40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

I think I'm going to buy myself a handgun for my birthday and I think I've got my choice narrowed down to either a CZ 75 in 40 S&W or CZ 97 in 45 ACP. I've never owned a handgun before(and have only shot a .22 caliber handgun in the past) and I was wondering what everyone's opinion on what I should buy? This will be used primarily for target practice and home defense.

RE: 40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

I think ammo for the 40 S&W will be a little cheaper than the 45 ACP

RE: 40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

Actually .40S&W ammo is no cheaper than .45acp ammo in my experience. I'm a diehard .45 man so my choice is naturally .45. Of course my pick is also an 1911 too.

RE: 40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

I shoot a Wilson Combat Classic in .45 myself.If low priced ammunition was a priority,I would be shooting a 9mm.

RE: 40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

Be sure to check for the price and availability ofadditional factorymagazinesregarding the manufacturer and model you are looking to purchase. Also look at the prices and availabilityof a holster if itcould be a carry gun. Even if it is only used asa house gun, a holster can come in handy (shotgun as main defense gun with a hg as a backup).

Currently, thereis not much if any ammoprice differencebetween the 40S&W and the 45ACP. Make sure the 45 is an ACP and not a GAP.

Have you shot either caliber? If not, I suggest you shoot both calibers from the same model (XD, same brand and model1911, etc.). IMO, the 40S&W has more of a snap and the 45ACP has more of a push. If you live in an area where hollow points or expanding bulletsare not allowed, I would definitelygo with the 45ACP as even the ball ammo has decent stopping ability. The 40S&W and 45ACP each have their own strong points.

RE: 40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

the 45 acp has 100 years of combat experience under its belt...it is a proven round...the 40 cal was a stop gap measure thought up by the brilliant minds at the fbi...they adopted the 10mm as their duty side arm and the female and smaller handed male agents couldnt control the recoil, so the fbi armorers cut the round down and thus the 40 was born...it is perhaps the most perfect example of mediocracy that ever existed...

RE: 40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

Having both, I actually prefer the 40. A lot of agencies are going this route. More power than the 9mm and less recoil than the 45. Normally higher capacity. Ample disabling power.

RE: 40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

H&K USP 40cal. Best handgun I'ver ever shot in my opinion.

RE: 40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

1911 style .45 for me John Browning hit the nail right on the head with that design of course some modern upgrades never hurt just to improve on Mr. Brownings idea,I regularly ring my 100 yard gong with my Springfield just for fun.At combat ranges(30yds.and under)I have no problem keeping them in the kill zone even with multiple rounds i.e. double taps,etc.It even shoots good on the move but as with anything the best weapon for home defense is the one you have.Also LOTS of practice never hurts not just shooting also stoppage(stove pipe,double feed,etc.)clearing,reloading drills,dry firing(with snap caps)sight aquisition,etc. only improve your skills to the point where they become second nature.

RE: 40 S&W or 45 ACP?
 

I have both... love them both...
S&W M&P .40
S&W 1911 .45 ACP

if I had to pick on over the other... .40