I current have two handguns, both in 9mm: a H&K 2000sk that is what I carry most often, and a P229 that I carry from time to time, but mostly keep at hand around the house. I love both of these pistols.

Lately I have been jonesing for a larger caliber for some reason, particularly a .45. I've been looking at various 1911s, but actually find some of the Sig offerings in .45 to be very sexy. I am also thinking about .40 as well, but to be honest I'm not sure why I'm wanting the larger caliber. I like the affordability of the 9mm ammo, and have faith in the better JHP ammo for self defense. But I still am kind of drawn to .45, and really like some of the Sig offerings (although I haven't been following the new products, but a cursory look at the Sigs now, and well, dayum!).

Talk me down men...

If you got the cash let loose and have fun, you can't take it with ya' - as a multi-caliber pistol owner I can only speak for myself, but once I went .357SIG I haven't felt the need for another caliber

10mm or go home.

If magazine capacity and price were no issue, .45 ACP would probably be the only caliber I shot. I still enjoy shooting it more than any other handgun caliber. And there is nothing like shooting .45 ACP with a good model 1911.

Having said that, .40 S&W is very pleasant to shoot with the SIG P229 as is 357 SIG, and a caliber X-change kit would allow you to do that.

It's a vicious cycle.

FLETC put out a great video in 1998 about why the .40 was awesome (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guWmRXQxFRw).

Twenty years later, USBP just put out a video that explains why 9mm is a better choice (more rounds, less recoil) using the exact reasons that .40 was better than 9mm. Go figure.

I'd just ask what you're gaining over the 9mm you already have; you're probably going to lose 2-3 rounds, gain a heavier bullet, and have a little more recoil, and spend 20-30% over what you spend for 9mm.

(I have a GLOCK 23 in .40 and see no reason to rush out and buy a GLOCK 19 in 9mm; I have a SIG-Sauer M11A1 and 229 in 9mm and see no reason to rush out and buy a replacement in .40.)

Having a 9 mm for the last 15+ years, I recently had the same itch, and purchased a Sig SSE in .45. So, I am no help, do it .

No.

Ruger Red Hawk, .44 Mag.



Smith & Wesson 629, .44 Mag.



Springfield 1911, .45 ACP.

Just keep in mind that whatever you send downrange, its just a small chunk of metal that's moving at a relatively low velocity. Some of these chunks are a bit smaller and move a little faster and others are somewhat larger, but move slower. The little ones don't make smaller guns recoil quite as much the bigger guns and the larger chunks might hit a bit harder than the small chunks because they have more momentum. All in all, there's no such thing as a magic bullet.

At a minimum, you should have one of each.

Hmm, I have 9mm and .45 (and .22, .32, .380, .38, .357, and .44). Truth be told, I could be happy with just 9mm.

If you get a .40, many have 357SIG models also, and you can get a 357SIG barrel for your .40, and have two calibers. And for many, you can also get 9mm conversion barrels. So get that and some 9mm mags, and you can now shoot three calibers out of the same gun. I've even seen some (the Glock 23 comes to mind), where you can get .22LR conversion kits. That make four calibers. That's a lot of versatility.

There's no such thing as "too much gun."

quote:

Wanting a larger caliber, talk me down

Down, boy! Down!

For purely practical reasons, there's no reason to get anything bigger than 9mm.

But if it's something you want and you can afford it...

Right now you can get a new HK 45C for low $600’s. It’s a hell of a gun for that price and you are already familiar with HK’s as you carry a p2000Sk. What I like about the HK 45c is that it’s lite and relatively compact for carry. Similar to a G19.

Size comparison with your SK

quote:

Originally posted by Fenris:
10mm or go home.

This. I had a .45 and sold it, bought a 10mm and I giggle like a giddy school girl every time I take it out. Plus you can use it as a woods gun and it holds more rounds than a .45

Squirrel guns.

If you got the money why not? Life is to short enjoy it!

Look at 40 cal police trade in guns. Plenty out there for very reasonable prices.

At today's prices, 45ACP is relatively affordable, so I won't help talk you down. In fact, I just got a S&W 625.