9 or 40 for wife?

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 9 or 40 for wife?

Posted: 12/4/2007 5:22:02 PM EDT

I've been thinking about getting my wife a handgun for home defense and recreational shooting. We went to the gun store today and she handled several different guns and she decided that the S&W M&P felt the most comfortable. She has small hands and is 5'2". I liked it too.

I know that there are pros and cons about both the 9mm and .40. Here is my dilemma, even though this is for my wife, we both agree that I will probably shoot it more than she will. I have very little experience with 9mm so I don't know how much of a difference the recoil is. She has a MK III 22 pistol but has only shot a large caliber pistol once, several years ago.

Has anyone shot both and how much more recoil is there? Which would you get, an M&P in 9mm, or .40?

Posted: 12/4/2007 5:24:03 PM EDT

[#1]

9mm with good ammo that is all she needs my wife carrys 9mm.

Posted: 12/4/2007 5:28:35 PM EDT

[#2]

Posted: 12/4/2007 5:29:38 PM EDT

[#3]

a 9 with good ammo will work just as well as a 40. shot placement is key, and with 9mm being cheaper, its more cost effective to practice more, thus improving the chances of proper shot placement

Posted: 12/4/2007 5:34:30 PM EDT

[#4]

9--easier to handle, less intimidation, less snap, more ammo=more shots. A pissed off women with a gun will scare anyone away.

Posted: 12/4/2007 6:43:54 PM EDT

[#5]

IMO,9mm.Try to rent a few before you buy.

Posted: 12/4/2007 6:46:11 PM EDT

[#6]

9mm

.40 recoil is a little snappy for some women

Posted: 12/4/2007 7:20:53 PM EDT

[#7]

another vote for 9mm with good ammo, Federal Premium is readily available.

*if she can deal with .40S&W, get her a 45

Posted: 12/4/2007 9:56:14 PM EDT

[#8]

9mm or .45 acp. Either is far more comfortable to shoot than the .40

Posted: 12/4/2007 11:01:26 PM EDT

[#9]

9mm

Posted: 12/5/2007 3:27:23 AM EDT

[#10]

My GF likes a 1911 9mm. Hk was to big in the hands and the Walther p99 had to much filp for her taste.

She liked my edge, but no way in hell she is getting that.

go with the 9mm if she like the MP. cheaper ammo and less recoil.

Posted: 12/5/2007 7:48:52 AM EDT

[#11]

I went by this morning and picked up the M&P 9mm for 499 + tax. My wife probably won't get a chance to go with me to go shoot until after the holidays, but I'll take it out and break it in for her.

Posted: 12/5/2007 4:17:45 PM EDT

[#12]

Good choice!

Posted: 12/5/2007 5:19:49 PM EDT

[#13]

I have whatever caliber she wants to use. She better use what I have in the rack!

Posted: 12/5/2007 5:20:30 PM EDT

[#14]

9mm

Posted: 12/5/2007 5:25:31 PM EDT

[#15]

I would have bought both. Then let her shoot both of them, and pick one. The best part... I would keep the other one.

But that's just me.

Posted: 12/5/2007 11:32:41 PM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
9mm or .45 acp. Either is far more comfortable to shoot than the .40

Maybe if you are a puss!

In reality there is not enough difference in the 3 to notice much if any difference. I shoot all 3 with no trouble what so ever.

Posted: 12/6/2007 12:14:09 AM EDT

[#17]

9mm is a great caliber to shoot and the price of ammo is relatively inexpensive.

Posted: 12/6/2007 12:16:22 AM EDT

[#18]

Posted: 12/6/2007 10:35:02 AM EDT

[#19]

9mm

Just as good of a defensive round with good ammo.

More capacity in the same size frame.

Cheaper rounds for more practice.

Posted: 12/6/2007 12:08:21 PM EDT

[#20]

Quoted:
I went by this morning and picked up the M&P 9mm for 499 + tax. My wife probably won't get a chance to go with me to go shoot until after the holidays, but I'll take it out and break it in for her.

lol. what a guy. good choice btw.

Posted: 12/6/2007 2:03:45 PM EDT

[#21]

Start with 9mm and then later move to larger caliber. That is how my wife got started on shooting pistols. My wife feels comfortable in this order 22LR -> 5.7x28 -> 9mm -> 45ACP -> 223 -> 40S&W -> 3006

I know the order because we had this discussion when I was trying to get her a carry gun when she took a job as a night shift nurse....instead she took another job as it was in a shady part of town.

Posted: 12/6/2007 2:06:38 PM EDT

[#22]

9

My wife is 4'11" and can shoot my Glock23 .40 a few times but then has to put it down because it hurts her hand.

Posted: 12/6/2007 5:29:53 PM EDT

[#23]

9mm is good. My little sister likes to shoot mine.

$499 is kinda high. :/ They're having a promotion at both my gun stores here. ~$450, plus two of the following: knife, watch, or 2 extra magazines. If you didn't get the promotion make sure you contact S&W. Magazines run ~$30 each. (fullsize 17rd magazines work in the compact)

Posted: 12/7/2007 12:17:25 PM EDT

[#24]

9mm is better than 40

Posted: 12/7/2007 4:27:29 PM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:
9mm is better than 40

That's gonna start a caliber war

I'm not a fan of the .40S&W but it's a good round. I agree with everyone here, 9mm and 45ACP are the way to go.

Posted: 12/7/2007 4:34:06 PM EDT

[#26]

The LARGEST caliber she can repeatedly shoot accurately, in the largest platform she will carry everyday. That's the formula, it's entirely subjective.

Posted: 12/8/2007 10:23:23 AM EDT

[#27]

Quoted:
The LARGEST caliber she can repeatedly shoot accurately, in the largest platform she will carry everyday. That's the formula, it's entirely subjective.

Most women I know would carry an X frame if you bought them a big/nice enough purse to carry it in (ie Coach).

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 9 or 40 for wife?

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