9mm, .357 sig, or .40S&W ?

Question

Can you tell me the difference? I'm just gonna be looking at accuracy, and self defense power. (Recoil isn't too bad of a problem I have a strong arm, unless it's really bad)

I also don't want to shoot them more than one time, will a 9mm knock them out in 1 shot?

Oh yeah I might use it in shooting ranges, I know one that is friendly.

(You can shoot bottles and moving targets)

Answer 1

The accuracy isn't determined by the round, it's determined by the gun you choose, unless you're shooting more than 25 yards, which is highly unlikely in any CCW situation. So considering that you're buying a gun for CC, accuracy will be a function of the amount of training with your weapon that you do, rather than the ballistics of the round itself. I actually asked this question about a week ago since I too am trying to decide what kind of round to get for concealed carry (I've (not totally) decided on the 9mm), so I'll try to describe the opinion I formed on this issue with you, as well as address some of your concerns as stated in your question.

First, I have to tackle your issue with shooting more than one time, and your question about stopping power. The reality is that the three rounds you mentioned all have about the same one shot stop percentage (9mm, 91%; .357 SIG, 89%; .40 S&W, 96%), with the .40 S&W being slightly better than the other two. Because of this, there's no way to say that one round is clearly superior to the others.

More importantly though, it's the type of ammo, not the size of the round, that's going to make a difference. The percentages I mentioned to you were all obtained with jacketed hollow point ammo. On the other hand, if you were to shoot full metal jacket ammo, the difference in each round's stopping power would become more apparant (but you're not going to use FMJ ammo for self defense anyway, since JHP is better anyway, right?), with the .40 S&W being the best of the three. Therefore, anybody who tells you that one round is clearly superior to the others simply because it's bigger than the others is thinking with his, ahem, ego, rather than with his head. Study after study shows that it's more the type of ammo you use, rather than the size.

Also, one shot stopping power in the real world isn't that important. Why? Because if you were to get in to an actual gunfight, I'm pretty sure you're going to be firing more than one shot. I mean, let's be real, do you really think you're going to shoot just once and be like "ok, he's dead"? I didn't think so either.

To put it another way, say you get in to a fist fight. How many times do you think you'll be punching? Are you going to punch just once, and then stop to see if you're opponent is knocked out? No, you're going to punch him until you're sure he's knocked out. The same principle applies to any gunfight. Are you really going to risk your life by just shooting once? I wouldn't.

Consider, if someone's pulling a gun or a knife on you, to have to believe that they're willing and/or want to kill you. I don't know about you, but if someone's trying to kill me, I shoot him until he's either dead or not a threat any more. Now, I don't want to kill him (or anyone for that matter), but if I'm forced by him in to a situation where I have to kill him, I keep firing until he's dead. So the reality is that you're likely going to be firing more than once in any defensive situation.

To wrap this part up, I should also mention that police training usually states that when forced to use deadly force (usually your gun), you fire as many times as you can (that's why you always hear about police shooting 100+ shots whenever they get in to a gunfight). The reason is that when police have to use deadly force, the situation has gotten out of control and people's lives are at risk. That's exactly what you will face in any gunfight.

Now, as for the round you choose, that should be a function of two things: price (what you can afford) and comfort. I mention price not because of the actual gun you will be purchasing, but because of something more important--training. Obviously I have no idea how much money you make, but you do have to factor in the cost of the ammo if you're not rich and want to train consistently (which you should do if you're carrying a concealed weapon). For this consideration, the 9mm wins hands down. 9mm is cheap ($7 for a box of 50 in many cases) compared to just about any other handgun ammo out there (except the .22). Expect to pay twice as much, or more, for the other two rounds you mentioned.

Now, if you're rich any price isn't a consideration, then perhaps the .40 S&W might suit you better (you'll notice I rarely talk about the .357 SIG, that's because this competition is really between the 9mm and .40 S&W, since the .40 S&W fills the same role the .357 SIG fills and is better in every way).

Now, as for comfort, that's largely up to you. Go to a local indoor pistol range or borrow some friends guns in both calibers (9mm and .40 S&W, and even the .357 SIG if you want to) and shoot them both to see how each one feels (try to use comparable guns for each round to get I true feel). Keep in mind the amount of recoil and how long it takes you to get set for the next shot.

