i'm new here. thinking SR40, SR40C, or Beretta PX4 .40?

[SR40C]

Want to 1st introduce myself. I am looking to pick up my 1st firearm and just took the NRA Pistol 101 course. Shot S&W revolver, Glock 19, and PX4 Storm 9mm. I liked the Px4 alot, the single action was eye popping light pull. not much recoil.

I realize the SR40c is just released and not many have shot one. But any advice on which firearm is better for my purposes, SR40 or SR40C vs Px4?

- 1st and primary handgun for home self defense
- my only gun range firearm
- although i dont have a ccw, i like the idea that the SR40c is small, yet fits the 15 rd mag from the full size.

 

[whodeani]

If you are considering a 9MM, then why not throw the SR9c onto your list as well. It is lighter and smaller in width and height compared to the Px4. It would be better for CCW if you choose to do that. It is virtually the same as the SR40c in weight. The .40 weighs an ounce more. As far as .40 vs 9MM. The .40 will be better as a defensive weapon but if it is going to be your only range weapon, your cost of ownership will be higher because your ammo will be more expensive to fire. The 9MM will be cheaper to fire but then you will lose some fire power. You will have to make some sort of trade off. If you already owned a 9MM I would definitely say go SR40c. I have the SR9c and love it! My next purchase will be the SR40c because I love the SR series trigger. If you decide on the SR40c, you better snatch one up when you can because they will be hard to get. They will sell fast!!!

 

[Jeff Quinn]

I have fired all of those, and they all ran well, but the SR40c feels like Ruger actually considered the human hand when designing that grip. It just feels better, shoots better, and allows me to put more hits on the target faster than any of its competition. This is all subjective, and I have a few 40 caliber pistols in my safe, but if I had to grab one and run, it would be the SR40c.

Jeff

 

[GKC]

The PX4 is a good gun...I had a PX4 SC for a short time, and I liked the concept (DA/SA with a decocker) but Ruger offers the P95 if you want that configuration. Beretta only offers a 1 year warranty (plus 2 more if you register when you purchase) whereas Ruger is unlimited. Also, over on the Beretta forum, there are many, many complaints about Beretta service. I've owned a lot of pistols of various brands, but now I only buy those from a company who stands behind their products with great warranties and service...like Ruger, S&W, and Springfield, for example.

 

[SR40C]

Thanks for the quick replies whodeani, Jeff Quin, and Ken

I am only considering 40 cal for home defense. Ammo for range doesnt cost that much more than 9mm for fmj. Not worried about that.

Mainly, i dont want multiple guns. I have applied for the Florida Non resident ccw, but the state I live in, NJ wont ever allow ccw.

My thought process was, since i am only 5'7 and smaller hands, i would get the SR40c and it would be like getting two guns in one.

On one hand the SR40c is smaller and easier to manipulate in my hand, than a full size with a larger handle. Yet the compact will still take the 15 round magazine.

And if i ever move to one of the 31 states i can use my florida ccw, then I wont have to look for another ccw firearm.

Thinking the only thing i am losing with the SR40C is barrel length and some ounces.

 

[SR40C]

Hi Jeff. Although I agree with you and i prefer the laws to be in favor of the citizens vs criminals, NJ is one of the most gun shy states second only to CA and NY. So I would def not carry here.

But I have the right to protect my family in the home so I will def do that. Otherwise our family has to resort to street smarts, pepper spray, self defense combat lessons, and common sense avoidance.

Its sucks because it seems illegal carry by criminals is growing in the northeast.

 

[Jeff Quinn]

The criminals feel free to carry, because they know that the rest of you are not. In free states, crime is on the decline, because the punks know that they just might get shot.

I feel for you. You just have to decide which scares you more; the state or the street punks.

You folks seem to have a decent governor. Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country! Take new jersey back! Your legislators are screwing you folks with oppressive taxes and denied freedoms. Rape ain't rape anymore if you just keep lying there and taking it.

I am not trying to offend you, just trying to motivate you, and other gun owners and freedom-loving people in the Garden State. It won't be easy. Any worthwhile fight never is.

 

[Anonymous]

Just to throw a few things out here. I agree with Jeff, if I did not live in a free state like AZ, I'd still carry a weapon anyway...it's even more important to in states that don't allow it as the scum bags are much more ruthless in anti-gun states...because they feel that much more secure. I believe the lefties planned it that way all along.

As far as 9mm vs 40. Even for target shooting,. 40 costs nearly 50% more than 9mm, and considering today's advanced bullet designs, a 9mm is definitely no slouch. I own 3 9mm's and 1 40, and I don't think I'll ever buy a .40 again.

I plan on getting a .45, but I'm through with .40's. They just don't offer enough to justify a 50% cost increase.

