.40 v .45

[m9fan]

Both! My Glock 22 holds 15+1 rds. of .40, my XD 45 Service holds 13+1 rds. of .45, and I enjoy shooting both of them equally as much. I have to say, though, that I conceal-carry my XD 45 much more frequently than my Glock. I guess there's something to be said about that...

[NDB_MN]

a) The difference in Grip and Handling between an XDm and XD45 are a FAR bigger issue than 3 more bullets of .40S&W vs. 3 less bullets of .45ACP. You will likely shoot one better than the other based on gun style alone.

b) The recoil "type" of the two rounds is more important than the capacity or caliber of the gun; if you hate upward recoil, you won't want the 40. If you hate pushback recoil, you won't want the 45. I have no preference and seem to do fine with either.

c) If you're up against enough BGs for 13+ rounds, get an AR/AK or Run Away!

But since you limited it to capacity and caliber only, I'll just recommend what I shoot. .40S&W. I find the cost of that caliber great for the performance, and I drill it pretty well at the range. If I had a .45, and could shoot it equally as accurately as my .40, I'd probably go with the .45. Also note, I own a handgun for home defense (nightstand), and also for my love of target shooting with pistols. So I don't CC at present, which is also a factor in choosing a caliber/gun.

[CommieHunter]

Or make it easy on yourself and buy both...........

Very nice.

According to the imput I'm getting here, I need to save up for a 16" SR-25.


However, I will be going to the gun show this weekend to put hands on both. I will let you know.

[AZXD]

You really should try shooting each caliber, if possible, before making a purchase.
As others have said, they feel much different when fired. Snappy vs Push

Of course if there is a good deal at the gun show ... Don't pass it up.

[mcb]

Slight tangent: I never understand the comments like "I don't like the snappy recoil of 40S&W" I presently own several XD-40's and an XD-45ACP. To be honest I don't find either cartridge's recoil significantly better or worse than the other. Sure the 45 has a little more "push" and the 40S&W has a little more "snap" but to be honest I don't find that either one gives me an advantage or disadvantage over the other one.

IMHO if you shoot enough full power loads in either a 40S&W or 45ACP pretty soon your body gets use to the recoil and it no longer matters that much if its snappy or pushy. Of all the things that effect my shooting the recoil difference between 45ACP and 40S&W is pretty far down there in importance.

mcb

[CC Packing Company]

Originally Posted by Hedshot

I sure do like my .45 (never shot a .40 before though)

+1

[AZXD]

Originally Posted by mcb

Slight tangent: I never understand the comments like "I don't like the snappy recoil of 40S&W" I presently own several XD-40's and an XD-45ACP. To be honest I don't find either cartridge's recoil significantly better or worse than the other. Sure the 45 has a little more "push" and the 40S&W has a little more "snap" but to be honest I don't find that either one gives me an advantage or disadvantage over the other one.

IMHO if you shoot enough full power loads in either a 40S&W or 45ACP pretty soon your body gets use to the recoil and it no longer matters that much if its snappy or pushy. Of all the things that effect my shooting the recoil difference between 45ACP and 40S&W is pretty far down there in importance.

mcb

Understood!
But what if you have issues with a certain level, or type of recoil. Some people are recoil sensitive and will never get over it due to physical limitations.

Example:

I fractured a bone in my left hand when I was a teenager. I can shoot my xd9 left handed and it's not a problem. But my 357 revolver ... I sure am glad I'm right handed ... My left hand will never become accustomed to the recoil of that gun, and it hurts after a few rounds. It's a guaranteed flinch. I know it's gonna hurt .... Two handed, no problem.

That's why I/we always suggest that people shoot before they buy, right ?

[mcb]

Originally Posted by AZXD

Understood!
But what if you have issues with a certain level, or type of recoil. Some people are recoil sensitive and will never get over it due to physical limitations.

Example:

I fractured a bone in my left hand when I was a teenager. I can shoot my xd9 left handed and it's not a problem. But my 357 revolver ... I sure am glad I'm right handed ... My left hand will never become accustomed to the recoil of that gun, and it hurts after a few rounds. It's a guaranteed flinch. I know it's gonna hurt .... Two handed, no problem.

That's why I/we always suggest that people shoot before they buy, right ?

I agree if you think your going to be recoil sensitive then certainly shoot the gun if possible before buying.

You don't walk into the gym and on your first dead lift, lift 500lbs. You spend a lot of time working up to that ability. Same with heavy recoiling guns. You have to work your way up to it. Barring injuring you should be able to get your body accustom to most any moderate handgun cartridge.

mcb

[Pete V]

I bought a XD 45 Compact and use it as a carry gun. When I got back from FL I bought a 9 Mil Service(cheaper ammo) the 9mil service shoots great . Living in N.J. i had to buy it with 10 mags,and in a way it works out well for me. Putting the 45 along side of the 9mil the 45 with a Pearce Extension is almost the same size.

I went to Cabellas and bought 3 16 rd mags> I use the same holster for both, with the 16 rd mags the weigh about the same but if I fell like a lighter carry gun I can use the 10 rd mags or 16 rd for more boom booms.

IMHO the 40 is good but the ammo is more than a 9mil


Pete V

[Don Q]

.45 always and for ever