Posted: 11/20/2012 5:36:30 PM EDT
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I already have a Glock 19. And two other full size 9mm's, a M&P9 and a Ruger SR9.
I CC the G19, and most of my training goes to it. I also shoot IDPA with it, but also shoot IDPA with the M&P. The SR9 mostly sits in the box. (First pistol, and my least favorite) I'm looking into buying myself a new pistol, and of course a Glock, for myself this Christmas. The problem is, I'm at a tossup on what I want to buy. I'd rather it be full size, because to me the G19 has always felt a little bit too small in my hands and a little bit of extra sight radius would be better. So I'm left with, essentially, either a G17, a G22, or a G21/G21SF. I would like to branch out into another caliber, but the heavy price increase to .45 isn't comforting. But then again, .40SW is not that much cheaper than .45, but it also not much bigger than 9mm. I want this pistol to become my new IDPA gun and a bedside gun, for the most part. What do you all recommend? Personal opinions/bias are completely welcome. |
| I know you said you want a Glock, but have you considered a Sig? I love my Glocks too, I've got five in the collection. But a few months ago I got a 229 elite dark in 9mm. Comes short reset trigger, beaver tail grip,15 rd mags($40––ouch)' and the the grippiest most comfortable aluminum grips you have ever tried. I love my Glocks, and will never sell them, but this Sig is in a league of its own. |
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I will say there is just something about a .45ACP. However the ammo is $$. I personally like the .40 cal and its only slightly more $$ then 9mm.
When comparing 9 to .40 you can't just look at ballistics. Or fps the 40 shoots a much heavier bullet as well so a heavier bullet equalls more kinetic energy. So even though velocity is about the same there is a larger difference in the kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is what puts you on your ass real quick like. I just did a search to grab some ammo and compare. At midway usa they had info for the Hornady Zombie ammo. 9mm 115 grain 1135 fps 329 ft. Lbs .40 cal 165 grain .....much heavier 1045 fps......lil slower 400 ft. Lbs.......hits much harder. |
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Quoted:
I will say there is just something about a .45ACP. However the ammo is $$. I personally like the .40 cal and its only slightly more $$ then 9mm. When comparing 9 to .40 you can't just look at ballistics. Or fps the 40 shoots a much heavier bullet as well so a heavier bullet equalls more kinetic energy. So even though velocity is about the same there is a larger difference in the kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is what puts you on your ass real quick like. I just did a search to grab some ammo and compare. At midway usa they had info for the Hornady Zombie ammo. 9mm 115 grain 1135 fps 329 ft. Lbs .40 cal 165 grain .....much heavier 1045 fps......lil slower 400 ft. Lbs.......hits much harder. Please do some research on terminal ballistics before giving advice regarding handgun cartridges. Kinetic energy is of minimal effect with handgun rounds, penetration and expanded diameter are the primary measurements of effectiveness for handgun rounds and the difference in the best performing 9mm and .40 rounds is minimal. The .45 is a bit better in the area of expanded diameter but, like the .40, comes with increased recoil, ammo cost and reduced capacity. Any of the three are fine, just don't perpetuate the myth that the .40 is some magical hammer compared to the 9mm, it is not. |
| My pick would be the G21, the G21SF or the G30 or G30SF (all are .45)! I love mine!!!! I have a G30SF, which is my CCW and a G21SF that stays in the glove box. Also, the recoil with a .45 is VERY different than that with the .40. I can shoot my .45s one handed, very accurately, and I'm a woman. The recoil with the .45s is more of a push backwards. I did have a G23, but sold it. .40 cal handguns are well known for their recoil...a lot of people call it the "pop and snap", or they'll just say they're "snappy". I couldn't handle it even with two hands. When I say I couldn't handle it, I mean that, because of the recoil, I COULD NOT do double taps and in general just wasn't very accurate. However, .40s are very popular with quite a few police departments and as a man, I'm sure you could handle it better than I did. My advice? Go to a range that will let you rent them and try both. Or, maybe you have a friend who has one or the other that you could try. |