re: .

I wouldn't say it is a must for every person but it is for me. I am a farely new shooter and it is too expensive to practice with the .45. Cheaper bullets, availability, velocity, magazine size, and recoil are all advantages of the 9mm.

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they told me they get G17s for like $250

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I need this in my life haha thats a great deal for a vehicle gun.

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they told me they get G17s for like $250.

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Wow! Now that's a real "sweetheart deal." They must be using a law enforcement discount of some sort. Has anyone seen similar deals for civilians? (Other than the occasional, "A friend of mine knew a guy who's wife got sick and he needed some money real bad so he sold his M17 to my friend for $250.)

That was exactly the point. The discount for cops is very significant. They'd have to straw purchase and then sell it to you though, because I think the department orders it for them. No idea though, I'm just guessing

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That was exactly the point. The discount for cops is very significant. They'd have to straw purchase and then sell it to you though, because I think the department orders it for them.

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Kinda what I figured. Given the Supreme Court's recent ruling on "straw purchases" I wouldn't want to put myself or a law enforcement buddy at risk just to save me some $$.

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I hear about magazine capacity vs round capability

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I have said this numerous times and most will agree that 9mm, 40, and 45 all do about the same thing. One is light and fast, one is slow and heavy, and the other splits the difference. While you may be able to find one that is slightly higher on the power scale, how big of a difference will 10 foot pounds of energy yield when shooting a human target? Probably not much. True "stopping power" comes from the barrel of a rifle or shotgun. A pistol is merely a compact compromise.

I like 9mm for the higher capacity when concealing a small firearm and the fact that my follow-up shots will be quicker due to the lessened recoil. While recoil from a 40 or 45 will not be a whole lot more than 9mm, it still will be more. I want every advantage I can get when carrying my small CC handgun. So, the extra capacity and the ability to fire more accurate follow-up shots is my reason for 9mm.

I go into more detail about calibers and felt recoil in this video:

Caliber and Felt Recoil

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is it practical to keep a cheap piece of plastic in my car, and if so is the 9mm the obvious choice...

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If you're of the opinion that polymer handguns are cheap pieces of plastic, you are severely mistaken. Polymer handguns are very popular for a reason and to pretend they aren't durable and reliable shows me you're severely limiting yourself. While someone may prefer a steel or aluminum framed handgun, to bash any polymer handgun is idiotic.

If you want another pistol chambered in 45, have you considered a polymer 45? Two of my favorites are the S&W M&P45 and the new Ruger SR45.

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aside from magazine capacity what discernible benefit does it give me

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Magazine capacity to me is the biggest one. But 9mm is also cheaper at the range, is standardized in some Law Enforcement, is the standard military sidearm caliber, and offers an absolutely massive ammo selection. 45 has its merits and offers variety too, but not to the degree of 9mm.

I am not a 45 hater. I own a 1911 and love it. But to pretend a 9mm is a weakling and that a "plastic" pistol is less than capable is very short-sighted.

Also I think the polymer guns (particularly the S&W M&P, all the FN .45s) are quite good looking

They just feel super top heavy to me. I know my aluminum frame is a bit like that, but it's a conceal gun and it's a bit more balanced

I live here too and he is correct in your vehicle it must be concealed.

Don't dismiss the 5.7 round. It was advantageous to me for several reasons

my wife could pick it up if the need ever arose, it's soooooo light (unfortunately I had the tendency to hold it like a toy because that's what it feels like) it carries 20, the good ammo is freaking incredible, check out elite ammo T-6, but that's too scarce. The factory stuff is junk in comparison. They're just not making a lot of the ammo that utilizes the pistol's capabilities. Contrary to internet lore, this stuff isn't illegal. Plus I love the ergonomics (love the safety) it has a mag release safety and a loaded chamber indicator that is subtle but highly effective (just rub your finger on the ball bearing) I hope the round catches on because the 5.7 is a great pistol. Once this becomes cheaper (if it does) it is way more than a range toy. Price wasn't a concern for me with the ammo, but I wanted the good stuff for when it was on me and it just isn't readily available. The American eagle is just dog shite

Cons:
Sights
Maybe too light
Muzzle flash is absurd

Check out the elite ammunition (shot from pistol) it's is fricking nasty stuff