The 40 S&W is a great caliber; plenty of power and chambered in some pretty compact arms. If I were starting out, that's the caliber I'd have. But it arrived a little too late for me. I currently have 10 pistols in 45 ACP; a 50 cal ammo box full of ammo, plus ammo stacked up in the gun room. There's another 50 cal ammo box full of 45 empties. I have a carbide die set with a taper crimper, 2 four cavity bullet moulds, one a 180 gr SWC, the other a 230 gr RN, and puddles of loading data going back to 1964. The situation is the same for 9mm P, except I have 12 guns in that caliber, and loading data from 1960. I really don't want to get started with another caliber right in the middle of these two. My sole concession to the 40 caliber is a S&W Highway Patrolman I had Bowen Classic Arms ream out to 38-40. Anyone else feel the same regarding these three calibers or any others?
Why I don't have a 40 Cal
- Thread starter Cyrano
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USAF385
US Veteran
I don't own, nor do I plan to own any 9mm guns because all my semi autos (minus two) are chambered in .40 S&W. I prefer .40 over 9mm anyway, and there's no need for me to stock another caliber. I also don't plan on buying any more .45s, but I do plan on more .40s.
GatorFarmer
Member
You need the joy of the .357 Sig in your life. Then of course, you can just happen to keep a conversion barrel for .40 around.
During the ammo shortage, which still hasn't fully abated, I generally was able to find both .357 Sig and .40 ammo. Around here, .40 is the only handgun ammo commonly found at a reasonable price other than the ubiquitous 9mm.
I try to keep handguns around in all common or quasi common calibers ranging from .22 short to .44 mag. That way whatever ammo I happen across, I can probably use it.
I need conversion barrels for my Glock 32 and Sig P229R, otherwise I just keep a Sigma around in .40 and my wife's Beretta 96G. The Sigma is handy in a disposable door stop kind of way I suppose. I've sold or traded my other .40s, since to me they're all oddly workmanlike and I've never become personally attached to one.
During the ammo shortage, which still hasn't fully abated, I generally was able to find both .357 Sig and .40 ammo. Around here, .40 is the only handgun ammo commonly found at a reasonable price other than the ubiquitous 9mm.
I try to keep handguns around in all common or quasi common calibers ranging from .22 short to .44 mag. That way whatever ammo I happen across, I can probably use it.
I need conversion barrels for my Glock 32 and Sig P229R, otherwise I just keep a Sigma around in .40 and my wife's Beretta 96G. The Sigma is handy in a disposable door stop kind of way I suppose. I've sold or traded my other .40s, since to me they're all oddly workmanlike and I've never become personally attached to one.
I have all three calibers and like them all. The caliber I carry depends on which gun I chose usually based on how I dress that day.
My favorite is a M&P 40 Compact. I feel bigger holes are better. So who could argue with 12 rounds of 40S&W?
Guess I should mention that my back up is a 642 38 spl.
My favorite is a M&P 40 Compact. I feel bigger holes are better. So who could argue with 12 rounds of 40S&W?
Guess I should mention that my back up is a 642 38 spl.
My guess is that it depends on how long you have been shooting and reloading. I have half a dozen or more 9mm's and 4 or 5 45's. I also reload for a bunch of other calibers. I just don't see the need for a 40 and I am too old to learn to reload a new caliber.
However, if I could switch just barrels and have a 40, I might think about it.
However, if I could switch just barrels and have a 40, I might think about it.
Crazy K38
Member
well I had a .40 but after I got and started shooting .45 I noticed that the .45 was much more controllable. I really don't like how snappy the .40 round is.
Pretty much what cp1969 said.
I bought a M&P FS in .40 a while back mainly because I already have a 9mm Glock, .45 Glock and Colt Gold Cup Trophy as well as a Springfield Armory XD in .357 SIG.
My birthday(12/16) and Christmas present from my wife were Storm Lake barrels in both 9mm and .357 SIG.
My birthday(12/16) and Christmas present from my wife were Storm Lake barrels in both 9mm and .357 SIG.
writerinmo
US Veteran
I really enjoy the .40, I dont have any problems 'managing' it but then I stay away from the lightweight hotter loads, sticking with 180gr pretty much, either in Remington, Federal or Blazer factory ammo.
Evil Dog
US Veteran
Can't say as I've ever had any urge towards a "foh-tay". I am primarily a bullseye shooter... my Model 52 in 38 Special does everything I could ask. If I ever was to start looking for another bottom feeder it would be in 45 ACP.
semperfi71
US Veteran
I personally believe that semi-auto handguns are a passing fad. Hence I own only two, a .45 ACP and a .22 LR.
Soon the semi-auto crowd will regain its sanity as will the liberals and the world will become right again.
Soon the semi-auto crowd will regain its sanity as will the liberals and the world will become right again.
649 Bodyguard
Member
I bought a Sig P229 about 13 years ago. Have not shot it yet. But with ammo at around $30.00 for a 100 count box, and very easy to find. I might just have to start shooting it. I could not even find a 100 count box of 38 special the other day after going to three places to buy some.
Sir, IMHO the .40 is a fine thing for other people. If you can manage a .45, there's not much call for a .40.
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
shooboy
US Veteran
Exactly my thoughts. In fact today I'm selling off my remaining 400 rounds of 40's for $90, Shoo
What does it hurt to own guns in any or all of the calibers?
My favorite gun is a revolver in .357 mag. Following behind that is real 1911 guns in the original .45acp. Then comes the .40 S&W and on down the line.
I have guns in 15 different calibers, most often a few guns in each caliber. Some of my guns in calibers has never been fired, even after owning them for many years. They may not be shot, used or carried but they also are not for sale. I would not hesitate to use one but why? I have others. I have never fired a .41 mag or a .45LC but own both. They are not collector guns but they have actual value and it gets higher each year.
Also changing every now and then is my choice of calibers. It usually winds back at the .357 mag after a short duration enjoying other calibers. Back in the 80's I thought highly of the 9mm but have not fired one in the last 20 yrs yet I still own a few.
There are things you just do not get rid of and those you do are generally bought again.
Keep what you got, shoot what you like, buy more as you can.
My favorite gun is a revolver in .357 mag. Following behind that is real 1911 guns in the original .45acp. Then comes the .40 S&W and on down the line.
I have guns in 15 different calibers, most often a few guns in each caliber. Some of my guns in calibers has never been fired, even after owning them for many years. They may not be shot, used or carried but they also are not for sale. I would not hesitate to use one but why? I have others. I have never fired a .41 mag or a .45LC but own both. They are not collector guns but they have actual value and it gets higher each year.
Also changing every now and then is my choice of calibers. It usually winds back at the .357 mag after a short duration enjoying other calibers. Back in the 80's I thought highly of the 9mm but have not fired one in the last 20 yrs yet I still own a few.
There are things you just do not get rid of and those you do are generally bought again.
Keep what you got, shoot what you like, buy more as you can.
JcMack
Member
I have one .40, a G23. I have a 9mm conv. barrel for it. I anxiously await the release of of the .17SIG.
Andy Griffith
Member
I own one- it was way ahead of it's time... but it's called the .38 Winchester. 
Ogandydancer
Member
My guns currently are as follow .380 .38 9mm .40 .357sig th latter of which I have not yet shot.
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