9mm vs .40 vs .45 | Which Is Better For Self Defense?

Published on October 27, 2023
Duration: 8:07

This video compares the 9mm Parabellum and .40 Smith & Wesson calibers for self-defense, analyzing historical context, terminal ballistics, cost, recoil, and magazine capacity. It concludes that while both are effective, the 9mm generally offers advantages in cost efficiency, recoil management, and magazine capacity, leading to more training opportunities and potentially better overall proficiency for the average shooter.

Quick Summary

For self-defense, both 9mm and .40 S&W are effective, but 9mm generally offers more advantages. Its lower ammunition cost allows for more practice, leading to better proficiency. The 9mm also has less recoil, enabling faster follow-up shots and greater control, and typically holds more rounds per magazine.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Caliber Debate
  2. 00:41History of .40 S&W and the FBI
  3. 01:539mm vs .40 S&W: Terminal Ballistics
  4. 03:06Debunking 'Knockdown Power'
  5. 03:42Key Factors for Self-Defense Caliber Choice
  6. 03:48Cost of Ammunition: 9mm vs .40 S&W
  7. 05:05Recoil and Handling Comparison
  8. 06:17Firearm Frame Longevity
  9. 06:37Magazine Capacity Differences
  10. 07:17Conclusion: Which Caliber Wins?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical origin of the .40 S&W caliber?

The .40 Smith & Wesson caliber was developed for the FBI following the 1986 Miami shootout. Although the incident involved a .38 Special revolver, the FBI sought a new semi-automatic pistol round with characteristics between the 9mm and 10mm, leading to the .40 S&W.

How do 9mm and .40 S&W compare in terms of incapacitation rounds needed?

While some analyses suggest slightly fewer .40 S&W rounds are needed for incapacitation, when rounded to the nearest whole bullet, both 9mm and .40 S&W typically require an average of three shots to incapacitate a target effectively.

What are the main advantages of 9mm over .40 S&W for self-defense training?

The 9mm offers significant advantages for training due to its lower ammunition cost, making practice more affordable. It also features less recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and better control, which translates to improved accuracy and proficiency.

Does 'knockdown power' exist for handguns?

The concept of 'knockdown power' in handguns is largely a misnomer. The effect of a bullet impacting a target is explained by Newton's Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The bullet's energy transfer causes the target to react, not an inherent 'knockdown' property of the caliber.

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