.40 cal vs .45 cal

sexybeast · 03-10-2011, 03:42

Hello, this is my first post here. Just wanted to get some ideas on my dilemma.

I am from the Philippines and I recently ordered a Metro Arms MAC 1911 in 45 cal. Here is the product page:http://metroarms.net/MAC1911. This gun is meant to compete with the STI Spartan (I think).

The problem is the dealer ordered the .40 caliber instead of .45 cal. What are the disadvantages/advantages for a 40 caliber in a single stack 1911? I have waited for a month and half already and re-ordering would take another 1 1/2 month because of stupid gun control laws and the factory basically only makes them when there is an order for it. I am tempted to go with the .40 just to spare myself another long wait.

This would be my first ever firearm. I am a disappointed that I have to wait a loooong time.

sexybeast · 03-11-2011, 02:26

anybody?

mrsurfboard · 03-11-2011, 02:42

Recoil. I find the .45 much easier to shoot then the .40 Also, IMHO, a 1911 should be .45ACP, period.

jrs93accord · 03-11-2011, 02:48

Well, that is a hard decision to make. It is a good looking 1911. I have several 1911s from Armscor, Metro Arms, and SAM. All of which I am very pleased with. The .40S&W round is decent. It does not have the thump that the .45ACP has, but is does have some good results. Personally, I prefer my 1911s in .45ACP, although I do have a couple in 9mm. If I was in the same situation as you, I believe that I would wait for it in .45ACP. It would be a grueling 45 day wait, but it would be worth it, in my opinion.

Gunshine · 03-11-2011, 02:52

Hey beast. I own weapons in both calibers. The .40 caliber is a bit less expensive to practice with based on the cost of ammo. The .45 is the classic caliber for a 1911. However there are many fans of the .38sp 1911's as well. Both calibers are more than adequate for self defense.

So what it really comes down to is what you think. If you are sure you will be happy long term with the .40 buy it. If you have always thought of a 1911 as a .45 then it might be worth the wait. It really is a personal choice between two fine calibers.

carguy2244 · 03-11-2011, 04:07

As a target cartridge, they'll perform equally well.
As a defense cartridge, they'll perform equally well.
If you shoot steel plates or bowling pins, the additional weight of the 45 may provide a slight advantage, but other than that, the 2 calibers will perorm equally well.
Practice.

R0CKETMAN · 03-11-2011, 05:04

Suggest you look here. Tons of info..

http://www.glocktalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=31

***Jr.*** · 03-11-2011, 05:13

I love my .40's but my 1911's are .45's and 38 super. I'd have to come across a heck of a deal to get a .40 1911, unless it was a EMP.

craig19 · 03-11-2011, 09:41

I love the .40 not sure I like it more than the 45, but I like it. I don't have a .40 1911, so can't help you there.

20South · 03-11-2011, 10:31

Never been a fan of the .40 "Short & Weak". Full 10mm for me please

I like my 1911s in .45, but Sarge's Inbound .357 has me rethinking that! It's been said already, figure out if you would be happy with it down the road and decide from there. Waiting a few extra weeks to be completely happy is better then settling now and second guessing yourself until you sell it.

Glock30Eric · 03-11-2011, 11:00

Get .45 ACP, and trust me on that.

MD357 · 03-11-2011, 11:03

A few years back I picked up a Wilson CQB in .40 because you couldn't find .45 anywhere here locally. Then again, I look shooting all sorts of rounds out of a 1911.

barstoolguru · 03-11-2011, 11:03

talk, talk ,talk... no one said anything. here is a fact the 40 will out peform the 45 hands down. the 40 has more ft pounds of enegry at muzzle and 50 ft. 1150-fps and 45-895fps. to many people have a 45 and will not talk it down but lets face it, its a 100 year old round and there are better out there but brain washed handgun owners are head strong and won't budge. 10mm are good too but the us army is going to a 40 cal for special forces in the next couple of years.

real men don't sweat recoil. if you can't handle the recoil lift weights and learn to manage it

***BuckyP*** · 03-11-2011, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by barstoolguru

10mm are good too but the us army is going to a 40 cal for special forces in the next couple of years.

MD357 · 03-11-2011, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by barstoolguru

talk, talk ,talk... no one said anything. here is a fact the 40 will out peform the 45 hands down. the 40 has more ft pounds of enegry at muzzle and 50 ft. 1150-fps and 45-895fps. to many people have a 45 and will not talk it down but lets face it, its a 100 year old round and there are better out there but brain washed handgun owners are head strong and won't budge. 10mm are good too but the us army is going to a 40 cal for special forces in the next couple of years.

40ftlbs?!!! at the muzzle?? What a significant difference!! I'd bet that'd blow a man clean out of his shoes.

Hokie1911 · 03-11-2011, 11:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckyP

Bucky, you bring the

and I will bring the

This is getting good.

craig19 · 03-11-2011, 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by barstoolguru

10mm are good too but the us army is going to a 40 cal for special forces in the next couple of years.

That is news to me.

Hokie1911 · 03-11-2011, 12:52

I'd love to shoot .40 out of a 5" steel 1911 just to see how it compared to my G23 or P229. All I know is, both are effective SD rounds (hell, I carry a 9mm) and I wouldn't want to get shot by either.

***BuckyP*** · 03-11-2011, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by hokieshooterG23

I'd love to shoot .40 out of a 5" steel 1911 just to see how it compared to my G23 or P229. All I know is, both are effective SD rounds (hell, I carry a 9mm) and I wouldn't want to get shot by either.

No comparison.

If you're ever in the SE PA area...

dreis454 · 03-11-2011, 13:03

If it were me,I'd wait another 6 weeks for the .45.

Hokie1911 · 03-11-2011, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckyP

No comparison.

If you're ever in the SE PA area...

I bet that is smoooooooooooooooooooooth. Why can't you be in NW PA?

mrsurfboard · 03-11-2011, 13:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by barstoolguru

talk, talk ,talk... no one said anything. here is a fact the 40 will out peform the 45 hands down. the 40 has more ft pounds of enegry at muzzle and 50 ft. 1150-fps and 45-895fps. to many people have a 45 and will not talk it down but lets face it, its a 100 year old round and there are better out there but brain washed handgun owners are head strong and won't budge. 10mm are good too but the us army is going to a 40 cal for special forces in the next couple of years.

real men don't sweat recoil. if you can't handle the recoil lift weights and learn to manage it

Cite or is this made up?

barstoolguru · 03-11-2011, 14:12

quote: 40ftlbs?!!! at the muzzle?? What a significant difference!! I'd bet that'd blow a man clean out of his shoes. (where that hell did I say this)

beam me up Scotty, there is no intelligent life forms here.......lol and like I said the .40 cal will out perform the .45. sorry if this hurts your feelings
and if you are a wimp and cant handle the recoil life some weights and man up

Gunshine · 03-11-2011, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by barstoolguru

quote: 40ftlbs?!!! at the muzzle?? What a significant difference!! I'd bet that'd blow a man clean out of his shoes. (where that hell did I say this)

beam me up Scotty, there is no intelligent life forms here.......lol and like I said the .40 cal will out perform the .45. sorry if this hurts your feelings
and if you are a wimp and cant handle the recoil life some weights and man up

We are still waiting for you to verify that the army and special forces are going to the .40.

Oh and speaking of intelligent life perhaps you should take another look at MD's post. He wasn't quoting, It was sarcasm.

mrsurfboard · 03-11-2011, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunshine

We are still waiting for you to verify that the army and special forces are going to the .40.

We'll be waiting a long time. Just another person looking to stir the pot.