SR9 or 40?

[93hostang]

I was pretty set on the 9, but then the 40 comes out. I haven't shot the 40 yet but the 9 was a pleasure to shoot. However, you can't debate the knockdown power of the 40. My thought was to get the 40, and eventually get the 9mm barrel and slide, unless the aftermarket develops barrels that will fit the 40 slide...
What are your thoughts?

 

[Code-Red-1]

As far as I know the SR9 and SR40 slide/barrel can't be interchanged on the others frame.

As for the SR40, I love mine. Its probably the best .40 I've ever used, and have had zero problems with it so far...

 

[Lateck]

Code is right, Rugers are not like SIGs.
But if you aren't sure Get Both :lol:
I have the 9c and full size 40 and have entertained thoughts on getting the full sized 9! :?

BUT; if only one, get the SR40!

Lateck,

 

[Code-Red-1]

Glad I was right for a change lol. I have been dabating getting the SR9, I have a CZ75 phantom which is very nice and didn't see the need for another 9mm yet. But the od green SR9 looks sweet and having a cmpact would be nice...jut gotta pick which one I want...

 

[93hostang]

I was under the impression the frames were identical? That aside, do you think the aftermarket going to produce drop in barrels?
How about cost? are they the same NIB? I would assume the 9 to be a bit cheaper on the used market due to the desire for 40cal.

 

[axisofoil]

I was under the impression the frames were identical? That aside, do you think the aftermarket going to produce drop in barrels?
How about cost? are they the same NIB? I would assume the 9 to be a bit cheaper on the used market due to the desire for 40cal.

Frames have the same part #'s.

That being said, the barrel and slide are marked as fitted. I'm not sure if that's just the barrel-slide interaction, or if they're also fitted to the frame.

 

[93hostang]

Probably couldn't hurt to call Ruger? find out for sure... Are the green framed SR9's MA compliant? I want one soooo bad, why did they discontinue it?

 

[Code-Red-1]

Every price I've ever seen in a store has always had the sr9, sr9c, and sr40 exactly the same...

 

[gstan1919]

I have both the SR9 and SR40. While they will physically interchange (barrel slide and mags) not sure if they would operate properly. They must be fitted per Rugers parts list in the manual.

 

[93hostang]

Thanks guys, I'm probably going to go with the .40 and hope that an aftermarket company develops barrels. Unless I find a "to good to be true" deal on the 9.

 

[Tmyoungjr]

I went into my LGS with the intention of purchasing the SR9 (i had emailed him and asked if he had any in stock).

Got there and what he had in stock was actually the SR9c. They don't fit comfortably in my hand so I knew that wasn't what I was looking for.

He *did* have the SR40 however. His price on the SR40 was about 30 bucks cheaper than the SR9 he could've ordered for me. So I said what the heck and made the jump up to the SR40.

I'm glad I did Once I have more than 80 rounds through it I'll be putting up my opinions on it

 

[5of7]

Thanks guys, I'm probably going to go with the .40 and hope that an aftermarket company develops barrels. Unless I find a "to good to be true" deal on the 9.

Just changing the barrel won't do it. You will also need the slide because the head size of the .40 S&W is larger than the 9MM.

 

[Code-Red-1]

^ listen to the ninja...^

 

[Lateck]

Code & 5of7;
I may be wrong but I know that with my SIG's I can just change the barrel (and mag) and have a .40S&W, 357SIG and 9mm! ( I have the .40/.357 combo's already).
Bar-sto makes a "Drop in" barrel for .40 to 9mm.
http://www.topgunsupply.com/bar-sto-conversion-barrel-sig_p229-9mm.html

But if you wanted to go 9mm to .40/357... You need the entire slide assembly.

One may want to change the re-coil spring to a little weaker for the 9mm load to work just right.
(I have been playing with my SIG 226 in .40S&W) :roll:

Lateck,
P.S. I would like to change the barrels on my SR40 too!!!

 

[93hostang]

Thanks guys, I'm probably going to go with the .40 and hope that an aftermarket company develops barrels. Unless I find a "to good to be true" deal on the 9.

Just changing the barrel won't do it. You will also need the slide because the head size of the .40 S&W is larger than the 9MM.

You don't think the aftermarket company would machine it to the proper head size or is that a process that can't be done due to one reason or another...

 

[93hostang]

The reason I ask is, I don't have a lot of money and I'm trying to make the more sensible decision. My girlfriend is new to the shooting sports and I would also like to have the option of swapping barrels to teach her on a 9mm. I don't feel 40cal is an appropriate caliber for a beginner due to the somewhat violent recoil of the 40, not to mention she's 5 foot nothing and about a hundred pounds soaking wet with her pockets full of change... hahaha.
I don't have a problem owning a 9mm for my self, I think it's a fun caliber to shoot, and with some plus P's your getting into .40 velocity and knock down power. However, due to my financial status I can't get both. So if I appear to be pushing the subject I apologize, I'm just trying to make the most advantageous decision for myself.
Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate it. Like I said, I'm definitely leaning towards the .40 for my own selfish reasons, but having that option would really be great.

