[lorcin25]

What is the difference between .45 and .40? I mean, besides the obvious powder load and size. Accuracy? Stopping power? Is any difference noticeable?

[jerry]

Being a huge .45 fan. I'd say both are decent.

The .40 being avialable in or closer to a 9mm package size wise, with more capacity in a lot of cases.

[neophyte]

lorcin25: Sir; your question is quite complicated.

.40 travels faster
.45 has more lead
.40 jumps around in your hands
.45 has more lead

Now to the easy part. There hasn't ever been built a handgun that guarantees 1 shot, and down goes the BAD GUY unless you cut the spine or between the eyes.

Bullets are designed to cause wound channels; with ?much? internal damage much like a hunting weapon.

Now? which is better? Proper placed shot? They are even. Improper? Even.

Rule of thumb? There aint one.

[mym1a]

I favor the 45 acp but thats me

[utahvarminter]

40 is marginally cheaper, less recoil, and has more capacity. However, every Glock Ka-Boom I've ever heard about has been in a Glock 40. I'd get a 45, but that's just me.

[billy]

i should get a .40 so i would have both

[LarryO1970]

I've owned both... and frankly, they both have their attributes and shortcomings. I've had a Sig 229 .40 for years and it has never once let me down. I've owned a Colt 1911 for a long time too ... and the only problem there is the occasional "stove-pipe". This is not to say one is better than the other... it could also be that the Colt does not like the ammo I'm feeding it. (S & B, for those with that question)

The real answer lies with you... what are you most comfortable with in terms of the "handful"... meaning, how does it fit your hand? Can you accurately recover quickly after the recoil? Once you've determined the firearm itself... the rest is all personal opinion based on your experience and comfort level.

My guess is you'll probably get much the same answer from everyone on here. The real and final answer will come from you.

[The_Patriot]

Quote:       Originally Posted by lorcin25

What is the difference between .45 and .40?

.05?

Just kidding. Are you're looking at this question on which is more likely to defeat an adversary threat?

You'll find lots of people that like to argue ad nasium on ballistics. I say forget all that babble (respectfully). That science has its place, but I don't think it really has that much play if/when the time comes to fire your weapon at a human being in defense of your life. In my opinion, shot placement is FAR more important than bullet size, shape, weight or velocity. In addition to shot placement, also important are training, stress and risk management.

You could have the biggest darn sailboat in the harbor, if you don't know how to sail, you're not going very far.

If I were in a gun fight with another guy on my side, I'd rather have a trained pro with a .22 over a gang-banging thug with two .45s. That's a fact.

Get trained. Get proficient. Practice, practice, practice. THAT is what's important, not bullet size.

(With that, my primary handguns are Glock 10mm and Glock .45).

[nathangdad]

I grew up with the .45. I prefer it in the 1911 A-1 configuration with a steel frame and a four inch barrel. The heavier gun absorbs recoil and provides a controllability I feel is lacking when a .45 is fired in a lighter, polymer framed gun. This also applies to an aluminum frame. I like the four inch barrel as I find the five inch barrel a little to "forward weighted" thus making me have a real tendency to shoot low. This is especially true after a few rounds. The .45 is combat proven. You can rely on it to put down a home invader on drugs. I would absolutely trust the standard 230 solid bullet in any personal defense situtuation. Also, you can configure the .45 to target specifications if that is your desire.

The .40 is a very welcome addition to the market as the 9mm has a history of failure to perform in combat and law enforecement encounters. It is a quality defense round. The .40 is well suited for the lighter, polymer frame and aluminum frame guns which many people find desireable due to a lower recoil than the .45 in the standard 230 grain bullet load.

I would prefer a .45 to a .40 yet, realistically, I would not feel undergunned with a .40. I suggest you get some experience firing each caliber in various guns then make a decision as to what is the best "fit" for you. Practice with the gun to develop the confidence and accuracy you will need if a crisis situation arises.

[Bravo]

I'd go with the .45. I've never actually owned or shot a .40, but I've heard that it has a snappier recoil than the .45, plus the .45 seems to hit the targets a bit harder.

Although when it comes to killing power, I don't think the enemy will really notice a difference on the other end of the gun.

[Windwalker]

Well, you got a lot of good information. The post from Nathangdad about shooting various makes in both calibers to find the one you feel most comfortable with is a very good idea. You will still have to make the choice. Good Luck and let us know what you choose.

[GlockMeister]

Quote:       Originally Posted by utahvarminter

40 is marginally cheaper, less recoil, and has more capacity. However, every Glock Ka-Boom I've ever heard about has been in a Glock 40. I'd get a 45, but that's just me.

Which model is it that is always KA-BOOMING? I don't believe the G35 practical/tactical in .40 has done it yet. It's a barrel defect they found or ramp defect isn't it?

G-Meister

[TXplt]

.40 has to expand to become .45 (which, with proper ammo it likely will); .45 starts as .45 and goes up. You can also get hot .45 rounds if you want more power in the caliber.

Any round can be a stopper or not, being able to shoot the round well from a reliable gun is the most important thing.

If you can shoot both equally well, I'd go with the .45. If you shoot the .40 significantly better than the .45, go with the .40.

[texnmidwest]

I agree with the consensus. 45 throws more lead. But, LE goes with the 40. Coast Guard going with the 40 over the 9mm. I would agree with most above. Shoot them both and choose the one that feels best to you when you shoot it.

[big boomer]

The guys that write reviews on guns and ammunition claim the 45 is more accurate. I have owned both and they both work well its a matter of choice. Pick them up and see which one feels the best and choose from that.

[Kale]

.45 +P hand loads were pretty common for target shooting when I was growing up. It is pretty accurate in a quality .45 firearm. Para Ordinance makes some nice .45 tack drivers, although quality varies a bit across their different lines. I'm a fan of the single-stack mags as they leave you with a smaller grip which is easier to hold.

[HEMI]

Both are equal as far as stopping power goes using good loads.

[evilblackrifle]

I still think its all about shot placement - it doesn't really matter what caliber.

But I tell you what I've done.... my handguns are either 9mm (high capacity), or 45 (big f'ing holes).

From what I can tell, 40 is neither here nor there, while being "snappy" and more difficult to shoot than 9's or 45's. As usual, YMMV.

[LeftHandShooter]

I like the .45 but I also have a .40 and a 9mm. The 9mm is mostly for shooting at the range (cheaper) but I carry my S&W M&P .40 Compact - but not all the time. Sometimes I carry my M&P .45, and sometimes I carry my S&W 629 .44 Magnum revolver.
I shoot best with .40 so I say go with the best shot. The nice thing about a lot of ranges is they rent guns so you can try them out first. I also will let someone shoot one of mine when at the range (if I feel they are able to do it safely and am confortable after observing them first). I've gotten a few people to go to the M&P's this way. It also has gotten me hooked on a Mosin-Nagant I'm buying tomorrow.

People are usually friendly and willing to talk about their experiences with different firearms/ammo at the range. (Just make sure you are not using the time they are paying to shoot!) Also, I've learned A LOT on this forum in the short time I've been on it. As I've told so many people the famous quote: "The only stupid question is the one you do not ask."

[damage855]

I have two .40 cal's one mine and one department issue. The reason most LE's have started using .40 is you are more likely to get shot with your own firearm and a .40 will not penatrate kevlar. also the .40 does not over penatrate so you dont have to worry so much about shoting through a house and hitting a kid down the road on his bike. I have pistols in .380 9mm .40 .45 .357 and a few more i usally carry a .40 but thats my choice you will just need to try a few out and make yours.