CCW:9mm - 40cal - 45acp

pecka · 02-03-2007, 02:14 AM

In your opinion, what is the better auto round for a CCW. I am thinking a .45 may be too much recoil for such a small gun. On the other hand most shots with a CCW are very close so you want the most knock down power you can get.

Let me get to the point…

I have settled on a gun. I won’t tell you the model because I don’t want to start that thread again. If I go with the 9mm I get 2 extra shots(12) but sacrifice knock down power. The .40 and .45 both come with 10 round mags. If I don’t get a chance to shoot the .45 I will probably shoot for the middle. The .40…

If it helps I will be shooting Gold Dots no matter what I get. You can probably figure out the pistol by mag. capacity with the .45.

samuel · 02-03-2007, 05:23 AM

In many years of shooting and observing I have come to the conclusion that if someone lets recoil bother them on the larger firearms they will also be bothered with the smaller ones.As to capacity,you can get .40,s and .45,s with 10rds and more,up to about 14rds I think. samuel.

Dale · 02-03-2007, 08:34 AM

I agree with the .40 S&W and .45 ACP but the ten round double stacked/staggerd mags y'all mentioned tends to come with the thicker frame and grip.

The single stacked mag handguns profile much better hugging your body contour better under your shirt or jacket much better.

A 30. caliber handgun would be the minimum caliber I would recommend but don't entirely discount the abilities of the 9MM or 9 X 18 Makarov. Though I certainly would not go with lighter handguns than that.

Mooseman684 · 02-03-2007, 11:02 AM

Depending on certain factors determines which one I carry at the time. If I am carrying All day, like on a trip to town, I carry a Makarov in .380 or 9x18.
For short carry periods, its the .45 auto . For Wilderness Trips I carry a .44 mag...In case of Bears.
Rich

troylaplante · 02-03-2007, 12:50 PM

IMHO, your best caliber is one that you feel comfortable and proficient using. Period. I CCW with .380, .45, .357, .38 special, and .22 depending upon my mood, where I am going, and how I will be clothed. I will take a hit with a .22 over a miss with a .45 any day.

ash · 02-03-2007, 12:59 PM

If you can hit your target with a .45 then use that.
If your a better shot with something else that's what you should be using.
If you want my personal preferance .357.
However I like more capacity than your average wheelgun.
When I did carry I had a kimber .45 and a S&W in .357 as a backup.
Not because I needed to, just 'cause I could.

Spurzmaker · 02-04-2007, 11:25 AM

Not knowing your skills with a gun, the size of your hands, and your agility, here is what I politely recommend before jumping into a $500.00 gun.

Put a frame of your liking on a holster behind your back with grips pointing up, and drive your vehicle for a couple hours, work with it all day, and then see how your back feels.

You will then know if you like the weight, frame size, and the ability to get get it out of the holster safely.

We sell a lot of Sig Sauer P230's and we sell a lot of $299.00 Rock Islands 45's. If you can safely weild a firearm, take a step back, get your stance, make the judgement whether to shoot, or to hold,,,.....the gun isn't going to make a difference, because you have already made the decision to bring it out. Most armed confrontations are done within 12 feet anyway.

Whatever you can safely get out of the holster, and be familiar to if the gun has a safety, where it is, if you remember, is there one in the pipe, or do I have to rack.

Mostly you are going to carry "HOT", and I learned my lesson about cocked and locked by shooting a hole in the bedroom nightstand.

I carry concealled most of the daylight hours, I started out with a S&W 745, tried the S&W 4506, the Colt officers model, the glock 23 in a 40 cal. and the colt mustang 380....

Glocks are a "no think" gun that you don't have to make all the decisions with. Point, and pull the trigger. They aren't pretty, but the 40 cal will do the job on most any target. Less recoil, and just easy to handle.

I am not trying to be mean here, and please don't take offense

,,,,,,, but, if you are going for the fashion statement.... Don't pay attention to anything I just said....

Because everyday people come in looking for a practical CCW weapon in our store, and some buy for how the gun feels, and some want the flashyist gun they can get. PIMP GUNS we call them.

troylaplante · 02-04-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spurzmaker

tried the S&W 4506

That was my first ever gun purchase. It still sits next to the bed. Great gun for home defense. It is a little heavy and bulky for CCW and certainly not a good choice for competitive shooting like IDPA, so I found out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spurzmaker

They aren't pretty

Ah, sure they are. Gotta love them. Then again, I think that Mosins are gorgeous and many think they are fugly.

