dkynoch Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 Hi, I am new to the forum; but have been shooting most of my life. I have shot some USPSA and mostly 3 gun matches; but I am just now starting to get serious about it. I know that a lot of you might read the title to this post an just say 9mm; but, it has been a debate for me. I think I have some good points that would be in favor of a 40. I am about to start buying parts in the next few days for a 2011 based pistol. I am planning on a Phoenix Trinity frame, 6 inch slide, and whatever other parts I need. The plan is to use it for 3 gun and USPSA. My thought is to build it in 40 with a bushing barrel, a classic slide and wide body frame cut down to a standard length; I just like the looks of a classic slide and standard length frame. Some of the reasons for a 40 are: I can load 155 grain bullets to 800 fps for a light 3 gun load It seems like 40 brass is easier to come by I like loading bigger rounds on a progressive; it just seems like they run smother through the press A 40 can still be loaded up for major loads in USPSA I think the advantage of the 9mm would be more capacity, and maybe less recoil; but, I think a 155 40 going 800 fps would be pretty soft. What do you guys think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2MoreChains Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 If you're only going to have one gun-to-shoot-them-all, I say get it in .40SW. I did that a few years ago, but then one thing led to another and now I have a 6".40 for USPSA and a 5" 9mm for 3-gun, IDPA, Steel Challenge and anything else where making major PF is not needed. Damn things have a way of multiplying... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calvinc78 Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 I think you answered your own question.... If your planning on using the gun for both disciplines I would go 40 as you can't not make major using a 9mm in USPSA.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waktasz Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 The only advantage 9mm has is capacity. If you aren't made of money (I'm not either) and can't buy a gun for USPSA and 3gun then 40 is where it's at. I shoot .40 in everything now because it's easier to only have to deal with one set of components. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkynoch Posted December 2, 2013 Author Share Posted December 2, 2013 Thanks for the replies. 40 is what I have been thinking I would go with. What are some of you thoughts about going with a bushing barrel vs. a bull barrel. I am planning on going with a bushing barrel because they are more available and I need it soon; but could wait if a bull barrel would be better. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waktasz Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 If you are doing a 6" the bushing barrel seems to be the way to go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2MoreChains Posted December 3, 2013 Share Posted December 3, 2013 Any chance you can find one of each at your local matches and shoot them for yourself to see which one you like more? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
APL-G35 Posted December 3, 2013 Share Posted December 3, 2013 If it's a dual purpose gun a 6" .40 on bushing barrel is the way to go. Also I run taran tactical mags that will hold 21 rounds so I maybe only give up a couple of rounds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlin Orr Posted December 3, 2013 Share Posted December 3, 2013 Sounds like you have a well considered plan to me. Your 3 gun load is perfect with the downloaded 155..... My favorite! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkynoch Posted December 3, 2013 Author Share Posted December 3, 2013 I had a chance to shoot both this weekend. It is hard to tell with other people's guns. I am going to go with the 40. I think even in 3 gun it would be nice to have the availability of major power loads. Like on those damn spinners! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EkuJustice Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 40 is the way to go for a uspsa and 3 gun pistol. The guys using 9mm are often 3 gun only shooters. Your really only going up 3 rounds going with a 40 over 9mm. A 40 can be downloaded to minor pf and if need be go up to major for spinners etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poortrader Posted December 4, 2013 Share Posted December 4, 2013 I can get 21 rounds in my Taran Tactical 40 cal mags and 23 in 9mm mags but you do save a little on the cost of the bullet heads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsp212 Posted December 5, 2013 Share Posted December 5, 2013 Since 9mm and .40 use the same ejector, you could always build 2 top ends for the same frame. Start with the .40 since it's dual purpose, then build the 9mm top end when you can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkynoch Posted December 6, 2013 Author Share Posted December 6, 2013 Thanks for the input. I am going to stick with 40. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Jacket Posted December 6, 2013 Share Posted December 6, 2013 I use an STI Eagle for both 3 gun and USPSA. I've never felt at a disadvantage. Come to think of it, I don't know how many three gun stages I have even had to reload my pistol, Not many, I get 20 reloadable in my mags by the way.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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