Trying to decide on a CCW...Opinions Wanted

[SpiritLead]

Okay heres the deal, I had my heart set on Glock 27. I have a couple of friends who have them I've put about 100 rounds through the G27. They have quite a kick though I was still pretty accurate with it. Almost bought one a month ago and was set on getting it...till I shot my friends Taurus Millinium Pro in .45ACP 10rd mag. Man was I impressed it had less recoil than the G27 and was more comfortable in hand. Almost felt like a 9mm, couldn't believe it was a .45. I don't know, maybe it was cause I was shooting his reloads but I'm gonna shoot some factory new ones through it and try out a G30 at the range as well. From what I've heard its pretty common for the .40cal to have more recoil because it requires more powder and is a high pressure faster round does that sound right? Opinions are welcome please tell me what you think!

I'm leaning toward either a 9mm or the .45 just because of less recoil...Some of the research I saw with the newer 9mm hollows produce similar ballistic results as the .40 cal so why get a subcompact .40 when you can hold more rounds with the 9mm have less recoil and produce similar results. However the .45 is a beast but doesn't feel like a hand cannon if my wife wants to shoot it. Anyway tell me what U think.
Wasn't sure if I should post this here or the Hand gun section since it will be a CCW.

 

[BravoOne]

Personally I would suggest the 9mm... I've carried a G19 & G17... I currently carry an M&P 9 Full Sized... (Wife shoots it better & wanted us to have the same weapon)

9mm is just as effective as any other round with proper ammo & if you run the gun... Also 9mm is waaay cheaper... Cheaper ammo = More trigger time (I.e. learning to shoot your gun)... Also the higher capacity = More rounds if SHTF...

Just my $.02... YMMV...

 

[cowboydoc]

I personally think that the recoil from a .40 is more "snappy" and makes the muzzle rise for than a .45. The .45 seems to be more of a "push" straight back. Probably due to the higher pressure of the .40.

As far as which gun to carry - pick a gun you shoot well, is absolutely reliable, and one that you will actually carry, in a defensive caliber. I have had several carry pistols over the years and have figured out that the perfect carry pistol does not exist. There are trade-offs that you must decide on - light weight for easier carry or heavier for less recoil; thin and short grip for concealment or thicker and longer grip to allow more rounds and better shootability; longer barrel for accuracy vs shorter barrel for concealment; 9mm for more rounds vs .40 or .45 for bigger bullets, etc.

I now carry a 9mm Beretta PX4 subcompact just about everywhere as it seems to be a good fit for me based on the above.

 

[UnSafe]

Practice will make your concerns of recoil go away. Yes, 9mm "pops", 40 S&W is "snappy" and 45ACP "bumps", but they're all relatively mild unless you have a really lightweight pistol.

Your prospective choices span a range of sizes from fairly small (G27) to a brick (G30). See if you can wear one around a gunshop or house in an IWB holster for a while before you commit. If you go big, set aside enough to get a P3AT or LCP and a hip pocket holster. At some point, you'll drift to "the gun to carry when you can't carry (or don't feel like dressing around a..) a gun".

 

[Zombie]

whatever you can shoot well that feels good in your hand...what matters is how you can shoot it and if you trust it....IF you don't like shooting it and can't shoot it well it's an expensive toy that you don't play with

 

[shootlikeagirl]

I have the G 17 and G 26. I love them both! You can't go wrong with a Glock! They are accurate and will last forever! I usually carry a S & W AirLite (can't mess that one up) and a Ruger 32 (easy to conceal). If you decide you don't like them, you can always sell it.