Spurzmaker · 02-04-2007, 12:41 PM

I got so use to the 4506's safety features that I accidently had a gun discharge one night with a Colt officers model. the 4506 is now in the New nightstand beside the bed. Fine functioning, accurate gun..

I have since given my girlfriend a glock because of its flawless rate, and it's a no thinker if she has to get it out. It is always loaded, and she doesn't have to worry about a safety. Just point, and pull the trigger. How much more simple for a woman can that be.

I seen her fumbling with the 38 I gave her a few years back, and decided that would be the best home defense for her. She still prefers the 38 at the range though. She has since moved out of Phoenix (scottsdale), and now lives with me full time.

just_a_car · 02-04-2007, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troylaplante

Ah, sure they are. Gotta love them. Then again, I think that Mosins are gorgeous and many think they are fugly.

Yeah, but don't those person's names end in "Clinton", "Pelosi", and "Feynman"? *snicker*

I don't know how you could see a beautiful deep-red, glossy wood grain stock with a beefy bolt-action could be considered "fugly". Trust me, I like the tactical AR-15 look as much as any other guy (check out my CETME pictures in that forum), but there's just something sexy and 'quality' about the look and feel of wood grain.

Oh, and so as not to hijack, my opinion: I have gone to the range and shot .45ACP, .40S&W, 9x19mm, and .357mag; the first two out of 5+ different guns rented from the range. I've pretty much decided that the most punch for the best recoil/crack for me is the .40S&W. The .45ACP is too loud and has just a bit too much recoil such that I anticipate the shots; not good. The .357mag was shot out of a 2" snubby revolver, so my wrist hurt for a week and the crack did the same for anticipation; probably a lot better in a longer barrel *shrug*. The 9x19mm was out of a ruger p89 and it was okay, but I like the size of the .40S&W better.

Dale · 02-05-2007, 10:46 PM

How did we go from a CCW handgun subject to rifle responses? LOL

troylaplante · 02-05-2007, 11:56 PM

Talking about how some people think Glocks are ugly. Then comparing that to the same way that some find Mosins ugly, but I think that they both are gorgeous.

Jay1958 · 02-21-2007, 08:03 PM

I'm coming late to the party, but the largest caliber I usually carry is 9mm. I alternate between 3 carry guns: two are 9mm and one is .380 auto. I have a RIA 1911 but don't usually carry it. I do have a CC holster for it, though, and I might carry it if I thought I were going into a dangerous situation or area...

I don't like leaving any firearms out of the gun safe when I am not at home, so I usually use whatever I am carrying that day as my 'home defense' weapon on the night stand, rather than bothering to open up the gun safe and swap out the carry weapon for the .45 or the .357.

Jay1958

Beer Forever · 02-21-2007, 09:52 PM

One shot stop, .357 in a small frame.

Midas · 02-21-2007, 09:55 PM

I'd go with the big .45, its a personal favorite of mine, big bullet, moderate recoil, and will slam the crap out of a perp

BattleRifleG3 · 02-22-2007, 07:30 AM

One issue is which round the gun was designed for. I've seen some guns chambered for all three rounds have problems feeding rounds that are larger than the round they were designed for. Also some uppings in cartridge result in a painfully stiff slide.

I don't know which gun you are planning to buy that has been discussed before, but there would be my thoughts.
If it's a Spring XD, which was designed for a 40, I'd stick with a 40 or 9mm mainly due to slide stiffness.
If it's a 1911, which was designed for 45, I'd feel great sticking with the original round and mags.
If it's a Taurus 24/7, I'd be inclined towards 40 or 9mm, due to feeding issues (which I've observed)
If it's a Browning Hi Power, I'd stick with 9mm, no larger, due to slide stiffness.
If it's an HK USP, I'd be comfortable with all three rounds.
If it's a Glock, I'd stick to 9mm unless you were buying a current generation and planned to stick to a narrow range of current production ammo.
If it's a Beretta, I have no clue at all.

Stopper · 03-06-2007, 02:45 PM

I just purchased a G23 in .40, wanted the 27 but they stopped carrying that model and my patience elluded me. I could have went with the 36 in .45, but balked on it for no real reason other than I wanted a .40.

Claude Clay · 04-04-2007, 12:16 PM

Sig 239 in 40 is my primary 3 season gun. And accurate enuf that i shoot some of the IDPA matches with it. Winter bring my colt defender out w/ 230 gr FMJ. J frames are back up for all seasons. Kel-Teks go well to the theater or walk the dog.

pistolwhip · 04-23-2007, 09:46 PM

10 staggered 1 in the chamber 45 acp. I'm 50 years old and shoot it no problem. I won't mention the name, err..Glock 30.. keep it on the DL

Scot Van · 04-24-2007, 08:59 AM

XD compact .45 double-stack. tiny. smooth. no frills. like my Glocks, but nicer.

