Author Topic: "Woods" carry caliber.. 9mm or 40sw? (Read 5624 times)

Poopers · « **on:** July 11, 2012, 04:39:30 AM »

Im going to get a Sig 2022 in either .40 or 9mm for camping/hiking.

While I AM in Grizz country ( 30 mins from Glacier National Park ) I have no intentions of using a handgun against a bear.

Generally speaking the gun is more likely to be used against meth heads in the woods than it is animals. I dont know which one has more range but whichever it is, I think that might be more ideal. I have been leaning towards the 40 for more power/mass but the 9 offers a few more rounds and better follow-up shots.

What do you boys think?

Scibaer · « **Reply #1 on:** July 11, 2012, 05:03:40 AM »

well all i can tell you, is that i opted for the 44 mag. it can be loaded down , has intimidation factor and will work as good bear defense . if you have settled on the sig 2022, i would suggest the .40 . with practice , follow up shots will be just as quick as the 9mm and the .40 has more know down power , the PBR is most likely very close..

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #2 on:** July 11, 2012, 05:55:59 AM »

Most ammo makers are designing bullets to expand and penetrate to a similar degree. That is, in the end, a 9mm will penetrate about the same as a .40 S&W. They will expand to roughly the same diameter too. IMO the difference will be barrier penetration mostly due to weight of projectile, and construction of the bullet you choose.

So, if possible shoot both rounds. If you cannot tell any difference in accuracy, go big. I shoot a SP-2340 the predecessor of the SP-2022 .40. I decided that if there was a bullet failure it would certainly never be smaller than it left the chamber nor lighter. Some like the extra rounds available, I'm pretty sure both camps are correct. For some reason .40 is always available around here, which could factor into your decision.

If you choose the .40 S&W you can go back and get an after market 9mm barrel. You can also choose to get the 357SIG barrel, which is very much like a +P+ 9mm in performance. Ammo cost may be a concern as well. If you have a loose budget I would get the SP-2022 in .357 SIG order a factory .40 tube from TopGun supply as well as a few extra mags. (both 357 and 40 share the same mag).

In the end I don't believe the target will notice much of any difference between all three choices I have described.

Tom W. · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2012, 08:41:25 AM »

Which can you shoot more comfortably?
I remember the time I shot my buddy's .40 Glock and it was very unpleasant...

Mikey · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2012, 10:38:46 AM »

I would carry a rifle if I knew was going into hostile territory. My preference would be for a Kalashnikov in 7.62 as a better overall defense against lots of stuff; I would use the pistol for finishing shots. If I was more likely to encounter a large bear than a meth zombie I would carry a large bore lever rifle; if it was more zombie than bear it would be the Kalashnikov. I would use the pistol for finishing shots. Either caliber is sufficient for your needs, get what you are comfortable with.

RevJim · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2012, 03:04:20 PM »

The nine is a good choice, with good ammo of course. Small game and pests will easier to hit with the nine too. Bad guys, hey, any gun beats a "Ranger Thumb to the Eye". Big bears? "Minimum" of 12ga pump and Brenneke or Dixie slugs. I have used a .38 special with 160gr Beartooth LFNs around 800fps for wonderful varmint control/coyote calling. They put a golf ball sized hole all the way through. This was in black bear/lion country, and I didn't feel undergunned. I now take either my Dads old Ruger Single Six in .22 mag or a Glock 29, depending on what I'm doing. If I'm camping, the 12ga is the PeaceKeeper. Get the nine, the one you shoot the best. I like Glock's Gen 4 17 for a great woods gun. I had a Glock 34 for awhile, it was a tack driver too, but the G29 was calling my name.

Lonegun1894 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2012, 11:21:55 PM »

I would say just carry whichever feels better to you and you shoot best. I personally think both are a bit light, but would choose the .40 over the 9mm anyday for almost any use. If however you shoot the 9 better, go with it as hits with anything will do you much more good than misses with a bigger gun.

ratgunner · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2012, 10:37:28 AM »

With modern bullets and loadings I doubt there is much difference between the two. Take your pick. But 9mm is a bit cheaper and easier to find ammo for so you can practice more.

