Best .40 S&W Handguns

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!

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

Editor's Pick

HK USP .40 S&W

$937

at Kygunco

Prices accurate at time of writing

$937 at Kygunco

BattleHawk Armory (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .40 S&W
• Action: SA/DA
• Weight: 29.12 oz. (with mag)
• Barrel length: 4.25”
• Overall length: 7.68”
• Width: 1.26”
• Height: 5.31”
• Capacity: 10/13 rnds

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

Best Competition Pistol

CZ Tactical Sport 2 .40 S&W

$1199

at BattleHawk Armory

Prices accurate at time of writing

$1199 at BattleHawk Armory

Kygunco (see price)

GrabAGun (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .40 S&W
• Action: SAO
• Weight: 48.5oz
• Barrel length: 5.28”
• Overall length: 8.86”
• Width: 1.57”
• Height: 5.8”
• Capacity: 17 rnds

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

Best Striker-Fired Option

HK VP40

$716

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$716 at GrabAGun

BattleHawk Armory (see price)

Palmetto State Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .40 S&W
• Action: Striker-fired
• Weight: 28.93oz (with empty mag)
• Barrel length: 4.09”
• Overall length: 7.34”
• Width: 1.32”
• Height: 5.45”
• Capacity: 10/13 rnds

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

Best Full-Size Option

Beretta PX4 Storm .40 S&W

$591

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$591 at GrabAGun

Kygunco (see price)

Sportsman's Warehouse (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .40 S&W
• Action: DA/SA
• Weight: 27.7oz (unloaded)
• Barrel length: 4”
• Overall length: 7.55”
• Width: 1.42”
• Height: 5.51”
• Capacity: 10 rnds

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

Best Duty Pistol

Glock 22 Gen 5

$539

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$539 at GrabAGun

Kygunco (see price)

Firearms Depot (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .40 S&W
• Action: Striker-fired
• Weight: 25.57oz (with empty mag)
• Barrel length: 4.49”
• Overall length: 8.03”
• Width: 1.26”
• Height: 5.47”
• Capacity: 15 rnds

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

Beretta 96A1

$717

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$717 at GrabAGun

Kygunco (see price)

BattleHawk Armory (see price)

Specs

• Caliber: .40 S&W
• Action: DA/SA
• Weight: 33.3oz (unloaded)
• Barrel length: 4.9”
• Overall length: 8.5”
• Width: 1.5”
• Height: 5.4”
• Capacity: 10/12 rnds

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.