P40 recoil compared to P9 recoil?

[stingray4540]

I am considering getting a GLOCK 23 in .40 for myself, and because of the thickness of the grip, I am considering getting my wife her own gun. My local range only rents a KAHR P9 and was going to let her shoot that to see how she likes it.

My question is, how much of a difference is the recoil of the P40 compared to the P9? Is there a 9mm round similar in recoil to a .40 round that she could shoot to see if she would consider a P40?It would be nice to have two guns of the same caliber, but then again 9mm would be a penny or so cheaper.

Also, what can I expect to pay for a KAHR P9/40? Any good cheap websites to order from?

Any and all opinions would be appreciated, but I'm especially interested in what people have to say that have shot both, and would like to hear womens oppinions. Thanks.

[AZ Traveler]

I have rented and shot both a P9 and a P40 side by side (along with my MK40). The recoil of the P9 was not bad. Pretty light. The P40 was a handful (about the same as my MK40). I would not recommend the P40 for anyone who is recoil sensitive.

YMMV

[Big Mike 1939]

I own both the 9 and the 40. I carry Cor Bon 115 +P in my 9. This has more recoil than almost any non +P in my 40. Federal has 2 rounds that are very soft shooters and very accurate: Gold Metal Match and their JHP Classic. I would rather have a soft 40 than a hot 9 any day. I carry Pro Load 165 gr in my P-40 and it is fairly hot, but I do not find it uncomfortable and I have arthritis in my wrists.
She would need to try both and decide for herself. If it's her choice, that way you are off the hook.

[Catbird]

I don't have a P9, but I do have a PM9 and a P40. IMO, even with 9mm +P or +P+ ammo, the recoil from the P40 is greater.

[stingray4540]

The only problem is that they only have a P9 for rent and not a p40. If she did ever get a 9mm I would want her shooting the best/hottest SD ammo we could find, but you say that hot 9mm is similar or worse that .40?

You also have to buy ammo from the range if you rent there guns and they only have 180 gr fmj .40, I'm not sure what kind of 9mm they sell, but I'm sure they have a better sellection. For .40 SD ammo, I will probably use the speer gdhp 155 gr, and whatever wallyworld has as there cheapest stuff for target practice, probably 180gr?

Anyways, seeing as they only have the P9 for rent, is there a 9mm round that you could suggest to give her the feel of what the P40 would feel like shooting these .40 rounds through it? Thanks!

[stingray4540]

Oh man, now you guys are confusing me. Is there a 9mm round that is close to the .40 in recoil, or is the 9mm going to be easyer to shoot either way?

[RUGER4141]

I own a pm40. The recoil to me is not that bad. I have never shot it in a 9mm. Not to sound sexist,but if a woman were to shoot the 40 she better be an experienced shooter or have a good grip. The kahrs just have a small grip to hang on to. My 10 year old son has shot my 40.He can hng onto it but only single shots. A little to much for him to hang on to for repeated shots. Hope this helps.

[Catbird]

This may just be a personal issue - My P40 used to really beat up my upper thumb joint; it was enough to keep banging away till it broke the skin and started to bleed. Although I initially didn't want to, I finally rounded the offending 'corner' of the frame with some sandpaper which has helped immensely.

Bottom line - If your wife has this same problem, I don't think she's going to enjoy it much.