Lack of interest in 40 SW yet 10MM is getting popular??

[tejano]

I reload for everything except for 22LR. My interest in the 40 has grown. I have gone from a single 40 pistol to five in the last year. The 40 will be back.

"Beaver will shine again, Bill Tyler!"

 

[Lt.Donn]

If you really want to have some fun...and you have a Lot of $ to spare...buy an HK MP-10...for those of us who were fortunate to be issued an MP-5 in the day...I can attest to the fun factor of the MP-10...if a 3-round burst of 10mm doesn't stop the threat.. it really sucks to be you that day...just sayin

 

[SASFixer]

The 10mm popularity is stoked by "BEAR ATTACKS" on hunters. It is common place for hunters from the EAST to carry a 10mm as a PDW in bear country of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico. The population of Alaska which has a large population of LARGE BEARS have an affinity for large caliber handguns. 20 or so years ago my family vacationed in the vicinity of Glacier National Park, the locals were focused on the loss of a horseback tour guide.

 

[SW41MAG]

So the FBI dropped the 40 SW and then of course people no longer were interested. Everything is high cap 9mm
Yet, it seems many are now getting into 10mm?
I don't get it?

The FBI dropped the 10mm before it adopted the 40S&W. Personally I've always preferred the 10mm. Have 3 10mm semi-auto (2 Glocks, 1 S&W) to 1 40 S&W (S&W) + 2 S&W 610's. Since the 610's use moon clips I normally shoot 40S&W at the range since they're cheaper and there isn't any noticable difference in accuracy.

 

[Beau254]

So the FBI dropped the 40 SW and then of course people no longer were interested. Everything is high cap 9mm
Yet, it seems many are now getting into 10mm?
I don't get it?

With the rise of terminal ballistics & bullet technology there really isn't enough difference in 9mm & .40 S&W.
Thats why the Anemic .40- Slow & Weak hasn't caught on as well. The only real advantage for .40S&W would be running 180 gr . But then you have ~ 35-40% more recoil than 9mm. In a carry situation especially with micro sized pistols that equates to less reaction time between shots getting back on target. You can get more rounds on target quicker with a 9mm.
If you're going to step up in auto caliber, 10mm decimates all. Plus like many say, it can be loaded up to endless possibilities. Especially with pistol hunting. Which I enjoy. One of the best semi-auto hunting cartridges around. Just ask uncle Ted or Razor Dobbs all about that. It's been proven around the World.

 

[Greyman50]

Have yet to shoot 40s in my 610 but if and when S&W sends me the replacement gold dot front sight I will. Due to nerve issues and several hand arm /surgeries had to sell my 44 Mags. Hated it but MD said would be best not to shoot any pistol that caused hands to tingle and get numb. 20-30 years ago shot lots of 44 Mag at our hunt club, fun times. I shoot 22 RF, 22 Mag.38 Spl, 357 Mag, 9 mm,45 ACP and 10 mm. in pistols. Once in a blue moon shoot 25 AC, 32 ACP and 380. Ruger LC Carbine in 10 mm is a Real Blast to shoot and will try and post pics of 200 yard target as soon as can get back to outdoor range.

 

[ViperVette]

I have both calibers and love them. I just ordered an FN510T so it will be my 5th 10mm including a Glock 20 and a Glock 40 and 2 Sig 320 X-10s.
I only have an HK P30L in 40 but I'm looking for another in that caliber. Love shooting both.

 

[Gunny209]

Loves me some 10mm, hate the .40.

Let me say first, I'm not a reloader. I have been told that there's no such thing as +P .40. Someone correct me if I'm wrong there.

But I've also been told that there's room in the 10mm loadings to safely run up the velocity a decent bit.

When I shoot steel plates with one of my 10mm guns, the plates react a LOT more violently over both .45acp & 9mm. In short, they're just wicked, wicked fun to shoot reactive targets with.

Unless you buy premium 10mm you're getting 40S&W ballistics. Do some research. 10mm is only worthwhile if you buy buffalo bore or some other "hot" loads. Most factory loads are very mild. Now, if you reload you can definitely see and feel the difference.

 

[Moose074]

I have a few opinions on why just opinion. I shoot the 9 because ammo is cheap. I was stationed In Alaska late 90's. I am a traditionalist more so then then now.. I owned more revolvers than I did semi auto. My roommate bought a Glock 10 mm because he asked people and he listened to stories. He couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with it couldn't tell you anything about it, but he asked the guy at the store and he asked other supposed expert. I agree the Internet has a lot to do with what trends. So when people do a Google search if there's a recent event with a 10 mm it will probably produce the most results..
Go along with the same theme above many people believe that law-enforcement carry the the latest and greatest weapons. They never consider that the largest departments and federal agencies when they adapt the pistols they're going to carry that pistol needs to be able to work in the hands of a 6 foot six 250 pound male all the way down to the 5'2 100 pound agent as well.
I love shooting if I'm lucky I get to go once a month but with arthritis in both hands, I only shoot my 45 a few times a year I might fire off a box a 9 mm then how fire a few hundred rounds from my 22. If I had unlimited funds and unlimited time, I would probably own one of every caliber, but if I had to choose one, it's gonna be a 9mm just because I can get the ammo cheap and easily.
I would also remind that most these people that make things popular go out after they buy it maybe put a few boxes worth through it and then it'll collect dust until they read about the next greatest item

 

[Donb10]

So the FBI dropped the 40 SW and then of course people no longer were interested. Everything is high cap 9mm
Yet, it seems many are now getting into 10mm?
I don't get it?

