Which is Better

[skyraider]

I want to buy a handgun and have heard several pros and cons to each but which is better  Sig or Glock and whats the best caliber to have 9,.40 or 45?

[Wes]

Skyraider,

I have a policeman friend that owns both, as do alot of the members of this group. The Sig is known for its accuracy, and reliability. The Glock was tested under the most extreme conditions (buried in snow) and still functioned flawlessly. The only complaints I have heard are from the smaller (compact) versions, but after you get used to the trigger it is sopposed to improve.

As far as the caliber goes I have heard a few horror stories about the ability of the 9mm to stop someone (from policeman) but even they admit that a 9mm that hits is alot better than even a .454 that misses. Many of the members suggest going to the range and renting the different guns and calibers and finding out what you are most comfortable with. If you tell a shop/range owner that you are interested in buying they might even let you shot for free, or at a discount. Hope this helps, and let us know what you choose, and why.

                                             Good Luck,
                                                   Wesley

[[e-mail]]

I have read many articles about the performances of bullets. Basically every bullet that can fly thru the barrel is a good bullet (unless your friend protest that and he want to be the dummy voluntarily). But reliability and those stuff come in to play. Generally you can't go wrong with 9mm or 45acp for autoloading guns. If you want a revolver(most popular) on the other hand, you can choose 357 mag or 38 special. What kind of brand, it's your choice, right? Oh, one more thing, try not to load it your self, because it's your life on the line. Try Federal Hydra-Shok bullets, it's a very good one I guess.

[dubbleakshun]

Most enjoy shooting the .40 and .45,the 9mm just don't have enough on the recoil to make it interesting.

[GreyWolfe11]

Handguns and caliber are really a personal choice; what fits best for you. I own two Glocks and believe in them enough to trust my life with them. They are rugged, reliable and absolutely positively will fire everytime. However, to sit here and tell you they are the 'best' would be ignorant. Ideally you need to fire both in a variety of frames/models; unfortunately, I dont know of very many places you could do that aside from buddying up with other shooters (at ranges, etc.). At any rate, go to your local shop and handle both. Feel the weight, how do your hands accomodate all of the functions (ie. can you reach the mag release and slide lock from a shooting position or do you need to use both hands), can you comfortably work the action, can you dis/re-assemble to effectively (and regularly) clean - find the make and model that feels and functions the most naturally for you.

As for caliber, here again is an eternal debate. 9mm, typically, is classified as a 'wounding round' (usually out of ignorance and size misconception) however there are some very effective loads out there: Cor-Bon, Federal Hydra-Shock, Hornady that can register high percentage 'one shot drops'. .40 S&W is a good blend of the two: alittle more mass then a 9mm, complimented by a higher velocity rate then a .45. Con will be alittle more pop/recoil. .45ACP was first designed to drop a horse in a cavalry charge...I think that right now (aside from magnum calibers) the Federal Hydra-Shock 230grain JHP is still rated the best stopping round available (per the FBI ballistics tests) and is my personal favorite. Bottom line once again is what feels most comfortable for you, because in the long run all of the 'one shot drop' statistics can be remedied by simply firing 2-3 times...from a defensive stand point you should fire until your attacker ceases forward progress - if you have 10 rounds, use them.

In conclusion, here is one more caliber to consider as both Sig and Glock have chambered models available: .357sig. Its main drawback is availabilty and price of ammunition (you can't buy them at Wal-Mart), however performance is very, very good. Ballistically it is equivalient to a .357 magnum in semi-auto. More or less a beveled down .40 S&W with the overall weight of a 9mm it provides alot of pop and drop. I own a Glock 31 and wouldn't trade it for anything. (I believe Sig Sauer was the first to manufactor actually, hence the .357 Sig). Just something else to consider and add a few more freakin variables to your decision... heh,heh.

Good Luck - let us know what you decide on.

[dubbleakshun]

My own preferences in semi-auto pistol has been the 45 acp,perhaps from the six years that I spent my youth and growth in the military.For revolver it was the .357 & .44 magnms. A few years ago I was introduced to the .40 S&W and .357 sig.,both of which I've grown very fond of.The 357 sig. in 125 gr. usually has a muzzle velosity of 1350 fps and over 500 foot lbs of muzzle energy from a 4'' barrel,that is like a .357 magnum ala semi automatic with follow up shots coming in rapid sucession,hitting 10 rings from 25 yds. out.Range sessions tells all about the .357 sig.

[dubbleakshun]

My own preference in Double/single action semi auto pistols goes with the Sig Sauer/Sigarms pistols.I own two 220s,both in 45 acp,one 220 in .38 super,one 239 in .357 sig & .40 S&W.,two 229s both in .357 sig & .40 S&W.( one full nickel,and the other two tone),and Finally,my two 229 Sig Sport pistols,one in .40 S&W and the other with multi barrels and comps.in .40 S&W and .357 sig.( made special from SIGARMS); 8 Sigs in all.But I also have a good collection of high end Colt .45 acp 1911s,which does not confine my interest.

[LuvSigs]

I prefer Sig over Glock. I carried a Sig P226 in 9mm for 9 years as my primary duty gun. You can't go wrong with a Sig classic. I currently carry a Beretta 92G. I like the feel and balance. It also gave me an excuss to buy another gun.

I prefer a .45 ACP over 40 and 9mm. I have all three but think the .45 is the better "fight stopper" once it hits the threat. Some people say the 9mm is better since it holds more ammo and has less recoil. "Being hit by two 147 grain bullets (9mm) is better than being hit by one 230 grain bullet (.45 ACP)" is something a retired Sgt once said to justify why a 9mm was better than a .45.

The question of which caliber is best in a defensive handgun (9, 40, 45) is a matter of opinion. Whose right, whose wrong? I don't know. I just know what I like.

[dubbleakshun]

Gents;I was a die hard 45 acp semi-auto enthusiast for many years,I still love them,but I miss the velosities and energy found in the revolvers.I thought the .357 sig had it down with the 125 gr. bullet,but my thoughts are beginning to turn toward the 9x23 Winchester cartridge.This cartridge seems to have it all;the brass is much stronger with velosities and energy that the .357 sig can't touch.And I have five Sig pistols that is chambered for the .357 sig.I'm already looking for more power,without having to go with the larger pistols,even though I have 5 Colt 1911s already.I like the high velosity cartridges in a carry pistol;and love to shoot them as well.