Who's King of the hill? .40 S&W or .45 ACP

Who is King of the Hill?

  • .45 ACP

    Votes: 204 77.0%

  • .40 S&W

    Votes: 61 23.0%
  • Total voters
    265
  • Poll closed .
For me, it's the .45acp hands down. But then, I don't own a .40S&W. :)

Sometimes I wish the .40S&W had never been introduced. The brass is too easy to pick up and get mixed in with my .45acp brass when I'm at the range. It's a pain to pick the .40 cases out of the .45 when it comes out of the tumbler...
 
Add a Little More to what Sports45 said

I prefer the 45 ACP round, I have hand guns chambered in 22, .380, 38 Special, 9mm, 357 magnum, 45 ACP, and 44 magnum. I used to own a Glock 22 in .40 cal, but sold it to a friend. It had nothing to do with the round or the performance of the round. I have taken the 9mm, the .40 and the 45 all to the range at the same time, I almost made the mistake of loading .40 in the 45; I did not thankfully, but at first glance the round looks close. I would trust my life to any one of these rounds even the 22, I would just plan to shot the threatening target with more rounds. I think shot placement is the most important aspect. Having multiple calibers I can see the added need to be careful in what you are loading to make sure the right caliber for the right weapon, since .380 is 9mm short and would load in a 9mm, with bad results. And a .40 will load in a 45 again with bad results.
 
I like and trust that both calibers will get the job done


Shot placement is the most important with either of these duty calibers

I didn't vote but here is my take

I'm more accurate with the .45 if I had to make only 1 shot. Hopefully it's well placed. I prefer the .45 recoil and like better for home defense due to the lower pressure round being fired indoors. But have a G22 handy as well.

For concealed carry I choose the .40, as I like having more rounds if needed.

It's been mentioned that you should just train more and carry a bigger caliber? Well that's fine, but if you dont? Then you better carry more rounds. I don't see any downside to the extra capacity if both rounds get the job done. If I could purchase a .45 that was as slim as a G22, 23 grip and had the same capacity, size & weight I'd got he .45 route.
 
my point was, they're a highly specialized LE team that prizes precision over a hi-cap polymer pistol.


i'm on your side, i like .45acp....as a civilian. if i were LE, i would go with a hi-cap 40cal
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I understand your logic and would not dispute that concept for LE.
 
shooter1911, the HRT will always have a numerical advantage, plus SMGs or rifles, plus body armor.

They don't NEED high capacity backup weapons.

The 1911 is a great platform, with a great trigger, but there are definite advantages to higher capacity, especially for those of us who probably will not have numerical advantages, long arms, or armor.
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I see your point and would never argue with another man's comfort level.
 
I didn't mean to start an argument. My point was that there are still many LEOs who prefer the 45 caliber, and 1911 platform to save their bacon. There is no question as to weather the 40 or 45 caliber is more popular today. The 40 caliber dominates the LE and civilian marketplace and for good reason, primarily being platform design and capacity capability. With that said, I personally like the 1911 platform and ,45 combination. I have no problem with the 40 caliber, and might feel more confident carrying a higher capacity tool, but that would make for an uncomfortable gun for my taste.
 
Once again I don't want to be argumentitive, but comparing the 40 and 45 Gold Dot for example:

.45 cal 185 GD-1050

.40 cal 180 GD-1025

I personally don't think caliber is as important as platform in todays handgun world.
 
I choose not to be shot with either. They both will hurt and cause harm. Perhaps the 40 S&W in 155-165 grain is potent enough to do the job. Again its all opinion here on this one.
Doing ones job with regards to shot placement and most all of the modern day cartridges will do their part.
 
MLEAK; was Callahan the CO then? If so, hes back as a contractor (if you know him).

You would not recognize the place, doubled in size, out to the sea.
 
Do hyenas still keep pace on the other side of the fence from the perimeter road if you go jogging?

Do they still have the outdoor karaoke bar with the 3-beers a night limit?

If so, it will have gotten bigger, but not necessarily changed that much.

I don't know Callahan, sorry. Anyway, don't wish to hijack the thread further. Regards, M.
 
Just another opinion; I've fired all of the aforementioned cals., the 40's were the most inaccurate in all makes and models.

Most self-defense shootings happen up close and personal at 10ft. or less, I’d take the .45, thank you!

My S&W model 39 (9mm) will down a string of bowling pins at 50yds. w/o missing one!

Rapid shot placement, my 9mm all day! I did have the pleasure of shooting a friends Sig .45, very nice very accurate at long range, but rapid shot placement like my 9mm was impossible.
 
Hey FM12,

I'm wondering something??? I swear to God that I out-shoot 90% of LEO's up here, but that's because I go out a lot!

Do you think that the .40 is having problems possibly because it's a new round/ platform?

Harmonics and factory producers might not have hit their harmony yet?

I mean, look back at the 1911. They were always noted as a quality firearm, but their accuracy has come a long way. Wouldn't you agree?

Barrel twist and weight have a lot to do with it! Why do they always force the new junk down Cops throats by department mandate!
 
I'm a cop. I carry a S&W 1911 in .45 ACP
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LOL, Alabama remains one of the top three states in the nation for obesity in state residents. You wouldn't think blubber would make that much difference, but maybe. Which brings us around to Alabama White BBQ sauce. Google it, and enjoy.
 
Prefer .45 ACP. Have both .45 ACP and 9mm, along with 10mm and have never seen the need for .40, so it's doubtful I'll ever have one.

Unless of course the price of .40 S&W ammo drops to the level 9mm was for a time, then I'll buy a pallet load of it, and go shopping for a pair of .40 caliber guns.;)
 
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