02-03-2007, 02:14 AM	#1
pecka Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: LaPlace, La (New Orleans) Posts: 104	CCW:9mm - 40cal - 45acp In your opinion, what is the better auto round for a CCW. I am thinking a .45 may be too much recoil for such a small gun. On the other hand most shots with a CCW are very close so you want the most knock down power you can get. Let me get to the point… I have settled on a gun. I won’t tell you the model because I don’t want to start that thread again. If I go with the 9mm I get 2 extra shots(12) but sacrifice knock down power. The .40 and .45 both come with 10 round mags. If I don’t get a chance to shoot the .45 I will probably shoot for the middle. The .40… If it helps I will be shooting Gold Dots no matter what I get. You can probably figure out the pistol by mag. capacity with the .45.

02-03-2007, 08:34 AM	#3
Dale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Too Dang Hot, Arizona Posts: 4,284	I agree with the .40 S&W and .45 ACP but the ten round double stacked/staggerd mags y'all mentioned tends to come with the thicker frame and grip. The single stacked mag handguns profile much better hugging your body contour better under your shirt or jacket much better. A 30. caliber handgun would be the minimum caliber I would recommend but don't entirely discount the abilities of the 9MM or 9 X 18 Makarov. Though I certainly would not go with lighter handguns than that. __________________ "It confuses me how some people can vigorously go against the 2nd. Amendment and still call themselves patriotic"-me

02-03-2007, 11:02 AM	#4
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,668 Images: 2	Depending on certain factors determines which one I carry at the time. If I am carrying All day, like on a trip to town, I carry a Makarov in .380 or 9x18. For short carry periods, its the .45 auto . For Wilderness Trips I carry a .44 mag...In case of Bears. Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

02-05-2007, 10:46 PM	#11
Dale Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Too Dang Hot, Arizona Posts: 4,284	How did we go from a CCW handgun subject to rifle responses? LOL __________________ "It confuses me how some people can vigorously go against the 2nd. Amendment and still call themselves patriotic"-me

02-21-2007, 08:03 PM	#13
Jay1958 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 161	I'm coming late to the party, but the largest caliber I usually carry is 9mm. I alternate between 3 carry guns: two are 9mm and one is .380 auto. I have a RIA 1911 but don't usually carry it. I do have a CC holster for it, though, and I might carry it if I thought I were going into a dangerous situation or area... I don't like leaving any firearms out of the gun safe when I am not at home, so I usually use whatever I am carrying that day as my 'home defense' weapon on the night stand, rather than bothering to open up the gun safe and swap out the carry weapon for the .45 or the .357. Jay1958 __________________ http://www.yourweapons.com/

02-03-2007, 05:23 AM	#2
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	In many years of shooting and observing I have come to the conclusion that if someone lets recoil bother them on the larger firearms they will also be bothered with the smaller ones.As to capacity,you can get .40,s and .45,s with 10rds and more,up to about 14rds I think. samuel.

02-03-2007, 12:50 PM	#5
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	IMHO, your best caliber is one that you feel comfortable and proficient using. Period. I CCW with .380, .45, .357, .38 special, and .22 depending upon my mood, where I am going, and how I will be clothed. I will take a hit with a .22 over a miss with a .45 any day.

02-03-2007, 12:59 PM	#6
ash Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 934 Images: 3	If you can hit your target with a .45 then use that. If your a better shot with something else that's what you should be using. If you want my personal preferance .357. However I like more capacity than your average wheelgun. When I did carry I had a kimber .45 and a S&W in .357 as a backup. Not because I needed to, just 'cause I could.

