Which is better?

[rcksil]

I have been thinking about getting into comp. shooting. Which ,in your opinion, and why would be better; a 45acp 4" or a 40S&W 5". I know everyone has an opiinion that is why I ask. :cool:

[tinkanting]

which one? uspsa/ipsc or idpa?
are you talking about 1911s or a different platform?

[Jeeper]

In IDPA a 45 can be used in CDP and a 40 in ESP

In USPSA a 45 and 40 can be used in either Limited or Limited 10. If the 45 is a singlestack then you will end up shooting L-10. In general a 5" gun will give less resoil and will be easier to shoot. If you get a 5" 40 with a bushing barrell then it can be used in USPSA and IDPA.

I would go with the 40 since it is more versatile for both shooting sports. Dont get stuck in some mentality from the internet about one or the other sports. Try them and decide for yourself.

Remember that anything with a timer and scoresheet is a game.

[Lycanthrope]

I have both. Get the .40.

Cheaper to shoot/reload. More ammo....more trigger time.

[RickB]

.45 ACP can also be shot in ESP. .45 ACP ONLY in CDP.
I'd go with the longer barrel, for competition. Longer sight radius, higher velocity for a given load.
Is anyone making a reasonably-priced 10-round magazine in .40? If you want to shoot Limited 10 in USPSA Competition, lack of 10-round mas would be a drag. If the new USPSA Single Stack Division gets some traction, a single stack .40 would be great for IDPA and USPSA, and you wouldn't have to buy different holsters, belts, pouches, etc.

[Lycanthrope]

Good single stack .40 mags.

Tripp (http://www.trippresearch.com)

[T. O'Heir]

"...which one?..." Exactly. Competitive shooting covers a lot of ground. Bullseye, IDPA, IPSC?