After that, the decision is yours. In closing however, I will suggest this: if price is an issue (and it is with most people), buy the 9mm, otherwise, if you feel the .40 S&W is clearly superior, get a gun with the .40 S&W.

Finally, I have to mention, for home defense, forget the .357 magnum and buy a 12 gauge shotgun. Cheaper ($200-$300), safer (shots won't penerate walls like a .357 magnum) more effective (what's better, one .357 magnum round or 9 .32 pellets from 10 feet away?).

Answer 2

If i were you, i would pick the .40 S&W. the Recoil isnt too bad, and it has more stopping power than the 9 and is about the same as a 357 Sig. I would say the 9mm is picked because the ammo is cheap and the availbility is high, and there is a wide variaty of ammo. It will stop most people, but you never know. a 6'4 250 pound man on PCP is gonna require a few mosre shots than a normal person. If you got a .357, i would go for the Mag so you could load 38's in it and it has more power than a Sig, but i dont kow about the power compared to the .40, but id say its a pretty close race. Out of the ones you listed, go for the .40, it will stop em in one shot and can be used at the ranges. what i would do is get some more info on the 357 Mag and go for it.

Answer 3

All three are defensive calibers. The .9mm has been around the longest, followed by the .40 S & W and finally the .357 Sig.

The .357 Sig is probably the best manstopper (at least on paper), but none are bad. ALL are as accurate as the shooter. None recoil really bad. The .357 Sig is the loudest (bottle-neck cartridge design). Will the .9mm knock them out in one shot? Knock who out in one shot? A drug-crazed, 6-4, 270 lb. all muscle, tip-top-shape martial arts expert hell-bent on your destruction? Probably not, but then, none will; they are NOT 'death ray' guns.

A .9mm w/quality defensive ammo in +P or +P+ 115 to 127 grain bullet weight is better than a .45 loaded with ball ammo. The .9mm and the .357 Sig shoot similar bullet weights and bullet diameter. The .40 is slightly wider but that wouldn't make me choose the .40 over the .357 Sig.

Which is best for you? Well, only you can decide. For me a Glock Model 20 .10mm works or a .357 Mag. wheelgun.

H

Answer 4

Why wouldn't you want to shoot them more than once?

If they needed shot once, they need shot until they stop. It's not a magic wand or a Star Trek phaser. Shoot until the threat ceases. That may require one shot, or six, or a dozen. That's what self defense is all about--shooting until the threat ceases. The perp may die, or not. That's not the point of self defense shooting, though.

There is no "one shot stop" round out there. One shot to the abdomen may put the bad guy out of the fight, or two to the chest may not. I once heard of a guy that got hit three times in the head with .38s from a police revolver, and he not only didn't die, he suffered no serious permanent injury. It did stop him, though.

As a general rule, pistols and revolvers are underpowered compared to rifles and shotguns. If you're looking for a home defense weapon, get a shotgun (12 or 20 gauge, either will do). Use better than #4 shot, 00buck is best.

If you're looking for a personal protection weapon, any of the three you've chosen will work.

Personally, I find little noticable difference between my .40 and my 9mm. Largely, the amount of felt recoil has as much to do with the gun as the round. A large heavy gun will result is less felt recoil than a smaller lighter gun. That's simple physics.

Recoil and arm strength have little to do with each other. Hand strength, and wrist strength are more important for control and accuracy and follow-up shots.

Performance-wise, the .357 sig is probably the best choice. While the same size bullet as the 9mm (.355 inches diameter) and the same diameter case as the .40 S&W, it is designed to mimic the .357 magnum performance with a shorter cartridge. It has more felt recoil than either the .40 or the 9mm. It travels much faster than the 9mm, and has better energy than the .40 S&W.

Good luck.

