Compact .40 vs .45acp for concealed carry...?

Skynyrd · Feb 28, 2010

I had decided to go with a compact .40SW for concealed carry as it was my impression that the .40 would hold a good amout of rounds in a smaller gun and carries a powerful punch. I am considering the M&P, the Glock, or the Px4 Storm. I was looking at a Glock 27 which is .40 cal and the store saleman told me that the two-finger Glock 27 has extreme recoil due to it's small size. Not that this would be a huge detering factor, but I got to wondering if the compact .45acp would have the same or less kick. I saw the Glock 30 and liked it as much (have not played with M&P or Px4 yet). Since I own a full size S&W 4566, I'm thinking it would be nice to stick with the same caliber.

So, does a compact .45acp carry more/less/same kick as a compact .40SW?

BigRich315 · Feb 28, 2010

I'm mainly speculating here since I haven't personally compared the two, but in the case of the M&P's I would think the 45 may be more more shooter friendly. My M&P40c has a pretty snappy recoil that is much different from the smooth, powerful recoil of 45's I have shot, including my 4516. The 40 gives its power very quickly where the 45 is relatively more drawn out (the 40 is loaded to much higher pressures). In either caliber, the design of the M&P line helps absorb big recoil. Either is very manageable to shoot.

The 45 is also a bit bigger than the 40, with 4" barrel compared to the 3 1/2" plus a slightly longer grip. It's still very doable for CC and I plan to add one to the rotation. I'm very impressed with my 40c and expect the same with the 45c. They are definitely worth a good, long look before you decide.

handgunner356 · Feb 28, 2010

I prefer the 9/40 size over the 45s' that tend to be thicker than most. The officers that carry the 27s' in our area have all added the Sheer grip extensions on their mags to get that third finger on them. The M&P compact seems to fall between the 27 and 23 in size.

ab4ka · Feb 28, 2010

I've had a G27 and now have a M&P40c and the M&P feels a whole lot better...it doesn't try to flip out of my hand like the G27 did. I can shoot it equally well with the flat bottom mag or the one with the extension.

Pisgah · Feb 28, 2010

I find the .40's recoil just a bit abrupt for the most comfortable fast, accurate shooting, at least in a compact/subcompact gun. The .45 is, to me, more of a shove than a snap.

mangy · Feb 28, 2010

I like the M&P45c with a crossbreed IWB holster. Works well

WR Moore · Feb 28, 2010

Why exactly does it have to be compact? Pick the best weapon for the task and dress around it. As far as caliber, we're issued a M&P40 fullsize. I prefer my M&P9 full size. Yes, I lugged a .45 for just shy of 20 years, by choice. It's where you hit them, not the size of the hammer.

NE450No2 · Feb 28, 2010

A Lightweight Commander sized 1911 in 45 ACP is the best choice, IMHO...

Skynyrd · Mar 1, 2010

WR Moore said:
Why exactly does it have to be compact? Pick the best weapon for the task and dress around it. As far as caliber, we're issued a M&P40 fullsize. I prefer my M&P9 full size. Yes, I lugged a .45 for just shy of 20 years, by choice. It's where you hit them, not the size of the hammer.

Good point, I currently carry the 4566 in may back tucked inside the waist and have no comfort problems. But I'd like an ITW holster which will add to size, and summer dress here in Carolina limits dress cover, plus a compact could easily fit into some of my cargo shorts large pockets.

And then there the fact that I just plain need to have one.

My LE buddy who sold me the 4566 which they carried for 10 years absolutely loves the new M&Ps they are now issued, but they carry both; the .45 full size and the .40 on the ankle.

Thanks all for the info.

So any feedback on the Px4 compacts?

jimmyj · Mar 1, 2010

Hi:
I carry Glocks for CCW.
Glock 17,19, 22, 23, 21, and 30.
The Glock mid-size 19 and 23 is my favorite.
The Glock 30's down side for me is the difficulty in loading the last two rounds in the magazine.
At the present I am CCW OWB a Glock 21 and two extra magazines.
I am a #1 fan of Lobogunleather.com Model 1D Pancake holster.
I have never been able to IWB with comfort.
Jimmy

Skynyrd · Mar 1, 2010

JimmyJ;

Thanks, good info!

M29since14 · Mar 1, 2010

I think you would be happy with an M&P40c. I have had two Glock 27s (at different times) and am not exactly a total recoil sissy, but never could warm up to them. In fact, I was considering buying an M&P9c because of the bad experiences with the G27, but convinced myself to try a 40c instead. It has worked out OK and was the right choice. The M&P40c is entirely different than the G27, almost like they do not even fire the same cartridge. For me, it can be fired both more quickly and more accurately - and one heck of a lot more comfortably.

I have not tried the new M&P45s in compact models, but my experience with my old Officer's ACP leads me to agree with NE450No2 that in 45 ACP, anything smaller/lighter than a .45 Commander is just not my cup of tea.

Since you say you "need" to have one, better act without delay!

(You'll like it.)

roundgunner · Mar 1, 2010

Just yesterday I used my 40c in an IDPA match. Probably shot 100 rounds. I find the 40c easy to control and not real snappy like a TI/SC revolver. The full size is easier to shoot but I felt like shooting the gun I have been carrying the most lately.
I have a full size M&P 45 also and it shoots easier than my 1911s as far as recoil goes. For race gunning the 1911 is faster, but I will not choose a 1911 over an M&P to carry anymore.
I don’t have a 45c so I can’t say but if it shoots like the 40c you will like it.

Compact .40 vs .45acp for concealed carry...?

Skynyrd

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BigRich315

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handgunner356

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ab4ka

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Pisgah

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mangy

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WR Moore

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NE450No2

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Skynyrd

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jimmyj

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Skynyrd

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M29since14

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roundgunner

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