9mm vs 40 S&W Side by Side - Why America Chose These 2 Calibers

Published on May 18, 2026
Duration: 9:09

This video provides a technical comparison between the 9mm Luger and 40 Smith & Wesson calibers, detailing their origins, ballistic properties, and practical implications for law enforcement and civilian carriers. It highlights differences in bullet diameter, weight, velocity, energy, and recoil, explaining why these two calibers dominate the market.

Quick Summary

The 9mm Luger and 40 Smith & Wesson are the dominant handgun calibers for law enforcement and concealed carriers. The 9mm offers a .355-inch bullet with moderate recoil and higher capacity, while the 40 S&W features a larger .400-inch bullet with more energy but a snappier recoil impulse.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Dominant Police Calibers
  2. 00:199mm vs 40 S&W Prevalence
  3. 00:55Understanding the Differences
  4. 00:57Origins of 9mm and 40 S&W
  5. 01:48Ballistics: Diameter, Weight, Velocity, Energy
  6. 02:08Recoil Comparison and Follow-Up Shots
  7. 02:34Recoil Management and Shooter Fatigue
  8. 02:55Fairer Caliber Comparisons (380 vs 9mm, 40 vs 10mm)
  9. 03:09Ammunition Capacity Differences
  10. 03:47Ballistic Advantages of 40 S&W vs 9mm Performance
  11. 03:88Modern Ammunition Advancements
  12. 04:02Conclusion: Both Calibers are Exceptional

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between 9mm and 40 S&W ballistics?

The 9mm uses a .355-inch bullet (115-147 grains) at 1000-1400 fps, yielding 330-400 ft-lbs of energy. The 40 S&W uses a larger .400-inch bullet (155-180 grains) at 950-1250 fps, producing 400-500 ft-lbs of energy. The 40 S&W generally has more energy and a larger diameter bullet.

How does recoil compare between 9mm and 40 S&W?

The 9mm offers moderate recoil, which allows for easier control and faster follow-up shots, reducing shooter fatigue. The 40 S&W has a snappier recoil impulse and more muzzle rise, which can slow down follow-up shots for some individuals and was a factor in the FBI's switch back to 9mm.

Which caliber, 9mm or 40 S&W, holds more rounds in a firearm?

Generally, 9mm firearms hold more rounds than their 40 S&W counterparts of similar size. For instance, a Glock 17 typically holds 17+ rounds of 9mm compared to 15+ of 40 S&W, and a Glock 19 holds 15+ rounds of 9mm versus 13+ of 40 S&W.

Why are 9mm and 40 S&W so popular for law enforcement and concealed carry?

These calibers are popular due to their proven effectiveness, balance of stopping power and manageable recoil, and wide availability of firearms and ammunition. The 9mm's capacity and softer recoil make it ideal for many, while the 40 S&W offers increased energy and bullet diameter.

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