Somewhere in this thread somebody if not the original poster stated the a availability of cheaper 9mm. And I've heard it before. If not that, and the commonality with a semi why would you want a 9mm revolver when 38+p is adequate and 357 is more powerful? I've already stated my distaste for speedloaders, bulky to stash and delicate.
All these threads sort of lump together, so I've definitely posted my view before… somewhere.
Ammo commonality was part the reason why I converted. 9mm, .45, .38, and .380 is a lot of different loads to have on hand… even worse with the current times. Being issued a 9mm (Glock 19 MOS) makes it more appealing to stick with the round as much as possible. I have the 642-1, P938, and the LCP (I kept the .380, being you cannot match the size in a 9mm). My .45 was a Glock 30S… but I'll just toss on the identical sized duty gun if I wanted to run that (biggest issue is my port not allowing us to use weapon lights, being I'm not going to pull it off when working… not to mention, I want it common across the board/training). But in today's world, all ammo is expensive. If someone really wants cheap ammo… .22 LR or bust.
Chronographing does give you a perspective that does make the case for 9mm. Comparing the two carry loads I used, I was getting pretty much identical velocity… but my 9mm was 147 grain and the .38 +P was 110 grain. I get that some people don't look at energy numbers… but worked out to about 35% increase in energy. Me, personally… heavier round is superior when other things are equal. A person may not notice the difference, but the glass or whatever other thing the bullet is going thru prior to hitting the threat may very well notice it.
Speedloaders or whatever method of reload you use verses moonclips is going to be personal preference. People will argue their view until the end of time. For me, I shaved a noticeable amount of time off my reload compared to HKS. I like them, and partly the reason I invested in 1917 revolvers (had my C&R for about three years, and just renewed). If I manage to cause a failure with them, I'll definitely review it… but again, I'm using the same 5 over the past few years of carry (I shoot my carry ammo yearly, and then usually will practice with the same clips… either the same range session or unload and reload my practice ammo on them). Take care of your gear, and it usually will take care of you.
But another thing I've never heard brought up, yet it is apparent whenever you look at the rounds side-by-side… is OAL. How many here have shot a cylinder of .38/.357, and had a case or two hang up? Maybe that one round catches between the cylinder and the grip. More so with the Magnums, but the ejector rod on small revolvers isn't that long when you compare to either of the common revolver rounds. Fired 9mm, granted on a moonclip, clears the cylinder on ejection with plenty of room to spare. Likewise, a loaded moonclip can be easily ejected, as the tops of the rounds (at least my 147 grain Hornady XTP and 115 UMC bulk; latter is "affordable" practice ammo) clear the cylinder when the rod is depressed.
To be honest, I really could not care less if people agree with my firearm choices. Hopefully that doesn't come off as condescending, being I really do mean it as such. I carry what I feel works for me, and that is my main decision method with any changes to my carry gear. If I see something different, I'll research it… and if it seems positive, I'll give it a shot.
I used to always run my duty gun reloads on my weak side, vertically… until I asked an FTO if he liked them on the strong side, horizontal. Switched a week prior to qualifications, practiced with them during that time, and liked it when I started doing reload drills prior to the qualification. I have classmates that say it is stupid, and should only be done during ceremonies (our Class 1 uniform is supposed to be worn that way… but outside of the academy, nobody brings it up if you at least have the pouch).
Again, I'm not telling people that X is better than Y, just what I've tried. My posts, take it for exactly what you paid for it. But I did do a little bit of testing, research, and waste of money to get where I'm at. I think I posted it on here (Tapatalk isn't too fun to search stuff), but you can find a thread I made about different methods of 9mm moonclip carry. I think I tried three or four specific carry methods… and gave the pros/cons of them. I hope that someone may have took a look, maybe saving some money and going with a better decision. But in the end, I've done enough research into 9mm J-frames that I'm confident enough in what I got.
And to be crystal clear… no animosity intended towards any member, especially rich5674. Just was the perfect quote to transition into my long winded post. [emoji6]
