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

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?

I would go with the 9. To me, I see no advantages of .40 over 9mm. Hopefully we all know that stopping power truly doesn't exist, it's all about a CNS hit or a hit that causes hemorrhage. The .40 might expand more but to me, the recoil is a lot more harsh. You can always consider carrying .357SIG, it's what I carry and I love it. It's laser accurate, penetrates like crazy which is good if you live in a place where heavy clothing is common, and the recoil to me isn't any worse than a 9mm.

I think you have the three most compelling reasons to stick with the 9mm.
Plus-
Its obvious that you are comfortable with the caliber. That your aim is true with the caliber.
Unless you just got to own a handgun in .40 S&W, theres no other reason to have one.
Why not have a carbine of some sort in your caliber of choice (9mm) ?

I would stick with the 9mm for the obvious reasons you posted. I have a 9mm Bersa UC as well as a Glock 23 (40 S&W) and have not yet decided which to carry full time. I'm leaning toward the 9mm.

Of course, I first need to tell the wife that I bought the 9mm. It's hidden in the closet.

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Originally Posted by NavDoc

Of course, I first need to tell the wife that I bought the 9mm. It's hidden in the closet.

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:wink:

It really comes down to personal preference. I have several 9mm and would not hesitate to carry them, but I prefer either my .45 or one of my .40's.

:rofl::rofl: artz, Does your sister know your using her picture as your avatar?? :rofl::rofl: :buttkick:

Stay in 9mm, and stock your ammo deep. .40 offers no real improvement and has a sharper recoil impulse, which generally translates to slower follow-up (unless you're shooting GM level with .40 already...):wink:

Ain't my sister. Its....Bubbette. My 4th cousins, son's daughters' twice removed (from where ?)aunts' sisters baby. whew !
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Originally Posted by Rob72

Stay in 9mm, and stock your ammo deep.

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I'm not sure if this is a taboo question to ask (although I get a feeling it is a sensitive subject), but how much "stock" is enough nowadays....or in days to come :wink:? For instance, is 1000rds of range ammo and 500rds of the good stuff enough to have "in stock"?

I'd stick with 9mm since you already have a 9mm.

I personally have 2 main handgun cailbers that I stick with for defensive handguns. 9mm and .357 mag. I have others but they are mostly C&R guns

Pick out the one you can shoot the best!

I just saw a thread by slimjim selling a P239 for $850. Trigger job, night sites, holsters, the whole package. Folks here know he is a very trustworthy person to deal with. Between the trigger job and the Brommeland holster you are looking at $400 between them.
If fact if I didn't know better I think I'm talking myself into buying it.

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Originally Posted by jframe38

I just saw a thread by slimjim selling a P239 for $850. Trigger job, night sites, holsters, the whole package. Folks here know he is a very trustworthy person to deal with. Between the trigger job and the Brommeland holster you are looking at $400 between them.
If fact if I didn't know better I think I'm talking myself into buying it.

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I'll search it out. Thanks.

As already posted, use what you shoot best.

I flirted with .40S&W for a bit (Beretta 96 Centurion, SiG P229). I could shoot it okay for the most part but ultimately decided that I wasn't motivated to put the time in to shoot it as well as I do 9mm.

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Originally Posted by NavDoc

Of course, I first need to tell the wife that I bought the 9mm. It's hidden in the closet.

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If it stays in there more than two weeks, and she doesn't find out about it in that time, you can always pull the "That? I've had that for a while/forever...didn't you know?" At least, that's how I deal with all of my gun purchases with the wife! :rofl: