I have owned 7 handguns chambered in .40 short & week. I currently only have 1 and it’s on life support. I’ll stick with .45 AARP, 9mm and .38spl in my carry guns.
Is 40s&w going the way of the dinosaurs
- Thread starter BackeastCowboy
- Start date
Well im Suprised..
An I've looked at 10mm pistols, an they do have a use.. but in my area I dont really need a 10mm. The 40 S&W still has a use. Guy I know uses a 40S&W pistol primarily, an carries it.. it certainly has a use in my area. I dont understand why either would be "Dead," as it good to have either as an option.
notyou
Member
I've see this a lot in the last few years, why do people think an = and?
mrshyvley
Member
Speaking of .40S&W pistols, my first was a Glock Model 23 back in the 1990's and later a Glock Model 27..
Up until then, I'd carried a S&W Model 19 .357 Magnum 4 " barrel, and a Colt 1911 45ACP.
The .40S&W just never seemed "snappy", but I never owned a 9mm until about 2012 or so to compare it to.
I really didn't care for the first .40 S&W pistol that I shot, which was a Gen 3 G35. It gave me Glock knuckle in a way that the 9mm Glocks didn't. I was also coming from mostly shooting a SIG P226
In retrospect, those Gen 3 Glocks are really just too big for my hands, and .40 S&W made that apparent. I later got to try a Springfield XDM, which fit my hands and was a much better experience. I posted about it earlier, but I recently built out a stripped M&P40 2.0 5" slide, and with the 180 gr Speer Lawman and Winchester Ranger Bonded JHP, I find the recoil impulse to be a lot like a full size .45 ACP pistol with 230 gr standard pressure. Of course, the M&P series was built with .40 S&W in mind from the ground up.
mrshyvley
Member
Yes, I also like the M&P .40S&W pistols.
They fit my hand well.
Some years back I bought two early first generation police trade-ins cheap.
Then I upgraded some of the parts and added an Apex Failure Resistant extractor.
After adding OEM M&P .357 Sig barrels to them, I ended up with sweet shooting pistols that fit my hand well.
STORMINORMAN
Member
As previously expressed on this forum, I consider the M&P40 1.0 the most versitile handgun platform: with a couple conversion barrels (and a 2.0 5" slide with appropriate 9mm barrel?) and some 9mm magazine one can have all three calibers, 40 S&W, 357 SIG & 9mm on hand.
Cheers!
P.S. Just make sure you have the right mag & ammo to go with your barrel & slide of choice...! This is where SS barrels can come in handy.
Cheers!
P.S. Just make sure you have the right mag & ammo to go with your barrel & slide of choice...! This is where SS barrels can come in handy.
Echo40
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I've told this story before, but my love affair with the .40 S&W cartridge started by complete accident.
Up until late 2019, my primary carry cartridge was .380 ACP, which I felt was completely adequate for two-legged threats and still do. However, in late Summer of 2019, Hogs started venturing out of the woods surrounding my residential area and suddenly .380 ACP just didn't inspire as much confidence as it previously had.
Problem was, I was flat broke, in a poor financial state, and thus couldn't afford to go out and buy a new 10mm Pistol as I had been recommended. One day when I was at my LGS, I saw a S&W SW40VE in the case priced at $199 and immediately asked to see it. The pistol felt good in the hand, was small enough to carry concealed, held 14+1 rounds, and was obviously a far more capable pistol than my Ruger LCP. So I went home and did some research on the pistol as well as the cartridge, with the most decisive information I found being that the .40 S&W was actually the issued round at the time for Fish & Game in my area. The very next day I went back to the shop, put the SW40VE on layaway with, picked it up a couple weeks later once I had the money, and promptly began carrying it.
My first trip out to the range with it yielded surprisingly results, as I was expecting "snappy" recoil as I so often read online, only to discover that it actually had substantially less felt recoil than my Ruger LCP and was comfortable to shoot by comparison.
After that, the .40 S&W became my favorite pistol cartridge. I had previously fired pistols chambered in .38 S&W, .38 Special, 9mm Parabellum, .357 Magnum, .45 Colt, and even .410 Bore, but .40 S&W felt just right to me with enough recoil to be reassuring without making it difficult to stay on target.
