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Hey gang!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted, but I still come on and read every now and then.

I have a question for my fellow shooters. Which semi auto pistol would you choose: a .40s&w or a .45 cal?

I’m getting myself a new “toy” for Christmas and can’t decide which direction to go.

I already own a .25, a .22, and a 9mm.

I’ve handled and shot both the 40 and 45 without issue.

Help me decide please!

Hey Gaby! I have no knowledge to help you decide, just want to say Hi, good to *see* you and Happy Holidays!

Hi TBH!!

It’s been a little while! I hope all is well with you.

Happy Holidays.

.45

It's a more common ammo (yeah, I know 40 is generally available).

Don't know what you are looking at, but the Kimbers are things of beauty. I've got the two tone Pro CDP II

Thanks Worndown!

I'll add that Kimber to my list to research. I have small hands, so I need to find a local place where I can actually handle it to make sure its a good fit.

If I remember correctly, when Smith and Wesson introduced the .40, the ammo came to be known as the .40S&W. It got the nickname 40 short and weak. Go with the .45

And as far as what to with it? Google "International Practical Shooters Confederation" and "Pin Shooting".

Thanks!

I’m still researching so ALL of this data is helpful.

I prefer the .45 as well.

Enjoy your gift to yourself. My favorite CCW piece though is my Ruger 9mm. It is a great gun, that never jams, is super easy to clean, and fits in my bag, or back holster very easily.

Now you got me thinking some range time is in order this weekend. Hmmmm..... .

I have the Kimber Custom II, and I adore it. It is a full size 1911, 5" barrel, and it's not a light gun, but it is accurate and recoils straight back. Target re-acquisition is minimal.

The ex has the M&P Shield .40. I... dislike it. It's light, with a polymer frame and steel slide, and the nose bounces up on the shot. It is smaller, def. a lady's gun, and fairly accurate, but I dunno. I can't shoot it with the accuracy of my Kimber. Ammo is cheaper, but it's got less power.

My recommendation is the Kimber. Kimber makes a sweet, smooth-shooting, accurate, sexy-sexy gun.

[This message edited by Incarnate at 7:14 AM, December 6th (Friday)]

Tushnurse!!!!

Good to “see” you!

I jave a Sig Sauer P938 9mm as my CCW. She’s a nice little weapon that fits my hand perfectly and performs well.

(And ANY time is a good time to hitbthe range)!!

Incarnate- thanks! I keep hearing great things about Kimbers. I’m definitely looking hard in that direction.

Thanks everyone! It looks like the consensus is pretty strong leaning toward the .45! 😍

If you just want a gorgeous, accurate, smooth shooting gun, I can't recommend the Beretta 92FS enough. 9mm.

Oh. M'god. Smooth to shoot, wide grip to distribute the force, straight back recoil, it is SO nice. It really is the Cadillac of guns. Pricey, but worth it. It'll be my next firearm purchase, if I don't opt for the M1A or M1 Garand rifle.

... Or the Remington 700 in .308. Gotta love me some bolt action sniping.

.45 is iconic. So if that's the way you want to go, I'd go with an iconic pistol. Something in a 1911 pattern, if that works with your hands.

If I had to limit it to those 2 calibers, I'd go with .40, though, because I'd buy a Ruger PC 40 carbine to go with it. Interchangeable magazines, interchangeable ammo, long and short guns.

Personally, I'm a fan of the surplus CZ 82 in 9x18 Makarov. Cheap, reliable, accurate, and concealable. More powerful than .380, less than 9x19 Parabellum. 12 round magazines. Ammo is available online if you can't find it locally.

Of course, if you live in a restricted state like Illinois where you can't buy ammo online, that's a bummer.

I've got an offtopic question on this offtopic question... does being a BS have any effect on the potentiality of being able to own a pistol in terms of background checks...?

does being a BS have any effect on the potentiality of being able to own a pistol in terms of background checks

Nope.

Not unless you tried to commit suicide or were committed against your will, then it might.

Or, unless you committed a crime, like killed the AP...

I have small hands, so I need to find a local place where I can actually handle it to make sure its a good fit.

The Kimber is beautiful and a perfect representation of the 1911.

If it doesn't fit your hands, you might want to look into the SigSauer P320.

It's the "civilian" version of the Army's new pistol. It's "all" plastic (except the barrel and firing mechanism)

There are no external safeties, the safety is in the trigger pull (like a Glock, but without the "second" trigger). Pistol and trigger are pretty damn smooth for a DA. You can get it .45ACP .

The cool thing about these? You can change the grips to find one that fits your hands. Also, you can change the barrel length easily. The actual "gun" is the firing mechanism, not the grip/slide/barrel. It's kind of cool.

I have one in 9mm (the XCarry). I got it from Palmetto State for $575 (w/ tritium night sights; $525 w/o). The P320 Nitron comes in .45, .40, 9mm.

You might be able to find a shop where you can shoot both the .40 and the .45. See which you like best.

Absolutely awesome gun.

If you really wanted one of those.

.40 is a little snappy for accuracy

.45 is common ammo and a nice slow heavy round that will always take down a soft target. Everyone should have a .45 if they have a gun.

Now if you would like a change. The F&N 5.7 x 28 is a bit of fun.

PROS: 20 round clip/ little recoil

CONS: expensive ammo and gun

You all rock!

I was able to get to a few local stores and was able to test each of the models you all mentioned (hand/grip, but not fire).

The Kimber Custom II is absolutely gorgeous, but too big for me.

The Sig Sauer P320 45cal, however...that's my new baby!

I actually have a Sig P938 9mm as my ccw, so it seems I have a 'thing' for Sigs.

Thanks again everyone! I intend to hit the range tomorrow to put her through her paces.

[This message edited by GabyBaby at 6:00 PM, December 6th (Friday)]

@Blahblah - I didn't see your post until I'd already gotten back home.

I'll be looking up your suggestion. There's always room for "just one more" in my collection, hehehe.

I don't know much about firearms, either, but I really enjoyed meeting you, and I wanted to say, 'Hi.'

Sisoon!

I really enjoyed meeting you too! It's good to "see" you again.

Side note: I really need to pop in more often!