velocity than a 9mm? A +P is certainly more powerful. Just look at the case differences:

What makes you say a 9mm is better?

[shouldazagged]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

The recoil will be less with the 9mm. Other than that, it's a toss up.

Why the urgency?



Shawn,
I gotta call you on this one. Wouldn't a regular .38Sp will have more velocity than a 9mm? A +P is certainly more powerful. Just look at the case differences:
What makes you say a 9mm is better?

No way I'm touching that one.

[Arik]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

The recoil will be less with the 9mm. Other than that, it's a toss up.

Why the urgency?



Shawn,
I gotta call you on this one. Wouldn't a regular .38Sp will have more velocity than a 9mm? A +P is certainly more powerful. Just look at the case differences:

What makes you say a 9mm is better?

Due to its black powder origins 38 has always been a low pressure round. The +p falls somewhere between the regular 38spl and a standard 9mm. A good hand load might get close to 9 but not the same or more. Even the Russian 9x18 Makarov can have more pressure then the 38spl

case length doesnt matter. A 40s&w also has a smaller case. If case length was what pressures were judged by then there would be a very small difference between the 38 (29mm) and 357 (33mm)

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[Jayhawkhuntclub]

The whole "you can't buy 9mm ammo" reason is only valid in the short term.

I would either buy a 9mm or a 40 that you can convert to 9mm. 9mm has less recoil and is considerably cheaper to shoot. Nothing wrong with a 40. But if I had to pick, I'd take the 9mm.

[S&W-Admirer]

I would buy a .40 and get a 9mm conversion barrel and 9mm magazines when available. That's what I did, and it works great. You can't convert from 9mm to .40 easily.

.40 is definitely more powerful. I hear people cry about the snappy recoil but several of my female CHL students shot great with .40s even with subcompact Glock 27s. You can also convert to 357 Sig with just an inexpensive factory barrel purchase. Mags are the same for 357 Sig and .40.

The M&P pistols are particularly easy to convert since the extractors and ejectors are the same for both calibers.

[Kaliman]

Originally Posted by S&W-Admirer

I would buy a .40 and get a 9mm conversion barrel and 9mm magazines when available. That's what I did, and it works great. You can't convert from 9mm to .40 easily.

.40 is definitely more powerful. I hear people cry about the snappy recoil but several of my female CHL students shot great with .40s even with subcompact Glock 27s. You can also convert to 357 Sig with just an inexpensive factory barrel purchase. Mags are the same for 357 Sig and .40.

The M&P pistols are particularly easy to convert since the extractors and ejectors are the same for both calibers.

Seconded. My first pistol was a M&P 9C. A month later I got the M&P FS .40. I regret not getting the compact in .40 just because I'd have the versatility.

[smokindog]

9 and 40 ammo is equally easy (optomist) or difficult (pessimist) to find around here!!! I have both 9 and 40 M&P pro and love all my children equally, even if one is slightly less to shoot PS - I also bought a M&P 22 and 45 so I would be caliber agnostic while looking into the glass at Walmart

Originally Posted by Jayhawkhuntclub

The whole "you can't buy 9mm ammo" reason is only valid in the short term.

I would either buy a 9mm or a 40 that you can convert to 9mm. 9mm has less recoil and is considerably cheaper to shoot. Nothing wrong with a 40. But if I had to pick, I'd take the 9mm.

[B Stewart]

OH NO!!!!! They both have there strong and weak points in my opinion. That being said the difference between the two is not worth all the controversy. Its like comparing the 243 Winchester and the 6 mm Remington. Don't get caught up in that game! Get the 40 then purchase the 9mm barrel and enjoy both of these great rounds. Of course this is the opinion of a complete and total idiot!LOL

[Parker357]

Originally Posted by Jacob5

Which is better?
9mm
holds 17+1
.40
holds 15+1






Im a little hesitant to buy the 9mm due to the ammo shortage. Even though every store around me has 9mm ammo it is possible they run out in the future.

If you have ammo in your area you should be buying it. If you have a gun that uses what they have in stock, you definitely shoudl be buying it. Even if you are trading you are still ahead of the game.

