looking for a .40cal

[matmat417]

Ok so im looking for a nice medium or semi compact .40.... the make doesnt bother me, i just want good reviews from some people on the forum. if some of yall could help me out i would be thankful. also try not to break my bank.

thanks
Matt

[427mach1]

Are you looking for new or used, plastic or metal, single stack or double stack?

Some to consider include the M&P (full size) or M&Pc (compact) if you want a new polymer pistol. Look at the 4006 (full size) or 4013TSW (compact) if you want a used metal gun. Ruger also makes a good product, either the SR40 (full size) or SR40c (compact).

If you are looking for a new gun, I would highly recommend that you go to a range that rents several different models and try each one out. It will cost a little money for the rental and ammo, but this is a purchase that you will carry with you for a long time and it is important to find one that you are comfortable and proficient with.

[matmat417]

sorry i shoulda explained a little better i was on a conference call ( dont tell the boss). polymer or metal doesnt matter, as far as single or double probally a single stack but maybe a double if i can find the right one. also really no ranges around my area rent out anymore for some reason. im just really looking for some suggestions. im about to use the rest of my day off to go do a little window shopping.

[growr]

Originally Posted by 427mach1

Are you looking for new or used, plastic or metal, single stack or double stack?

Some to consider include the M&P (full size) or M&Pc (compact) if you want a new polymer pistol. Look at the 4006 (full size) or 4013TSW (compact) if you want a used metal gun. Ruger also makes a good product, either the SR40 (full size) or SR40c (compact).

If you are looking for a new gun, I would highly recommend that you go to a range that rents several different models and try each one out. It will cost a little money for the rental and ammo, but this is a purchase that you will carry with you for a long time and it is important to find one that you are comfortable and proficient with.

Great questions for you to answer first.......given where you live it complicates your question simply because what might be recommended on here MAY not qualify on the California approved list.
That might be your first stop.......or see what is in stores first and the pursue it that way knowing that it is approved first.

Handle and if possible live fire as many makes and models as possible and then narrow it down to 2-3. Usually whatever fits YOUR hand well is usually the best choice for YOU. This will be confirmed when you live fire.
Hope that this helps somehow...

Randy

[matmat417]

Originally Posted by growr

Great questions for you to answer first.......given where you live it complicates your question simply because what might be recommended on here MAY not qualify on the California approved list.
That might be your first stop.......or see what is in stores first and the pursue it that way knowing that it is approved first.

Handle and if possible live fire as many makes and models as possible and then narrow it down to 2-3. Usually whatever fits YOUR hand well is usually the best choice for YOU. This will be confirmed when you live fire.
Hope that this helps somehow...

Randy

thanks randy, to answer the first question is i live in texas so im all fine and dandy on w/e gets thrown my way. i have several pistols just no 40s but im going to see if my uncle wants some company so i can take his 40s to the range.

but right now does anyone know anything about the taurus millennium pro in 40, i have one in 9mm and i really like it.

[jeffsmith]

Whew for a second there
I thought they moved Houston

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

A great 40 cal semi auto is made by Beretta. The Wife and I have both
9mm and 40 cal Beretta 92, 96 and PX4.

We have found that he Berettas are extremely Reliable shooters.

If you check them out, you'll find that there are many different variations and are very desirable.

If you can, find a range that rents them and try out both 9mm and 40 cal.

[doublesharp]

I've got a Glock 27 that ain't for sale.

[woodsltc]

I may get flamed for saying this, cause there are a lot of people on this forum who don't approve of Glocks ...but, in a 40 cal. I would look at the Glock 22 or 23 models, IMO.

Don

[loutent]

My favorite .40 the Glock 23 - it's my nightstand companion - and it's 13+1. Also have an SA EMP in 40 on layaway right now (for Christmas )

[Damn Yankee]

You want a real handgun with a fully supported barrel Look and shoot a CZ 75B

[USAFret]

Really like my M&P 40C.

[Bicky Robby]

Glock 23...

[Frizzman]

There are lots of good choices. Try before you buy is good advice. The best for you is dependent on a lot of variables. I can say that I have had lots of .40 S&W pistols over the years such as Glock 22,23,27...S&W 4006 and 4046...Beretta 96D & F and PX4...S&W M&P 40 and 40c...XD40 subcompact and full sized...Kahr K40 & P40...I some I can't remember. At present, I own only one .40. It's a Glock 27. I use mine primarily for concealed carry. It is reliable and accurate. I like having the choice between 15 round G22 mags to 9 round G27 mags. I can shoot .357 Sig and 9mm with simple change of easily obtained barrels and magazines. There are lots of parts and accessories available for it and it is simple to detail strip and change parts. There are lots of holsters availableThe finish is durable and it is pretty light and compact. It fits my hand well and I shoot it well...So, for those reasons, it's the .40 that I carry these days...If you are like most of us here, you'll have more than one anyway...Happy hunting!