 

[jdavis]

Difficult choice for the OP since living in NJ. Guess I would do as Jeff did in TN and take my chances with a jury than be at the mercy of some thug.
Your caliber decision has an easy solution. Pick up a Glock 23 and buy a 9mm conversion kit from Lone Wolff Dist. and you have the best of both worlds. I don't know if parts from the SRC9 will be a drop in fit for the SRC40, but that might be an option also.

 

[SR40C]

Disregard comment on glock 23. I am leaning toward sr40c.

 

[SR40C]

Also as a follow up. In NJ i learned that there are no castle laws. My 1st option should be retreat! Unless there are no other exits avail.

Which is bs. One way I am helping myself is fortifying all exterior doors. if an intruder is able to forcefully break through those, then the intent to harm is high level and should be easier in court to prove i had to defend myself and family.

The mind boggles how stupid firearm laws are in CA, NY, NJ.

 

[GKC]

Also as a follow up. In NJ i learned that there are no castle laws. My 1st option should be retreat! Unless there are no other exits avail.

Which is bs. One way I am helping myself is fortifying all exterior doors. if an intruder is able to forcefully break through those, then the intent to harm is high level and should be easier in court to prove i had to defend myself and family.

The mind boggles how stupid firearm laws are in CA, NY, NJ.

My wife used to be very uncomfortable around firearms, and didn't want me to own any. I did, but she didn't like it, and made that known frequently. That all changed one night when she was attacked...we were actually in the process of moving, and had been staying in a motel. We were making the final load of stuff from the motel to our new house...I stopped at the grocery store in my car, while she was finishing loading her car, and then we were both going to meet at the new home. While I was at the store, some SOB attacked my wife...he didn't succeed in raping her because she started screaming so loudly it scared him off. After we got done with the police, she asked me to give her a gun, and she wanted to drive around looking for the guy, which we did. I guess it's a good thing we didn't find him, because it would have been a contest as to who blew him away first. Ever since then, though, my wife has always wanted a gun close by.

I wonder if these bleeding heart liberals ever had their families (or themselves) attacked, raped, or killed, if they would still be against gun ownership and laws that prevent good citizens from protecting themselves? Somehow, I think their perspectives would change!

 

[Lateck]

SR40c,
Welcome and I like your handle. With that you MUST get the SR40c!
I currently own the SR9c and full size SR40, I also have a SIG P239 which is about the same size as the new 40c. But, I want a Ruger SR40c when they become availible! I love my 9c and the full size is a good gun also but I like you like the .40S&W round.
So to me I would only go with the SR40c!
(If they had been out when I was looking at my 239 I would not have bought it!)
Good Luck,

Lateck,

 

[SR40C]

I am 100% decided. Once my fiance gives me green light and her commitment to train as well, I will be picking up a SR40c.

Many reasons to like it:
1. good price value
2. supposedly one of the best striker fired triggers avail
3. Slim in the right areas
4. accepts 15 rd 40 cal magazine
5. small enough for fiance to train with it
6. small enough for ccw in future if needed
7. lifetime guarantee
8. external safety, loaded chamber indicator, striker indicator (for me its good - new to firearms
9. Looks sexy as hell
10. See #1

I spent about 20 minutes on the phone with a Ruger employee, who was very helpful. If anyone from Ruger mgmt reads this stuff, you should be proud to have team members like Chris P. in your AZ office.

It seems to me the company has all intent to make things right by customer, and offer high value firearms. A company that stands behind their products.

He did admit never experiencing the SR40c but mentioned that any trigger issues should have been worked out by now, with the SR9, sr9c, sr40. And if i ever have issues with it, just to send it back for inspection/repair.

I wasn't expecting such a pleasurable phone experience.

 

[revhigh]

5. small enough for fiance to train with it.

Have you ever fired a .40 ???? Or worse yet a COMPACT .40 ? I can't imagine a girl who's a new shooter liking or really even being able to tolerate the recoil pulse of a compact .40.

If you want a gun that you BOTH can train with, as well as hit the target with (as well as afford to shoot) .... I would HIGHLY recommend a full size 9MM over a .40 ANYTHING. A compact, lightweight .40 will be a handful to handle and very difficult to shoot accurately for new shooters, and you don't need a compact gun for protection in your residence. The only reason to buy a compact ANYTHING is for carry, and if you carry illegally in NJ and get caught .... you ARE going to jail for multiple years ... law abiding citizen or not. NJ is probably one of the top 3 most unreasonable states when it comes to gun laws.

Don't even think about carrying illegally in NJ, and to suggest carrying illegally in any state is irresponsible and shouldn't even be brought up on this forum.

