Cant decide between a Glock 9 or a 40?

Question

Im gonna be using it alot target practice stuff like that just not sure i know the 40 has more recoil but there a lot of things you can do to get rid of some of that recoil any help is apperciated

Answer 1

I've got both. Recoil difference between the guns is subtle - and should not be an issue in your decision.

When I shoot for practice, I almost always use the 9 as primary because the ammo is cheaper. And that's the only reason or difference that you should consider.

Also, give the Sig Sauer a try. It's overlooked by Hollywood movies but is a very well built gun.

Answer 2

Dont believe the hype about the 9mm not being enough as far as power. Its all in the ammunition choice, 45acp is a poor round if not using the right ammo. Most people get their views from the 9mm performance from police shootings where a particular department just uses the wrong ammo. Most police agencies used 147gr bullets in their 9mm, the 115gr hollow point +p bullet perfoms best in 9mm as far as one shot stop %'s. Depending on brand its usually a 90 to 97% one shot stopper.

Which is about the same as the 45acp. and 40 cal... 40cal actually recoils more than 45cal. All of these top three calibers have about the same one shot stop percentage. The 230gr hardball which made the 45acp so famous in past conflicts is actually only a 61 to 65% one shot stopper, compared to a good 168gr or 185gr 45acp hollow point, which are about the same one shot stop percentage as 9mm.

Ive carried lots of calibers but 9mm is my favorite, and is very controllable for that second follow up shot. Any one who has the strong will to live (and most criminals do) can be riddled with bullets from any caliber and still return fire even after the heart has been struck by a bullet, and this is documented.

The quickest way to end a gun fight is to take out the central nerve system, thats why your taught to aim center mass, damage the spine with any caliber and the target cant shoot back. Go with the 9mm its suffient, and cheaper to shoot at the range. I recommend the Glock Model 19, 9mm..

Answer 3

I have a full size Glock Model 22 in .40 S&W caliber, and it does have a little more recoil than a 9mm Glock Model 17 or 19. 9mm ammo is a lot cheaper to shoot than the .40 S&W.To be a good marksman, you have to learn to ignore recoil, and concentrate on things like proper hold, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control, etc. There will come a point , if you shoot enough, where you will not even be conscious of the recoil.

Answer 4

I agree, the 9 is a better way to go for practice. It's really what feels best, weight, balance, etc. I have fired a Glock .45 and it was awesome, but after a while it hurt my hand quite a bit. With the .40 I didn't get the same tiredness in my right hand. I have not fired a Glock 9 tho. I was going to get a .40 for my b-day this year, but I got a car instead :)

Answer 5

If your going to do just target practice I would go with the 9mm. It is slightly cheaper and you will have slightly fewre reloads saving time and your thumb. If you tend to use it for self defense you should go with the .40. There is a nice comprimise between capacity and stopping power. I am a fan of any .45. However, the .45 is not always practicle. The 1911 that many love is to large for everyday. For true street work you don't carry enough ammo. True you should put rounds on target. However, stress can play a part. I would like to have the comprimise of a .40 anyday. This comes close to the capacity of a 9mm and close to the power of a .40.

Answer 6

Glock is, in my opinion, one of the most reliable handguns on the market. Good choice. If you're only going to use the pistol for target practice, then a 9mm is fine. However if there is any chance that the gun will be used for self defense, you need to go with the .40 cal. or larger. as a general rule of thumb; the larger the caliber, the better fo self defense purposes.

Answer 7

My Glock 17L only shoots the quality rounds, if I use cheap shells for target practice I get a lot of misfires. I do not know a lot about guns but my brothers no name I ever heard of 45 never fails to shoot.

Answer 8

I adore my M1911A1 Officer's Semi-Automatic by Colt. I also like S&W's .45 revolver, however, for availability of munitions, a Walther 9mm (P-38) is the best to get. Drop her in a stream, then pick it up, after nine years, and pull the trigger, with no issue, besides it being wet and cold.

Answer 9

I carry a .40 cal. model 22 and a model 27 as backup.
I'm happy with them.
9 mm is too small for me.
Too many gangstas carry nines - I'd rather have a larger caliber than the one I'd likely be up against.

Answer 10

I think a 45 semi-automatic is the only hand gun to own.

But that's only my opinion. If you can afford a Glock, there are a lot of options for you.