Given two pistols, a 4014 and a 4040 of equal condition and price, which would you purchase and why?

M4014 hands down.

Because...



Can't do that with a 4040

Cheers
Bill

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Because they don't make a .46

I own both a 4040PD and a 4013 single stack, and between the two I would go for the 4040PD. Though it really depends on what you are looking for with this decision.

As Bill pointed out, one of the biggest allures of the 4014 is the ability to convert it to 10mm. As a strict comparison using .40, it is slightly larger in all dimensions than the 4040PD but still concealable, the magazine holds an extra round (8), and it will handle recoil better. Used magazines can still be found on some auction sites at this moment, but they are not as prevalent as they once were.

The 4040PD will be slightly more concealable (same size as a 3913) and lighter than the 4014. I feel that I can more easily carry this gun in the warm Summer months, where the 4014 is more of a Fall/Winter carry piece.

As a much later production S&W 3rd Gen model it will have a noticeably smoother trigger (MIM components) as well as later design features found mainly on TSW's - loaded chamber port, milled for decock-only, and a tighter frame-to-slide fit. While both models in question have proprietary magazines, there are currently a good supply of NIB 4040PD mags for sale, as well as some good-looking used ones, both for a good price. NIB 4040PD mags have also been for sale at places like Brownells for the last few years pretty consistently.

If you have the chance to pick up either one, I don't think you'll be disappointed either way. Of course, the best thing would be to buy them both!

All sound reasons, here's my take on it.

Both are lightweight 3-1/2" barrel .40's, single stack, TDAs, & of course have the low durability black finish in common.

4040PD -vs- 4014:
---------------------
Small frame -vs- large frame.

Al/Sc alloy -vs- Al alloy frames.

Single sided ambi -vs- dual sided.

Dual nested -vs- single recoil spring (except R4 version).

25oz -vs- 27oz.

7+1 -vs- 8+1 rounds.

Both made for only 2yrs: 2003-2005 -vs- 1991-1993

The 4040PD looses (points) on common parts availability as it has no real siblings. It's pretty much a one of a kind (for good or bad).

Unique only to the 4040PD parts (not shared with any other 3rd Gen):

- frame,
- slide,
- grips (factory Hogues)
- barrel
- guide rod assembly
- slide stop assembly (shorter arm to contact mag follower)
- magazine (body, follower, butt plate)

The 4040's mags are more restrictive.

Since the 4040's mag comes from a 9mm I find it limits COAL noticeably compared to the 4013/14's.

I've always loaded my 40S&W to 1.135" (max COAL"). These won't feed at that length in the 4040 mag.

1.120"-1.125" feeds okay with most JHPs in the 4040 mag. And bullets with round nose-flat points seem like they need to be a tad shorter.

Maybe mine's weird but grouping in the 4040 is nowhere as good as most 3rd Gens, certainly not my 4013. I'm still trying to find a load that makes it look normal.

If I had no other pistol & I just wanted something for general purpose use I'd go with the 4014.

If you just wanted unique, go with the 4040PD.

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Waiting for the break of day

Cool factor: 4040PD, hands down.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

I vote 4014 as it can be converted to 10mm thus equaling....

HAND CANNON !

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This is the way....

Do you want a .40 built on the compact single stack regular aluminum .45 frame?

Or, a .40 built on a more durable Scandium aluminum frame that's approximately the same size as the 3913?

Both are considered to be 'obsolete' by the manufacturer, which means parts are becoming less available, so that's somewhat of a wash.

FWIW, the 4013/14's were built on the early 3rd gen manufacturing equipment, while the 4040PD was built in subsequent years, after S&W had updated and improved their equipment and manufacturing methods in many respects.

Pick whichever tickles your fancy. I bought some brand new production 4040 magazines just last year, after a couple of the usual vendors received their latest orders of new mags from S&W. I haven't seen new production 4013/14 single stack mags for quite a while.

This going to be a range/carry gun, or just something interesting to collect? Might matter to you differently than to others.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

I guess I’m wondering if this a hypothetical question or a great question comparing two pistols that you are looking at, (or thinking about getting at some point,)?

Several of us here have recently got/found wonderful 4040PD examples for under $450.00 with everything. I’m pretty sure they originally cost more than that.

Brand new factory magazines are still readily available, flat and curved base plates, (@ $30.00, not Brownells,) and if you want the 3913/14 Delrin’s will fall right on.

Jim

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When was the last time you saw a 4014 up for sale?

Without a doubt the 4014

Yes it can be easily converted to 10MM Auto. I have done that with one of mine

Secondly, only 500 of the 4014s are presumed to have been manufactured. There are many more 4040PDs out there

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"Acta non verba"

I have both, and they are both great shooters. For carry though, I always choose the 4014 In an Aliengear IWB Cloaktuck 3.5 holster over the 4040. With Hogue wood grips on the 4014 and Hogue rubber grips on the 4040, the 4040 is only about 1/8" smaller in every dimension except OAL, where it is about 1/4" shorter. For me, that's not enough of a difference to give up 1 round.

If you're wondering about holsters, I pieced my Aliengear setup for the 4014 together by getting a compact size 3.5 Cloaktuck base and a kydex shell for a 4506 and then cut it down to size.

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IMG_20200125_101115700.jpg (104.6 KB, 43 views)

Ken,
Welcome to the Forum

I am sure that many of us single stack lovers would like to see pictures of how your holster turned out

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"Acta non verba"

Thanks, Colt_saa.

Here's a picture of my holster setup, as well as a 4013

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	IMG_20200125_171756838.jpg (80.5 KB, 46 views)

I'd be buying a 4014 like the one offered on the big auction site and ending 1/29 at 1913hrs.

Not cheap, at $812 suggested retail, but surprisingly cheaper than most other 3rd Gens, except the Value models.

A 4013TSW @ $940 & a 4006TSW @ $1001, in the 2004 catalog.

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2003 Catalog, new models
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2004 Price List
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Waiting for the break of day

I opted for a 4014 that was NIB with three mags, papers, box. I am not a fan of how 'scribbled' it looks on the 4040PD is, the excessive 'branding' of the frame and slide makes it less appealing. Sending the payment out Monday (2/9/20). Set me back with 2nd day shipping, 510-bucks. Its the rarer bird than the 4013, especially in pristine original condition. This puts the final nail in my vintage S&W automatic collection. I don't have EVERY model but I have solid examples of every class of S&W Gen 1 through 3; base models and sub-variants. I lack the DAO models as I dislike shooting them because of the long trigger pull, although I do have a 4586 local PD gun that was sold at auction. If I get anything else, it would be the odd-ball and queer-duck models like the 6926 and the 4576. I'd love to find a CS40 stainless to replace the 9mm Makarov I carry. I'm kinda looking out from the top of the mountain as far as the collection goes. Have the 5967 on lay-away and found a correct replacement slide to replace the engraved one on the pistol. Staring into the void right now, anyone have any suggestions where to focus the collection next?