02-04-2007, 11:25 AM	#7
Spurzmaker Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Luis Valley Colorado Posts: 313 Images: 2	Not knowing your skills with a gun, the size of your hands, and your agility, here is what I politely recommend before jumping into a $500.00 gun. Put a frame of your liking on a holster behind your back with grips pointing up, and drive your vehicle for a couple hours, work with it all day, and then see how your back feels. You will then know if you like the weight, frame size, and the ability to get get it out of the holster safely. We sell a lot of Sig Sauer P230's and we sell a lot of $299.00 Rock Islands 45's. If you can safely weild a firearm, take a step back, get your stance, make the judgement whether to shoot, or to hold,,,.....the gun isn't going to make a difference, because you have already made the decision to bring it out. Most armed confrontations are done within 12 feet anyway. Whatever you can safely get out of the holster, and be familiar to if the gun has a safety, where it is, if you remember, is there one in the pipe, or do I have to rack. Mostly you are going to carry "HOT", and I learned my lesson about cocked and locked by shooting a hole in the bedroom nightstand. I carry concealled most of the daylight hours, I started out with a S&W 745, tried the S&W 4506, the Colt officers model, the glock 23 in a 40 cal. and the colt mustang 380.... Glocks are a "no think" gun that you don't have to make all the decisions with. Point, and pull the trigger. They aren't pretty, but the 40 cal will do the job on most any target. Less recoil, and just easy to handle. I am not trying to be mean here, and please don't take offense ,,,,,,, but, if you are going for the fashion statement.... Don't pay attention to anything I just said.... Because everyday people come in looking for a practical CCW weapon in our store, and some buy for how the gun feels, and some want the flashyist gun they can get. PIMP GUNS we call them.

02-04-2007, 12:41 PM	#9
Spurzmaker Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: San Luis Valley Colorado Posts: 313 Images: 2	I got so use to the 4506's safety features that I accidently had a gun discharge one night with a Colt officers model. the 4506 is now in the New nightstand beside the bed. Fine functioning, accurate gun.. I have since given my girlfriend a glock because of its flawless rate, and it's a no thinker if she has to get it out. It is always loaded, and she doesn't have to worry about a safety. Just point, and pull the trigger. How much more simple for a woman can that be. I seen her fumbling with the 38 I gave her a few years back, and decided that would be the best home defense for her. She still prefers the 38 at the range though. She has since moved out of Phoenix (scottsdale), and now lives with me full time.

02-05-2007, 11:56 PM	#12
troylaplante Moderator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Selma, NC Posts: 2,223	Talking about how some people think Glocks are ugly. Then comparing that to the same way that some find Mosins ugly, but I think that they both are gorgeous.

02-21-2007, 09:52 PM	#14
Beer Forever Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,714	One shot stop, .357 in a small frame. __________________ Paramedic sks forever

02-21-2007, 09:55 PM	#15
Midas Troll B' Gone Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Springdale, Arkansas Posts: 3,800 Images: 2 Blog Entries: 6	I'd go with the big .45, its a personal favorite of mine, big bullet, moderate recoil, and will slam the crap out of a perp

02-22-2007, 07:30 AM	#16
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,401 Images: 13	One issue is which round the gun was designed for. I've seen some guns chambered for all three rounds have problems feeding rounds that are larger than the round they were designed for. Also some uppings in cartridge result in a painfully stiff slide. I don't know which gun you are planning to buy that has been discussed before, but there would be my thoughts. If it's a Spring XD, which was designed for a 40, I'd stick with a 40 or 9mm mainly due to slide stiffness. If it's a 1911, which was designed for 45, I'd feel great sticking with the original round and mags. If it's a Taurus 24/7, I'd be inclined towards 40 or 9mm, due to feeding issues (which I've observed) If it's a Browning Hi Power, I'd stick with 9mm, no larger, due to slide stiffness. If it's an HK USP, I'd be comfortable with all three rounds. If it's a Glock, I'd stick to 9mm unless you were buying a current generation and planned to stick to a narrow range of current production ammo. If it's a Beretta, I have no clue at all. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

03-06-2007, 02:45 PM	#17
Stopper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kansass Posts: 2,211 Images: 1	I just purchased a G23 in .40, wanted the 27 but they stopped carrying that model and my patience elluded me. I could have went with the 36 in .45, but balked on it for no real reason other than I wanted a .40. __________________ They should have stopped at "Congress shall make no law"

04-04-2007, 12:16 PM	#18
Claude Clay Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CT Posts: 14	Sig 239 in 40 is my primary 3 season gun. And accurate enuf that i shoot some of the IDPA matches with it. Winter bring my colt defender out w/ 230 gr FMJ. J frames are back up for all seasons. Kel-Teks go well to the theater or walk the dog.

04-23-2007, 09:46 PM	#19
pistolwhip Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Central FL ( woods) Posts: 59	10 staggered 1 in the chamber 45 acp. I'm 50 years old and shoot it no problem. I won't mention the name, err..Glock 30.. keep it on the DL

04-24-2007, 08:59 AM	#20
Scot Van Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Versailles, KY Posts: 70	XD compact .45 double-stack. tiny. smooth. no frills. like my Glocks, but nicer.