[RussC]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

The recoil will be less with the 9mm. Other than that, it's a toss up.

Why the urgency?



Shawn,
I gotta call you on this one. Wouldn't a regular .38Sp will have more velocity than a 9mm? A +P is certainly more powerful. Just look at the case differences:

What makes you say a 9mm is better?

Shawn

Look at the ballistics between the 2 rounds.

From my reading a 38 struggles especially with a snub nose to expand a jhp.

This will really blow your mind. A 357 delivered from a 2 inch snub nose and my 9 mm +P Gold Dot delivered from my Shield are almost identical on the ballistics chart but I can assure you the snub nose 357 has more felt recoil over my Shield.

Russ

[Arik]

Felt recoil is helped, or not, by the firearm. In this regard a revolver is similar to a bolt action rifle. There's nothing to absorb the recoil and it all goes to the shooter. Meanwhile the semi auto has springs and moving parts (slide) that soak up some of that recoil

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[Smitty357]

9mm, .40, .38 SPL and .357 MAG.

IMO, i dont care which one is used as i'm not on the receiving end.

[WA101]

40 gives you the option to also shoot 9mm or 357Sig with a barrel swap.

Choice is good!

[Dino1]

Originally Posted by ken158

Better for what? With the selection of ammo on the market now, either is a good defensive weapon. The 9 will be a little less expensive to shoot.

Not in my neck of the woods, 9mm cost the same as .40. The only difference is you can buy all the .40 you want, 9mm is on an empty self, and when you can find it you are limited to only one 50 round box. I traded a box of Blazer Brass 9mm today to a fellow for a 1,000 rounds of Winchester .22lr. I walked away with a big smile on my face, and if I can find another box of 9mm, he has another 1,000 he wants to trade. $21 for a 1,000 rounds of Winchester high velocity .22lr is a good deal in my book. I would go out and shoot each one and make my decision based on experiance. I personanaly like the .40, but it is not for every shooter out their.

[Smitty357]

It's like asking, which do u prefer .22LR or 22-250?

[RussC]

Shawn:

Google ballisticsbytheinch

I think you will be surprised when you start comparing calibers in short barrels.

There is a reason we are seeing more 9mm and 40 in ccws.

No offense but the 38 is pathetic in a short barrel compared to the 9mm.

I understand you compare visually the 9mm next to the 38 and you would think the 38 hands down would stomp the 9 mm.

Before I purchased my Shield I had 2 very frustrating weapons (Kahr CM9 and Beretta Nano) I came real close to buying a Ruger LCR 357 until I checked out the web site I am recommending you view.

The following data I pulled from said web site. I tried to match up grain size as close as possible.

Shield 9 mm

Gold Dot 124 JHP +P short barrel from a 3 inch barrel (Shield 9mm) delivers 1,108 fps and 350 lbs at the muzzle.

Ruger LCR 357

Corbon 357 125 grain from a Ruger LCR (2 inch barrel) 904 fps and 220 lbs at the muzzle. (3 inch barrel 1257 fps and 430 lbs at muzzle)

Ruger 38 LCR

Federal Hydra shok 125 38 special jhp from a Ruger LCR (2 inch barrel) 700 fps and 135 lbs at the muzzle. (3 inch barrel 831 fps and 190 lbs at muzzle)

Shield 40

Cor Bon 135 grain jhp 40 S&W from a Shield (3 inch barrel) 1117 fps and 440 lbs at muzzle

Observation

Assuming similar grain size the velocity of the 9 mm and 40 are very close. The 40 edges out the 9 mm in energy by 90 lbs or just over 20% more energy.

I realize most 40 folks will pack a heavier grain bullet which will deliver more energy. However, velocity will be sacrificed.

It is my opinion the optimum round in 9 mm which provides enough velocity to expand the bullet and enough mass to deliver energy is the 124 grain in a +P.

The concern I have with the 38 is the velocity may not be enough to allow for a jhp to take full advantage of expansion.

I believe after studying said website 9 mm and 40 are the two overall best choices for ccw.

