I'm torn between the Glock sub-compact 9mm G26 and .40 G27. For self-defense, which is superior?

Question

This would be my first firearm purchase, and I am somewhat familiar with the pros and cons of each:

9mm = more control, less power
.40 = less control, more power

I am willing to make practice perfect, so what'll it be??

Answer 1

The .40 caliber does still have decent control. I just do not like the snap of the recoil compared to the 9mm and .45. I would carry the .45 myself...

As for Glock, I prefer the Springfield Armory XD. Just check them out before you buy the Glock. It is a better fit and feel in the hand and a natural feel.

Good Luck

Answer 2

I've got a half dozen handguns ranging from a S&W 629 to a H&K P7 and both a G19 and a G26. At this point I primarily buy 9mm pistols because I have mostly 9mm pistols.

The 26/27 is probably not the best choice for a first handgun as they can be less than pleasant to shoot a lot, and really aren't all that much more concealable than a 19 or 23--this is important if you plan on taking self-defense classes as you may go through 3-400 rounds a day.

If all you're ever going to do is go down the the range and put a box or two through the pistol then it's no big deal.

If you really want a sub-compact, I'd recommend the G26.

When you actually start to look at terminal ballistics the difference between 9mm, 40, 45 and 10mm are pretty meaningless--none really have enough "power" to do more than than punch holes through fairly elastic flesh (meaning it stretchs before the hole gets poked so the difference between a .38 inch hole and a .45 inch hole after the flesh contracts back is pretty minimal).

Either is a fine choice, but in my not-so-humble opinion the MOST CRITICAL thing about using a pistol defensively (or offensively) is accuracy. To get accurate you need practice. Ammo is expensive and getting more so.

9mm is cheaper than .40.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Glock is a good choice, just keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot and store/carry in a holster that covers the trigger.

As to which is superior, the 26 or 27, all Glocks are the same. The .40 S & W has superior stopping potential with the right defensive ammo, but there's nothing wrong with the 9mm loaded with quality defensive ammo in 115 to 127 grain hollow points. There is nothing wrong with your model choices either, but is there a reason why you want a subcompact for your first gun? Have you considered the Glock Model 19 or the Model 23? These are the intermediate size 9mm & .40 S & W and with the 4" barrel they'll more fully utilize the rounds potential.

The Model 26 & 27 are just a bit easier to conceal. In fact I bought my 22 year old daughter a Model 26 for her first concealed carry handgun because she is just more confortable with a nine as she is rather petite. I think you'll find the recoil a bit more tolerable in the Model 23 than in the Model 27 but if you just want the subcompact Glocks then the Model 27 in .40 S & W has superior stopping potential. Just use good defensive ammo.

Best.

H

Answer 4

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Answer 5

The .40 S&W is a better round than the 9mm for self defense. It proivdes an extra margin of penetration. The load was designed to be able to defeat some light barriers (i.e. windshield autoglass) and still penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs.

The saving grace to the 9mm is the cheapness of the round. With good ammo it has excellent terminal ballistics but loses more after penetrating through light barriers. But if you are willing to practice to expert levels the savings help a lot...


In time the recoil of the .40 becomes second nature and you can transition between the 9mm, 40, and 45 with little difference.

Another consideration would be who all will use the gun. Some women do not like the added recoil of the .40 or the extra concussive blast from the muzzle. If they are not as dedicated as you are to practice they may prefer the 9mm which makes it a better choice as a good 9mm is better than no gun at all.

Regardless of this, a long gun has more of the power you will want if going into a fight.

Answer 6

With enough practice, you won't even notice the recoil of the G27.

With a wider cross section, higher bullet weight, and higher velocity the .40 is far superior than the 9mm.

The 40 does have a bit more "whip" to it, but if you get some training, and practice proper shooting techniques you won't even notice it.

Perhaps you are a lightweight person, and the .40 may be too much for you.

Go rent a G27 and see how you like it. Don't just rent any .40 though because they all handle differently.

Don't be discouraged by the two finger grip with the subcompact models. I honestly enjoy how the pinky wraps around the butt. And it simply disappears in a belt holster under a loose shirt.

Answer 7

I'd go with the .40. It's essentially a 10mm that has been shortened a little bit, because there were some real sissies in the FBI who couldn't handle a 10mm. Unfortunately, ammunition is usually a little more expensive, it is a pretty effective round against soft targets. It does have more power, but not enough to make it uncontrollable, so I wouldn't worry about that too much.

If you're willing to spend the extra, and you're using it strictly for self defense, I'd go with the .40.

Answer 8

My recommendation is to buy no smaller than the Glock model 19 in 9mm, or the model 23 in .40S&W. The reason for this are: all guns sales are final, if you don't like the way it handles after shooting it, it is still yours; the grip of the subcompacts are too small , and it is NOT condusive to accuracy, especially for a novice. Even a seasoned shooter will have more problems getting good hits with a smaller gun than a bigger size one.

Answer 9

I've got a glock g30 in 45 cal, double stack mag. I would recommend either or, you can't go wrong. Been carrying the gun for 6 years, and no problems. Your choice, but asking, I would spend my money on the g27 in 40 cal. Hope that helps.

Answer 10

The .40 has superior stopping power over the 9mm.