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9 vs 40 for self defense and woods? Mag restricted state

6K views 16 replies 14 participants last post by  fastbolt 
#1 ·
In a state with a restriction of 10 round a were you opt for 10 rounds of 9 or 40? Ammo price difference here is negligible. Only a few dollars. I have no ties to one caliber. This will go into the woods with me on walks. I can get the same size gun with 10 rounds of each and no difference. So which would you go for?
 
#2 ·
OK-you are limited to 10 rounds. Makes sense, if going into the woods (Assuming all other things being equal), to go with the larger caliber (the 40). Assuming equal accuracy......

But, why not get another barrel? You could get a G27 and put in a 9mm (AND a 357 Sig) barrel. Or, whatever size frame you wanted that complied with state law. That's what I did.........I carry the 357 barrel EDC but have the 9mm and 40 for versatility.
 
#3 ·
Really no reason to dwell over this question.

If you're concerned only with dangerous animals the .40S&W is the best choice.

If you're equally concerned with both human and animal predators the .357sig is the best choice among the three calibers available to you in the G-31, G-32, G-33 lineup (or conversely, G-22, G-23, G-27 lineup).
 
#4 ·
Bullet for bullet, shot for shot, bigger is always better. Size matters. Ten rounds of .45 ACP beats ten rounds of .40 S&W beats ten rounds of .357 SIG beats ten rounds of 9mm. While the practical differences are slight, they do exist, although the time spent worrying about those differences is likely wasted. Choose your platform and then pick the biggest round that fits therein.
 
#5 ·
357 mag. It's a wheel gun so there is no magazine worries.
Other than that, .40 with Underwood Extreme Penetrator or 357 Sig in the same.

One pistol, 2 barrels. Everything else works so mags and extractors don't come in to the budget.
 
#6 ·
In a mag restricted state a revolver is a good choice.

I personally wouldn't carry a big gun with a restricted magazine. I would be looking at a Gun where the mag restriction is irrelevant like a P239 or G26.

I don't think .40 vs 9 is a big deal even for woods carry. Carry a bonded JHP in either and it likely won't make a big difference.

They are both underpowered for large predator defense.
 
#8 ·
If you have a choice, forget the 9mm Euro.

For the trail, a good .40/180 gr. load, like the bonded Winchester Q4369 or Speer Gold Dot, has good penetration and stopping power from a compact (4" Bbl.) GLOCK pistol.

For longer hunting ranges, a drop-in LWD 5.3" 357SIG Bbl and HDY Custom 147 gr. XTP ammo gives you the better part of a heavy .357 Magnum revolver.

This is my solution.




Nutter
 
#10 ·
What potential threats are you reasonably anticipating?

Have you fired both calibers in whatever size/model you're considering? If not, go to a rental range and do so, and see if it influences you one way or another.

I have both, and have carried both on & off-duty, including when working very rural beats where feral dogs and mountain lions were possible threats. I considered the 9mm to be adequate (variously carrying 147gr, 124gr +P & 127gr +P+ loads), and the .40 to be maybe marginally a "little more adequate" because of the heavier bullet weights (loaded with either issued 165gr or 180gr JHP's at various times). The .40 has been said to be approaching the rough equivalent, in some respects, of the older 158gr .357 Magnum.

FWIW, if I weren't going to carry one of my .357 Magnum revolvers for backwoods defensive carry, I'd consider one of my G26's or my G27 to be similarly satisfactory for light duty roles. Probably be a mental coin toss which one to pick.

Now, if I were going to once again wander the backwoods where bears might be a problem, I'd want at least one of my .357 Magnums, and preferably one of my .44 Magnums.

Bottom line? Pick whichever 9/.40 suits you and your shooting capabilities, as both are pretty much light/medium bore duty pistol calibers.
 
#11 ·
For some reason, everyone freaks out when somebody mentions the woods. Pick the one you shoot best, and then tailor the ammo to the application. I went with the nine, and I play in woods where I can run into anything but a grizzly. With the right ammo, the difference in caliber between 9mm and .40 is not going to make a practical difference in survivability. The ability to make hits is the difference.
 
#12 ·
well sir that is entirely up to you. I know asking for opinions in such matters is commonplace but no one can mirror your experience.
if in your shoes, I would opt .40. I find it a beautiful balance of power and cap (which you are limited on anyway). So my vote goes to .40.

I personally find the size arguement not something I care for. I do not care for .45acp. I personally doubt one half of one tenth of an inch will make the difference between someone carrying on a fight or going DRT.

Personally, woods carry, for ME, 10MM. CCW, .357 sig. I carry .40 on the job and feel in no way undergunned, though I would prefer a .357, but I am difficult, enjoy the round, and will also likely lose hearing at a young age due to my proclivity towards hand cannons.
 
#13 ·
"Personally, woods carry, for ME, 10MM. CCW, .357 sig. I carry .40 on the job and feel in no way undergunned, though I would prefer a .357, but I am difficult, enjoy the round, and will also likely lose hearing at a young age due to my proclivity towards hand cannons."

WHAT???? I can't hear you
 
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