I don't know if it is dead, but personally I am not a big fan of it.
Several years ago in an ammo acquisition I received 2,000
rounds of .40 S&W ammo. I didn't have a .40 cal at the time
and it just sat around. I figured with all the ammo I might as
well get myself a 40. I shopped around, and purchased a Model 4006 in 2009.
I took it to the range and fired about 200 rounds through it.
I wasn't very impressed with the .40 cal round but I loved the gun.
I have several third gens in 10mm, 45ACP, and 9mm that I love
to shoot, but there was something about the .40 that just didn't
do it for me.
All this being said, last year I bought another Model 4006 at a
gun show for under $350.00 out the door just for the price.
No box or papers but it was in 95% plus condition.
So now I have two Model 4006s and 1,800 rounds of .40 S&W
just sitting around. I don't know if I will ever get around to
shooting them again. When I do go to the range,
I usually shoot my revolvers, either a Model 28, 625, or a 629.
I am not saying the round it dead, nor am I putting it down.
It just doesn't do anything for me.
JMHO.
Stu