Help me choose.

[SavageSmoker]

So after a lot of research I have decided my next CC weapon will be a M&P Shield (if I can ever find one). The next big question is 9 or 40? I currently have a Glock 19 and like the 9mm format. It would be nice to only buy one type of amo to shoot. On the other hand, I am intrigued by the idea of broadening my inventory and having more variety of options. My Glock 19 was my first handgun and I have not ventured out of the 9mm world as of yet. What are the main differences I can expect to see from the 9 vs. the 40? Any suggestions or advice?
Thx...Brian

 

[raylo]

Although not available everywhere, try and go to a range and rent the two. The biggest difference will be the recoil and that is perceived differently by everyone. I can tell you my 40 sig kicks like a mule compared to my 9 sig. Plus, 40 ammo costs more.

 

[StatesRightist]

The .40 in a gun as small as a Shield will have some bite to it. As you noted, shooting another caliber will cost you more money. I've always felt the .40 is a full size gun caliber, but that's just a personal opinion. My vote? Go with the 9mm.

 

[Dohmein]

Since you will get all the reasons I would offer in this thread why one over the other I will just toss my vote out there for the 9mm. Reasons to come (other than the above as well) by our fine friends on this forum.

 

[Houdini1953]

Since you are already used to a 9mm and the 19 is a mid sized Glock 9mm, I have the 26 which is a subcompact version and also uses the 19 or 17's magazines but the Shield 40 is a handful especially with it's small size you would better transition to Shield 9mm and save practice ammo with it.

Stick with a caliber you are used to and can control as well as shoot well, I believe that going from a midsized 9mm to a mini 40 caliber would not be pleasant for you but that is your personal decision!

 

[Enzo]

Same decision here and I'll go with the 9mm for the extra round and use a good JHP like 124 +p gold dot.

 

[southchatham]

9mm, more rounds, less recoil, ammo compatibility with the 19.

 

[Armed Babysitter]

What are the main differences I can expect to see from the 9 vs. the 40?

Well, they both perform about the same on live tissue, 9 will offer less muzzle flip, faster double and triple tap capabilities, and will allow you to shoot more often for less $. One millimeter in width and between 18-65 more grains in mass won't make up for poor shot placement. More mag capacity never hurts either.

I too, think the fowty is best suited for duty sized weapons.

 

[ccpacker]

Contrarily, those who have both report that there is very little difference in the "flip" between the .40 and the 9mm. They also report that there is little or no difference in the time to get back on target. .40 is the minimum duty carry by those who put their life on the line daily. Everybody thinks that what they do is the best way to go and justify their choice. Your responses have been predominately from those who cherish their 9mm decision. Go make your own choice. It will be right for you. If you determine you made the wrong choice, you won't have any trouble selling it and buying the other. Indecision gets people hurt.

 

[alatour]

I have them both. The 9 does have less recoil but to me the .40 is very manageable, but as said before everyone perceives recoil differently. Also I reload so the cost is not that bad. If I can't take them down with 6 rounds of .40 I guess I need more practice.

 

[Horace & Daniel]

Not only will the 9 be cheaper to shoot and therefore give you more chances to shoot and train with it, but the 9's reduced recoil (as compared to the 40) will allow you to get back on target quicker for faster follow-up shots. Of course, YMMV. Some guys love 40s and can shoot them just as quickly and accurately as a 9. But, I would gander most gun owners fall into the "9 is Quicker" category.

The 9 has more advantages as a CCW than the 40, IMO.

The only advantage I see for the 40 is the bigger bullet, which has the potential to produce a larger wound cavity.

 

[SavageSmoker]

Thanks for all of the great responses. At this time I think it makes more sense to go for the 9mm. I am familiar with it and it will not be too intimidating for my wife to shoot either. Thanks!

 

[Robby3006]

Although not available everywhere, try and go to a range and rent the two. The biggest difference will be the recoil and that is perceived differently by everyone. I can tell you my 40 sig kicks like a mule compared to my 9 sig. Plus, 40 ammo costs more.

They are so hard to find no gun shop is renting them. They cant even put them
On the shelves without selling out of them. Gonna be hard to find to rent. Atleast were i live

 

[SavageSmoker]

Update...I managed to find a 40 at my local Gander Mountain. They got six in this morning (3 9's and 3 40' s) and all were gone in only 4 hours. When I called they only had one Sheild left...it was a 40...I pounced. I immediately took it to the indoor range by my place and fired about 30 rounds through it. I really like this gun. I was worried about the recoil but it was not as bad as expected. In fact, I think there is less kick with this gun then my Torus 605 .357 snubbie. The new gun is still a bit stiff but I suspect it will settle in after a few more trips to the range.