REV

 

[Anonymous]

I know I picked the SR9c over some pretty fierce competition in the subcompact CCW weapon market.

I think you have made the right decision on the SR40c.

The only cautionary note I would offer here, Would be that expecting one gun to meet both your needs and your wife's needs may be slightly wrong headed.

It's often a challenge finding a "One gun for all family members" especially in husband and wife circumstances.

Because of the compact Double Spring Recoil System in the SR9c and SR40c, racking the slide on either of these pistols is often kind of hard on the female shooters. Even using the overhand method. If your wife can work the slide consistently GTG. If she can't, you need to consider buying her a separate gun that meets her physical requirements. It's a lot easier to train someone who doesn't see the weapon as an unmanageable physical challenge.

I would also caution that .40 S&W might not be the best choice for first time shooter of either sex. While I haven't shot the SR40c yet. I'm more than willing to take Quinn's word for it. When he says "The SR40c is .40 well managed.". That being said. I can say that I've put quite a bit of .40 down range myself and I think .40 is a round better suited to a more experienced shooter, who isn't terribly sensitive to recoil.

 

[SR40C]

5. small enough for fiance to train with it.

Have you ever fired a .40 ???? Or worse yet a COMPACT .40 ? I can't imagine a girl who's a new shooter liking or really even being able to tolerate the recoil pulse of a compact .40.

If you want a gun that you BOTH can train with, as well as hit the target with (as well as afford to shoot) .... I would HIGHLY recommend a full size 9MM over a .40 ANYTHING. A compact, lightweight .40 will be a handful to handle and very difficult to shoot accurately for new shooters, and you don't need a compact gun for protection in your residence. The only reason to buy a compact ANYTHING is for carry, and if you carry illegally in NJ and get caught .... you ARE going to jail for multiple years ... law abiding citizen or not. NJ is probably one of the top 3 most unreasonable states when it comes to gun laws.

Don't even think about carrying illegally in NJ, and to suggest carrying illegally in any state is irresponsible and shouldn't even be brought up on this forum.

REV

Appreciate the concern. I will never carry in NJ, unless armageddon has occurred and there is no longer any rule of law. But i dont see the detriment with the 40c, when it accepts the 15 rd mag for home defense. Also i am 5'7 and my hands are smaller.

And i dont plan to live in nj forever. Hopefully move to a ccw state. Once that happens I dont have to look for a ccw firearm. I am not going to get multiple guns.

If anything I will just get her a sr9c if the 40 proves too much.

 

[SR40C]

I have only shot a firearm once. two weeks ago. Included glock 19, revolver, and beretta px4 storm. all 9mm. i thought the recoil was manageable.

Rather than get comfortable with 9mm, then move to 40, and have a memory of how light 9mm was, i am figuring if i go straight to 40 and train diligently, it would be better.

As for fiance not able to rack slide, that is a great point. Maybe i should look into a 9mm revolver for her.

 

[Anonymous]

I really wish Ruger would make a 12oz 9mm LCR cut for a some what thicker than normal moon clip that didn't bend, at about the same price point as the .38 LCR.

 

[revhigh]

If you're not an experienced gun owner and shooter ... I'd sure get a full size gun ... it's really no fun to be at the range and not be able to hit the paper. Most people graduate to the compacts once they're experienced with full size guns. You're not losing much ballistically with a 9 over a 40, and they're FAR cheaper to shoot. To be honest, what I would recommend for a new shooter, is a full size 9, and a 22 target auto like a Ruger MK series or 22/45. You can get a brand new 22/45 for about $240, and ammo is $15 a brick of 500. You need to learn to shoot well in general before tackling a gun like a compact .40, but hey ... it's your money ... do whatever you want to. :D

Just advice learned in 35 years or so of shooting. I've had all the guns that you're talking about ... maybe not the exact guns, but full sizes, compacts, 9's, 40's, etc etc. A good 22 is a joy to shoot, and is about the best training tool that exists anywhere.

No gun will give you more joy than a 22 target pistol, and your girl will absolutely LOVE it.

REV

 

[SR40C]

I forgot to mention, when i shot the PX4 full size at my NRA 101 course, it really felt too big. The glock 19 was about right in my hand. I wear size small gloves. I really think a non full size firearm would just fit my hand better and offer more confidence with the positive grip.

the 9mm recoil was not the issue.

here is my 1st target at 15 yds. Not bragging at all. Just trying to convey the recoil wasnt too much of an issue for my 1st time ever.

 

[revhigh]

The PX4's are pretty ugly and clunky ... I sure wouldn't want one.

If you can shoot like that .... why wouldn't you just stick with a 9 ?

I still recommend a great Ruger 22 auto as well. Not only for training and practice ... they are just plain fun.

