.40 or .45?

[Sansho]

Before I bought my M&P 45FS, I tried Springfield XD's at the local range in both 40 and 45 for comparison, and liked shooting 45 better.

Regarding magazine size, OP didn't indicate what state they live in ... as we know a number of them are now limiting magazine size, which may have some bearing on OPs options.

 

[D-Hop]

I was in the same boat. Not sure weather to get a .40 or a.45. I finally decided on a mp40c mainly due to the fact I can change out the barrel to a 9mm or 357sig and also in my area it's not to hard to find .40 ammo. I got the compact as this will be my EDC gun. When I carry this gun I will probably use it with the 357sig barrel.
My mp40c doesn't have a thumb safety or mag safety but I didn't really want the thumb safety or mag safety anyway. Each to his own I guess.

 

[portejw]

An Alternate Look at Handgun Stopping Power

Very interesting results, especially for some of the lower calibers.

I went with the M&P 40 due to ammo availability. While the .22 drought was manageable, every box of 9mm dried up instantly, .40 was all anywhere had. Recoil just needs a bit to get used to. I wasn't aware of the 9mm/.357 barrel conversions until after I had purchased it, so that was a pleasant surprise. Very happy with my purchase and confident it was right for me.

 

[Don 73]

It doesn't matter which caliber you choose if you don't do your part. Having a 45 with its 'flying trash can' hollow points means nothing if you can't hit the broadside of a barn. Same goes for a 9 with its half a box of ammo magazine, if you can't hit the target, all you're doing is throwing rounds down range which benefits no one but the bad guy.

Pick the caliber YOU are comfortable with and PRACTICE WITH IT. Personally I am comfortable with a 9 AND confident in my ability to keep my rounds center mass during a stress-fire situation, so if it takes more than 2 hits to put the bad guy down, so be it, I feel I'm up to the task (not meaning to sound cocky, just stating my opinion).

 

[Autococker07]

45


The 40 is nice if you prefer the smaller frame (small hands?), but I have "baby girl hands" and I can still be comfortable with all but the large double stack 45s. Also 45 is a low pressure cartridge, vs 40 which is high pressure, this will give more recoil force on the 45, but less snap.... I tend to perceive it as a shotgun vs a rifle.... Good luck!!!

Also unless you have the oldest M&P 9mm without the cutouts, a safety takes about 5 minutes to install right? if you have the old one you have to trim a little plastic, but its still doable...... FYI

 

[zoom6zoom]

.45
Because they don't make a .46

 

[CADMAN88]

I currently have a Shield 9mm, M&P 9mm FS, and a Beretta PX4 Storm .40 FS.. I was actually surprised at how little difference in felt recoil or kick the PX4 had compared to the others.. After putting some rounds thru my Shield 9mm, I'm thinking I want to look at getting a M&P 45c model.. the Shield works fine, but I want a little more out of it. In fact, my PX4 has had more range time than my Shield as I like it better..

I will most likely trade in the Shield for a .45 if I find the right deal..

 

[Martya]

As you can see, and I agree, either is a good choice. Look at bullet availability, price of a 40 v a 45, and so on.

I prefer 45, have two of them. I wouldn't criticize anyone for preferring a 40. In a threatening situation the results would likely be the same with either round.

 

[fyimo]

I'm a fan of the 40 S&W pistols because most of them you can put a 357 Sig barrel in which gives you options. I love the 45 ACP and it's my first choice in a semi auto.

 

[Dean1818]

I like both calibers

45 Compact

Shield 40

The 45C is nightstand only now.....

The Shield is EDC

 

[Bonecrusher]

Thanks for all the opinions/comments. No concensus but a lot of thought starters - thanks for that. Those comments lead to another question: Can any .40 M&P be converted to a 9MM and a .357 Sig.

Hopefully I'll become a contributor to this forum and not just a question asker. Thanks again.

 

[FLSTFI]

The FS and compact .40 can take either a 9mm or .357 barrel. The .40 shield can only take the 9mm barrel as there is no shield .357. If you go to a .357 you only need a barrel. If you want to go to a 9mm you need a barrel and a new magazine. I have heard of some people who can get 9mm rounds to feed through their .40 magazine, but it is not always reliable.

 

[mtnwinds]

It's a very subjective decision. I've been a 45ACP guy for 40 years. I tried the 40 15 years ago in a Glock and didn't care for the snappy recoil. A year ago I tried the 40 in an M&P Pro and loved it. One of the most accurate pistols I've owned and I've owned a few. The 40c is now my EDC and I've sold my full size and my compact 45. I still have 45ACP pistols but I now prefer the 40.

I also found that Talon grip tape makes a world of difference on my ability to control a pistol. Again, it's all very subjective.

 

[Bkreutz]

It seems to me that .40 is more available than .45 (at least at the moment) when I walked through my LGS on the way to the range today they had cases(1000 ct) of .40 for $399. It wasn't long ago that all the shelves were almost empty and if they had any you could only by a box of 50 at a time.