) are 1911's chambered in .45 ACP.
I voted. PT709 in 9mm. But I wouln't poopoo the 740 either. Generally speaking the .40 cal. is going to buck a little harder than a 9mm. But to me the difference in negligable. I own two PT709's, one for me when I don't feel like carrying my G19, and one for Mrs. Hodawg. She can shoot it like a pro, but I doubt that she could handle the added recoil of the .40 cal. I've put close to 2K rounds through both of our 709's without a burp from either one. I'm sure that Jimbo can attribute to their reliability. I have no doubt that the 740 does just as well, but the 709 has been out longer, has more owners, more rounds down range than the 740.
I know, I know, the whole .40 vs. .45 vs. 9mm thing. I don't want to go there. But if I had my choice of 8 rounds of 9mm over 7 rounds of .40, I'd take the 8 9mm's. Just like I'd take 8 rounds of .40 over 7 rounds of .45. That one extra round can really be a life saver. But that's just me.
I go to TaurusArmed forum quite regularly, and I don't see a lot of complaints about the PT740. I don't think that you'll have any serious quality issues with either one. Dimensionally speeking, the 740 is only slightly thicker than the 709, not even enough to notice. I fondled a 740 at my favorite LGS a few months ago, and quite frankly if I shut my eyes, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference in them.
I wouldn't throw either one of them out of bed for eating crackers.
Beers y'all,
Ken
