I read somewhere that modern 9mm ammunition is actually weaker than the original 9mm parabellum used by the Germans, and that +P more accurately reflects what was used in Lugers and such. Glocks are rated for +P, and should have no issue eating +P+... but +P should be good enough from a performance perspective... I mean: how far away are you shooting at someone? And you still have the benefit of multiple rounds to shoot.

 

 

But guns now may not be as tough... I recall speaking with a few board members about how some "European" 9mm subgun ammo came over as surplus and blew a few guns up as it was a tad hot.

Tommy, there can be tons of issues depending on the game and the gun. Now for me, they are one in the same. But I shoot a fixed sight, dead reliable, plain jane Govt Model. For reasons I could carry on for pages, I would never carry an accurailed 1911, a double stack 1911 or an optic'd 1911 for carry. I will not have ambi's on a carry 1911, but you damn near have to on a gaming 1911. I would never have a 2 pound trigger on a carry gun. Generally speaking gaming guns are for games, working guns are for work. Consider for a second the significant difference in recoil of a plate gun shooting low power 9 vs a GM shooting 230 grain ball.

 

The only comparison that makes any sense is pistol comps that use working guns. Then you need to considere the game and make a decision if the game is possibly leading you to habits that would get you killed on the street, but thats another thread

 

As the OP I'll hijack... Years ago when we had a shop and were kids with no money we carried alot of different pistols. The rule of thumb was if it rattled when you shake it it would be reliable.

I will stick to the original knock down gun.. 1911 cal .45...

But guns now may not be as tough... I recall speaking with a few board members about how some "European" 9mm subgun ammo came over as surplus and blew a few guns up as it was a tad hot.

 

Glocks are from Europe, so they may be designed to accommodate those "hot" rounds? What were these board members shooting?

Frank:

 

I'm at a loss as to how a manufacturer can certify their guns for +P+ loadings, for the simple reason there are no SAAMI specs for +P+. There could be thousands of PSI difference between two rounds and both be called +P+. HK does the same thing, but they have a catch 22 in their authorization of use in that they say "that we know of" - there may be a lot of +P+ out there, with a lot of pressure variance, that they have no inkling of but they've left themselves some liability wiggle room. I imagine that Glock is similar, or specifies a specific SKU of +P+ from a specific manufacturer.

 

+P+ loadings were originally (maybe still are) LE exclusives. The ammo manufacturer and the LE entity got the blessing from the firearm manufacturer for a specific loading in a specific firearm. When you buy +P+ on the open market you have no idea of what you're getting.

 

If you feel the need to drive a 9mm that fast, step-up a caliber. What you are doing is equivalent to a blivet - that's ten pounds of $hit in a five pound bag. (No reflection on Glock - just seemed like a good analogy. LOL)

 

That rant being said, I realize that +P+ loadings are becoming more standardized - at least among the major ammo manufacturers, but I still would never use it in any of my guns - too many calibers out there to make the risk worthwhile.

 

JMHO / YMMV

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

As usual, when pizza bob has something to say I listen. I agree with you 100 percent bobby.