Now I own multiple pistols chambered in .40 S&W and love them all. My most recent acquisition was a Beretta 96 Centurion, which was initially met with people telling me how the 96 couldn't hold up well to a steady diet of .40 S&W, with many recommend that I convert it to 9mm. However, after some research, I discovered that simply swapping out the factory 14lb recoil spring with a heavier 18lb Wolff spring and tossing in a cheap little Wilson Combat Shok Buff was a common means of making it last longer. Subsequently, I got a .22LR Conversion Kit for it as well.
I've had many different people try to convince me that I'd be better served carrying a 9mm, how its what the FBI carries, how it performs no better in gel testing, how "modern technology" has made 9mm as good or better, but I just plain like .40 S&W. Besides, for all the arguments I've read about how that larger stretch cavity doesn't do anymore damage than 9mm, I've yet to see anyone attempt to make the argument that it's no more painful and therefore no more likely to deter an attacker.
Up until late 2019, my primary carry cartridge was .380 ACP, which I felt was completely adequate for two-legged threats and still do. However, in late Summer of 2019, Hogs started venturing out of the woods surrounding my residential area and suddenly .380 ACP just didn't inspire as much confidence as it previously had.
Problem was, I was flat broke, in a poor financial state, and thus couldn't afford to go out and buy a new 10mm Pistol as I had been recommended. One day when I was at my LGS, I saw a S&W SW40VE in the case priced at $199 and immediately asked to see it. The pistol felt good in the hand, was small enough to carry concealed, held 14+1 rounds, and was obviously a far more capable pistol than my Ruger LCP. So I went home and did some research on the pistol as well as the cartridge, with the most decisive information I found being that the .40 S&W was actually the issued round at the time for Fish & Game in my area. The very next day I went back to the shop, put the SW40VE on layaway with, picked it up a couple weeks later once I had the money, and promptly began carrying it.
My first trip out to the range with it yielded surprisingly results, as I was expecting "snappy" recoil as I so often read online, only to discover that it actually had substantially less felt recoil than my Ruger LCP and was comfortable to shoot by comparison.
After that, the .40 S&W became my favorite pistol cartridge. I had previously fired pistols chambered in .38 S&W, .38 Special, 9mm Parabellum, .357 Magnum, .45 Colt, and even .410 Bore, but .40 S&W felt just right to me with enough recoil to be reassuring without making it difficult to stay on target.
Now I own multiple pistols chambered in .40 S&W and love them all. My most recent acquisition was a Beretta 96 Centurion, which was initially met with people telling me how the 96 couldn't hold up well to a steady diet of .40 S&W, with many recommend that I convert it to 9mm. However, after some research, I discovered that simply swapping out the factory 14lb recoil spring with a heavier 18lb Wolff spring and tossing in a cheap little Wilson Combat Shok Buff was a common means of making it last longer. Subsequently, I got a .22LR Conversion Kit for it as well.
I've had many different people try to convince me that I'd be better served carrying a 9mm, how its what the FBI carries, how it performs no better in gel testing, how "modern technology" has made 9mm as good or better, but I just plain like .40 S&W. Besides, for all the arguments I've read about how that larger stretch cavity doesn't do anymore damage than 9mm, I've yet to see anyone attempt to make the argument that it's no more painful and therefore no more likely to deter an attacker.
tlsnider
Member
I own a few pistols chambered in 40S&W and my all time favorite is the S&W M&P Performance Center. About the only pistol I know of with very little recoil is a 22LR. I practice, practice, and practice some more to get used to recoil and follow up shots. I've read lots of times where someone shoots a 40 S&W for the first time and complains - maybe they want to shoot my 454 Casull revolver? Learning to manage recoil and follow up shots is better than the guy with a 9MM who goes through 16+ rounds like a frightened child who can't hit a billboard. (In terms of stopping a threat, shot placement is key not caliber.)
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Be longer than that for me. Especially since I no longer have anything to shoot it with, but I'm planning to correct that.
Obso=1911 chambered IN 40s&w !
gnappi
Member
I have to say that that "short and weak" comment being tossed about on the web is the most idiotic I've heard. Remember the 9mm was adopted in large part because Bambi secret agent and wimp men could handle the 9mm where they couldn't tolerate the .40. Also they planned on missing a lot so the extra 2 rounds or so made them feel more comfy with the 9mm AND 9mm ammo is cheaper.
Your babbling on with that song you sing shows your ignorance. I don't think there's anyone in the world that would volunteer to take a shot from a .40 short and weak, would you?
