Can't decide - 9c or 40c?

guskody said:
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.
Click to expand...

^ this , get the 40C and the separate 9mm barrel and mags
and you have both in one firearm.
 
I picked up the M&P .40 just before Christmas plus I ordered the .357sig barrel and the 9mm barrel next I have to get 2 9mm mags. So having 3 calibers 1 gun is convenient. My GLOCK is the same way.
 
I have owned a boat load of small pocket pistols, I just received a Shield .40 But its the Performance center and ported. I have yet to shoot it ,I am not worried as being the former owner of a Glock 27 , I can say that out of every gun, I have owned and own now the Shield is the best fitting in my hand and the flattest to hide. I ordered a High Noon Small of back holster and hope I put it on and never need .
 
More rounds, faster followup shots, cheaper ammo, equally effective, choice seems obvious to me.
 
One important consideration is that the 9mm slide will not accept conversion barrels, but you can get barrels to convert the 40 to either 357 SIG (a real barn burner) or 9mm (also requires a 9mm magazine.)
Since the 40 is more versatile in that respect, that was my choice. I have a 9mm barrel, just in case ammo becomes a problem, but I have not shot it.
I like my 40c quite a bit. Yes, it does kick with defense loads, but if I ever need it, I will be glad to have the added power. It hits reactive targets noticeably harder than a 9mm.
 
I remember all to well a few years ago when 9mm ammo couldn't be found anywhere, but 40cal could be had. This scenario could repeat itself again in the future. With the increase in 9mm popularity, you may someday see the 9mm shelf bare while the 40cal shelf has a few boxes. If you can afford at least 2 guns I would recommend owning both a 9mm and a 40cal. If you can only have 1, I would recommend a 40cal with a 9mm conversion barrel.
 
Hope you enjoy it. I owned a M&P40 and sold it after shooting the M&P9. I was way more accurate with it. I don't care for 40 anymore and got rid of all of mine. I strictly shoot 9mm and 45cal.
 
I'd go with whichever you like better but:

1. Stick with same caliber either 9 or 40

2. Go with pistols that will accept same mags
- I went with Glock 17 and Glock 26 so all auto pistols are 9mm and
universal mags. Also easier to keep ammo storage at bay, just have to
manage different bullet types not necessarily caliber.

*I'd go 9mm though, entirely too much snap in a .40 compact and otherwise. Both shooting buds
dumped their .40 set ups and went straight 9mm.
 
Last edited:
Every time I look at a .40 cal I end up with either a 9mm or a .45acp. Maybe I don't understand the need for .40! In your case I'd opt for the 9c for the reasons stated above.....or just bounce up to the 45c and buy a new some new dies.
 
Savannahshooter said:
I purchased the M&P 40c and added a StormLake 9mm barrel plus
9mm 12 and 17 rounds mag's. Best of both worlds.
Click to expand...
Hey, why not? Personally I am not a "one size fits all" kind of guy. Life is too short to always worry about what I need. I shot 40cal for a couple of years with my wrist wrapped up from an injury. Shooting the 40cal made my wrist stronger not weaker. Snappy is good. The ability to shoot 2 calibers or more works for me. Enjoy the versatility of having both.
 
Last edited:
My .02 cents. I prefer the .40 for various reasons. It's a mental thing as I know that 9mm is great for self defense and there really isn't an appreciable difference between the two. The main reasons I bought the FS and C in .40 are these.

I shoot USPSA at a local range and used to shoot a G35 set up for limited division. I will probably be doing the same for my full sized M&P. I will more than likely buy another full size police trade in and build that as my Limited gun. So, shooting .40 means I am shooting major power factor.

Second, it seems to me that in the past, every time there was panic buying, especially ammo, .40 was easier to find. In my area .22, 9mm and even .45 was hit or miss but for some reason .40 was always available.

I have both 9mm and .40 pistols and shoot both well. No real difference to me.

The cost difference is very minimal, especially when reloading.
 
Last edited:
40C and conversion barrel

Buy a 40C and buy a conversion barrel. Almost two guns for the price of one.
 
Just shot my 9C and what a soft shooting gun. Very accurate with no issues at all. The trigger wasn't bad, not a 1911, but not gritty either. Very pleased with the gun. Since my wife says the FS9 is hers now I have mine...or at least until she shoots this one and says it is hers

Tony P
 
James Yeager discusses the 40c. Love this video.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gsxdk1V8i-M[/ame]
 
I was not a fan of the .40. Very snappy compared to 9mm and 45. But maybe try one out at your local range and see if you like it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
Possibly defective M&P 9c?
Replies
9
Views
1K
Saudade
Saudade
S
I let one get away yesterday…
Replies
11
Views
569
duke2002
D
tlawler
Need some Gen Z watch buying advice
2 3
Replies
50
Views
2K
AugieTN
A
K
Shooter new to handguns
Replies
2
Views
441
The Last Standing Knight
The Last Standing Knight
chief38
Weller 12 year old Black Label Bourbon
2
Replies
37
Views
984
IAM Rand
IAM Rand

Latest posts

Back
Top