Thinking about getting a new handgun, but don't know what cal. Any opinions on either of the two would be a help. Thanks in advance.

It depends on the gun and what you plan to use it for.

CCW? Range toy? Home defense? Is your SO going to shoot it too?
How much money do you plan to spend?

Most .45 chambered pistols are slightly larger/heavier than a similar pistol in .40sw

.45 is a bit more expensive to shoot in volume , unless you reload.

The pocket sized .45s are generally harder to master than the mini .40s

Of course None of these things has deterred me

use?

i prefer the .45acp (shootability, recoil characteristics, etc) over .40sw myself...

Quoted: use? i prefer the .45acp (shootability, recoil characteristics, etc) over .40sw myself...

Right on.

Every now and then, I'll get the notion that I might like .40 after all, and I'll buy a .40 gun.  Six months later, I've sold it.  I've gone through this routine with a Springfield XD and a USP Expert.  I find I just don't care for the caliber.  It's mainly the snappy recoil characteristic.  Someone whose experience I respect once commented that he would rather have one big heavy slow bullet, or if not, then three small quick ones.  You can get a snappy 9mm load that does most of what .40 does, but in a smaller package.  As for me, though, I'll stick with my .45's.

I own a XD 9mm, XD 40S&W, and a Springfield 1911 compact light weight .45acp.  I think the .45acp is the best overall for self defense.  If you want something for self defense and don't want to go .45acp them I would as get the 40 S&W.  I reload so the cost isn't a factor for me.  If you want a plinker then go with a 9mm.

Sometimes it comes down to what pistol you want to shoot.

I decided that I like the BHP better than the 1911.  It fits my hand better.  I went with the .40 by default.

Quoted: .45 is a bit more expensive to shoot in volume , unless you reload. The pocket sized .45s are generally harder to master than the mini .40s

I disagree with both of those. The .40cal recoil iwll be "snappier" than the .45acp, IMO. As for ammo, I buy at the gun show & .45acp is about the same price as .40 these days.

Go with the .45acp, IMO.

Go with a kel tec P3AT!

not really a fan of either caliber, but usually the best bet is to go with the caliber the gun was designed for originally.

my favorite pistol calibers are 9mm and 10mm.  .40 and .45 dont do anything that one of those calibers cant do better.

Doesn't matter, a lot depends on what gun you get it either particular round.  I can tell no difference between the recoil of a .40 or .45

Both are good and you should get both.

I have a SIG 229 in .40 and it is extremely concealable, reliable and accurate.  No problems with recoil or follow up shots.

The ammo capacity on a 40 will most likely be quite a deal greater than the 45. Stopping power between the two is relatively the same if using the same type and make of bullet.
Capacity and type of handgun will be a HUGE consideration.
I would think your handgun choice would determine which caliber you use.
Overall, I carry a 40 far more often than a 45.

Thanks for all the replies!!! I plan to use it mostly as a "plinker", target pistol. I have a 9mm and I don't like the way it recoils. As for the make of pistol, it will probably be Ruger, I've been a fan of their wheel guns and their price seems to be in my range. Thanks again for everyones help.

The only Ruger 45acp is the SA BlackHawk.
I'd get a S&W 625 or a 325 lightweight.

both

Quoted: The only Ruger 45acp is the SA BlackHawk. I'd get a S&W 625 or a 325 lightweight.

OK what are these

Ruger autos

p90 and p345

I think a .40 S&W edges out a .45 ACP for CCW.

However, I find .45’s to be both more pleasant to shoot and, in my experience at least, inherently more accurate than a .40.

For what you describe, I’d suggest the .45.

Quoted: Quoted: The only Ruger 45acp is the SA BlackHawk. I'd get a S&W 625 or a 325 lightweight. OK what are these Ruger autos p90 and p345

The way I first read this, I thought he was asking about getting a revolver, after re-reading, probably not.

Quoted: Thanks for all the replies!!! I plan to use it mostly as a "plinker", target pistol. I have a 9mm and I don't like the way it recoils. As for the make of pistol, it will probably be Ruger, I've been a fan of their wheel guns and their price seems to be in my range. Thanks again for everyones help.

Oh Jesus Christ!  

45 ACP

I can't believe this is a legit question.

Make BIG holes.

