XD Talk

amrich · 12-08-2011, 12:48 AM

I live in northern Utah and love to spend time in the mountains. I'm going to get an XDm compact to carry but I can't decide whether I should go with the 9 or the 40. I want the gun for everyday normal carry and for when I go up into the mountains. If I didn't spend time up in the mountains I know that a 9 would be perfect. I know that the 40 has more knockdown power but I won't be able to carry as many rounds if I were to have a 9. I guess my question is would a 9mm be sufficient to help protect from mountain lions and maybe black bears? Or should I go with a 40?

joeard900 · 12-08-2011, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amrich

I live in northern Utah and love to spend time in the mountains. I'm going to get an XDm compact to carry but I can't decide whether I should go with the 9 or the 40. I want the gun for everyday normal carry and for when I go up into the mountains. If I didn't spend time up in the mountains I know that a 9 would be perfect. I know that the 40 has more knockdown power but I won't be able to carry as many rounds if I were to have a 9. I guess my question is would a 9mm be sufficient to help protect from mountain lions and maybe black bears? Or should I go with a 40?

i hike a lot as well and i carry my xd9 with +P+ ammo, i have studied the round and the velocities that i get at the muzzle are fairly close to that of a .357 magnum(at least the 357 ammo i studied ballistics on)

also, i have taken a javilna with a single shot using 9mm, i think that you should try out both at the range if possible and whatever you feel more comfortable with, choose that. both are very effective rounds IMO

john_bud · 12-08-2011, 05:36 AM

A jumbo can of bear spray will be dramatically MORE effective at stopping an attack than any SD handgun caliber.

Carry your 9 for 2 legged varmints and the spray for 4 legged ones.

**insatiable ONE** · 12-08-2011, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john_bud

A jumbo can of bear spray will be dramatically MORE effective at stopping an attack than any SD handgun caliber.

Carry your 9 for 2 legged varmints and the spray for 4 legged ones.

I'm going with this.

Not sure I'd want to pissoff a bear or mountain lion with a 9 or .40

smoke · 12-08-2011, 05:44 AM

I too live in N. UT. Mtn biking, hiking or camping I carry .40 loaded with 185 gr fmj alternated with 185 gr hollow points (don't remember the brand). Next summer I will be loading with Barnes 200 gr cast bullet that is made for just this outdoor application. Of course, try to back out of a confrontation with bear or cat first.

agould27 · 12-08-2011, 07:30 AM

I'd be looking into a glock 29 10mm if I were you. Much better wild animal defense round.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

mrdinks · 12-08-2011, 07:55 AM

I would not worry about a couple rounds, If you have to shoot that many times you have problems.
I spent the first part of the week deer hunting, we can use handguns (I did not) but the DNR will not let you use 9mm. It must be .357 or larger.
Go big!

**slugger6** · 12-08-2011, 08:00 AM

I carry a .44 Magnum and bear spray.

AZXD · 12-08-2011, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joeard900

i have taken a javilna with a single shot using 9mm

Be careful with that idea ... I've got friends who have watched their 44 magnums bounce off those darn things, and really piss the animal off.

Knightslugger · 12-08-2011, 09:01 AM

if it's a gun you want for bear defense, get yourself some magnum 12 Ga. Big aught Buck ammo and a Hi-Cap shotgun. Never aim for anything except the face of the bear, because you're just going to piss it off if you hit it anywhere else.