TFL newbie, should I stay 9mm or go .40 or .45?

I own and shoot 9mm, .357 magnum, and 45 ACP.

I view the .45 as an alternative the 9mm, not necessarily as an upgrade. The better 9mm loads are about as effective as the better .45ACP rounds which are about as effective (or just a little less) than the .357 magnum. The 40 S&W is a good round too, that fits somewhere in that range too. The real difference between the calibres in terms of stopping power isn't that much.

With the Glock 19 you have a first class handgun with a good to excellent calibre. Stick with the better 9mm rounds, and you are fine.

Sticking to one calibre will simpify your purchases/storage needs.
If I had a glock 19, I'd be looking at Glock 26 for a smaller package that will take the same rounds and magazines.
 
It all depends on your preference. I love shooting the .45 and the .40...can't stand shooting the snappy 9mms

This is in your head. No 9mm has as much recoil as a 45 acp or 40 sw round. It is simple math. I like the 357 sig,40 and 45 acp myself over the 9mm but I will not tell you the 9mm has snappy recoil because its not true. The 9mm is a pussy cat. Thats the one thing it has going for it.
PAT
 
I would really recommend getting a Sig on any caliber. Sig is extremely well built, very accurate, very reliable, and very comfortable to the hand. If you are used to 9mm's and want to expand to a higher caliber, I suggest getting a .45 over the .357 sig or .40. It also depends on your budget. Between the .357 sig and .40, the .357 sig is more fun to shoot and more accurate. But the ammo is VERY expensive and not as available as a .40. The .40 is also a good caliber, but I think .45 is the way to go. More stopping power, fun to shoot and more challenging compared to a 9mm. Plus ammo is cheaper second only to 9mm ammo and you can find it just about anywhere. The 9mm and .45 is my two favorite calibers. I currently have a Sig P220 .45 acp and am about to get me a Sig P226 in 9mm just like the Navy SEALs use.;)
My second choice would be an Hk for looks and durability and esp if you like plastic frames. But I am not too fond of plastic frames. However, the Hk is an excellent gun and is my second choice to Sig. Glocks are also good guns, but least of my favorite through bad personal expereiences. The good thing about Glock is its durability and aftermarket support. Since you have a few 9mm's already, i think its time for you to venture to the next calibers and may as well go all the way in the semi-auto pistol world and go .45!

Here's my top 5 of recommendations for you:

1. Sig P220 .45
2. Sig P226 .40
3. Hk USP .45
4. Hk USP .40
5. Sig P226 .357sig
 
More stopping power, fun to shoot

The 45 does not have more stopping power than the 357 sig. It may equal the 357 sig but it does not exceed it. Thats an oppinion of coarse and neither of us can prove the other one wrong. But its not a fact as you stated that the 45 has more stopping power. I was happy when I left my last department that made me carry a 45 and now I work where I can carry what I want. I carry a Glock 31 in 357 sig. It has mor eenergy than the 45 I used to carry and it hols more rounds and fits my hand better. Also the 357 sig is not very expensive. It can be had for as little as 8 a box on the internet. I reload so it does not matter to me.
PAT
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top