Which .40 to Choose? Smith, Beretta, PPQ

[Redcoat3340]

I've got a PX4compact .40 on the way. I'm going to do another one, a full-size pistol.

There are a bunch of "bargains" in .40 out there but I'm flummoxed about which to buy. Too many good guns. Would like some opinions and, if possible, based on experience. Here's the short list:

S&W 4006TSW for $350 or a CHP for $385.
I own more Smiths than anything else and would love to add this to the "collection." Plus it has a hammer and will last forever.

PPQ M2 5" for $385.00
Striker fire, but my 9mm Q had a great trigger but I sold it as I like hammers better.

M&P for $300
My 2.0 M&P in 9 is great, but it's my only striker fired.

Beretta 96G for $350 or 400
Like Berettas a bunch, it's the biggest with 4.87" barrel and I don't need a carry piece.

SD40VE for $200 locally
Probably needs some Apex love...but still cheap albeit a striker fired gun.

I'd be fine with any of these, just looking for some tie-breaking input.

 

[Valmet]

Any reason the Glock 22 or 23 didn’t make the list?

 

[dr. mordo]

This may be unwelcome, but the 40s I would look for first are an HK USP or USP Compact or a SIG P226/P229.

I own all of the above, and the H&Ks are fantastic pistols that are designed to eat up the recoil of .40 and make it very manageable. Meanwhile, the SIGs are beautifully designed, all metal classics. All could be gotten for ~$400 recently, although the USPs may have dried up at this point.

 

[sigp220.45]

I have several .40s (including an S&W 646 revolver) but my best shooting one is my Beretta 96. If I were to have only one, that big Beretta would be it.

 

[Abflyboy]

PPQ would be my choice over all of the others.

I might be a bit biased as I have or currently do own all of the others.

$385 for a 5" PPQ is a great deal that I personally wouldn't pass up.

Best option is to get all of the guns on your list.

 

[Redcoat3340]

A few explanations: I've had two glocks (9mm) over the years. Both were sold within a month. I didn't like the way they felt, not a big striker fired fan, and couldn't shoot them worth a damn...although I know a whole bunch of people who love 'em, but I won't eat kale either.

Looking at Sigs (I have a 220 in 9, 220 in 45, 226 SSE, a P6, and 229 in 9.) I just haven't found one yet under $400 but I'll keep looking. Haven't considered H&K but I'll check 'em out.

Keep the suggestions coming...good stuff, thanks.

 

[Abflyboy]

My favorite .40 that I used to own was a Taurus PT101 made just after Beretta sold/bequeathed the factory in Brazil. Clone to the Beretta 96 with the exception of a frame mounted safety that would let you carry cocked and locked or decock the hammer for a DA first pull.

It was a FANTASTIC gun and I was a dummy for letting it go. They can't be found around here any more. That thing went EVERYWHERE with me for many years.

 

[muddocktor]

I just got into the 40 S&W thing recently, when I ran across a decent deal on a 40 Hi Power Practical. If you don't mind spending a bit more, look around and see if you can find a 40 Hi Power at a decent price. It shoots great and is very accurate. Mine was shipped in the mid 90's and is an ex-cop gun and it was carried little and shot even less.

 

[wetdog1911]

I just got into the 40 S&W thing recently, when I ran across a decent deal on a 40 Hi Power Practical. If you don't mind spending a bit more, look around and see if you can find a 40 Hi Power at a decent price. It shoots great and is very accurate. Mine was shipped in the mid 90's and is an ex-cop gun and it was carried little and shot even less.

It's hard to beat a JMB design and even he said that the Hi Power was the culmination of the 1911 design. It was also the last pistol he designed. Not hard on the eyes either.

Rob

 

[Vistula]

I’ve always loved the Hi-Power, but in .40 it really excels. Because the slide is a bit wider than the 9mm, I feel the balance is better. Just my opinion of course. I currently have a couple of FN .40’s, one with the SFS and love it.

You might also wish to consider the H&K P30 in either the standard or long slide. Amazing to shoot with very controllable recoil. You also have a bonus of picking up a .357 Sig (9mm Magnum) barrel.

 

[Echo40]

If it were me, then I would most likely opt for either the S&W 4006TSW/CHP or the Beretta 96G since they're the best value for the dollar and probably the most pleasant to shoot.

I recently purchased a LNIB SW40VE, which is the predecessor to the SD40VE for $199 and love the way it feels in my hand, but I haven't gotten to shoot it yet, so I don't know how the recoil is going to be out of such a relatively lightweight, polymer-framed pistol.

 

[n c rod]

Which .40 ?

Beretta 96 for me. I have larger hands and the Beretta fills them. Recoil is mitigated by size and design. Beautiful pistol that I never tire cleaning it. Beretta knows something about recoil and it extends to shotguns too. I guess I am brand loyal.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

M&P 40 is a fine handgun. 15rd, full-size, reliable, ergonomically comfortable shooting the hot .40 S&W round. Mags are cheap and readily available.

Same gun will shoot .357SIG with an inexpensive spare barrel, otherwise uses same mags, etc. Gives you some hot shooting capability.

 

[Kanewpadle]

EAA Witness Elite Match. Single action. 15 rounds. Pleasure to shoot. And it has a hammer!

 

[Univibe]

I'd reconsider. Compared to 9, 40 costs more, kicks more, less capacity and can't do anything 9 can't do just as well. .40 should have never been born and is properly fading away.

 

[ladder13]

CHP 4006TSW

 

[murphydog]

From your post it sounds you are leaning toward the Beretta 96 or the 4006. Both are nice but this is the Smith & Wesson Forum...

 

[oysterer]

I would seriously consider the Sig P serial. There are many bargains out there, trade ins etc. The Sig 357 cal is even better if accuracy is of interest.

 

[malph]

As murphydog said, this is the Smith & Wesson forum.

If it's is a home defense weapon or a range gun, it's hard to beat a good Smith 4006. The all steel construction makes it heavy to carry but a *****cat to shoot.

I'd try to find a CHP model or TSW.

Smith had arguably more experience with the .40 than anyone and learning to make a good one.

If you are going to carry it, something like the M&P or PPQ is going to be a lot more comfortable.

 

[joeintexas]

I have the H&K USP 40 with the LEM and the FNH-FNS 40c. Both good guns. H&K tames the snappy of the 40 the best.