REV

 

[jonboyc79]

You should take people's warnings about compact 40 cals seriously. I have a Taurus Pt140 which is roughly the same size as the sr40c and that thing is a handful even for me and I shoot 3 times a week. I'm also a smaller guy with small/medum small hands and I have issues controlling the pt140. It actually got to the point where I was gripping it so tight in an attempt to control the recoil that during recoil I was hitting the mag release. If you got the sr9c it would be easier for the fiance to handle and it comes with a 17 round mag along with the 10. If you can't stop your attacker with 17 rounds of 9mm ammo you're probably not going to stop him with 15 of 40 cal. Find a range where you can rent both and seriously give the sr9c a try. If you do go with the sr40c you may want to consider getting your woman a smaller gun for herself. The LC9 comes to mind, the LCP may even work for her.

 

[SR40C]

You should take people's warnings about compact 40 cals seriously. I have a Taurus Pt140 which is roughly the same size as the sr40c and that thing is a handful even for me and I shoot 3 times a week. I'm also a smaller guy with small/medum small hands and I have issues controlling the pt140. It actually got to the point where I was gripping it so tight in an attempt to control the recoil that during recoil I was hitting the mag release. If you got the sr9c it would be easier for the fiance to handle and it comes with a 17 round mag along with the 10. If you can't stop your attacker with 17 rounds of 9mm ammo you're probably not going to stop him with 15 of 40 cal. Find a range where you can rent both and seriously give the sr9c a try. If you do go with the sr40c you may want to consider getting your woman a smaller gun for herself. The LC9 comes to mind, the LCP may even work for her.

i thought of the sr9c, but in nj max capacity is 15. which forces me to have two 10 round mags.

I'll think this through some more and I appreciate everyone's advice.

 

[jonboyc79]

You should take people's warnings about compact 40 cals seriously. I have a Taurus Pt140 which is roughly the same size as the sr40c and that thing is a handful even for me and I shoot 3 times a week. I'm also a smaller guy with small/medum small hands and I have issues controlling the pt140. It actually got to the point where I was gripping it so tight in an attempt to control the recoil that during recoil I was hitting the mag release. If you got the sr9c it would be easier for the fiance to handle and it comes with a 17 round mag along with the 10. If you can't stop your attacker with 17 rounds of 9mm ammo you're probably not going to stop him with 15 of 40 cal. Find a range where you can rent both and seriously give the sr9c a try. If you do go with the sr40c you may want to consider getting your woman a smaller gun for herself. The LC9 comes to mind, the LCP may even work for her.

i thought of the sr9c, but in nj max capacity is 15. which forces me to have two 10 round mags.

I'll think this through some more and I appreciate everyone's advice.

Gun laws suck. I'm surprised ruger wouldn't make a 15 round mag for you NJ folks. I can't imagine it would be that hard to modify the 17 rounder down to a 15 rounder

 

[Anonymous]

HTta's what I was thinking, a newcomer-female and a 40 just don't sound right. Yes, maybe you should shoot one before buying, and maybe more importantly, SHE should shoot one- if you intend to share the 40 may be quite a surprise to her. I agree with your choice of the SR40, but, also agree maybe the 9mm would be more- appropriate. Once both of you are familiar with the 9, and want to move up, it wouldn't be that much more to trade the 9 for a 40.

 

[Jeff Quinn]

The SR40c is an easy 40 to handle. My seven-year-old grandson shot it, and did just fine. I first loaded it with only one round, then only two rounds, just in case he lost control. He said it did not hurt him at all.

It appears that you want the SR40c pistol, and that is reason enough. Nothing says you have to only have this one for the rest of your life. I can't decide what I want either, so I own more than one pistol.

Good advice about getting a 22 pistol also. If I had to pare down to just one firearm, it would be a 22.

Jeff

 

[Tam 212]

Are hollowpoints civilian legal in NJ?

I can't remember but I thought I swore someone said hollowpoints aren't legal for civilians n NJ or maybe certain cities in NJ?

If this is true, I would probably want a caliber that makes a larger hole......

 

[Anonymous]

Heard an interesting statement from some expert re: HPs vs FMJs. Seems if you hit someone in the abdomen, and the FMJ comes close to an organ like the liver, kidney, because of its failure to expand it may just brush against and fly BY that organ- as opposed to the ragged edges of an expanded bullet which would catch hold of the organ causing much more damage.

 

[SR40C]

Are hollowpoints civilian legal in NJ?

I can't remember but I thought I swore someone said hollowpoints aren't legal for civilians n NJ or maybe certain cities in NJ?

If this is true, I would probably want a caliber that makes a larger hole......

Hollow point is not illegal for home defense and range in nj