Can't decide - 9c or 40c?

[AZ_M&P]

So one of my regular EDC's for the last 2 years was an M&P 9c. Loved that gun... it shot well, fit my lumpy body well, and (best of all) was a S&W!

Anyway, I got a buddy interested in shooting, and after a bunch of trips to the range he took a liking to my 9c. He's a good guy but he's young with a family and doesn't have the proverbial 2 nickels to rub together, so any gun purchases are out of the question for him for some time.

He had a birthday this month, so I decided to gift him the 9c. I also signed him up for a CCW class so he knows something about carrying responsibly.

Now my dilemma - do I replace it with another 9c or look at the 40? I have a full size 40 Pro Series that I absolutely love, but I get that mag capacity is less than the 9.

Thoughts? I think I'm leaning towards the 40 if for no other reason than it's something different...

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Like you, I was between a 9C and a 40C. Have carried a Para P-13 45auto (13+1)because of capacity and I'm sort of a spray and pray type with great target pistols (shoot some Bullseye).
For me, a whole new learning process, especially trigger control. Tried both (Apex triggers) and the 9C was easier to control for me. Ammo is a little cheaper but not a major factor. 40 was less comfortable and slower recovery (but I'm 80 so another factor). Possibly if I shot more and was younger, the 40 would be a better choice, but the 9C fits me well.

 

[Arik]

Replace with what you know. ...9

 

[Bozz10mm]

I would stick with the 9mm. More capacity, less recoil, cheaper ammo.

 

[dmar]

My vote is the 9mm. I'm not a big fan of the .40, and definitely not in a compact. For me, the 9mm is more controllable/more comfortable to shoot, so I shoot it better. Plus, more capacity, cheaper ammo, and the 9mm carry ammo has plenty of power. For what it's worth, the 9 will have better resale if you ever go that route. YMMV.

But hey, you've already owned the 9c, so you should know if you liked it enough to get another one. And finally, good on you for helping your buddy out, that was a real nice thing to do...

 

[wingriderz]

I have the 40c really like it. I have a few non smiths in compact 9mm but really like the 40 mp 40 c . I know alot say its s lot more cost to shoot but not found that case here less than two dollars difference. at wally world for range ammo I tend to shoot the 40 better. than the 9mm too. Broke into the 40 cal the 1st time last year with buying the mp40c. It wont be my only 40 I will add more. The 40 c. just finished. the flawless min 250 round test before I carry . I am now carring it in rotation in a I W B .

 

[chud333]

I EDC the 40c. I like it and have never been a fan of 9mm.
But it's really what you are comfortable with not me.
I have a Glock 22 in .40 S&W so i am confident and capable
with .40 caliber autoloaders.
If you like the 9's and feel comfortable with them go that way.


Chuck

 

[AZ_M&P]

Thanks guys, you all make valid points. I'm not concerned about ammo cost since I reload both, I just can't decide. Maybe I'll see if I can find a 40c to shoot to see if I enjoy it as much as my beloved 9...

 

[guskody]

9c or 40c

hello AZ,

i used to own a 40c and i enjoyed shooting it quite a bit.

i also purchased a separate M&P 9mm barrel and some M&P 9mm mags so i had the option of shooting both calibers.

it was a nice combination and might be worth looking in to.

i personally didn't notice much of a difference in recoil and handling between the two calibers.

good luck with your decision.

 

[scattershot]

First, let me say that I am in awe of your generosity. Then, let me say that you,should go with the .40, because you can get drop in conversion barrels for 9mm and .357 SIG.

Good shooting!

 

[Narrowback]

^^^ That's why I went with the 40c. You can go 40 to 9, but not 9 to 40, so it made more sense. After 600 rounds, I have not had any reason to buy the 9mm barrel, I really like the 40. And say what you will about the advances in 9mm, the 40 has had advances too and every test I've seen shows better expansion and overall performance. I will eventually buy the 9mm barrel just for curiosity's sake, maybe.

 

[fdw]

I have a 40 and 9 FS. I'd go for the 9 because of ammo cost.

Otherwise I see no difference between the two.

 

[PirateJim]

I vote go with the 40. Here's several reasons that come to mind.

1. I'm not going to suggest that 9mm is inadequate for self defense purposes, but I can read ballistic tables and the 40 is a harder hitting caliber that makes a bigger hole without the benefit of expansion. Add to that the fact that the advances in bullet design that have made the 9mm much more effective are also available in 40.
2. You say you have a full size 40, so it's not like you are adding a new caliber that you need to keep stocked up on. Perhaps you are even in a position to do away with your stock of 9mm now the 9 Compact is gone?
3. I don't think the cheaper prices for ammo is a valid consideration when it comes to choosing a self defense gun. Certainly not a smaller carry gun. When I go to the range I almost always shoot my Shield some, but not a heck of a lot. Full size guns are more fun to shoot, and for the joy of punching holes in paper it's hard to beat a 22.
4. The Compact M&Ps, though smaller than full size, have a pretty chunky grip. You shoot a full size 40, so you know what the recoil is like. I wouldn't think you'd have a problem in that department.

To muddy the water a bit, why not consider a Shield? It seems that most people that own both find the Shield much more comfortable to carry day in and day out. Yes, you lose some capacity, but assuming you're not a LEO and don't have to intentionally go into real dodgy areas, a Shield (in my opinion) has sufficient capacity to deal with the vast majority of self defense scenarios.

 

[caleb4387]

I envy you. I can't decide if I want. Full size or compact much less what caliber

 

[KSDeputy]

When I retired, my Sheriff's Office carried the model 4506 .45acp. Now they carry Glock .40 s&w. They have a much larger number of female deputies, which I consider an asset. The females did had problems shooting the 4506. Some agencies carry 9mm, some .40 s&w. I have never liked 9mm due to over penetration, but I do like 9mm short (.380). I carry a .45 acp pistol. Were it me, I would choose the .40 s&w.

 

[AZ_M&P]

I envy you. I can't decide if I want. Full size or compact much less what caliber

LOL too funny. My first gun was the 9c, my second was a Shield in 9 mm. Since then I've added a bunch of others but for me, something I could conceal easily for EDC was of primary importance. I picked up a few full size guns down the line, and I like my full size 40 enough that I usually carry that (concealed) when I'm not working and the occasional print isn't critical.

I think it all depends on what you want to do with the gun... EDC, I'd definitely start with a compact or the Shield (love them both). If it home defense, range use, or anything else perhaps full size is the way to go.

Either way you'll love the gun!

 

[Ballistic147]

I have the Shield in 9mm and the 40c. Recoil is nearly identical between the two as well as accuracy. Since your already set up with 40 dies might as well go that way. I've also found 40 ammo is not that much more than 9mm if you buy in bulk.

 

[DD357]

I'd normally say the 9C, the only way I'd consider going with the 40C is if you are already set up for the 40 and not the 9. The reality is the 9 and 40 with a good load will do the same things.

 

[Vbgjr]

Don't overlook the 45c best choice I made. I carry Either the Shield or a 45c. I too looked at the 9c and 40c had the Shield and 1911's so I went for the 45c.

 

[CGhelofxr]

I need friends like you, that being said;
You let go of a 9mm and currently have a full size 40.

Get the 40c buy a 9mm barrel and magazines and you are right where you want to be with both.