First pistol purchase
I am in the process of researching my first pistol purchase. I am looking at a pistol for home defense and for range shooting. (No competitions, just target shooting.) Yesterday, I headed to a big box sporting goods store so I could look at as many pistols as possible. I also hoped to get some advice. I have been leaning toward a S&W SD40. I asked the man behind the counter to tell me why I should spend $100 more for the M&P. He gave a very good argument that the M&P was a mission quality piece and you would never see a police officer carrying a SD. While I would agree with that I also think that I will not be using my pistol in the same manner as a police officer which sort of invalidates his argument. Next, he told me (unsolicited) not to "waste my time on a .40 but to get a 9mm". When I asked why he said "They'll do the same thing and the 9mm ammo is cheaper." This is where a red flag went up. Looking at the data a 9mm won't do the same thing, the .40 has more stopping power. Am I wrong? When it comes to my family's safety I am not concerned with $5 or $10 savings on a box of ammunition. I would really appreciate some advice from the folks here. Thanks.
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