Between 9 mm and 40 for ccw it comes down to capacity vs energy. Do you want one more round in the 9mm or approx 20% more energy?

If you factor total available energy (8 rds x 350 lbs) Shield 9mm has 2,800 lbs assuming Gold Dot 124 +P

Shield 40 (7 rds x 440 lbs) 3,080 total available lbs of energy assuming Cor bon 135 grain

The 40 Shield edges out the 9 mm Shield for total available energy with a flush magazine by about 10% but you still have one more round with the 9 mm increasing your odds of making a good placed shot.

Russ

[Smitty357]

Originally Posted by RussC

The 40 Shield edges out the 9 mm Shield for total available energy with a flush magazine by about 10% but you still have one more round with the 9 mm increasing your odds of making a good placed shot.

Russ

I disagree. The shooter and the type of ammo used will likely be the difference with either weapon. The placement and damage caused by the first shot will be the KEY. The extra round being carried is useless unless of course we are having war across a parking lot. And in that case, the short barrel of the Shield itself is useless in that case.

[rebel0994]

40 ALWAYS! then get a 9 and 357 conversion barrel if you get the urge later.

[JNewell]

Originally Posted by Rastoff

The recoil will be less with the 9mm. Other than that, it's a toss up.

Why the urgency?



Shawn,
I gotta call you on this one. Wouldn't a regular .38Sp will have more velocity than a 9mm? A +P is certainly more powerful. Just look at the case differences:

What makes you say a 9mm is better?

You do realize that most of that 38 Special case is simply filled with air, right?

[JNewell]

Originally Posted by Smitty357

I disagree. The shooter and the type of ammo used will likely be the difference with either weapon. The placement and damage caused by the first shot will be the KEY. The extra round being carried is useless unless of course we are having war across a parking lot. And in that case, the short barrel of the Shield itself is useless in that case.

I agree. I'd rather be putting good hits on a deadly force threat with a .32 ACP than sending a hail of peripheral hits or even misses downrange with a .40 S&W (or, for that matter, a .500 S&W).

[ginzo]

Now that's a bullet.
*****, it looks like a rocket booster from NASA!!!

Originally Posted by Smitty357

It's like asking, which do u prefer .22LR or 22-250?

[MSG Glenn]

It's all a matter of personal taste. I was sold on .45 in my earlier Navy & Army days when we used 1911s. I got out of the Navy & found a good deal on a 1911-type 9MM. Then I went in the Army & fell in love with .45 again. The Army went to 9MM which didn't bother me a whole lot because of the capacity of the mag although I really didn't like the Beretta a whole lot. After retirement I bought a Glock 23 (.40 cal) for service in armed security. That's the round I settled on figuring it to be right between the two calibers I was used to. A couple of rounds less in a mag might be a selling point but I always carry a spare mag anyhow. When my M&P 40C comes (10 round mags) I'll carry 2 spares.

Modern self defense ammo is pretty good these days so I don't think you'll be undergunned with 9MM but I'll still stick with .40s&w.

[Smitty357]

Originally Posted by ginzo

Now that's a bullet.
*****, it looks like a rocket booster from NASA!!!

Yeah its a darn good bullet for its design. It's my new go to gator gun during gator season. I got tired of trying to make open water shots with the .22LR for descent distance. Most of the time the stupid .22LR would knock em out, but not kill em.

Now with the 22-250, the problem is solved. One shot, one kill.

[gonpostal]

Glad to see you survived your last crisis.

[RussC]

Originally Posted by Smitty357

I disagree. The shooter and the type of ammo used will likely be the difference with either weapon. The placement and damage caused by the first shot will be the KEY. The extra round being carried is useless unless of course we are having war across a parking lot. And in that case, the short barrel of the Shield itself is useless in that case.

Smitty357

Agree placement is key.

My last post was to emphasis that the 38 special speaking from ballistics is not all that special.

Personally, if a Shield 40 recoil is similar to my full size 45 I probably would prefer my 9.