Finally I've been at matches where a pepper popper setup to not fall on a windy day laugh at multiple hits from a 9mm and not once has it happened to me with a .40, short and weak my butt.
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gnappi
Member
PS, during the high capacity mag ban years forcing everyone to use 10 round mags, they couldn't keep larger caliber firearms in stock and 9's were considered useless. If the high capacity mag ban were to take effect today who here would tolerate a 10 round 9mm? If they say they would, good luck with their overwhelming confidence.
Develop a sense of humor. Oooohhh, you’ve been to matches. What a big boy you are.
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I have been looking for a .40 S&W chambered pistol now for several days. None locally except for a couple of Glock's....pffftt.... never in my lifetime would I own a Glock. When we evaluated semi-autos for department issue the Glock came in dead last, not even an honorable mention did they get.
I really don't like striker fired guns. I love single/double action with a de-cocker. Did I say I love hammers yet?
So far I've found 2 with hammers, double/single action, A Sig Sauer 3220 in 40 S&W with extra magazines, hard carry case, and......
......owners manual. and a Beretta 96A1 which is Kinda pricey.Next to S&W's Sig Sauer is my other favorite, I have 4 of them, a Browning Sig BDA in 45acp and also .400 cor bon. The other 3 are Sig Sauer P220's in 45acp.
Anyone have or had a Sig Sauer 3220 40 S&W how would you rate it?
gnappi
Member
And you're a troll, congrats on proving it.
gnappi
Member
You may want to check out the FNX-40 it checks all your boxesI have been looking for a .40 S&W chambered pistol now for several days. None locally except for a couple of Glock's....pffftt.... never in my lifetime would I own a Glock. When we evaluated semi-autos for department issue the Glock came in dead last, not even an honorable mention did they get.
I really don't like striker fired guns. I love single/double action with a de-cocker. Did I say I love hammers yet?
So far I've found 2 with hammers, double/single action, A Sig Sauer 3220 in 40 S&W with extra magazines, hard carry case, and......
Next to S&W's Sig Sauer is my other favorite, I have 4 of them, a Browning Sig BDA in 45acp and also .400 cor bon. The other 3 are Sig Sauer P220's in 45acp.
Anyone have or had a Sig Sauer 3220 40 S&W how would you rate it?
They're single action / double action with a hammer and decocker much like a reduced size H&K USP .40 but with a ambi thumb safety / decocker which AFAIK H&K does not. A darn respectable pistol.
Generally they're not cheap (but much less than an H&K) but following the gun auctions once in a while they pop up at a fair asking price and there are lots of mags on Gun Broker.
tejano
Member
Currently have 5 short&weak pistolas and am always looking for a bargain.
fordson
US Veteran
I’ve had a number of 40s&w pistols (8 in total) that I’ve whittled down to two: a BHP & a SIG P-239. The six 40’s that I eliminated weren’t due to the caliber; they were just safe queens that didn’t get shot much. To double my 40 fun, my SIG P239 also has a 357 sig conversion barrel ….and when I find a 357sig barrel for the BHP 40, I’ll convert that as well.
Phish
Member
I love my Beretta 96 Vertec that i put a LTT trigger kit in it. I been shooting a 180 gr xtp in it and velocity 1180 fps. I trust in it more than any 9mm.
gnappi
Member
I had a 96D (DAO) that was one of three most accurate pistols I ever owned. A co-worker shot it and he really couldn't miss when he shot it and from that first time trying it he badgered me to sell it to him and for a long time I declined his generous offers. Then on a day when some svelte gun appeared that I wanted in a weak moment I sold him my sainted 96 which I regretted every time I shot that svelte gun I don't even remember what it was I bought.
Fast forward a few years, my company closed its operations in Florida and moved to North Carolina and my shooting buddy went with them and I came to find out that he killed himself with my 96D.
RIP Kim.
The Sig P229R would be worth a look in .40 S&W if it was available in your area. Although, it is wider in the grips than the P6 single stack that I replaced it with.I have been looking for a .40 S&W chambered pistol now for several days. None locally except for a couple of Glock's....pffftt.... never in my lifetime would I own a Glock. When we evaluated semi-autos for department issue the Glock came in dead last, not even an honorable mention did they get.
I really don't like striker fired guns. I love single/double action with a de-cocker. Did I say I love hammers yet?
So far I've found 2 with hammers, double/single action, A Sig Sauer 3220 in 40 S&W with extra magazines, hard carry case, and......