S.B. · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2012, 03:20:19 PM »

Easy choise for me, I've never trusted the 9mm.
Steve

geartow · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2012, 12:28:08 PM »

I like the 9 for you intended purpose . I would also carry a spare mag loaded with full metal jackets great for small game plinking hole straight thru , would also give deep penatration for that what if factor in a large bear encounter. just my thinking.

flintlock · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2012, 02:13:42 PM »

In the woods or not, most days I carry a Glock 23...

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2012, 04:56:46 AM »

I like a 9mm for that purpose. I carry one each trip to the woods--the same gun I carry everywhere else. If hunting, you probably have a more substantial caliber for your main gun, but the 9mm can always be there, ready for the unexpected rabbit or bad guy.
I have to say that the a 9mm pistol is my all time favorite gun for general use, be it Ruger, Beretta, Glock or whatever. Sight it in with your choice of defense loads (the curren best being Hornady Critical Duty), and then see where the hardball rounds print so you can pot that occassional small critter.
For more specific use, I carry something else, like a heavy caliber revolver for deer, but always, the 9mm is there.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2012, 05:26:33 AM »

I have never been a 9MM fan... the 40 S&W is a good one, I just dont see it in this role....I have two caliber selections.

First is my SHTF choice. To my mind, its a do it all caliber, balancing all atributes. My choice is a 22Magnum.

Second, more large critter, hunting/defensive it a G20 in 10MM

With the 22Mag allot of ammo can be carried, it will drop any deer alive in a survival situation yet its small enough (esp with FMJ) to take small game..

With the 10MM you have a formatible chambering. A bit much for small game, but a whole lot better for the big stuff...

I have long loved my lil J frame 651 S&W revolver for my walks in the woods. Its plenty for dogs, or rabid pests. If you forced one choice, I would go 22magnum.

CW

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #13 on:** July 16, 2012, 08:11:04 AM »

I don't know about the Sig but if you go with a Glock 20 10mm you can add a 40 S&W bbl and shoot both 10 mm and 40 . As for the 40 vs 9 , you said carry gun . Woods carry gun not for bear. What happens if it all ya got and Mr. bear gets nasty ?
I live in Va. and a few years ago we started seeing both bears and mt lions where we live and hunt. I now carry the Glock 20 . 16 rounds of 10 mm . I doubt I would feel as well equiped with a 9mm . The 40 would be ok as there are reports of bears being killed with a 40 though it took several shots. And that is my point about the G-20 extra rounds.
back on target , if it were me then it would be a 40 if the 10 was out.
A Glock because it was muck more resistant to water and mud. Ugly as it is it shoots

Poopers · « **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2012, 01:03:35 PM »

I carry pepper spray for bears, my can is literally about the size of those small marine/auto fire extinguishers...I would never even attempt to shoot a Grizz with a handgun unless it was the absolute last resort. I have read about the 10mm before ( 40's daddy ) but ammo cost/availability turns me off a bit.

EDIT: After checking local costs 9mm VS 40 I decided the few extra dollars per box is negligible so I will be settling on the 40. While at the store I was also checking out guns and the Glock 27 has caught my eye because its small enough for a CCW but I can add hi-cap mags for plinking and camping when small size isnt needed.

Thanks for the replies guys! Love this site

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #15 on:** July 17, 2012, 09:16:23 AM »

The SIG SP-2022 is a very nice handgun, when cost to purchase is taken into account it is a awesome weapon. The trigger is very nice, do shoot one before you decide.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 17, 2012, 11:24:59 PM »

The 40 packs a little more punch, but if you are going to carry in the woods, I would opt for something a little bigger myself. The 10mm is a great round as is the 45 ACP for auto's. But it is hard to beat a 357 Mag or 44 Mag revolver, sure less shots, but if you put the bullet where it needs to go, you don't need 15 rounds.

garbhead · « **Reply #17 on:** July 18, 2012, 09:12:10 AM »

Seems like the 10mm is kind of like 40S&W magnum since the 40 shoots 10mm slugs

in the pic:

357 sig 10mm 40 S&W

Poopers · « **Reply #18 on:** July 18, 2012, 10:06:00 AM »

I should have specified, this will be my CCW as well as my woods gun. The Glock 27 seems to be small enough for CCW but with the mag extensions it essentially becomes a full size grip, perfect for woods carry. This is one of the main things that swayed me to glock, but boy are they uuuuuugly

A heavy mag revolver is on my "list", but not for awhile :-)

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 18, 2012, 11:14:12 AM »

Get a clock 30 then. smaller and in 45ACP..

cwlongshot · « **Reply #20 on:** July 18, 2012, 01:06:54 PM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on July 18, 2012, 11:14:12 AM

Get a clock 30 then. smaller and in 45ACP..

OR a 29 in 10MM.... then a conversion barrel in 357 SIG or 40 S&W......

CW

S.B. · « **Reply #21 on:** July 18, 2012, 02:31:10 PM »

Quote from: garbhead on July 18, 2012, 09:12:10 AM

Seems like the 10mm is kind of like 40S&W magnum since the 40 shoots 10mm slugs

in the pic:

357 sig 10mm 40 S&W

First Don Johnson and Bren 10mm then the FBI decided the 40 cal was better. Look up better details on the net. I had several buddies who all payed for Bren 10s and never received as much as a casing. Promises promises promises. Bad deal!
Steve

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #22 on:** July 18, 2012, 04:49:33 PM »

In the woods heavier bullets are always better.
My vote is for the 40 S&W.
I have an earlier version of the 2002 a 2340 and like it very much. i also have a P229 in 9mm
And a pair of P226 one in 9 and one in 40.
If I were to take one into the woods with me it would be the 40 with 180 grain soft points. Deep penitration and solid expansion.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #23 on:** July 19, 2012, 01:06:02 AM »

Small guns often don't deliver the velosity their big brothers do. If you are set on a 40 then a Browning is a very nice packing pistol . Much better than any of the block slide wonder guns of today. With 13+1 it has alot of on board ammo.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #24 on:** July 19, 2012, 03:57:01 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on July 19, 2012, 01:06:02 AM

Small guns often don't deliver the velosity their big brothers do. If you are set on a 40 then a Browning is a very nice packing pistol . Much better than any of the block slide wonder guns of today. With 13+1 it has alot of on board ammo.

I have owned a Browning for many, many years. I have had them in both 40 and 9mm. Ergonomic ally accept for some slide bite they are second only to the CZ75 for feel in my hand. BUT reliability, shoot ability and down right bet my last dollar or my arse I'll choose the GLOCK every time.

The only people who complain about "blocky" are people who haven't carried one very much. My 23 is a dream to carry. This is a photo of myself usi g a "MIC" holster and my G23. VERY comfortable, stays put and as you can see, is consealed in a T shirt.

Far more consealable than my Commander or the hi power. I like carrying it better than my J frame M38. It's light, powerful accurate and it is gonna work no matter what you do to it.

It took me a long time to come around and really give the GLOCK it's chance. But once I did I learned it truly is a force to recon with. I'll never give up owning my 1911's or at least one CZ75 and Hi-power. But I'll be carrying the GLOCK.

CW

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #25 on:** July 19, 2012, 11:01:20 AM »

Shootall said, "I live in VA and a few years ago we started seeing both bears and mt lions where we live and hunt."
Respectfully, no sir, you did not see a mountain lion in VA unless it was in a cage. Whoever "we" is has made an error. Not only did "we" see one, but "we" saw more than one as you use the plural when speaking of mountain lions.
I'm certain you didn't see one yourself and therefore there's no falsehood here, but simply a statement of what someone else told you, who is incorrect.