I don't look forward to the recoil from my 45 and I must work harder not to flinch when shooting my 45 vs my Shield despite the fact my 45 is about twice the mass of my Shield.

Flinching has always been a constant struggle especially if I have not shot for awhile so for me the 9mm makes more sense when placement is key.

Russ

[Mumbleypeg1]

I guess we can stop this thread now. Surely the !!!urgency!!! is over after more than 24 hours! And this horse has been beaten ad nauseum in numerous previous threads as well.

[Smitty357]

Originally Posted by RussC

Smitty357

Agree placement is key.

My last post was to emphasis that the 38 special speaking from ballistics is not all that special.

Personally, if a Shield 40 recoil is similar to my full size 45 I probably would prefer my 9.

I don't look forward to the recoil from my 45 and I must work harder not to flinch when shooting my 45 vs my Shield despite the fact my 45 is about twice the mass of my Shield.

Flinching has always been a constant struggle especially if I have not shot for awhile so for me the 9mm makes more sense when placement is key.

Russ

Agreed,

The flinching is found in lots of people to be honest. I think its something to do with loud noises right by u (even though u know the noise is coming). Have u ever noticed how many people squint their eyes when someone bangs a hammer just near them. Or how many people do the same even when they are the ones banging the hammer. I believe its just something with the way the human body works (reacts) to those loud noises.

As for the recoil on the Shield .40. Many people are suprised at how well it handles. I personally believe its because of the dual recoil spring design. I noticed some of the older m&p's have a single spring and I would believe that plays a part in handle the recoil. But thats just my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt lol.

[DocSunShine]

I settled on .40 M&Ps, before I owned M&P's I owned Glock & H&K in 9mm & .45, IMO .40 is a good balance between caliber and capacity. I prefer 180 grain, lotta lead being tossed at a target and recoil isn't much different than 124 gr. 9mm (especially +p which was my carry ammo).

Caliber argument pissing matches are stupid, nothing wrong with 9mm, .40 or .45.

[JNewell]

Originally Posted by DocSunShine

I settled on .40 M&Ps, before I owned M&P's I owned Glock & H&K in 9mm & .45, IMO .40 is a good balance between caliber and capacity. I prefer 180 grain, lotta lead being tossed at a target and recoil isn't much different than 124 gr. 9mm (especially +p which was my carry ammo).

Caliber argument pissing matches are stupid, nothing wrong with 9mm, .40 or .45.

Right. The bigger consideration IMO should be which one you can make good shots with, which you can shoot and control adequately for the intended purposes.

[Schlepprock]

Originally Posted by ginzo

I only have a 40 FS so I can only say 40. LOVE IT!!

I'm pretty certain that the 357 barrel and 40 mag work together, but the 9 barrel needs a 9 mag. I won't say it won't work, but I think it is not recommended.

Actually I spoke with a CS rep from S&W and he told me one of the cool features of having the 40 was the fact that you could buy a 9mm and a .357 sig barrel and switch them.The 40 mag has 40/.357 sig on them,while you could shoot a few 9mm from a 40 mag,the casings for a 9mm are a little smaller therefore the follower will likely hit before the last 9mm round fires.

[lightsluvr]

Originally Posted by Jyezahn

Might as well have asked, "Which is better? Snowflakes or shaved ice?"

Without some idea of what you're looking for, nobody can answer your urgent question with any accuracy.

Shaved ice... oh, and 40 cal.

LL

[cdr007]

if you like to shoot a lot I think 9mm is the way to go. I have a 9mm for carry and a M&P 40 for the house.

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I'd split the difference and go with the 9.5mm Tiagra. Case head is the same size as a .40 but the case has a straight wall taper down to 9.5 mm (actually a .378 groove diameter). A lot better than the bottle neck .357 Sig-it develops .357 velocity with a chamber pressure of approx 23,000 cpu when using a 163 gr bullet. We've been wildcatting it down here for years. I understand that Sierra is making a factory load with the 163 gr flat nose that ought to be on the shelves by now. Midway should have the drop in barrel. Use the .40 mags-they will actually hold 16 rounds due to the case taper.