Originally Posted by Azermiath

Hey everyone, I'm looking at getting my 4th handgun and would like your opinion on what I should get. I'm looking at either a 9mm or a .40 S&W. I currently have a EAA .357, Glock 30, and a Springfield MC operator. I would like a recommendation on what gun to get. I reload so I'm hoping for a good gun that will work for farm use and carry. Thanks for your time.

Seeing as you already reload, any caliber is a fine choice. But let's dispel the caliber myth. When it comes to modern, state-of-the-art, self defense ammo, the 9MM, 357Sig, 40S&W, and 45ACP all perform to approximately the same level. In other words, they all get the job done with plenty of authority. That's because they're all loaded to FBI handgun ballistic protocols which call for a minimum of 12" and a maximum of 18" of penetration. Manufactures load to just over the minimums. To little power/penetration is ineffective and to much is inefficient. I have a Ruger SR40C, because I "prefer" the 40 caliber. Not that it's any better then the others. There are probably more 9's manufactured world-wide than all other calibers combined. And there certainly is a plethora of extremely fine choices in 9MM. Go to youtube and do a search on any gun you're interested in. You will find a bazillion excellent gun review videos. But I warn you. Watching them can become addictive. It is for me. I gotta stop this cause it causes me to buy to many guns. And I'm single, so there's nobody to stop me. HELP!

Don <><

The .40 S&W round is excellent and since you reload, cost is not as much a factor......JJ

My daily carry is a Ruger SR9c. It has lots of holster wear and it's fun to shoot or let a friend shoot, without any cautions or disclaimers. I reload the plentiful, and usually free, 9 mm brass. On occasion, I'll buy some WWB or Federal ammo at Walmart and find that it's cheaper than anything bigger and lots that's smaller. And, when I'm through shooting I still have the brass to reload more.

I have weened down all of my firearms to .40 cal..................I just like shooting .40 cal......a bit more challenging than 9mm, and I prefer to know that I have a weapon in my hand, while still being accurate.....just picked up a Ruger SR40, for the wife, so we can keep ammo consistant....I think it's the best bang for the buck, and you can see, by the above chart, that if you shoot 165 gr....it's a very potent bullet.

Since you reload, go with something cool and unique: the Ruger Alaskan in .454 Casull. Git 'er done.