I'm going to buy my first handgun. I can't decide if i should get the 9mm or the 40. also, should i get the 3 inch barrell or the 4 inch?
I'm going to use it primarily for concealed carry and plinking around. I've heard that the 3 inch barrel is easier to conceal, but it gives more recoil. what do you think?
I have also heard that it;s better to get the 9mm because the ammo is cheaper.
i'm also not sure how much i like my pinky hanging off of the sub compacts. i know you can put the mag extension to fix this but it doesn't feel as stable. advice?
If you're going to conceal your handgun, you're better off paying more attention to the size of the grip as opposed to barrel length, since that's the part that really pokes out from under your shirt or jacket. I conceal a 4 inch fine, and I'm a short and skinny guy.
The other advice, especially on caliber choice, for a concealed carry weapon is not to make cost the deciding factor, since this is there to save your life if needed. For example, I wouldn't want you to regret buying a 9mm due to cost, even though you prefer a .40 S&W or .45 ACP for defense. If 9mm meets your defense requirements for other reasons like control, capacity, etc. then that's a different story.
As for arguments between .40 and 9mm, that's been done a thousand times, suffice to say each has their trade-offs. Accuracy and follow up will trump stopping power or capacity, so make sure it's whatever you shoot best with. My own PERSONAL opinion is to carry the largest caliber that you can safely and accurately shoot in quick succession.
The main thing is to be completely comfortable with whatever it is you buy, as it makes it not only more enjoyable, but safer.
my vote only cause im bitter right now is to buy a rifle. i lucked out and found 150 rds of 9mm for my XDm and thats it. walked in and bought 3006 and 22 like it was candy. im honestly regretting buying a $600 pistol. if youre dead set on a pistol id go with a 9mm. cheaper and an easier round to learn pistols with
why .40 over the 9? I have noticed that the .40 ammo is a little easier to find these days. 9mm seems to sell out so fast where i live.
Just a matter of personal preference is all. The 9mm is a good little round. But if I ever were to get caught in a self defense or life threatening situation, I'd rather have a .40 over a 9mm. Again, just personal preference. In truth, in that same situation, I'd rather have .45 over .40. lol
As for there seeming to be .40 available more so then 9mm, I think all calibers seem to be hard to come by at this point.
The only other thing I can tell you as to why I choose .40 over 9mm is that when you shoot them both, if tyou haven't already, you'll see why. I just prefer something with a little more punch behind it.
Don't get me wrong, I like and have 9mm, I just prefer .40. And over .40 I prefer a .45acp.
If you have a range near you that allows you to rent firearms, I suggest you rent a 9mm and a .40S&W. I think then you'll see what I mean and why I prefer the .40. More importantly though, you'll get a feel for both calibers, as well as maybe the guns if they have what you're interested in, and you'll be able to make a better more informed decision.
I can't say this enough. In the end, as far as caliber and gun it always comes down to personal preference.
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The 9mm is not hardly enough cheaper to miss out on the better round. 40 is popular enough its availability and cheapness is near 9mm. But then again, as long as you use a good jacketed hollow point, either will do. I voted 40 cause that's my preference, but not by much.
About the compact or sub.... I have an issued sub compact Glock 27 and hate it. They gave it to me to encourage me to carry more, but I just leave it in the truck and carry my kel tec P11 which at the time was not available in 40 S&W.
4 inch barrel models will be easy enough for conceal, EASIER to handle shooting (especially if you don't have lots of experience) and a 9mm would be cheaper ammo allowing more practice. That being said, I have a 40 S&W subcompact that my wife shoots, so what do I know....
First handgun, are you recoil sensitive? Have you shot much, try to shoot both, either a friend's or rent from a range. In my opinion a .40's recoil isn't that much more, but I shoot both quite a bit. Weight , grip style and other factors make almost every gun "feel" different. As far as the size, just like Arkansashunter said (how big a boy are you?) lol. Carry as large of caliber and as big, or small gun as you feel can feel comfortable with. Plinking gun, lots of plinking and shooting at bullseyes will be your best bet at getting good, and comfortable with your gun, but the 4" will probably, as a rule of thumb be easier to shoot accurate then the 3".
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I voted for the 40 and 3". I agree that recoil is a consideration but in a CCW situatioin stopping power is what I think about most. 40 is a much better choice in my humble opinion.
Actually, any of your choices would be a good one!
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Being your first handgun I would go with the 9MM because it's a little easier to handle and still has enough power to serve as a carry gun. 9MM ammo is a lot cheaper too which will allow you to practice more which will make you a safer shooter. Safety is the most important word when even looking at a gun. I like the 3" Subcompact for CCW because I live in an area where shorts and t shirt are business attire. I have a XD Subcompact in both .40 and 9MM. I love them both.
Please do not overlook the knock down power of a 9mm,its easier to handle,easier to conceal and much more easier to shoot-BUT! having said that YOU need to make up your own mind. Please keep in mind that more people are killed with .22's than anything else. Got this from my CCW class last Dec. Good luck, Woody
First time gun buyer. NEED HELP 
This could be an incentive to loose a few pounds LOL
my vote 9mm. 
Please do not overlook the knock down power of a 9mm,its easier to handle,easier to conceal and much more easier to shoot-BUT! having said that YOU need to make up your own mind. Please keep in mind that more people are killed with .22's than anything else. Got this from my CCW class last Dec. Good luck, Woody
