sdve 40 or 9mm

[cmsith7267]

I'm looking at getting a sdve either 9mm or 40 just wanted yalls opinion on witch on to get it will be used for self-defense of course but i will also carry it with me hunting also want know what the recoil is like for both. thanks..

[ou1954]

I can't comment on ammo selection but a pistol would, in my opinion, be a poor choice for hunting.

What sort of hunting do you have in mind?

In addition to pistol accuracy and range issues, there are already enough accidental shootings with long guns while climbing through barbed-wire fences and brush. I would really be concerned while carrying a pistol in that environment.

[Biggfoot44]

9mm vs .40 is a chliche , that after all the shouting boils down to somewhere between "whichever you prefer" and "flip a coin" .

As far as safety in carrying thru brush and around obsticals , a securely holstered is safer than a long gun with typical sling setups , or carried by hand(s).

The first post wasn't clear as to the context of "bring along on hunting trips" . Primary hunting tool for big game ? The proverbial coup de grace on downed but not deceased big game ? Small game hunting ? Plinking during lull in hunting ? Night time security in camp ?

For legality for hunting a particular species , consult your state's game regulations , they vary widely.

[MyDads38]

I have the SD9VE and am very happy with it. I have 3-9mm and 2-45 auto pistols total. In my case, I don't see where a 40 cal. could offer me anything I don't already have. I've never owned/shot a 40 cal., so I can't make a comparison.

As a backup for hunting, I would personally carry a revolver, probably 357 mag or larger, but that's just my opinion.

[oubackman]

I own both the SD9VE & SD40VE. Both are great. I do carry the 9mm because of the higher # of rounds. If you are thinking you can use one gun for both self defense & for stopping bears then, I'd say you need to have 2 guns. Yes, a .40 cal. is stronger than the 9mm but I do not think either will drop a surprized or charging bear quickly. I agree with MyDads38 as far as having a high caliber revolver as being best in the woods.
Both S&W pistols shoot very well & of course, the SD40VE has more kick. The best thing to do is to go to a range where you can rent & shoot both calibers. The SD40VE has been the most controllable .40 I have shot due to its ergonomics.
Good luck.

[retired_diver]

The recoil of the 40sw is IMO snappier than a 9mm. The only way to know how recoil sensitive you are to 40's is to rent one and try it vs a 9mm. I have a sigma 9f and a glock 23 (compact 40sw) the difference is noticeable but, for me and most, totally controllable. I carry a 4" 629 (44mag) as a backup woods handgun while the primary rifle is a marlin lever 45-70 (6 rounds) that I handload with anything from 525gr pile drivers to 350gr jsp depending on game.

[cmsith7267]

i live in alabama and as for as hunting goes just wanted to carry it with me when i bow hunt we have a problem with coyotes around here.. and as far as being recoil sensitive i can shooting a 357 mag all day no problem

[MOONDAWG]

Caliber choices are a personal thing one has to sort out for themselves.

Regardless of hype no handgun caliber is a true man stopper.

When it comes to handgun calibers; size, weight and velocities just make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

I'd opt for the 9mm SDVE as ammo is available anywhere on the planet, and it's the cheapest centerfire handgun ammo on the market.

They have made great strides in bullet development for this caliber (though no magic bullets exists). I doubt your Alabama coyote will ever notice the difference as to whether or not he was hit with a 9mm or 10 mm (.40) bullet

[Edknn123]

The SD9VE is a great shooter...very little recoil and lighter than most full size 9mm at 22.7 oz. Mine has been flawless in about 800 rounds and I would not worry about FTFs or FTEs and trust my life to it. It always goes bang when the trigger is pulled. Also the price is great compared to similar pistols.

[JWH321]

I guess I'm always trying to be practical. 9mm is one helluva lot cheaper than .40. If you are thinking of just plinking and running off critters, 9mm will leave less of a dent in your pocket. The difference in recoil is such a matter of opinion that I suspect it may have as much to do with what day it is as it does with what caliber it is. Just one more thought; I kinda think you can find better deals on the 9mm guns and mags, too.

Either way, you'll get a good gun, so you really can't lose.

[cmsith7267]

alright thanks guys...

[daringdragoon]

I picked a SD40VE because I'm used to shooting .40 and .45. Also I've made the mistake of living in CA so with our magazine cap of 10 and not wanting to IWB CC my 1911 (just too heavy). I decided I'd rather have 10 rounds of .40 then 10 rounds of 9mm. I also thought the M&P Shield was too small for .40. If I lived in a state where I could own the standard capacity magazines I would have gotten the 9mm SD.