Should I buy the 9mm or .40?

OP is looking for a caliber choice for an EAA WITNESS. Large framed full sized handgun that the FBI or any large agency wouldn't consider anyway. They are all looking for the best for the lowest common denominator. Something that will do for the least capable in the agency. Unless cost of ammo is the most important criteria for the OP, I would have to believe that the bigger bullet would be better if it can be handled effectively. I would think that if the OP is looking at a large framed heavy handgun that he most likely wouldn't feel much if any difference in handling characteristics.
 
Unless you are mandated by policy to carry a .40 S&W, there isn't much in the way of compelling arguments to carry one. They, the .40 S&W, are bigger, and some are faster, but capacity and cost of ownership/training are just as large, if not larger, concerns. Shoot often, shoot lots.

Or, just buy the one that you want.
 
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Never really got 40s to me its the equivelent of removing the yellow m&ms from the bowl. Extreme Anal. Dam wasnt 9mm & 45 acp enough ? You couldnt give me a 40 oh wait you could and Id sell it for a 45. 35 or 45 cal is plenty good with modern ammo. Either will ruin your day/life. Imo
 
I kind of feel about the 9mm the way Audie Murphy felt about the M1 carbine round which he loved by the way. He said there was absolutely nothing wrong with the little M1 carbine round. Just shoot em twice. Get the 9. You'll love it. Lot easier on the shooter and his pocketbook.
 
If your buying stock ammo, get the 9mm.

.40 is a fun round if your hand loading. I shoot everything from 155 - 180gr bullets. I can also get conversion barrels in both 357 sig and 9mm. :p
 
.40 if for hunting or if you need to shoot through cars or cover. 9 if you want to enjoy it at the range. Either if for normal self defense.
 
I carry a 9mm Beretta PX4 Compact for a few very good reasons. It actually is pretty compact, Beretta quality and accuracy...and it holds 15+1 rounds. That is a LOT of rounds.

If a person ever needed to defend themselves, I'm not convinced it's simply going to pull, point, shoot, it's over. I've seen plenty of videos of people running and ducking while shooting. I'd prefer a caliber that gives me plenty of rounds in the gun without having to reload. The bigger the caliber, the fewer rounds you get to carry in the gun. I think that's something worth considering.
 
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My first pistol was a 9. I now own 2. I also own .45 and .357 and .40. I personally like to feel a bit more aw-thaw-rit-tay in my hand when I shoot something. I'm now happier with my .40 and the wife has commandeered my g19. There are more powerful loads (ranger t series) in 9 than 40, if you can find it and it is just as expensive as 40, but 40 is stronger across the board. Only plinking ammo is cheaper between the two so don't be fooled by that. Defensive loads are expensive no matter what. But that being said, my 9s have made me very happy and I have never felt undergunned with it. I KNOW it will do the job if I do mine same is true for any calibre.
 
"There are more powerful loads (ranger t series) in 9 than 40"

Ranger T 9mm +P+ claims 1250 fps for a 127 gr bullet, powerful but not as powerful as some .40 factory loads like Cor-Bon 165 gr at the claimed 1150fps. I get 1085 fps from the Cor-Bon in my 3.2" barrel PX4 Compact, I think it would attain the velocities on the box in a 4" or longer barrel. And without putting excess stress on the firearm as +P+ does.
 
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