So I decided.

[Brickboy240]

I have to agree. I have the XD 4incher in 40SW and yes, the 40SW's recoil is snappier than anything I own in 45ACP. Its not disturbing, but definately noticeable. I really prefer the gentile push type recoil of the 45ACP over the snappiness of the 40SW.

That said, my XD-40 has been 100% reliable and is fairly accurate, so I cannot poo-poo the 40SW too much.

9mm? Well, I also own two 9mms and with the right ammo, they're very good protection and yes, they're cheaper to practice with. I am not into demeaning the 9mm round, although my preferences lie with the 45ACP and 40SW for protection. If cost is an issue, go with the 9mm and you'll be fine.

Finishes? Well, I bought my XD-40 two years ago, long before the better finishes of today's XD and I still ahve not seen any rust. You would think living in hellishly hot and humid Southeast TX, I would see rust, but none yet. Use some Blue Armadillo or other quality rust preventative and you'll be fine. I like the flat black/OD green combo on my XD-40. Theres something "all business" about that color combination.

- Brickboy240

[xd45acp4life]

If I was to buy another xd it would be a 45acp bi-tone tactical. I already have 3 xds and love them all. But right now I am saving for a Rob Leatham 1911 or a Night Hawk predator.

[JD McDorce]

I typically buy what I want, so if I want a 9 I'll buy a 9. If the salesman gets too enthusiastic about selling me something other than what I want, then I'll go somewhere else to buy it.

Stopping Power becomes a subject of never-ending debate, somewhat worthy of the pecker analogy: is the real question really how big it is, or is the question whether or not it can do the intended job?

[malkore]

talking to some people, you'd think nothing short of a .50 round would stop an attacker.

the right round and good shot placement is the key. people die from .22 rounds... a 9mm outta do enough damage if the shooter is proficient.

[retired]

Yup, speaking of that 22cal round. I recall an incident when I was a cadet in the academy and on a ride along at the Malibu station. This was '76, but it was still road rage. 2 vehicles, side by side, with everyone yelling at each other. The victim, a 300lb + young guy had a 22 cal in the heart. He was in the bed of the truck and I guess any easy shot. Deader than dead.

I have the 9 SC and like it, but like others said, it is placement and a good robust round. Personally, I don't like the OD; I think it's ugly. I've never seen a bitone except in pictures, so I can't say. Bottom line, it's your choice as everyone has different tastes. It just so happens those who like OD have bad taste. (I'm just joking)

[ScottyPotty]

You hear stories where one .22 to the chest kills em.....then you have other stories where the army dude was hopped up on PCP and broke the wrists restraints and killed a nurse, Then 2 MP's showed up and they shot him 7 times with the .45's before he the dude killed one of the MP's, and seriously wounded the other before he bled out.

I like the .40 I have have the service and SC I thought about getting the SC in the 9mm, But that's my carry gun and it just didn't seem right to get the smaller caliber. The ballistics on the .40 are very close to that of the .45, most all of the LEO use .40 its got the speed of the 9mm with .45 size advantage, all in the same small package as the 9.

All that said.......when I got my service .40 I was looking for a 9mm because of the cost of ammo. I got it in a trade, so I took the .40 and decide to try it out.... once I shot it.....I was hooked, Ive never picked up a gun and shoot it as good as I did with that gun.......Some times I think about getting the 9mm barrel for it. but for the cost, the ammo savings is small and it would take about 50 boxes before it paid for the barrel.

As far as the finish, I just have the black and that's fine with me. MY SC is a carry gun and I don't care if the finish doesn't hold up. I have learned (especially with guns) buy what you want the first time......it will save you money down the road. Pay the extra now, because you will always see the one you really wanted and then you will buy it and it will end up costing more money than if you would have just sprung the extra cash.

[DJDan]

Originally Posted by 777unch

my thougths on .40 vs .45 = "felt recoil" (different for each person) ... i shoot .40 like crap.... but the .45 is cake... 9 is easy to shoot and cheaper in the long run, and remember, it's all about shot placement.

+1 for me as well. I got rid of my .40 but kept 2 XD-9's, one service and one SC, which I CC. I also have the XD-45 which I love but only shoot at the range.

I would imagine that 9mm would be great for you as would a .45...the only down side of the .45 is the ammo cost IMO.

I really feel that it is the American way to say bigger is better hence all the endless amount of retards that say things like "if it doesnt start with .4 and end with a 5 I ain't interested"....then proceed to shoot at the range and hit other peoples targets three lanes over.

9mm with good ammo-Ranger,Speer Gold Dot,Hornady Tap and MANY MANY MANY others are available. I like the fact that I have MORE rounds with the 9mm than with the .40....that's just my VERY humble opinion.