OK. The .380 is a short 9MM. The .40S&W is a short 10 MM.

The 9MM is considered adequate for some law enforcement, like NYPD.

But the norm seems to be the .40 S&W, the 10MM, and the .45ACP. And, from what I've read in these pages, the big 10MM seems to garner the boatload of the respect here.

So, why are so many folks shooting the .40?? Why not the big 10??

One of the advantages the .40 has over the 10mm is it is shorter and the gun companies can use a 9mm size frame. If you look, as an example, at a Glock 10mm M20 it is a very large, thick framed handgun that holds 16 rds. of 10mm. The M22 is a 16 shot .40 but the grip is much slimmer. It was built on the same frame as the M17 9mm. Most of the other companies products are similarly built.

Aside from pistol size, which is certainly a consideration, many if not most shooters find there is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to recoil. The 10mm is in a class that comes close, in full power loads, to the .41 Magnum. For some folks, that is too much for fast, accurate shooting. Quick followup shots, which should always be a consideration in a defensive handgun, can be a real challenge. Being able to hit what you're aiming at, several times if needed, is a far more important consideration than the power level of the cartridge.

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Pisgah

When the 10mm first showed up in the Colts' I recall someone saying "they put a 200yd cartridge in a 50yd gun". The original 10mm was real close to the .41mag and recoil was a big factor for many. When the FBI went down to a 80% loading it became feasible to make it into a shorter cartridge that would fit into 9mm framed guns. There are no magic bullets, actual results from the better 9, 40, 10 or 45 are all going to be pretty much the same.

Cost, weight, size and recoil.

Please have this inscribed on a stone tablet and permanently mounted some place. You have articulated the best response I've read yet to the caliber wars.
Thank you.

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Get off my lawn.

I love the 10mm and have owned it in every type of weapon it is chambered for however all I shoot now is a 40sw due to getting similar power in a smaller package. Like it has been said most people don't care for the size and recoil that comes with the handguns it is chambered in. I have always wished that Keltec would make their carbine in 10mm as I think a true carbine and not a conversion would be a big hit.

Well said!

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Dave