I must be nostalgic…I’ve been thinking a lot about the old .40 S&W. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the resurgence of the 9mm.
With modern loadings, projectiles, and guns, it’s tough to beat 9mm for most roles.
However, that doesn’t mean the .40 S&W is entirely dead. It still serves a number of purposes and offers a few advantages.
While 9mm might reign supreme, there are still some fantastic .40 S&W guns out there and more than a few reasons to invest in .40 S&W. We gathered some of the best .40 S&W pistols on the market, so keep reading!
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best Competition Pistol
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Best Striker-Fired Option
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Best Full-Size Option
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Best Duty Pistol
Table of Contents
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How We Tested the Best .40 S&W Handguns
This article is a meta-analysis based on our experience with hundreds of handguns and tens of thousands of rounds over the years at Pew Pew Tactical.
When evaluating models for this list, we evaluated guns on the following criteria:
- Features
- Ergonomics
- Reliability & Accuracy
- Availability
- Value
We then polled the editors and writers to see their top .40 S&W handguns that met the criteria and that have at least 1,000 rounds tested. Round counts of some guns may go above that.
We also include a link to a full hands-on review of each handgun so you get all the details.
Best .40 S&W Pistols
1. HK USP – Editor’s Pick
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Designed specifically for .40 S&W
- Extremely durable and reliable
- Softer shooting
Cons
- Proprietary accessory rail
- Paddle magazine release may not suit everyone
Specs
Features
The same testing, technology, and development that led to the HK MK23 Offensive Handguns Weapon system also gave us the HK USP.
Part of the design for the OHWS was for an extreme level of durability, and that durability worked well when the .40 S&W was released.
At this time, the round was small enough to use a 9mm frame, but the added pressure of the more powerful round could cause issues. Frames needed to be beefed up, and the HK USP was one of the first guns to be expressly designed for .40 S&W.
Most .40 S&W guns were 9mm frames beefed up for the cartridge. The USP used .40 S&W from the very beginning. Like most modern guns of this era, the .40 S&W used a polymer frame.
This hammer-fired DA/SA gun feeds from a 13-round magazine. It’s a big gun, but a very capable and easy-shooting pistol.
It’s my favorite shooting .40 S&W pistol, largely thanks to the mechanical recoil reduction system. This is HK’s fancy way of saying a dual spring recoil rod. It tames the beast and prevents excessive wear on your gun.
The HK USP series comes in various configurations (nine total), with the compact being my favorite, but the tactical is a nice part of 90’s tactical pistol history.
The HK USP is a great self-defense firearm and certainly gives you that Rainbow Six vibe.
2. CZ TS 2 – Best Competition Pistol
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Low bore axis
- Excellent trigger
- Flat shooting
- Great ergonomics
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
Features
Since major power factor status is one of the big benefits of the .40 S&W, we have to include one of the best competition guns on the market.
The CZ Tactical Sport 2 is undoubtedly one of the best out-of-the-box competition-ready pistols on the market.
It’s renowned by competition shooters and found in the hands of more champions than other companies would like to admit.
The TS 2 is built on the CZ 75, a.k.a. the gun that built CZ.
The TS 2 features the same ultra-small slide from the Shadow 2, which helps with recoil by not throwing a big chunk of metal rearwards. The frame is redesigned to add some bulk up front, which reduces muzzle rise.
The single-action trigger is more akin to pressing a button than pulling a trigger.
A cold hammer-forged barrel is a nice add-on, and that barrel is 5.28 inches long. Not the mention, the longer barrel helps with sight radius and produces a very easy-to-shoot weapon.
The CZ TS2 holds 17 rounds and is ready to help you reduce par times, increase accuracy, and take home trophies. It’s not cheap, but boy oh boy, is it worth the price.
We have a video review of the CZ TS 2 (in 9mm) below, or you can check out the full written review.
3. HK VP40 – Best Striker-Fired Option
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Excellent ergonomics
- Good trigger
- Fully ambidextrous
Cons
- Paddle magazine release may not be for everyone
Specs
Features
Once again, HK makes the list here, this time with their excellent VP40.
Based on their popular VP9 series of handguns, the VP40 enjoys all of the same features that make this series of guns so great.
This includes an excellent striker-fired trigger, interchangeable backstraps and side panels, a fully ambi paddle magazine release, an ambi slide release, and front and rear serrations with cocking wings.
Many people find the VP handguns to be exceedingly ergonomic, especially with the ability to customize the grip to fit your hand size.
While the paddle magazine release may be a bit strange to some, it makes the gun truly ambidextrous without having to swap anything and also allows you to reach the release without having to shift your shooting grip.
On top of all of that, it has one of the better striker-fired triggers on the market, and the polygonally rifled barrel ensures excellent accuracy. The VP40 shares the same 13-round magazines as the .40 S&W variant of the HK P30.
As with most HK guns, you get legendary reliability and build quality. Combined with some excellent features and a reasonable price, the VP40 is at the top of the heap when it comes to striker-fired guns chambered in .40 S&W.
What do you think of the HK VP40? Rate it below!
[AR]
4. Beretta PX4 Storm – Best Full-Size Option
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Rotating barrel reduces felt recoil
- Extremely reliable and durable
- Safety/decocker combination is configurable
Cons
- OEM grip texture isn't the best
Specs
Features
It is no secret that .40 S&W recoils more than 9mm.
Luckily, some guns have some neat mechanical features to help reduce felt recoil. One of those guns is the Beretta PX4 Storm.
The most prominent feature of this gun is its rotating barrel. Instead of the barrel moving back and tilting up to lock, the barrel rotates along its Z-axis and moves straight back and forth with no tilting motion.
Since the barrel is not tilting up, the gun naturally flips less. Additionally, the force required to rotate the barrel also soaks up a chunk of the recoil, making these notably soft shooters.
These are DA/SA guns with a solid capacity of 14 rounds. Other features include interchangeable backstraps, and combination safety/decocker lever on the slide, and front slide serrations.
Aside from the softer recoil, the PX4 is also one of the most rigorously tested handguns on the market. They are known for their extreme reliability and absurdly high round counts before failure.
The combination of durability, reliability, and shootability make the PX4 an excellent choice, whether you are looking for a duty gun or just a fun range toy.
Be sure to check out our full review of the 9mm PX4 Storm Compact!
5. Glock 22 – Best Duty Pistol
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Low bore axis
- Reliable
- Easy to find
- Large aftermarket
Cons
- Mediocre trigger
- Plastic sights
Specs
Features
The Glock 22 likely armed more police officers than any other gun from the mid-1990s to 2010. While 9mm has reclaimed its prominence and law enforcement, the Glock 22 still has a strong presence.
Like most Glocks, it’s a simple, well-made pistol designed to offer an extremely reliable, duty-grade firearm.
The Glock 22 is their full-sized version with a 15-round capacity. Glock produces the gun in the Gen 3 configuration and the newer Gen 5.
It’s also easy to find police trade-in Glock 22 pistols. This can be a great way to get an excellent firearm for a fairly low price point.
Like most Glocks, the 22 can be upgraded with a near-infinite amount of accessories and parts. Plus, it’s super easy to find magazines, holsters, and general Glock goodies. Being such a famed and widely accepted handgun lineup has its benefits.
Like every Glock, it will go bang when you pull the trigger and seemingly do so forever. These might not be good-looking or fancy, but no one can say they don’t work.
Honorable Mentions
6. Beretta 96A1
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Large and easy to handle
- Softer shooting
- Classic design
Cons
- Lower magazine capacity for a full-size pistol
Specs
Features
I’m biased toward a few guns, and I’ll always love the Beretta 92 series, which also includes the Beretta 96.
I’m throwing a lot of numbers at you, but it isn’t as confusing as it sounds. The Beretta 96A1 is the traditional metal frame DA/SA Beretta, but it features a rail and fires .40 S&W rounds.
Sadly, this big, full-sized service handgun played second fiddle to the Glock 22 in the police world. However, it’s a very well-made firearm that eats up the recoil of the .40 S&W without issue.
Some may feel that the DA/SA trigger system is outdated, but it’s still a viable option and my preferred choice for handguns. It allows for increased control over the trigger and makes the weapon great for both new and experienced shooters.
Beretta’s 96’s extra weight from the metal frame and thick grip makes the weapon easy to control, even with the .40 S&W cartridge.
A big downside of the gun is its inefficient magazine size. It only holds 12 rounds, which is somewhat low for a full-sized firearm.
Don’t let that distract you from the quality of the Beretta 96. It’s a capable weapon for home defense, competition, and beyond.
Benefits of .40 S&W
For me, I keep a .40 S&W gun around to be panic-proof — ammo panic-proof, I mean.
Over my adult life, I’ve seen four big ammo droughts, and in three of those four, I could always get .40 S&W ammunition.
In fact, at one point, I was doing the old buy one box a week, and before I knew it, I had a pile of it.
More than that, it’s got some oomph. While 9mm is proven suitable for self-defense, the .40 S&W has some advantages. It goes through barriers better for one.
Second, it does open up nice and wide to make a larger, more damaging projectile.
In Lucky Gunner’s testing, a load of .40 S&W JHPs expanded to .82 inches wide, outperforming all 9mm rounds.
While it might not be the best bear medicine, a .40 S&W round from a company like Buffalo Bore allows you to have a fairly adequate wood gun. While a fully powered 10mm might be necessary for Alaska, a .40 S&W with the right ammo works fine for Florida.
Competition Shooting
Competition shooting is always a game of strategy, involving everything from weapon selection to footwork.
In numerous competition circuits, there is something known as Power Factor, which allows different scoring procedures for higher-caliber rounds, like the 10mm, .45 ACP, and, of course, the .40 S&W.
If a competition shooter wants to compete in Major Power, they can use .40 S&W, which has numerous benefits.
This includes cheaper ammo than 10mm and more capacity than .45 ACP. If you compete in Major Power, you can game the game using the .40 S&W.
Final Thoughts
While it’s true that 9mm has largely eclipsed .40 S&W in recent years, .40 S&W has its benefits and is likely going to stick around for a good while.
Choices for guns chambered in it have dwindled, but there are still some excellent choices out there for fans of the round. Hopefully, our list can get you pointed in the right direction if you are in the market for a new gun.
What’s your favorite .40 S&W model? Let us know in the comments below. We have more options for concealed carry guns in different calibers in our Best Concealed Carry Pistols.
Latest Updates
- May 29, 2024: Added supplemental data to each product recommendation. Added more information to How We Tested section. Also provided additional media to some products.
- March 14, 2024: Removed the S&W Model 610, Les Baer H.C. 40. Added the HK VP40, Beretta PX4 Storm.
86 Leave a Reply
I have a berreta 40 mini cougar and like it very much...it's a little heavy but works very good; it's accurate and dependable.
Buy a 10mm, shoot 40sw out of it, best of both worlds
I’m not quite sure if it works that way. But I get where you are coming from.
My fav 40!is the Springfield XD-40
My VP40 is a 357 Sig as are all my 40s. I have a butt load of 357 Sig from the ammo drought of the pandemic.
I have two LE turn in Glock ,40's. I purchased both thru Recoil Gun Works getting a G22 G4 first. Basically the G22 price was so low I just had to find out what it would be like. I was not disappointed and both came with functioning night sights. The G27 G4 is my EDC and at one point I out shot my G19 G5 with it. The versatility for woods use is definitely a plus.
As a reserve LEO for 38 years, I carried a S&W 686 (.357) plus a backup/EDC S&W 60 (.38) for many years. When my department transitioned to Glocks, I carried the G23 (.40) plus a backup/EDC G27 (.40) for almost 20 years. Having the same caliber simplified training etc. I never noticed any snappiness in my Glocks because I was used to shooting a .357 (double action only). I still have my G27 plus a G26 Gen5 (9mm) and different rigs for use as EDCs. Glock pistols may not be fancy, but they are tools that you can trust your life on. After thousands of rounds, I've never had a failure that was caused by a Glock.
I like my Glock 23, because it can be converted into a 9mm with a barrel swap, and 357 sig (my favorite) with a barrel swap. Perhaps the G-22 can as well, I don't know, but nothing like owning 3 guns in one! And regarding your comments about us Florida folks, I resemble that! :)
You're right about the 40 S&W as a superb out doors gun for everywhere but grizzly country. For black bear it's lights out with Double Tap and Buffalo Bore hardcast 200gr 100ft/sec+ ammo. Considering grizzlies are being put down now with 147gr hard cast 9mm rounds, IF we didn't have the 10mm, what could that specialty hard cast 200gr ammo do to a grizzly?!?!?!!? My fave gun is the 5" S&W M&P40 2.0 performance center pistol. I'm surprised you didn't mention it. It's a really high performance sweet shooter.
I've got a Sig Pro, model SP2340. For the most part I like it. I wanted to put a laser of some kind on the rail in front of the trigger guard but with Sig's proprietary rail, I didn't, mainly due to the stupidly high price of Sig accessories. I should go check on the accessories now, maybe some have come down in price because they are not being sold at the prices when I first checked.
Nice comprehensive list, been a .40 owner for about 20yrs. I own the Glock 22, more of an impulse buy as got a good secondary market price for it, pretty affordable. I also own a .40 S&W M&P, have larger hands so that provided me more comfort and both are similarly accurate but that may be because I'm more comfortable with the Smith. As mentioned I've never had an issue with ammo and with reloading used brass as well as bullets readily available for short money. I did however upgrade the trigger on the Smith, was worth the couple hundred I spent with a gunsmith as I was a newbie at the time at the time, I've since upgraded the Glock on my own. Again worth doing it.
I bought a Taurus PT100 in 40S&W and it has performed well.
I carried a Beretta 96 for several years on the job and shot several thousand rounds without a single malfunction. Easy to qualify with, one of my favorite guns.
Something I rarely see mentioned is the the newer Glocks in .40 were designed for the round. 10% wider and a bit heavier. My gen 5 G23 only has a touch more recoil than my G19 with +P/NATO 9mm. Only drawback is finding holsters for the new G22/23. Most companies say their holsters fit Gen 1-5 which is true for 9mm but not .40.
I have a Sig 226 in .40. Nothing better for its intended purpose and I'll never get rid of it. There will be a special compartment installed in my coffin.
I find the USP to have a very unpredictable recoil impulse but the mags add flawless albeit brittle on hard floors. Choose the expert with the 5” barrel and excellent trigger. No Glock love with the 35? That was the gun of the mid to late 90’s. The CZ TS2 is an excellent roscoe for competition with the only drawback being having to load short for reliability.
I like the Springfield XDs 40 S&W 5" tactical.F
For one ,it was my father's favorite. but it was the go to for many law enforcement agencies. I myself will shorten the barrel and slide to a 4".
Just so it fits my hand better.
Enjoy my XDm 3.8” in 40… most accurate pistol I own
This is one of my favorite guns. It is probably the most accurate gun I own. Recoil is negligible - on par with my 9mm pistols.
Glock 23 &/or Glock 27
I built a .40S&W out of an old G19 (ejector and barel swap) and until I get something else it is my EDC/night strand gun.
And it shoots like a dream. Really can't notice the difference iin recoil from any of the other 9mm I have shot.
I love my competition Springfield 5.25 xdm. It us my favorite to shoot. Sadly they stopped making it in favor of a 10mm.
My .40SW collection includes a Ruger original Police Carbine, (not a 'PC Carbine,) a Ruger P94 DC and... a Charter Arms Pitbull. All three were returned to their respective factories for defects and now are reliable accurate and dependable. Oh! and did I mention — fun. The Pitbull is my frequent edc. It has a couple thousand rounds through it with only the hammer spring needing replacement. I reload it with the P94's mag which is way faster and more confidence inspiring than a 'moon clip' gun.
I have had MANY revolvers ,different barrel length,different brands and half a dozen or more pistols and without a doubt my favorite is my M&P 2.0 40 S&W .What most refer to as snappy I love and consider TAKE THAT !....I reload my own also and when I am told the (mm is better I laugh and say "yeah and I am better sex than I was at 18"....I am 69 .I rather have someone shooting at me with a 9mm than a 40S&W any day. I do love Beretta and the 96A1 will be my next buy.
I personally have always loved my FNS-40. It's extremely accurate, feels good in my hands for a large frame, and I'm not a big guy with bear paw hands. The "snappiness" of the round, that you had mentioned in the article is exactly what made me fall in love with it. It's like the low end torque of a big block engine. I have owned the gun for almost 15 yes now and have always been able to get whatever I wanted, and at full quantities. Both a great pistol and an even greater caliber round.
I shot a 40 S&W for the first time in the early 2000’s. It was an XD Competition, 3 days and 1 night. I won the night shoot. I entered because to had a chance to win an XD Pistol. Because I won the night Shoot, my reward was an X6 laser and light that attached to the rail of the firearm. I did not win a firearm. I didn’t have a firearm with an accessory rail, so I had to buy one. I purchased a Springfield XD 5” barrel chambered in 40 S&W. It loves Blazer aluminum cased 180 gr fmj bullets. A few years later I took the XDto Bar-Sto barrels just before they left Calif. and I spent 2 hours with Irv Stone jr while he fitted MT 9mm and 357 sig barrels to my XD. It was a GREAT 2 hours spent talking about guns and watching Mr. Stone work. My 40 XD has shot 5 or 6 thousand 40’s and about the same 9mm’s. With so many police depts getting rid of their 40S&W pistols I have over one thousand rounds of 180 gr gold dots at $14.95 for 50. Another 2500 rounds of fmj, and of course, my reloads. I learned to shoot with a 38 Super and 45 acp. So I never thought that my 40 recoiled a lot. I enjoy shooting it very much and yes it is accurate in all 3 calibers.
40 is my all time favorite. First carry was a Rugar SR 40 and still my favorite weapon of choice. Own Shield 40 and Keltec sub 2000 in 40/ glock mag. Never owned a 9mm. Had a S/W 610 and got to heavy for this 70 plus year old!
I fell in love with the 40 in the 80s -- before anyone told me they were "snappy." First was a big fat all metal Ruger 94 DAO. So that also helped. Sold that, got a Ruger SR40c, better for carry. Loved the HELL out of that one. Precise as all get out with it. And unlike my flame-throwing .357 that blinded me first shot at a nighttime shoot, the 40 just made a nice orange glow. The 357 also left me deaf for 10 days once when I stopped by to test a few handloads. First shot, ears rang. Second shot, they hurt. Third shot, everything got muted. My 40 simply "barks." Kept that one, got a S&W M&P40c. Joyous. Love my 40s. Never felt like switching to a 9. Ever ... For carry and home defense, between the two, it was the 40 all the way.
Skip ahead a couple decades, there was all this talk about giving up the All-American 40 as being too unmanageable and not having sufficient magazine capacity. Significant for what??? Before the 40, I had revolvers. Before Bill Clinton, my 40s had twice the capacity in the FIRST mag than the revolver. Plus I had extra magazines. Doesn't take too long to swap out a magazine.
It's all about *personal preference.* I've shot a lot of pistols. I'd MUCH rather shoot my 40 than a compact 380. And my 40 is so versatile. Carry, nightstand, target shooting.... I've taken it deer hunting during handgun seasons and scored, no problem (prefer it to the .357). I can't imagine taking a 9 mm pistol hunting. Very confident, however, with my 40 (especially having personally proven its effectiveness). A 9 would work, sure. So would a 22.
Not talking ballistic gel tests. Not talking chronographs and math. Talking about personally holding the gorgeous pistol in my hand and shooting box after box of reloads from it, personal defense rounds from it. I simply LOVE the round. I love that it's made for Americans.
I think websites and social media have caused undue fear about the round. It ain't a 44 magnum, people. It's not a 454 Casull. It's a gorgeous, thick-bodied thing of beauty that's at home in his man's two favorite pistols. Better than a 9? Depends on make and model of the gun and build of the woman and man. ... The best gun of all guns is the one that'll you'll have with you when you need a gun. And Mister, I have these babies with me everywhere. My full size 45 is a sweet gun, but this one is so much more versatile. For me? It's the Cinderella round.
Oh. And then there's the picture in here of the woman and the bill she took with a 40. Nice.
Goldilocks. (Forgive me. Childhood was so, so long ago.)
What you’re thinking on the Springfield XD 40. Politics aside, I had no issues for many years and it’s a primary. I think the setup is better than most.
For all occasions it’s definitely dependable. I was surprised it didn’t make top 5. Maybe due to age you still can’t count out the design.
Thoughts?
I really love my Springfield XDM .40 w/3.8 barrel. It’s a joy to shoot!
The xd 40 4” is a joy to shoot. It’s flawless
Glock 23 gen 1 still a go to. Heavy conceal, but groove Life belt and good holsters make it workable. Took a coyote out during bow season that was beyond my bow range.
I'm from Argentina, here there are not allowed soft or hollow point for self defense so the .40 S&W results in my opinion the best choice for home defense for its magazine capacitiy and stopping power.
In .40 S&W I own a Glock 22 gen 4 and a BERSA Mini Thunder, although I also own several .45 ACP and 9 mm. pistols my favourit is the .40.
Amigo, we're on the same page.
I bought a Kel Tec sub2000 in .40, simply because it’s not made in .45. I shot it a few times and thought: I need a pistol to go with this… I went back to my local grocery store (they just about rival any large gun store In quantity of firearms and related items) and looked at a variety of .40 cal pistols. After much discussion, I settled on a Smith and Wesson 2.0 in .40. It fit my hand just about perfectly AND I felt almost as comfortable shooting it as I do my Taurus 1911 homeland defender I’ve had for about 20 years. I know that there is a lot of discussion about 45 vs 9 mm’s as to which is best. My dad carried a colt 1911 in WW II, I carried a 1911 45 when I was a sailor… so I am a little biased I guess. Then I shot my trusty S&W 2.0… in 40. I now have almost as much ammo for it as I do my trusty 1911. I’m not sure which I like more now: S&W 2.0? Or Taurus 1911? I just don’t know…
I know everyone has their own opinions and mine is, I would like to nominate the full size beretta px4 storm in 40cal. The recoil is absorbed with a twisting barrel and is a joy to shoot in my humble opinion
Good review, thanks. I LOVE my USP .40 I bought it back in 1995 and added a .357 Sig barrel to it. Never let me down and shoot it often along with my newer P30 LEM. Semper Fi
My first pistol was the G22. Followed that with a G23 for carrying. Used the G22 for GSSF but replaced it with a G34. Still like to shoot it.
I have two model 23 Glocks. One for carry (which I’ve carried for many many years), and one equipped with a light and laser on my bedside table. Loaded with gold dots or HST’s the .40 is devastating. Never bought in to the “wonder nines”.
HK VP40
The Glock 23 was my first striker fired handgun, and it is still among my favorite. Frankly, it is just a bit small in the grip for my large paws, but I can manage it well. One thing I love is with the purchase of a 9mm barrel and some glock 9 mags, this gun will reliably shoot 40 SW, 357 Sig, and 9mm. I like the 357 Sig round the best, as it is very flat shooting, with some serious energy! I realize that some minor internal changes "should" be made (extractor, springs, and I think the spring loaded bearing), BUT it seems to operate well even if I do not make those small modifications. Glock versatility! YES, I would love to shoot one of the TS2's, but I have a G34 for competition, and it suffices, and would love to shoot a Model 610 revolver, but one can only own so many guns, and I set my limit at 20. Time to sell some!
No review of the Springfield offerings? I love my .40 S&W XDM.
3 Glock 23’s set up exactly the same- all I carry,all I use
I did like the article but why was the FNX40 caliber left out?
I love this pistol .
I have a Ruger SR-40C. Love it. Love it. Love it. I train with full sized pistols and employ all the techniques appropriately. All that transfers easily to the SR-40C. It’s was a purchase of opportunity here in California where we have the commi roster to contend with. One day that will go away. Then……watch out.
Great article! I've had my HK USP40 for 20 years, have no complaints about the recoil, love the accuracy and reliability, and it is still my favorite non-1911 pistol. My wife took it to a handgun class and sent 250 rounds downrange with no issues either!
Simper Fi. My USP40 has been in service since 1995 and is still my BFF EDC tool of choice.
229. When I first had a chance to shoot one - shortly after it became available, my comment was "This is possibly the best combat handgun Ever!" I stand by that, even after around 30 years! For various logistical reasons, I never carried one into combat (9mm & .45acp were far more available). Would I have? Certainly, if I knew I could get all the ammo I ever needed! Ironically, when I was competing in a "training exercise" I ran out of .45 ammo while shooting at 100 yards and transitioned to the 229. I had never really wrung that pistol out or even sighted it in (fixed sights tho) after the first shot, I shot just as well with the 229 as I had been doing with my 220! I used the 229 to finish out the week long event & finished 4th in a large field of distinguished shooters. (the #1 guy was Mas)
Art B.
Browning High Power in.40 with the FBI HRT package as perfected by Novack.
In my mind, Pew Pew Tactical typically excluding the .40 S&W is a blemish on an otherwise great gun site.
The .40 more than fulfills its purpose of .45 ACP-like performance in a 9mm frame handgun.
To claim that the 9mm is just as good as the .40 with the modern improvements in bullets is a theory at best. Shoot both, there is a difference, both downrange and what's coming back at the shooter. The .40 is a more powerful round and its more than etched its space in the handgun caliber lineup as much as its detractors would like to think it hasn't or it's a has been.
I used to do .357 magnum as my EDC but swapped to .40 S&W for more capacity and a lighter firearm. I don't have a problem with the claimed recoil. My .40 is a Glock 23 and it's just perfect.
Roger that on the Glock23.
I've also added a Roni kit (legal in my area) for an awesome combination.
Being a Beretta fan, I purchased a 9000S in .40 S&W over 20yrs ago. It's "snappiness" offers an excellent lesson in the importance of maintaining a firm grip. Hold it loosely and you're immediately rewarded with a spent casing bouncing off your forehead. Important lesson; quickly learned.
I am just overjoyed to see one of these posts that shows a little bit of Beretta-love.
I’m so happy I’m selling my Sig and getting in line for another 96A1 to stash in a safe place…
I LOVE my G22 and I love the .40 S&W round. To me it's the marriage of the 9mm and .45 ACP. More stopping power and more capacity. If you think the recoil is too much....don't be a wuss.
Still love my old, but new looking Ruger P-94!
Amen to That!!
My first 40 was a Ruger P9440 DAO. I loved it, too -- until someone offered to pay me more than I paid for it. Way overengineered, right? It will never self-destruct. Last you and yours for generations. (Mine shot low, though. How's yours do).
Your totally right and I bet I’ll get to see a great grandchild someday embracing its magnificent design and feel. Mine seems to be on the money when it comes to accuracy and I’ve had offers on it but know that I’d soon regret getting rid of it. That thing fits me perfectly. Probably better than any other handgun I’ve had the opportunity to fire. It isn’t going anywhere.
No question from me that the H&K USP is the quitessential .40. The gun feels as though it was made for MY hands, and I've NEVER had any feeding issues. You are spot-on about the availability of ammo, and I always knew the mag capacity favors the .40 vs. the .45.
I just love my Sig P250 learned to stage that trigger and it is awesome!
I've a Walther PPQ M2 in 9mm and one in .4o S&W. My Son has absconded with the 9mm PPQ for carry, but I've the .40 on me right now, as I usually carry it in the winter months. With the PPQ's trigger, caliber doesn't seem to matter as I've fired the .45 version several times as well. The triggers are near custom. No cheap, crisp break, and a very short reset. Out of my modest collection, the PPQ is the only gun I can consistently triple tap with (after watching a video of the Hellenic Special Forces drill with their PPQs, I had to learn that trick).
I've fired a few on your list. All are good weapons.
I've been giving serious thought to picking up one of the KelTec SUB2000s in .40 as a Home Defense gun.]
I've had a Sig 229 for years, at one point I owned two! Ultra reliable, nice weight, fairly easy to conceal...and the added bonus of getting a .357 Sig barrel for an easy swap out. I have an S&W 40, and I've had a Jericho. 40, but the Sig is my favorite.
I live in California and my first gun I bought was a used 1997 Sigarms P229 in .40 with a German frame. I changed to E2 grips, added the SRT and changed sights. I just took it off my CCW this year. I have 2700 rounds through the P229 but over 20,000 through my P-01 and SP-01. In California, we only have a neutered P229 or if you can find an old one used . Have they improved the ergonomics on the Free State models? I just can't get the grip that I can on a CZ which had a huge option of grip panels to choose from. I never even tried shooting it in USPSA or IPSC as it seemed so clunky. I would like to try it again in a model with better ergonomics. Took a class this weekend and guy next to me was struggling having to break his grip to decock with his strong hand with a CA model P229. I have a love/hate relationship with it.
The Ruger SR40. Easy shooting, easy maintenance
Have one! Extremely comfortable in the hand and, though I love my S&W M&P 40c (wearing it right now), I am quite a bit more precise in slow fire with the SR40. Just that tiny difference between the two in balance and how the thing fits in my hands. (M&P is nice. But the Ruger is also a much more handsome looking gun, as well).
Can't tell you how much I appreciate an article and thread that isn't *dissing* the 40. It's like, one day a couple decades ago bad-mouthing my favorite round.
I promise not to tell anyone outside this group, but c'mon -- how many of you have thought it strange people keep saying "nowadays there are 9 mm rounds that perform as well as a 40"? Like me, do you scratch your head and wonder, "If they have to keep comparing the 9's performance to a 40 to show it measures up, isn't that kind of a backhanded compliment to the 40?" Makes the 9 seem like its standing on tippy toe, bragging its just a tall, then going to its hole card, "And there's more of me."
Well said. I will take my 40 SR over any 9, any day. And the Ruger SR40 feels so great in the hand. I shoot it better than anything else, 9, 380. By might bed or on my hip, they can try to convince me 9 is superior, but not willing to bet my life on it
I've had my Springfield Armory XD-40 for years and love it.
While my absolute favorite is the 357 sig, my second favorite is the 40 and I have a nice Springfield XD that comfortably handles the cartridge and also a Taurus G2C that is a small handful with the 40.
My EDC is my Glock G27 and has been for many years. Concealability, reliability
and stopping power that's hard to beat!
My wife's .40 is a Glock, and being "plastic," the recoil is a bit "snappy."
My .40 is an old steel semi-auto, and I love it.
[Heavier gun, less recoil and quicker return onto target. --- Simple physics.]
I just got a Glock 23 Gen 5 the other day. I have 9mm by other companies and I wanted .40. I rented one at the range and loved it.
The affordable Taurus G2C is a reliable piece, 10+1 rds of nasty, granted you might need to replace the magazine release. And it's not much snappier than my full size S&W SD40, which comes with a 14+1
Every handgun I own is a 40 except for my 686. My favorite 40 is the M&P. So easy to shoot.
I carry a 40 cal S@W. I've had it as my carry since it came on the market. I truly like it because my wife couldn't shoot my 45 auto. Then I got used to it. I have 2 of them.
leo trade-in Sig P226 and P229s are the best value trade-ins on the market these days.
I can't tell you how nice it is to see the HK USP(C) mentioned in ANY article. The HK USPC .40 SW was the first pistol I purchased 20 years ago (under $600), and it's still my go to for CC self-defense. Even the compact model has some heft because HKs are built like a WWII German Tiger Tank, albeit world's more reliable. At 6'2" 220 lbs with larger hands, I may be biased, but the weight and size fit ME well. HKs are very proprietary, but new Newer HK models are finally becoming after market friendly. The USP series is a military pistol, and never designed with the intention to be dressed up. It just works. Purw ansld simple. Through some specialized HK aftermarket parts, I was able to install a Vortex red dot, and light/laser mounts are available.
You guys do great work and have a TON of info but seriously why are you always dissing the XD line? I just don't shoot a glock well but recognize it's super popular and I'm the outlier. However the xd I shoot like a dream and it has been flawless. I love mine in 40
I have the XD 40 as well. Probably my most accurate pistol. Just now as good a feel as the M&P.
Possibly one of the most underrated handguns produced form what I see in these "reviews" They ALWAYS miss the XD models but ALWAYS mention the Glock. I understand the popularity but wow is it over looked mine shoots dimes at 15 yards completely stock and that's only because I'm getting older and my vision and grip isn't what it used to be
Amen Bro!
My main EDC is a Glock 22 Gen 4, .40 S&W. Been carrying it for years. Saved my butt a few times. Sometimes I switch of with one of my other guns for a day or so if I'm going to be stopping by the range while I'm out and want to shoot that gun a little, but my main is the Glock 22.