I'm just gonna say it... .40 recoil isn't bad at all.

[jmr40]

It is all about perspective. I grew up on magnum revolvers, owning many 357 mags before ever owning a semi. I have to concentrate real hard to notice the difference between 9 and 40. The gun and load matters too. My Glock 20 loaded with hot Double Tap 10mm ammo is more comfortable to shoot than my 1911's with standard 230 gr hardball

Everyone claims a 45 is softer shooting than 40, but I don't see that either. I notice a slight difference between 9 and 40, none that I can feel between 45 and 40, and that is firing all 3 from Glocks.

 

[Malcolm Reynolds]

JD0x0: Yeah, you're not wrong. You can't really argue with the numbers. I guess my point is just that the difference in reacquiring the target for me was so small that I couldn't tell the difference. I'm sure a better shooter would be impacted by the difference but for all practical purposes it didn't hamper my ability to put quick shots on the target. Some people make it out to be a huge problem.

 

[Cheapshooter]

JD0x0: Yeah, you're not wrong. You can't really argue with the numbers. I guess my point is just that the difference in reacquiring the target for me was so small that I couldn't tell the difference.

Yes, the numbers are there, but for me at least I agree with Malcolm Reynolds that the difference is insignificant to unnoticeable is actual shooting.
Maybe I'm not doing everything by the book of perfect defensive shooting, but I know that I will do some practice every time at the range with one or more of my CCW guns, and I'm happy with the results. From a Taurus Poly-22 (not really one of my carry choices) to an LCP, Kahr CM9, Ruger LCR 38+P, to a Springer XD40 Sub Compact I shoot a threat stopping, center mass group @ 7 yards with all of them. The recoil from 22 rimfire to 40 S&W doesn't seem to make any difference.

 

[mavracer]

I guess my point is just that the difference in reacquiring the target for me was so small that I couldn't tell the difference.

Yes, the numbers are there, but for me at least I agree with Malcolm Reynolds that the difference is insignificant to unnoticeable is actual shooting.

Get a shot timer and get back with us.

 

[Malcolm Reynolds]

Venom: Almost forgot to tip my cap to that "Shiny" comment. Well played!

 

[Fishbed77]

I had no idea this pistol was chambered in .40SW.

 

[CWKahrFan]

...none that I can feel between 45 and 40...

This is where I'm at... To me they're so similar (in all respects) I don't favor one over the other, but prefer them both to 9 for SD.

 

[Guv]

A 40 has to have more recoil than a 9, it also delivers a larger/heavier bullet on target at higher velocity. To some that is important, others not so, make your choice.

 

[Cheapshooter]

Get a shot timer and get back with us.

For what?

I shoot a threat stopping, center mass group @ 7 yards with all of them.

Just don't think I would want to take the time to set a timer in a SD situation, and I don't compete in matches.

 

[mavracer]

Oh there's a timer set in every SD situation, only when your times up there's you're out of the competition forever

 

[iblearning]

I can get my Springfield XDS 45 and my smaller 9mm semi's back on target quicker than my SW Shield 40. The 40 definitely has more recoil. Would different grips on the 40 help?

 

[Crankgrinder]

I read and heard and heard so much about 40 I couldn't stand it no more. Ammo for my 9s and 45 has been so scarce (and got more expensive) and quality 40 hp has been everywhere and I couldn't take that no more so I decided to put one on layaway with the lgs. Ill decide for myself pretty soon.

 

[Dragline45]

Ammo for my 9s and 45 has been so scarce (and got more expensive) and quality 40 hp has been everywhere and I couldn't take that no more so I decided to put one on layaway with the lgs. Ill decide for myself pretty soon.

I haven't had a problem finding 9mm for the past year and a half. Just today at Walmart they had 50rd boxes of Federal 9mm for $9.99 a box no limit.

 

[Malcolm Reynolds]

Fishbed77: Nice!

And yeah, I've also noticed that .40 is the easiest of the major handgun calibers to find in my area. But I hear that's not true everywhere.

 

[Micahweeks]

I don't know. Recoil for me has always been more about the gun than the caliber. I can shoot 44 mag all day, but my wife's old PT140? I've nicknamed it the Torquemeister. I can't hold on to it, and it wants to twist in my hand when I shoot it. I don't pay attention to reports on recoil. I just make sure I can get a full grip. If it can fill my hand, I can probably handle it.

 

[Dragline45]

I don't know. Recoil for me has always been more about the gun than the caliber.

That absolutely plays a huge part in it, but when you compare the same gun in 9mm and .40 Like a Glock 19 and 22 or especially smaller guns like a Shield in .40 or 9mm the difference in caliber becomes much more prevalent. Like I mentioned before I don't have a problem with the recoil of the .40, but I will always shoot the same gun in 9mm that much better in strings of rapid fire. Given that when stopping threats the 9mm has been shown to be just as effective as the .40, it just makes sense to me to stick with 9mm.

 

[mavracer]

That absolutely plays a huge part in it, but when you compare the same gun in 9mm and .40 Like a Glock 19 and 22 or especially smaller guns like a Shield in .40 or 9mm the difference in caliber becomes much more prevalent. Like I mentioned before I don't have a problem with the recoil of the .40, but I will always shoot the same gun in 9mm that much better in strings of rapid fire.

While it's always going to be easier to shoot a 9mm I find that in heavier full size guns there isn't much difference as I'm pretty much limited by the speed, but when you start talking a sub 30 oz compact recoil of the 40 will very much become a factor in how fast it can be shot accuratly.

 

[NWCP]

My HK USPf 40 is pleasant to shoot. Now my USP compact 40 does have a bit of muzzle flip, but nothing unmanageable. I prefer 40S&W in a full size handgun myself. I have a great Matt Del Fatti IWB forward cant holster making it a comfortable carry piece.

 

[jr24]

I don't know. Recoil for me has always been more about the gun than the caliber.

I tend to agree with that. I tried XD, Sig, M&P, Ruger and perhaps another auto in .40 S&W and didn't like it.. at all. Dumped em. Won a Glock 23 in a raffle and finally found a gun that I like .40 in. So that one's a keeper.

I still prefer .45 ACP though.

 

[ligonierbill]

In general, I agree with the OP, but...my wife simply refuses to shoot the Glock 23. She will shoot the M&P 9. Guess what's in the nightstand. Also, there are a bunch of pretty good small pistols out there, most in 9x19, but some in both calibers. My PF-9 is pretty "lively". If it were chambered in .40 S&W, it would be a challenge to shoot follow up rounds, I think. But the Glock is fine.

I'll add a couple thoughts. First, we seem to get hung up on recoil. Novices, I understand (my wife), but until you get crazy with heavy rounds or small pistols (Rohrbaugh anyone?), it's a matter of practicing with your gun. Second, I still fail to grasp the "caliber war" mentality. I shoot 9x19 and .40 S&W and 357 Sig and 9 other handgun calibers. Which one is "best"? It's a question I don't bother with.