If the FBI dropped the 9MM and went to the 22lr, the Military and half the police agencies in America would follow them.

 

[Jim Kuykendall]

Yes, I'm thinking the single biggest thing they had go wrong was not calling it in for local PD assistance. Could it have been a confluence of ego, adrenaline and confidence of their team leader(s), who knows. But if it didn't lead to exploring capacity, back up guns and spare ammo on your person, it called up a caliber debate giving way to some impressive calibers, albeit expensive ones.

We and maybe they(FBI) confused surveilance and apprehension. Regardless, they were under gunned for the latter. Dad, pictured in my AVATAR carried the thompson in the trunk to suppliment the 357 at his hip.

 

[mtgianni]

I currently own and shoot a Glock 40 10mm, S&Walther 99 and a Kahr CM 40, I also enjoy my 610-3. I cast and reload for all of them and tailor my loads for the two different 40 caliber guns. IMO, the only place the 40 is waning is in Law Enforcement sales.

 

[Shadow1006]

Here are a few of my 10mm firearms... I have enjoyed the 10mm since the very beginning of 1990. Yes I do handload for mine.

 

[Shadow1006]

This one is my Holy Grail 10mm

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Regarding the 40 S&W in 1990 apparently they forgot the 45 ACP that has been around since 1911.

Talk about DEI in 1990. The 40 Short and Weak was never a match for the 45 ACP.

 

[65Whelen]

Unless you buy premium 10mm you're getting 40S&W ballistics. Do some research. 10mm is only worthwhile if you buy buffalo bore or some other "hot" loads. Most factory loads are very mild. Now, if you reload you can definitely see and feel the difference.

I've heard this time and time again as a big 10mm negative. Bla bla bla bla bla, to me it's a positive. What do people who use a 44mag for self defense and practice? Reduced loads (44 Special loads). What do people with 357s do minimize over penitration and practice? Reduced loads (38 Special loads). You have the same ability with the 10mm. When I'm at the cabin with wolves and bears (oh my) I load up the buffalo boar, when back home city life, standard factory ammo fit the bill. So your negative is a positive, win win.

 

[glenwolde]

Shooters who want more power but won't buy a revolver.

It's the most powerful auto cartridge in mass production. Sure there are more powerful cartridges chambered in autos but generally not in the variety of models and with the ammo availability that the 10mm has. For the non-reloaders it's the best choice if they want maximum power.

Plus they are told by the LGS Commandos that it's equal to the .41 Magnum. Which it is not. But still more power than other choices.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Yet, it seems many are now getting into 10mm?

What a coincidence I was at the Range yesterday. Sixty (60) shooters and not one had a 10mm.

It's a niche caliber. Just like the 38 Super. At my LGS they don't have any 10mm pistols on display and I doubt they would have ammunition for it.

 

[Howie57]

So the FBI dropped the 40 SW and then of course people no longer were interested. Everything is high cap 9mm
Yet, it seems many are now getting into 10mm?
I don't get it?

40 SW is still one of my favorite rounds. No grizzlies where I live

 

[scottR68]

For me, caliber choice is just as personal as it gets. But keeping up with trends has never been my deal. At least since I grew up a little and figured it out, kinda. It's always been out of necessity, really with every gun I've ever owned. (With the exception of one Colt Delta Elite 1911 10MM back in the late 80's) and that ironically it was enough to turn me off to 10MM. I'm sure technology has made them far more shootable but still. No 10mm for me thanks. That Colt broke me from 10s a looong time ago. It's the only gun I've taken a huge hit on as far as resell, just to get rid of it. So I am not a fan from a bad personal experience. And I can safely say, it was the worst gun I've ever owned.

But that's just me and my experience. It's all about PERSONAL preference and what works best for the job at hand. Like any other tool.

I've had to drop from a .40 to a 9mm. Out of necessity. That being said, that's always been my driving factor. The recoil, form the .40 hits a nerve just right in my shoulder, and can cause me to lose my grip, I've nearly dropped mine from pushing past my limit. No bueno! I can shoot better, train longer, etc. with a less snappy 9mm pistol, that I can control the most effectively. I changed from .45 to .40 cal iirc in '96-'97 and I never looked back. Until about a year ago. And I've gone to a 9mm for the first time, I am so much better with it than the lager calibers, and it's more enjoyable to train now.

I have no idea why "caliber trends" do what they do. It's a debate that's probably as old as guns themselves. But, for as long as I can remember, the FBI has set the standard, for what people consider the "best" most effective round in general. And our civilian reaction to what their "best round" seems to repeat itself. My biggest guess would be just that, and secondly reloading is big for some.

Bottom line is, there is no "best round" for EVERY situation.

My unsolicited advice is to find what you can be the most effective with, then train, train and train some more with it. End of story. Period.