 

[Mike J]

If money is tight for you buying a 9mm would probably make more sense. When I go to Wal Mart I can get 9mm fmj Federal Champion for around $10 a box of 50. The same ammunition in .40 caliber is about $15 for a box of 50. With 9mm you would be able to shoot more for less.

I am sure that an aftermarket company could manufacture barrels to convert the .40 caliber SR to shoot 9mm but I haven't heard of anyone doing it yet. If there is enough demand someone will step up to do it but they would have to think there is a market there first.

 

[93hostang]

Ammo cost is a non issue, my Father reloads .40 on the reg and we also have a 9mm die set as well. My buddy has a case of 9mm he is willing to sell me at $5 or $8 a box of 50. So I would just save the shells and reload those.
It's really boiling down to versatility at this point. The .40 would be fun because my father cooked up some pretty hot loads that are fun to shoot.

 

[Code-Red-1]

The recoil of the SR40 is very manageable a long as your stance and grip are good. ide say it is comparable to many 9mm's...

 

[Lateck]

If you re-load and that cost is not an issue. I would go with the largest bullet I could. In this case .40 S&W.
Yes, maybe down the road someone will make a 9mm barrel and then you could have both

I have my SR40 as my bog, so I count on it working. (It will).


Good Luck and have fun!

Lateck,

 

[5of7]

Thanks guys, I'm probably going to go with the .40 and hope that an aftermarket company develops barrels. Unless I find a "to good to be true" deal on the 9.

Just changing the barrel won't do it. You will also need the slide because the head size of the .40 S&W is larger than the 9MM.

You don't think the aftermarket company would machine it to the proper head size or is that a process that can't be done due to one reason or another...

The problem is head size as it affects extraction, IE engagement of the extractor, which is in the slide.

Since the .40 S&W is significantly larger than the 9mm (.392 vs .424) The extractor will not properly engage the smaller rim of the 9MM case.

In the case of the .357 Sig, as was mentioned above, the .357 Sig is a necked down 40 S&W case, so that particular problem does not exist.

There is also the magazine problem created by the difference in diameter of these 2 cartridges to be considered.

 

[93hostang]

Gotcha, That makes much more sense now. I think I'm going with the .40 unless I get a great deal on the 9mm. LGS had a stainless 9 for $431. and the other for $425. I want black and it was a little more than I wanted to pay for the 9. I'm heading down to CT maybe tonight to see what Hoffmans has. Being such a large store they usually have better prices and better selection.

 

[Code-Red-1]

I got my SR40 in stainless because if I want a ccw ide prefer it be shiney to draw more bad guy attetion...

 

[BulkAmmo]

If ammo price isn't an issue I would like probably get the 40. I normally prefer the 9mm if for no other reason than ammo prices. If I'm not paying anything different I would get the 40 version. The SR40 seems to be cheaper everywhere I've looked.

__________________
bulk handgun ammo

 

[93hostang]

Yeah, Hoffmans had the 40 for $399., but after the transfer fee I'm right back up to $430. Might as well give the LGS my business. Unfortunately Hoffmans range was closed till the 1st of June so I couldn't shoot it. I may wait, I'm in no huge rush, I just want it baaaaad!

 

[Bluto]

I've got a G23 (.40 cal) . I've also got a Lonewolf mfg. 9mm barrel for it and 9mm mags.. As mentioned the breech face is too small on a 9mm to work with .40 cal replacement barrels. Keep an eye on Stormlake, Lonewolf, and Bar-Sto for replacement barrels for the SR40. If there's enough interest maybe they'll make a conversion barrel. The problem is a .40 to 9mm barrel conversion will usually get you a nice 9mm for range use. No one will guarantee that a .40 will operate 100% using the 9mm barrel for SD. As pointed out the extractor on the .40 does not mate up with the 9mm case to guarantee it will function all the time.

 

[93hostang]

Yeah! The Glock guys is where I got the idea from. I knew 9mm-->.40s&w wouldn't work, but If I bought the .40 I wanted the option of the 9mm like the Glock guys have with Lonewolf... I didn't know about the extractor not mating up with the casing of the smaller caliber though. Good info everyone, thank you!

 

[roylt]

You could get a P944 and then a slide kit from a P94 and have a convertable. Old school metal frame too!

Or you could get a P94 and P944 slide kit, either way it works.

You would end up with both calibers for around the same money you are talking about.

 

[93hostang]

I had thought about it, but I really like the new SR platform. My father bought a p85 when it first came out and I remember we both hated it. very chunky and heavy. I never really cared for it. I shot the SR9c late last year and fell in love with it. I've never shot a Ruger auto I liked until that point. However, I'm the type of guy who likes full size pistols which has drawn me to the SR40 and 9. I think that with the pinky extension installed on the 9c, that the size difference would be negligible in a ccw role. A quality holster will aid in concealment.

 

[SuperRedhawk]

On the topic of SR9 ...

I am in search of the clip loader that comes with the SR9. Any of you have a spare or know where one might be acquired? Thanks!