Next to S&W's Sig Sauer is my other favorite, I have 4 of them, a Browning Sig BDA in 45acp and also .400 cor bon. The other 3 are Sig Sauer P220's in 45acp.
Anyone have or had a Sig Sauer 3220 40 S&W how would you rate it?
The Beretta Cougar .40 S&W is a pleasure to shoot (some might call it a smaller version of Beretta 96 'carry' model) although it's not one I chose for carry.
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The last US dead guy I had to do paperwork on was a drunk who shot at (and missed) a Bayard, NM police officer with a 30/30. He died where he fell before backup arrived to a 40 S&W with a hole though his upper sheet.
mckenney99
Member
I am a fan of the .40 S&W but I also like other calibers as well. I carried an issued .40 S&W (first a Beretta 96D then a Sig P226 DAO) on duty for many years until my retirement. I always had great faith in the round to stop any threat I faced as long as I did my part. Having more rounds immediately in hand than our previous .38 spl revolvers was just an added bonus. I used those .40 S&W pistols to great effect, dispatching a lot of injured deer (from vehicle strikes) and I never needed more than a single shot and I never resorted to using a long gun to complete my task.
I still own 12 or more pistols in .40 S&W and have taken great advantage of the surplus LE .40 S&W ammunition that has been dumped on the market at great prices. I don't think I could shoot it all up in this lifetime.
I have a real affinity for 1911s and other SAO pistols. I have a full sized Custom Colt 1911 in .40 S&W that I carried as my off duty weapon for many years but I was younger and thinner then. I have developed a desire for a smaller version of that .40 S&W 1911 and as a result, I am now on the look out for a Springfield Armory .40 S&W EMP. Of course SA discontinued their .40 EMP versions a couple years ago so it may take me a while to get what I want.
I still own 12 or more pistols in .40 S&W and have taken great advantage of the surplus LE .40 S&W ammunition that has been dumped on the market at great prices. I don't think I could shoot it all up in this lifetime.
I have a real affinity for 1911s and other SAO pistols. I have a full sized Custom Colt 1911 in .40 S&W that I carried as my off duty weapon for many years but I was younger and thinner then. I have developed a desire for a smaller version of that .40 S&W 1911 and as a result, I am now on the look out for a Springfield Armory .40 S&W EMP. Of course SA discontinued their .40 EMP versions a couple years ago so it may take me a while to get what I want.
oO_Rogue_Oo
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Taurus makes a Beretta clone that is quite well done (made on Beretta machinery by Beretta trained personnel). I think it is only available as used or NOS now but worth a look if you like the Beretta. Probably it's best feature is it is built following the original Beretta plans so has a frame mounted safety.I have been looking for a .40 S&W chambered pistol now for several days. None locally except for a couple of Glock's....pffftt.... never in my lifetime would I own a Glock. When we evaluated semi-autos for department issue the Glock came in dead last, not even an honorable mention did they get.
I really don't like striker fired guns. I love single/double action with a de-cocker. Did I say I love hammers yet?
So far I've found 2 with hammers, double/single action, A Sig Sauer 3220 in 40 S&W with extra magazines, hard carry case, and......
Next to S&W's Sig Sauer is my other favorite, I have 4 of them, a Browning Sig BDA in 45acp and also .400 cor bon. The other 3 are Sig Sauer P220's in 45acp.
Anyone have or had a Sig Sauer 3220 40 S&W how would you rate it?
gnappi
Member
The Taurus PT92/99/100 are what Beretta SHOULD have continued making instead of going to the awkward S&W type slide mounted safety. Beretta FINALLY conceded their boo boo too late with the BEHEMOTH 92 X performance but other than making it a frame safety AND heavy there were no improvements in capacity.
This funny video expresses the frustration we Beretta owners had with the slide safety.
I have yet to hear a single lucid position successfully arguing that position. And I’d bet you couldn’t argue why the 40S&W is weak.
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The reports of the death of the .40 S&W have been greatly exaggerated.
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I’ve carried my Walther PPS in 40S&W since 2008. It’s a 40 caliber bullet and it leaves the barrel at 900fps. If that’s not enough to convince someone of its defensive capability, I don’t know what else I can say to convince anyone otherwise. I’m not planning to shoot through an engine block. I just want to protect me and mine. It’s not going anywhere as long as handloaders exist. BlueDot baby.
