.40 vs .45 LAW ENFORCEMENT USE

[Lazamataz]

Going onto a local PD in los angeles area. Have heard stories both about .40's and .45's what is really the difference. I know comfort is important put I want to know if I will be safe with a .40 or if I should go with .45. I want the best gun for my job.

[Myrddin]

My preference mirrors yours. S&W 686+ (7 rounds) with 125 gr JHP (Federal HydraShok). My 2nd choice in my Glock 23C with (40 S&W) 185 gr JHP. Both firearms are tack drivers in 25 yard slow fire target competition. That's no guarantee of good shot placement under extreme stress. Regular IDPA activity is recommended to complement the good hardware.

[CodeToad]

Both are excellent rounds. The 40 usually results in more rounds per magazine, but I’d not feel under powered either way. I shoot and carry both. Personally, I prefer the 40 but the 1911 shooting the 45 is just a smooth firearm.

[yur_maker]

A 9mm is as good or better than the .40 for self Defense.
I use Win Ranger Talon 127gr +P+ and its 17 shots vs 12 in the .40 and with The ranger Cartridges its Got the Power of the .357 Sig base loads with 5 more rounds.
Penetration is 15” and 98% Bullet weight Retention with Expansion around .70.
Recoil is less and Controllability is better than .40 , .45 or .357 Sig.
The 9mm is FINE with the right Loads.
1911’s are Like Chevy’s - Their Great as Long as You always Like Tinkering under the Hood.

[RavenATB]

“If you can’t hit your target with 6 rounds you have no business carrying a gun.”

What makes you think that there will always be only a single target?