.40 vs .45 caliber

[JACKAL0PE]

Jackalope, that's not really a decision somebody else should make for you. try several and see what works best for you and is in a size, wt, platform you prefer.

I appreciate that and understand what you're saying. It's impossible to know what works until you shoot them. Just today I tried out the Springfield XDS and was astonished to find that the grip is really a bit too small for me. I just couldn't grip it firmly because it was too narrow. Never saw that coming.

So your point is well taken. But I do appreciate the point of view from more experienced people. I never considered that the narrow nature of a 1911 might make it more concealable. It's just something to consider.

 

[S&W HE]

I appreciate that and understand what you're saying. It's impossible to know what works until you shoot them. Just today I tried out the Springfield XDS and was astonished to find that the grip is really a bit too small for me. I just couldn't grip it firmly because it was too narrow. Never saw that coming.

So your point is well taken. But I do appreciate the point of view from more experienced people. I never considered that the narrow nature of a 1911 might make it more concealable. It's just something to consider.

My primary carry gun is a Stainless Steel Colt Officers Model in .45 ACP. The aftermarket recoil system, beavertail grip safety, tuned action and its concealability (about the same as compact 9mms) make it my favorite. The down side... its all steel weight is great for recoil control but not so for carry.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The 1911 and the .45 Auto round have been bringing Americans home ever since WWI. The 1911 has been on the side of American soldiers in every war since. The US Marines have again adopted a Colt 1911 in .45 Auto for their sidearm.

I'm a revolver guy but I do own 2 semi-auto centerfire pistols. One is the Kel-Tec P-32 for those times you need something VERY small and the other is a Springfield 1911A1 because every man should have at least one 1911!

Nothing wrong with the 40 S&W and it will do what it was designed to do as long as you do your part but the 45 ACP will do the same and maybe even better since it makes a bigger hole...

 

[rwsmith]

The 9mm problem

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3) The 40 and 45 minimize the over penetration problem of the 9mm.

Sorry for straying off the topic but the problem with over-penetration is fixed by using a good jacketed bullet which the military is not allowed to use.