Why .40?

[Redstate]

I used to have .40 caliber pistols (Glocks). Now I only have 9mm and .45. I was always curious as to why someone would want such a small pistol such as a CM or PM in a .40 vs. a 9mm. It cannot be disputed that the recoil of the .40 is more significant than that of the 9mm. It cannot be disputed that the CM and PM hold one more round in the nine than the .40.

I have had more opportunity to pick up a used Kahr in a .40 than a 9mm. Always said no.
Please enlighten me as to why one would choose a .40 over a 9mm in such a small pistol. Thanks.

[b4uqzme]

Cannot help you (sorry). I prefer to carry .40 = good ballistics and more capacity vs. 45acp. But when it comes to CM/PM/MK size, I went with a 9mm for similar reasons = good ballistics and more capacity vs. 40cal.

[Longitude Zero]

.40 is a 10mm Short and Weak.

[b4uqzme]

^^^ and half the $$$ too!

[89grand]

I own 7 handguns and all but one are 9mm. I have one .40, a Ruger P94 that I bought in 1998. The only reason I bought that in .40 was because this was during the asinine assault weapons ban and since I was limited to 10 rounds, I figured I may as well get the bigger caliber.

I really have no use for the .40 in any sized gun any more. Versus 9mm, it costs quite a bit more to shoot, magazine capacity is always reduced, recoil is stronger, it's harder on the gun, and it really doesn't offer any ballistics advantage or if it does, it's minimal.

In the 25 years or so I've owned guns, I've yet to have to shoot anyone, but I have saved a lot of money by shooting 9mm vs .40. But even if I did have to shoot anyone, I feel well armed with a 9mm with decent modern hollow points like a Gold Dot. To me, the .40 doesn't offer any advantage. I haven't shot that P94 in years.

[Bawanna]

Common knowledge where I stand on this issue. Make mine a 45 everyday of the week.

I prefer bricks over pebbles. I got nothing against the 40 and get along fine in a full size gun but not in a compact. Not giving up my K40 just yet but too much handful for a carry gun even magnaported.

[dirtengineer]

I too have a CM9, but I can see arguments of ballistic superiority and perhaps wanting all pistols to be a common caliber. I think capacity and controlability are what make the 9mm common in the subcompact category.

[tom.p]

A .40 will make a bigger hole in a bad guy than a 9mm, but I still choose to use 9mm. Proponents of larger calibers often like to top about "stopping power," but that's far less important than shot placement.
My point is: yes, if you hit a bad guy with a larger caliber, it will do more for you, but that's only a benefit if you hit him. I'm more accurate with 9mm, so that's what I own. Use/carry what works for you, as long as you're confident with it. In most shooters (especially in a compact/subcompact gun), that would be the 9mm. If the .40 or .45 gives you the level of confidence you need, go for it.

Additional note: In my caliber choice, I'm also considering what my wife can shoot accurately, should she need to use my gun. If she needs to get at it while I'm not home, or in a worst case scenario, take it from me after I've been shot to defend herself, I want her to be able to use it well. (No, I can't get her to carry her own)

[Dave Nowlin]

Actually I own a PM9 and a CM40. Far more law enforcement carries the .40 these days than the 9. Have you stopped to wonder why? In fact some departments including the Secret Service carry the .357 Sig round. A 9mm on steroids. The U.S. Coast Guard has switched to the .40 over the 9mm. It does have more recoil than the 9 but one must consider equal and opposite reactions. If it recoils more it also hits harder. I'm 72 and I have never shot anyone but if it does become necessary, I want to end the scenario with the least possible amount of rounds fired. The more rounds you fire the harder it will be to justify what you have done in the name of self defense.

[SDGlock23]

For me I have much more .40 than 9mm and so a Cm40 made sense although I had a CM9 and it was very good and will probably pick up another. In many ways, for those making the choice it would probably make more sense to get a 9mm. I don't find the recoil of the CM40 to a LOT more than the CM9, at least with typical factory fodder anyways. Plus while it's 5+1 vs 6+1, neither are high capacity options and I've noticed no loss of accuracy by shooting the .40 over the 9mm.

[DavidS]

I don't collect guns. Picked one caliber, stuck with it. MK40 for cc out and about, Glock 23 oc for around the home.

[Longitude Zero]

Common knowledge where I stand on this issue. Make mine a 45 everyday of the week.

I prefer bricks over pebbles.

Me too.

[Alfonse]

I love to have choices. Here is one thing that hasn't been mentioned: During the ammo shortage I could buy .40 pretty much the whole time. I can't say that about 9mm. So, I have them all.

[b4uqzme]

For me. I'm just as accurate if not a little bit more so with the .40. And until recently, 40cal ammo was just as cheap as 9mm around here. In fact that's why I started shooting 40cal: 9mm was too expensive IF you could even find it (not too long ago). I no longer prefer to rely on just one caliber as you never know what will be available in the future. YMMV.

[knkali]

For me. I'm just as accurate if not a little bit more so with the .40. And until recently, 40cal ammo was just as cheap as 9mm around here. In fact that's why I started shooting 40cal: 9mm was too expensive IF you could even find it (not too long ago). I no longer prefer to rely on just one caliber as you never know what will be available in the future. YMMV.

^^^^yes!
Also, I tend to stray toward bigger calibers in colder weather. I want a little more punch to get through the heavy leather jackets and layers of clothing should I need to use my SD gun. Is this based on fact or myth? I don't know. I do know that 9 mm compact in summer is more comfortable to carry than my full sized 45 and the full sized 45 is not as arduous to carry in the winter versus the summer. Finally the .380 is reserved for strictly ankle carry and back up carry only. No flames please.