Want to buy a handgun, between a 9mm or .45 any insight would be helpful.?

Answer 1

I like both rounds better than .40calibers. 9mm is cheaper with less recoil and just the oppisite for .45acp based on Walmart prices. .45 has more stopping power if you are using it for CCW or home defense.

Basically you should go and shoot both calibers in the gun of your choice and see what you like better. Several ranges by me have rental guns at their range. Check around by you.

Answer 2

my favorite round actually is a 9mm. Very underrated but will do the same thing as a .45 or .40 with less recoil.

Answer 3

SIG 229 .40 S&W will shoot rings around the competition-X-rings in the target that is! They are a bit expensive but worth every penny. Ask those in the FBI, Homeland security and all those in law enforcement that wouldn't trust their lives or those of their partner on anything else....especially a GLOCK!! Sorry GLOCK fans-they just don't cut it. BTW, .357 SIG barrels are available too to convert to another caliber- two guns in one for added fun!

Answer 4

This really depends on your needs, but I would lean towards the smaller end of the spectrum. With a 9mm, you have all the stopping power you need, and you have to consider, the less energy the bullet carries, the less likely it is to puncture walls etc and hurt something you don't want to hurt. Also, 9mm cartriges are considerably cheaper than most of the other options you have. .357Mag. is a pretty versatile caliber, mags have excellent stopping power, but most models will also shoot .38s, which are cheaper and won't hurt your hand (as much). The colt python is known for being a pretty accurate .357mag revovler that will easily stop anyone in its tracks..but it will cost you. For personal carry, the Kel-Tec PF-9 is pretty impressive, to my knowledge the thinnest and lightest 9mm out there, and can be found easily under $300. Don't expect to be able to hit much with it though, from my experience they are not terribly accurate, but again that just depends on your needs; if you are looking for concealed carry/personal protection, its a great deal, and if it gets stolen, $300 is a lot easier to absorb than say a $1200 target pistol

Answer 5

9mm= Good high velocity performance, cheap to shoot fmj, low recoil, high-cap magazines
45ACP= Makes nice big holes (especially semi-wadcutter rounds) in paper, manageable recoil for big bore, reliable single-satck magazines

BOTH are good for self-defense and both perform well in a good "launcher" (gun). It's a tough call so I would eventually get both.

Answer 6

Go with a .45. I have several and love the Kimber and Para Ordinance. My Para's are small and hold 12 rounds in a standard 1911 style and I have a condealed carry Para Warthog that holds 10+1.

Answer 7

9mm ammunition is inexpensive to shoot on a regular basis and easier to control.

Answer 8

Before this turns into a caliber debate...let me say that shot placement is far more important than caliber in self defense applications.

Now I'm assuming you want a handgun for either self-defense or target/hobby shooting.

Advantages of a 9mm:
- smaller handgun, generally easier to conceal
- generally higher mag capacity
- cheaper ammo

Advantages of a .45 ACP
- big, heavy bullet that packs a punch
- traditional and historic American cartridge (see 1911 handgun)

So if ammo cost and the size of the handgun is a consideration, then I would choose the 9mm. If you want something a bit more traditional or feel more comfortable with a bigger round for self defense then get a .45 ACP.

Me...I own both.

Answer 9

Well a 9mm is smaller but they are cheaper to buy rounds for. The weapon would hold more rounds in the magazine and the kick is hardly noticable. The .45 ACP is a tried and true round that has alot of history behind not only the round itself but the M1911A1 pistol system.
My first couple of pistols were a Beretta 92, Springfield 1911 and a Ruger .44 mag and then I started getting more and more after that.
Between the 9mm and .45 ACP they both can penetrate a few inches in a hard oak tree, even through some junk furnaces. The .45 ACP would do the same but leave a bigger hole and it still didnt go farther into the target either. I dont know if you looked into the 40 S&W round at all. Its another good round that is sometimes called the happy medium between .45ACP and 9mm.
The rounds have their ups and downs. If your looking for a range shooter and not wanna burn alot of money then the 9mm would be good for you. If your looking for a personal protection round the .45 ACP would stop an attacker.
Good luck and hope you have fun with your purchase.

Answer 10

a 9m is OK for plinking cheap ammo and a 45 is more powerful .............either one will kill