Mikey · « **Reply #26 on:** July 19, 2012, 11:33:51 PM »

CW: Geez man, you got that thing pointed in the wrong direction. Be careful...... Russian soldiers used to carry their Tokarevs like that in combat, but the hammer was cocked back and often caused 'unexpected' injuries. ........
garbhead: the 10mm came first. the 40 is referred to as the 40 Short and Weak and was developed because FBI agents couldn't handle to full recoil of the 10mm. The 357 sig is a great design but I am not familiar with its accuracy potential or its ability to accurately shoot cast slugs.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #27 on:** July 20, 2012, 12:08:18 AM »

Quote from: Mike in Virginia on July 19, 2012, 11:01:20 AM

Shootall said, "I live in VA and a few years ago we started seeing both bears and mt lions where we live and hunt."
Respectfully, no sir, you did not see a mountain lion in VA unless it was in a cage. Whoever "we" is has made an error. Not only did "we" see one, but "we" saw more than one as you use the plural when speaking of mountain lions.
I'm certain you didn't see one yourself and therefore there's no falsehood here, but simply a statement of what someone else told you, who is incorrect.

Mike in Va with all respect you need to get out more there are confirmed sightings in Va. now There is at least one road kill. You can look it up . Most have been in the Fort Picket area or along RT 460 between Pickett and Petersburg. There was talk about a trapper caught bring them in to the area , then about release on the Fort Pickett property . My son a trapper near Fort Pickett had a big cat , bigger than the 43 lb Bobcat he caught by at least double in foot print tear up a set. The game warden told him it was a Mt. Lion and gave him a number to call if and when he caught one so the game commision could come and tag it and release it .
And yes I did see one for myself twice and no "falsehooh" exist I wasn't the only one who saw them.

I would suggest you contact the Va Dept of Game and Inland Fish if you are intrested.

cwlongshot , I have carried both a 23 and 27 Glock , I have taken several Defense classes with and carried a Glock 19 . I have also owned a Glock 23 that was a Jamomatic and it was replaces by the factory . I went to classes to learn how to work on Glocks so to say I have no experince with toting one is BS . I have no problem with the Glock (after testing with carry ammo ) as a carry gun. And I don't with the HP both are good. The HP totes better and as you noted is a nice fit. The block slide of the Glock is more to deal with although it can be over come. But a woods gun might be a target gun at times for fun and there the HP wins hand down.

cwlongshot · « **Reply #28 on:** July 20, 2012, 12:22:27 AM »

Mikey,
That's the "joy" of the GLOCK safety it's not going to go off unless the trigger is depressed period. The MIC holster completely covers the entire trigger and trigger guard area so zero worried. As ALWAYS. The best safety device ever devised is sitting on your shoulders.

Shootall,
LOL. I did say "most" of the people comenting on "blocky" feel where those who hadnt carried one. (Not all) as you may know I have been in the gun industry since the GLOCK was I traduced and had many opertunities to fire speak with people and likely take these same
Classes about the GLOCK you speak of. You must also know many scratch that, most times people complaining of jambing glocks have control problems. There own ergonomics are off. Now I'm not gonna stand here and say every GLOCK is perfect and it's impossible for them to miss feed or malfunction. OR that they may produce a few that are lemons. BUT any GLOCK armorer worth his salt CAn repair any such problem and the result will be a 100% reliable firearm.

LOL GLOCK as a target gun... LOL not for me defensive absolutely. But if I need to shoot tight groups at long distances I'll take a tuned HiPower or better yet 1911 hands down!!!

Peace brother!
CW

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #29 on:** July 20, 2012, 01:59:25 AM »

Cw.....
my bad Glock was a 23 factory rebuilt police trade in. Ser # was B--666 . It was my first Glock . It would not feed a second round. Tried 4 mags , 3 tyrade in and one new. The store said (as you note it must be operator error) so they took it to a range and they had same problem.It was returned to Glock and a new gun ( to be honest it had same ser # but every thing looked new , no scratches , dents or ware ) with 4 mags were sent to replace it. I worked as a safety officer at several Glock shoots and ask Chris the Glock rep about it and he said very few fail but it did happen. I still have no idea what was wrong. But you do have to admire a company that takes care of problems.
I have been long in warming back up to a Glock though. I have them now . I think growing up shooting quail and the beautiful guns used to do so kinda got me to want a certian beauty in a gun and judge guns by looks as much as function . That was back in the day when attack was seldom heard of . But living in a city with a high crime rate has convinced me 100% reliablity is a beautiful thing in its own rite