[sigp220.45]

I've had Glock 27 since they first came out. It has been 100% reliable, and is at least as accurate as the full-sized versions. 10 rounds of .40 is nothing to sneeze at. It fits in an ankle holster, and it can take the full sized mags as reloads.

[Maximumbob54]

Originally Posted by matmat417

Ok so im looking for a nice medium or semi compact .40.... the make doesnt bother me, i just want good reviews from some people on the forum. if some of yall could help me out i would be thankful. also try not to break my bank.

thanks
Matt

Originally Posted by matmat417

sorry i shoulda explained a little better i was on a conference call ( dont tell the boss). polymer or metal doesnt matter, as far as single or double probally a single stack but maybe a double if i can find the right one. also really no ranges around my area rent out anymore for some reason. im just really looking for some suggestions. im about to use the rest of my day off to go do a little window shopping.

SW40VE:



The original Sigma's had what I feel is a bad rep due to their very long and heavy trigger. I bought one and didn't care for it one bit. This new one is so much better. They can be found in the middle of $200 to $300 all day long. The mags hold 14 .40SW's and mine will shoot SWC's with no issues. The grip is very ergonomic and most people think its fit is pretty darn good. Recoil is snappy with full power loads but the gun seems to handle them with zero issues. The size is what I would call medium large. It can be concealed fairly easily for the size with a proper holster, but it is still close enough to a duty size weapon. The sights are plastic just like on most Glocks, but they are three white dots. The one low mark I would give it is the Sigma specific rail. There are adapters to make fit for anything fit or you can buy Sigma specific lights or lasers. The new SD series seams to be a Sigma clone with a proper rail and different milling done on the slide. The grip seems to be the same. I'm not sure if they share mags or where the crossover ends. The SD will add a front night sight, but the cost is considerable more. The Sigma makes a very good .40SW and I'm not regretting buying mine one bit. The new triggers remind me much of a factory out of the box revolver that hasn't had any tuning. I say they make a good gun.

[Rule3]

I have "several" 40"s of many makes and models. The most underrated best deal going right now IMHO is the plastic Sig.

The SP2022. It comes with night sights and is very much a Sig. For the price they are excellent.

SP2022

The FNP and FNX or also under the radar, Come with 3 mags.

Both guns are safe in that they have hammers and decockers not striker fired.

For striker fired I prefer the SA XD's or XD m over any Glock.

[scooter123]

I can recomend the Sig Sauer P239 VERY highly. Mine has sent 2800 rounds downrange at this point and I have not had one single failure with the exception of one single round of Federal Champion with a dud primer.

However, I do recomend spending 20 bucks on the Hogue wraparound rubber grips for it, the P239 features a flat front strap on the grip frame with sharp corners that "bite" a bit. I also found the Hogue grip also perfected the point for me, with the factory grip it pointed a touch low.

As for it's accuracy, three years ago I could still focus on handgun sights. At that time if I took my time I could group it at 1.5 inches at 50 feet, so it's safe to assume it's capable of 2 to 3 inch groups.

Magazine capacity is 7 rounds, however there are +1 kit's available that yield an 8 round magazine capacity. Note, that +1 kit is a bit spring sensitive, I started to have issues with the slide not locking back on empty with 2 magazines that I dedicate to range use. As a result, all of my 8 rounders carry the spring for the 9mm 10 round magazines and function is perfect. However, that longer spring requires you pay attention to seating it properly against the follower or you'll find your 8 round magazine will now only carry 6 rounds. BTW, it's a single stack magazine.

Recoil. It has a bit of pop to it, especially with the 165 gn. Gold Dots I carry in mine. However, it's a 30 ounce semi and the recoil isn't at all bad. Personally, I find it very similar to the recoil of my brothers 9mm M&P, which only weighs 24 ounces.

Defects. One is the Nitron finish that Sig uses is a bit abrasive, so you MUST use grease on the slide rails. Fail to do that and you'll chew up the frame quickly. The black dye on the frame is also a bit thin, so you will see it rubbing off and exposing the anodyzed aluminum underneath. You'll also want to grease the outside of the barrel to keep the Sig Smiley's on the barrel under control. If you don't grease the barrel, in time you'll carve a notch in the barrel where it rubs in the slide. BTW, I went into this detail because Sig's are Lube Critical, lube them properly and you can expect 50-100K rounds of service. Use a light oil or run them dry and you'll chew up the frame in about 2000 rounds.

