I am going to buy my first pistol soon for target and defensive purposes. I have done much research and decided on a springfield xd with a 4" barrel. My only question now is 9mm or .40 S&W. I have grown up shooting handguns and have shot many .357 mag. in both large and snubnose revolvers so recoil is not much of an issue. Which do ya'll recommend as a good blend of stopping power and economy to shoot? Thanks


Matt

Without a question I think the 40 is much superior round over the 9mm. Ammo is starting to very cheap, not as cheap as the 9mm but getting there.

Welcome to the forum Wrangler98,

For protection the 40S&W is a far superior round over the 9mm.There has been many cases where the 9mm just didn't have the stopping power.Many of the police depts have switched to the 40S&W just for that reason.The 9mm is cheaper to shoot. Like mentioned the 40's seem to be getting more reasonable.If you wanted it just for range use I would say the 9mm would be fine. Not when I want it for self defense.I have a couple of 9's but my carry gun is a Glock M-27 in 40 S&W.If you want to get serious get a 45 ACP instead of the 9 or 40.
Ruger Redhawk

I'd go with the .40S&W, too. Ruger-Redhawk summed it up best.

Ditto on the .45...and cheap ammo is available.

I carry a Springfield Armory XD-Tactical model, 40-S&W. I recommend the 40-S&W over the 9mm for personal protection.

Just out of curiousity, if you are familiar with revolvers, why do you wish to switch to a semi-auto? I'm certainly not knocking semi-auto's as my backup home defense gun is my Glock 21. But if you are already comfortable with a double action revolver and can shoot it well, then there really is no better handgun round for defense than the .357 magnum. The added bonus of course is the ability to shoot cheap .38 special ammo at the range but keep full throttle .357mag's in it defense.

As for your question, for a full size pistol like the 4" XD I'd definately go with .40S&W over 9mm. I'd only suggest 9mm for someone if recoil were a major issue, or if it were for a light weight sub-compact pistol for deep concealment. 9mm is a decent round if loaded with premium ammo, but the .40S&W is definately better. Now, I personally prefer the good old tried-and-true .45ACP for a full sized pistol. I'm not sure if I'd want a compact or sub-compact in .45ACP, however.

Mike

I own both 9mm and 40sw pistols. The 9mms are fun to shoot, but when you shoot the 40sw you know which one carries more punch. On paper and on the streets the 40sw is superior to the 9mm. As a carry gun I like the Glock 27 in 40sw.

Thanks guys, I am gonna go with the .40. Now I just have to get my permit and put my tax refund to work.

Wrangler98, You're making the right choice going with a 40S&W over a 9mm.Before buying the 40 see if you can try a 45ACP out. You might change your mind again after you do. The 40 in a Compact is manageable where the 45 is a little hard to hold.Either way you're selecting good personal protection medicine.
Ruger Redhawk