R&R | Is 9mm Really It For You?

Published on December 11, 2025
Duration: 10:48

This video from The Gun Dungeon explores the dominance of 9mm in the modern handgun market, featuring insights from an active handloader. The host discusses the decline of calibers like .40 S&W, using examples like the HK VP9 and Smith & Wesson M&P series to illustrate the trend towards 9mm-only offerings. The discussion touches on bullet technology and the enthusiast's desire for caliber variety beyond self-defense applications.

Quick Summary

The 9mm handgun market is currently dominated by new releases, leading to a decline in calibers like .40 S&W as manufacturers focus on 9mm. While bullet technology has improved all calibers, enthusiasts value the variety offered by options like .357 SIG, .45 ACP, and 10mm beyond basic self-defense applications.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Market Trends
  2. 01:40HK VP9 & Decline of .40 S&W
  3. 03:04Smith & Wesson M&P Evolution
  4. 05:00The Value of Caliber Variety
  5. 07:23Bullet Technology & Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 9mm dominating the handgun market?

The handgun market is currently dominated by 9mm due to widespread manufacturer focus on this caliber for new releases. This trend is evident across various brands and models, including modern interpretations of classic designs like the 1911, leading to fewer options in other calibers.

What is happening to calibers like .40 S&W?

.40 S&W is seeing a decline in new firearm production, with manufacturers like Heckler & Koch and Smith & Wesson increasingly phasing it out of their lineups. Newer versions of popular models are often exclusively chambered in 9mm, making .40 S&W less common in contemporary handguns.

Does bullet technology make 9mm 'just as good' as larger calibers?

While bullet technology has advanced significantly for all calibers, improving the performance of 9mm, this progress isn't exclusive to 9mm. Similar advancements have enhanced the effectiveness of other calibers, suggesting that the argument for 9mm's dominance based solely on bullet tech is incomplete.

Why is caliber variety important for firearm enthusiasts?

Caliber variety is important for enthusiasts beyond just self-defense needs. It offers diversity in shooting experiences, caters to different applications like competition or historical reenactment, and provides a broader selection of firearms to appreciate and collect, fostering a richer hobby.

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