Considering that nobody has proven that one duty caliber is better than any other when using JHP ammo, does it really matter? Do you really think there is going to be a large differance between a 165grn .40 JHP and a 165 or 185grn .45ACP JHP? The difference between a 9mm JHP and a .45 ACP JHP are negligible to no existant...the margin between a 40 and .45 is even smaller. Its personal preference and what you intend to do with the gun. The only .45 ACP I ever liked was my sole 1911, which was sweet until it started to suck...I have owned USP's in .45, but IMO nothing does .45 ACP better than a 1911. IMO, .45 ACP from a 1911 was more like a slow roll or push than a snappy-jum compared to a .40 Glock, and thus more tolerable. I have yet to shoot a .40 that was intolerable, though...I have flirted with .40's alot and only now have started to carry one full time. My CCW gun is now a Sig 2022 with 165grn BH Gold Dots and CtC Lasergrips. It was chambered in .357 Sig but that round is absolutely obnoxious in this particular gun....the P226 or P229 handles the .357 Sig much better IMO. I like .357 Sig, but it just doesnt work for me in this gun, but I certainly dont feel naked with a stacked .40 S&W.

It comes down to personal preference, usage and platform. IMO, its pretty tough to beat a P229,SP2022 or G22/G23 in .40 S&W. I have smallish hands and any 12 round .45 ACP is out of the question, the XD is okay by me...but its not nearly as nimble as a G23 or my SP2022. Just remember, the difference between the duty calibers when using good qualty JHP's is slim to none.
The .40 S&W is a very capable defensive round and has had an excellent record in OI shootings.

For me .40 cal has less recoil, more rounds per mag, and (usually) a lighter carry gun.

However, when I have a choice I usually prefer the heavy 230gr. fight stopper of the .45 acp.

Not a fan of the 40 so I say '.45ACP all the way! If you want a nice pistol with good capacity at a service pistol size look at the SA XD-45 or a Glock 21 if you dare?

13 + 1 of .45 ACP

The only .40 I would recommend would be a revolver like the S&W model 610. That way you can shoot both .40 and 10mm! Once you have .45 1911 you will want another, at which point you can get one in 10mm

I am burned out on .45's....I have owned 3 this year alone and none remain in my collection. The bottom line for me is they are too heavy, too big and lack relative capacity. The .45 is a great manstopper, its the king when using FMJ's, but when using JHP's it doesnt offer anything other than reduced capacity and increased weight compared to a .40 or 9mm. If you have ape-hands and are limited to FMJ's, a G21 might be an excellent selection. Other than personal preference, there really isn't a practical reason to carry a .45 over a .40 or 9mm. If you like it and it makes you feel good, rock n roll...just be aware that if you are using good quality JHP's, the larger round offers you no advantage. After owning a various .45 autos, I can definatly say that the 1911 is the supreme and only platform for this cartridge IMO. There seems to be a tendency for people to adopt the bigger is better philosophy when it comes to terminal ballistics. When it comes to shooting humanoids, a bigger bullet doesn't necessarily mean more killing power...terminal ballistics is a much more multifacited subject thant that.

If you like a .45, good for you...just dont kid yourself or others into thinking its any better than the other duty calibers, because there isn't any research that supports that assertion.

45 gap

Quoted: Thanks for all the replies!!! I plan to use it mostly as a "plinker", target pistol. I have a 9mm and I don't like the way it recoils. .

If you don't like the recoil of a 9mm then both the .40 and .45 will be a completely different experience.  IMHO get 9mm OR a .45acp, .40 S&W was a solution to a problem that no longer exists.

I own both, 3 nice 1911's. and 2 S/A XD 40's. And they all shoot great. And they are all Springfield's. My CCW gun is my Micro compact 1911. And my 40 XD Sub Compact. They both do a great job. I kind of lean toward the 1911, Because it hide's better. And that just because how I'm built. (6,2 and 260 lbs with a 34 in waist)

As long as you can hide it and shoot it. Because the bad guy's will not care if you have 40 or 45. They both hurt when your on that end

Quoted: I am burned out on .45's....I have owned 3 this year alone and none remain in my collection. The bottom line for me is they are too heavy, too big and lack relative capacity. The .45 is a great manstopper, its the king when using FMJ's, but when using JHP's it doesnt offer anything other than reduced capacity and increased weight compared to a .40 or 9mm. If you have ape-hands and are limited to FMJ's, a G21 might be an excellent selection. Other than personal preference, there really isn't a practical reason to carry a .45 over a .40 or 9mm. If you like it and it makes you feel good, rock n roll...just be aware that if you are using good quality JHP's, the larger round offers you no advantage. After owning a various .45 autos, I can definatly say that the 1911 is the supreme and only platform for this cartridge IMO. There seems to be a tendency for people to adopt the bigger is better philosophy when it comes to terminal ballistics. When it comes to shooting humanoids, a bigger bullet doesn't necessarily mean more killing power...terminal ballistics is a much more multifacited subject thant that. If you like a .45, good for you...just dont kid yourself or others into thinking its any better than the other duty calibers, because there isn't any research that supports that assertion.

EXACTLY.

Any body can say what they want I still say that a 200gr bullet going the same velocity as a 115, 145, 180gr bullet of a larber diameter (even if slight) is going to put a bigger dent in something. If a 9mm HP opens up then so will a .45 HP even bigger. I love the argument that says that a larger mass going at equal or higher velocity makes a difference in every thing BUT handguns. That said I have no problem with 9mm or .40 and have both and carry a 9mm often because of size and capacity which sometimes is more important to me than the extra power of the .45. For home defense I still prefer my .45 wich holds 13+1. I like .40 because all .40 ammo is loaded fairly hot where to buy hot 9mm or .45 ammo you have to spend a bit of extra $$$.

Get what you like and what you can shoot and what is the best size for you. If you do not like it you will probably never shoot it well and will never be happy with it even if everybody else is.

Quoted: Thanks for all the replies!!! I plan to use it mostly as a "plinker", target pistol. I have a 9mm and I don't like the way it recoils. As for the make of pistol, it will probably be Ruger, I've been a fan of their wheel guns and their price seems to be in my range. Thanks again for everyones help.

If you want a Ruger for a plinker but don't want 9mm, you can NOT go wrong with a Ruger P345!  They are a fantastic weapon and everyone that I've seen to own one has loved it.

Well....if you like Ruger you can get a Blackhawk in .357 like the one below or the .22/.22 mag Single Six, both in stainless.



For a real gun get a SIG 226 in .40 S&W and add the extra SIG .357 barrel, the best choice hands down

Quoted: Doesn't matter, a lot depends on what gun you get it either particular round.  I can tell no difference between the recoil of a .40 or .45 Both are good and you should get both. I have a SIG 229 in .40 and it is extremely concealable, reliable and accurate.  No problems with recoil or follow up shots.

I've shot both .40 and .45, and for the life of me can't figure out the "snappy" recoil statements about the .40 caliber.  To me, the recoil for both is quite similar.  Funny how things go in cycles.  I seem to remember a time when everyone was trading in their .45's for high-cap wondernine's, now the .45 is enjoying a resurgence.  I happen to own a .40, but have no prejudices against .45, which will probably be my next handgun purchase.  +1 on getting both.

.45 ACP

How about a poll?

I would feel secure carrying .40, 357sig, or 45.  All will do the job.

9mm would do the job almost as well, but since most 9mm guns can be chambered in .40/357, why take the 9 for a mere 2 shots more capacity.

I carry 357 sig only cause I though it might perform better and feed better in a subcompact gun (Glock 33) than .40 in G27

I keep a G21 under the seat and in nightstand, but may trade torwards a G35 (.40).  I consider the two guns about equal, but I practive with a G34 and feel the transition to a G35 would be seemless if I was in a rush or had someone coming at me.  The bigger 45 does handle just a bit different.

I shoot 1911's in 45 better than I do my glocks, but $$$ and reliability wins out.  A reliable 1911 costs as much as 2 Glocks and holds fewer shots.  An SVI or other quality high cap 1911 costs as much as 3 or 4 glocks.

If you gonna carry a 1911, by all means it should be 45.  for anything else, I would say .40 or 357sig...they are equal in my opinion.  I would not carry a 9mm if I had any of the previously mentioned options.

Here are my .38 SPL, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. I will carry any of them at any given time. I usually keep the .40 Kahr in my wallet holster simply because it is sooo easy to conceal. So from bottom up in the photo, is the order of what is easier to conceal. I don't get caught up in the caliber wars because it really comes down to preference. I load them up with Speer Gold Dot Hollow Points. God forbid that I ever have to pull the trigger on a crack raging zombie, I am confident that any of these self defense weapons will get the job done. Notice that 9mm and .357 Mag are not in the list? I simply have not bought those calibers......yet, and I will add them to my collection this year.

The weather in Texas is warm most of the year, so I carry what I can easily conceal that day. It is easier to wear and conceal my .40 Kahr in a wallet holster than say my Kimber .45 in a Galco high ride belt holster if the sun is out and hitting 85 degrees! I just adapt to what the weather is that day and what I will be doing that day as well, however I carry AT ALL TIMES.

Now for handling characteristics, .40 S&W is snappy, but certainly controllable. If I load the .38 S&W Airweight with +P HP and fire it side by side with the .40 Kahr, I would say that they kick about the same. The Kimber is a very smooth shooter and it will conceal very well. It does not "snap" as much as the .40s, but it is a very different platform to fire upon. The .40 Smith 990L at the top does have noticeable muzzle flip when fired, but I attribute that more to having a poly frame than the caliber itself, however that pistol is dead accurate and I like shooting that one equal to the Kimber.

http://www.sunriseeagles.com/concealed/handguns/100_2185.jpg

Quoted: both

Beat me to it...