Answer 5

since you are new to guns then you will also want one that is easy to take care of. none are easier than the glock. it is not a pretty gut it is a damn good one.with the right load they are extremely accurate.i am a 25 year retired deputy that shot marksman my entire career.all the loads you mentioned are good.very few police carry a 9mm any more. the reason is that they have very little stopping power,the .357 is not a bad load but not that popular.the best load is a .40 cal.it has great stopping power.as a officer we used the 165 gr and it shoots extremely well.a example is that in texas they had a combat shooting championship.there were some great shooters. glock was very new and everyone was laughing at how they looked.it had the top shooters from across trhe nation. glock cleaned their clock.knowone was even close to the glock score.just after this many more depts started issuing a glock mdl 22,40cal.you will have to choose for yourself.i can care less how a gun looks. the glock is easilt taken apart and cleaned.there are only 4 pieces to a glock

Answer 6

A 9mm is ok, but not the best by far. I have seen 9mm bullets totally deflected by a thin piece of glass.

I wouldn't use any of those guns so I'll just give you my opinion on the best.

For home defense I wouldn't use anything less than a 357 magnum revolver. One shot and no more problem, even thu a door or wall. Plus a revolver shoots on time, every time. BEWARE, if you live in a apartment or have neighbors all around a magnum round might be overkill as it can easily penetrate multiple walls.

Another nice thing about a 357 mag is that at the shooting range you can fire 38 shells. They aren't nearly as violent and much more pleasant to shoot. Also, dont get the snub nose. Go with at least a 5 inch barrel if you would like to retain your hearing lol

Tactical 12 gage shotguns are also a excellent choice and require less skill. Perfect for women, just point and shoot.



I really cant believe that people here are comparing a 357 mag to these other calibers. A 357 mag defeats them all with ease. You could shoot someone in the foot with a 357 mag and they would die from blood loss. I shot a deer with mine and it put a hole in that you could throw a softball through.

Answer 7

A 9mm loaded with +P or +P+ ammunition will give you the same power as a 357 sig. In fact, the 9mm can mimic lower powered .357 magnum loads with +P/+P+ rounds, launching a 9mm bullet at 1200 feet per second. The advantage is you can practice with regular 9mm ammo to development your shooting skills and it will not be as hard on you and your gun. I like the versatility of the 9mm in that regard. As for the .40s&w; the difference between it and the 9mm is that the .40 leaves a larger hole. However, with good hollowpoint ammunition, a 9mm can expand up to .6 of an inch or greater. Thanks to modern engineering, the 9mm can do pretty much anything the other two can do but with more options to select from.

Answer 8

i would go for the .40 S&W. my grandparents neighbor is a police officer and he uses the .40 S&W and he says the recoil is tollerable and it has enough stopping power. the 9mm is a little on the small side, but the .357 is also a good choice if you cant get a .40

Answer 9

I agree with EVO except about barrel length.

5" barreled revolvers are not easy to find. And I like snubby revolvers.

An advantage for snubs for home defense is that it gives less of a handle for a bad guy to grap your revolver. I carry a 2 1/8" barreled M-640 .357 Magnum daily.

Sure short barreled .357's are fiercely loud, and have tremendous muzzle blast, but so to 4", 5", and 6" .357's. If you are target shooting, you MUST use hearing protection if you value your hearing, that goes for any firearm. But in a defense situation, you won't care about the noise, just effectiveness.

Doc

Answer 10

i just bought a ruger gp100 .357 mag yesterday for hunting, home defense and maybe keep in my truck glove box (conceal/carry permit). its too large to keep on my body but if my revolver can take down a bear i know itll take down a human haha. my next will be a 45 acp for conceal/carry...i dont personally care for 9mm, too weak and too inaccurate IMO. id suggest a 40 or larger, but if you want to target shoot also id get a 45 or a 357 (which you can shoot 38 specials out of). i tried to sum it up as best as possible for you. ps, a 12 gauge shotgun with a pistol grip stock with the right load would be ideal for home defense. i have a remington 870 pump that i will be converting soon so that home defense accuracy isnt an issue in the dark.

Answer 11

You picked a good question. This is a heated debate in the gun world.

To give you a quick answer... most police departments were 9mm in the 90's. Because of the fact that it does seem to take more then 1 shot, many are going to the .40 or .45.

This site has a ton of info in the forums. Ask you question on here and you will get pages of responses: http://www.glocktalk.com


Good luck picking...