Concealed Carry Gun - 9mm or .40? (Fact Specific)

[SigSire]

I currently own a Sig Sauer P229 Elite in 9mm for HD. I purchased it in 9mm specifically because my wife will be learning to shoot it for HD situations.

However, I'm looking for a CC gun and am leaning heavily toward the Sig P239, because of its size and the fact that I like Sigs. My real question, however, comes down to whether to get the P239 in 9mm or .40. Initially I thought I would get the .40 for a bit more punch, but I'm starting to lean toward a 9mm for the following reasons:

-- 9mm ammo (such as Gold Dot) is clearly sufficient for any real threat I might encounter;
-- 9mm holds more rounds; and
-- 9mm ammo is cheaper and I have a ton of it (would only have to stock 9mm range ammo and 9mm stopping ammo).

So, is there any compelling reason to go with the 40 instead of the 9mm?

 

[Marcus L.]

The .40S&W will generate a larger hole in your target shot per shot. However, the P239 in .40/.357 is much more of a handful and less controllable than the 9mm version. Smaller pistols are inheritantly harder to control than heavier, larger full sized pistols anyway. Not to mention, the P239 was designed around the 9mm and is more robust and reliable in 9mm. The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia handles almost all of the maintenance and repair needs of Sigs in Federal service. The armorers there report that the P239 .40 and .357 pistols have an average lifespan of around 20k rounds. This doesn't mean that all pistols will go 20k rounds, it's an average. So, some will go 40K rounds, and some will last 5k rounds. The average for the P239 9mm is about 60k rounds. So, you're looking at a considerable difference in durability and reliability with the 9mm.

The only Sig that was designed from the ground up to handle the .40S&W is the P229 which maintain an average service life of around 60k rounds. Some will last 90k rounds, and some will only last 40k rounds.. I carry a P229 .40S&W on duty and a P239 9mm off duty, but I would feel just fine using 9mm for all my needs.

 

[SigSire]

Marcus, that's great information to have. Thanks!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

-- 9mm ammo (such as Gold Dot) is clearly sufficient for any real threat I might encounter;
-- 9mm holds more rounds; and
-- 9mm ammo is cheaper and I have a ton of it (would only have to stock 9mm range ammo and 9mm stopping ammo).

Works for me.

 

[Jason M]

However, the P239 in .40/.357 is much more of a handful and less controllable than the 9mm version.

Well said. .40S&W in a compact is a bit snappy.

 

[Snarlingiron]

I'll chime in with my $.05 worth (inflation).

There is a lot to be said for having all your weapons in the same caliber.

No confusion over magazines, no confusion over rounds, etc.

Only one stash of ammo to maintain.

I started with a Glock 19, and picked up a stainless Taurus 905 (5 round 9mm revolver with moon clip) for when I need to carry in the Texas summer.

I have rounded it out with a Glock 26.

With Glocks, the G19 and G17 magazines fit the 26, so my spare magazine is always either a 15 round G19 mag or a 17 round G17 mag.

 

[chuckusaret]

9MM Vs .40 caliber

I have tried them all from .25 to .45 caliber for a CCW, but have found the perfect match for me, a Springfield XD40 sub compact. I also stuck with .40cal because most law enforcement types have switched from 9MM to .40 Cal.

 

[benderx4]

With modern ammo, I see no reason anymore for picking the 40SW over the 9mm. Plus, mag capacity is a huge issue, IMHO.