9mm vs 40 S&W Side by Side - 2 Calibers Americas Choice

Published on May 23, 2026
Duration: 9:09

This video provides a technical comparison between 9mm Luger and 40 Smith & Wesson, two dominant handgun calibers. It details their origins, ballistic differences including bullet diameter, weight, velocity, and energy, and analyzes recoil characteristics. The discussion also covers practical implications like firearm capacity and the FBI's caliber choices, offering insights for law enforcement, concealed carriers, and general firearm enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

The 9mm Luger and 40 Smith & Wesson are dominant handgun calibers, differing significantly in recoil and capacity. 9mm offers moderate recoil and higher capacity (e.g., 17+ rounds in a Glock 17), facilitating faster follow-up shots. The 40 S&W has a sharper recoil and typically lower capacity (e.g., 15+ rounds in a Glock 17), but delivers more muzzle energy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Dominant Police Calibers
  2. 00:199mm vs 40 S&W Prevalence
  3. 00:56Concealed Carry Caliber Choices
  4. 01:07The Big Difference: Apples and Oranges?
  5. 01:37Origins: 9mm Luger vs 40 S&W
  6. 02:21Ballistics: Diameter, Weight, Velocity, Energy
  7. 03:28Recoil Comparison and Follow-up Shots
  8. 04:08Capacity Differences in Handguns
  9. 05:47Ballistic Advantages of 40 S&W
  10. 06:149mm Performance and Modern Ammunition
  11. 06:48Conclusion: Choosing Your Caliber

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in ballistics between 9mm Luger and 40 Smith & Wesson?

The 9mm Luger uses a .355-inch diameter bullet (115-147 grains) with velocities of 1,000-1,400 fps and energy of 330-400 ft-lbs. The 40 S&W uses a larger .400-inch diameter bullet (155-180 grains) with velocities of 950-1,250 fps and energy of 400-500 ft-lbs, generally offering more energy and heavier projectiles.

How does recoil differ between 9mm and 40 S&W, and why is it important?

The 9mm has moderate recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and easier handling, especially for new shooters. The 40 S&W has a sharper, snappier recoil with more muzzle rise, which can slow down follow-up shots for many individuals and was a factor in the FBI's caliber choice.

Does 9mm or 40 S&W offer higher capacity in handguns?

Generally, 9mm Luger offers higher capacity in similar-sized firearms. For instance, a Glock 17 typically holds 17+ rounds of 9mm compared to 15+ rounds of 40 S&W. This difference in capacity can be significant for law enforcement and self-defense.

Which caliber, 9mm or 40 S&W, is more prevalent among law enforcement and concealed carriers?

Both 9mm and 40 S&W are extremely prevalent. Historically, 40 S&W saw widespread adoption by law enforcement, but 9mm has seen a resurgence and is now dominant, especially with advancements in ammunition. Both remain top choices for concealed carriers.

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