Final defect is minor but bugs a lot of P239 owners. Drop the magazine and you'll find the slide rattles if the slide and frame are dry. BTW, I do mean it RATTLES, clackity clack clack. Hey, it's a Combat Pistol and that rattle insures it will run perfectly when really caked up with crud. If you have it lubed properly it won't actually rattle, however you will feel a bit of movement between the slide and frame if you check. As for it effect on accuracy, the sights are mounted to the slide and the barrels are VERY well fitted in the slide. When mine was new I had to tap the barrel hood with a Sharpie to pop it free of the slide, it was that well fitted. End result is exceptional accuracy for a Combat Pistol.

Final note on trigger options for the P239, of which there are 4. First is the standard DA/SA trigger, double action is 10 lbs. for the first shot and single action is 4.5 lbs. for subsequent shots. On the standard DA/SA trigger the single action break is near perfect, I've measured the sear creep in single action on mine at just 0.020 inch. That is a VERY clean and crisp breaking trigger for a semi and nearly as good as a revolver. Second trigger option is the DA/SA SRT, of Short Reset Trigger. Reset is very short at about 1/8 inch but you pay a price for that short reset, the sear creep increases from 0.020 inch to about 0.070 inch. This means in single action the trigger is noticeably creepy and feels a lot like your typical striker fired plastigun. Personally, I feel the SRT trigger in a 40 caliber P239 is a poor choice, you cannot control this pistol at the 0.2 second firing rate that short reset permits and your capacity is limited. Third trigger option is one you'll only find on older P239's, that is the DAO or Double Action Only trigger. Weight for this trigger is 10.5 lbs. and it's very like the trigger in a Ruger revolver, meaning it stacks a bit and it's a touch gritty. The fourth trigger option is newer and also Double Action only, the DAK trigger. This is a trigger that revolver shooters will just LOVE. DAK stands for Double Action Kellerman and it's a bit of an oddball for a double action trigger in that it features 2 seperate reset points. Return the trigger to it's full reset and you'll have a 6.5 trigger pull that is as smooth as a well tuned S&W revolver. Short stoke the trigger to the secondary short reset and you'll have a shorter 9.5 lbs. trigger pull. Personally, I'm a bit torn on which trigger to get in my next P239, I shoot revolvers a lot and like the DAK for it's similarity to a revolver trigger, however I have so much trigger time on the standard DA/SA trigger I may go with that just to maintain the same manual of arms. In addition I find the 10 lbs. DA trigger pull a bit comforting in a carry gun.

Finally the ONLY safety on the P239 are the hammer intercept when decocked and a firing pin block. There is not thumb safety, grip safety, or trigger safety. Some may find that a concern, however you you make it a habit to keep a thumb on the hammer while holstering you will feel that hammer move if you snag the trigger. Basically, it's about as safe as a Double Action revolver and the manual of arms is the same, pull the trigger and it will fire.

PS; you asked for a review and you got one. Personally, of all my Semi's the P239 is my complete favorite. Because it points perfectly and makes me look like I know what I am doing at the range in spite of the fact that at most indoor ranges I can't see the sights at all.

[bnewc75]

40SW on my hip

[Goldstar225]

Based upon my experience, in a double stack The Glock 23 & 27 are very worthy. In a single stack I'm quite happy with the Kahr K40. The Kahr CW40 is another matter, a very bad experience with the CW40.

[charlie sherrill]

M&P 40c or Glock 27. You don't need to look any farther.

[goldenlight]

I have a Sig P-229 in 40 cal that is both accurate and a lot of fun to shoot.

And, like many other 40 cal semiautos, with a factory Sig 357 Sig barrel, you can shoot 357 Sig with no other modifications.

But, I bought it a long time ago, before the price on Sigs got so outrageous.

[amazingflapjack]

First-I would suggest that you pose this question on the "S&W autos from the 50's on" forum, and let these pistol savy folks give you some feedback. I am enamered to metal guns, and I recently purchased an extremely clean, lightly used S&W 4006 40S&W, and I immediately was won over by this fine pistol. It was evidently the gun S&W developed for the then new 40 S&W round. There are a bunch of them out there right now, and reasonably priced in my view. I think they got it right. Flapjack.

[growr]

Mat, sorry I had it in my head somehow that you were in California...
Anyway, you have received a bunch of recommendations as to what works well for fellow members.

I still stand by trying as many as you can in your hand and if possible live fire so that you can make the best possible solution for YOU and YOUR hand. Much like shoes....what fits well for me is NOT always the best choice for you.

There are many makers and models to choose from....I happen to be very partial to S&W M&P,& 3rd Generations, CZ's and Browning HI Powers and Springfield Armory XD's in .40 as they fit me well.....

Let us know how it all turned out!!

Randy

[Once]

I'm happy with my SD40

[Sebago Son]

Originally Posted by doublesharp

I've got a Glock 27 that ain't for sale.

I have 4 G-22's that aren't going anywhere...