Is it worth buying a .40?

Davy Crockett

Davy Crockett

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I'd like to expand my handgun collection but I don't know if i should get more pistols in calibers I already have or if I should consider other options.

I don't reload yet but my first thought was to stick to a couple of calibers to keep reloading simple and a bit cheaper when I start. I would stick with 9mm and .45 which I already own. From a practical standpoint I don't really need anything else and there are plenty of pistols in both calibers I'd like to get.

My other thought was once the reloading set up is purchased the cost to do other calibers isn't huge and variety is always fun.

I'd love to get something in 10mm but there isn't much available that appeals (I'd love a DW Commander in 10mm). The other option would be .40 but I wonder is it worth it? As a round what makes .40 worth considering other than variety for variety's sake?

The only other thing might be a wheel gun in .357. I don't own a revolver yet and while I didn't initially plan to, they are growing on me.

So many decisions......
 
I just scrapped my .40SW gun for exactly the same reason you'd like to buy one, it's just a different caliber.

I had 5 different handgun calibers at one time, now I have 3. 9mm, .357 sig and .45.

Really, what more do I need? a 10mm maybe? I don't know.

This is how I broke it down, in my opinion, the .40 is a great all around service caliber. It is OK at many things, but not great in any one thing. I skidded it because it was just another caliber to stock which is kind of a pain in the ass.

If I were you, 9mm and .45 sounds fine.
 
targettarget's answer just goes to show how much of a personal thing shooting is. I'm the total opposite. I don't see much point in getting different guns in the same calibres (unless a specific model really catches my eye); to me, the (sometimes) subtle differences between calibres is one of the things that make shooting so interesting.

As a result, I load 10 different cartridges in 6 different calibres. It was expensive at first, but it definitely contributes to my continued interest in the sport.
 
.40 makes sense if you want to experience what the cops feel like when they shoot.

.40 does not make sense if you just want to punch holes in paper targets and want to save a few pennies. Reload or not, 9mm is always cheaper than .40.

If you don't have any plans in using the handgun against a person and at the same time need a bigger mag capacity than .45 ones, then again it does not make sense.
 
.40 is more fun

Try shooting plates with 9x19. Then shoot them with .40.

The plates will know the difference, and so will you.

Comparing 9x19 and .40 is like comparing .22LR and 9x19.
 
There's only one way to find out if you like the 40s&w... get one! Once you get into reloading, the cost of various ammo will pretty much all be the same...

If the thought of having a wheel gun is growing on you, why not get a S&W 610 (Armco has a nice one)... then you can shoot either 40s&w or 10mm :)

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The 9mm is an inherently more accurate cartridge than the .40 and is cheaper. If you're really worried about end point effectiveness get some JHP or +p+ JHP's for your 9mm.
 
I dropped all my 9mm in favour of a P229 in .40/.357Sig. The fun factor is much higher on the .40, and when you add in the capability of the .357Sig it's a pretty easy decision. #### 9mm. Unless you are shooting on a budget...

I also don't see the point in owning guns in the same caliber, unless they are rifle/pistol. But again, maybe it's different for people who can only afford to shoot one caliber? I would love a Storm in .357Sig to go with my P229, eventually.
 
"End point effectiveness"

BKP99 said:
The 9mm is an inherently more accurate cartridge than the .40 and is cheaper. If you're really worried about end point effectiveness get some JHP or +p+ JHP's for your 9mm.
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Inherently more accurate? Are you f**king serious?

ISU? IHMSA? What kind of accuracy competition are you participating in?

Hmmm....wait a minute..."end point effectiveness"...oh, you don't compete at all. You're a gun writer! :p
 
The .40S&W round certainly feels different from 9mm and .45ACP. Some like it; others find it too snappy. Personally, I enjoy shooting by .40 BHP.
 
I too have a 9mm and a .45 and have the same dilemma regarding future purchases.

I've decided that I'll try to keep the minimum number of calibers in my collection. If a gun is available in a caliber I already have then I'll just buy that. Most guns that are available in .40 are also available in 9mm so I'll stick with 9mm. This would include Glocks, Sig Saur 226/229, H&K USP, Beratta M9/92 etc.

On the other hand if a gun is not generally available in one of my existing calibers then I'll buy it in a different one. E.g. if I get a revolver I'll go for a .357, and I might get a .22 just for fun.

The .40 is preferred by the police because of its supposed "stopping power", which is only marginally better than 9mm at the cost of higher recoil. But we're not likely to use our guns for street battles so it doesn't matter. In any case .45 is better than .40 for when you go gang banging. :)

So in my view stay with 9mm.
 
.40

Just cant see buying a .40 as 9mm and 45acp cover above and below what I might need also simple to reload. Now getting a good 38/357 revolver then .44 special and .44mag is a different story, much fun factor and wider variety of usable loads, revolvers are not so fussy to load for and you dont have to search for the empty brass its right there in the cylinder, very light loads or high power all good as no slide to cycle. So many choices, good luck.
 
My first handgun was a Beretta Vertec in .40 so I've got a certain affinity towards that gun (and that calibre). 9mm just doesn't do it for me but is a favourite of the wife and while I love my 1911 in .45, the extra cost kills me.
 
K-2 said:
I too have a 9mm and a .45 and have the same dilemma regarding future purchases.

I've decided that I'll try to keep the minimum number of calibers in my collection. If a gun is available in a caliber I already have then I'll just buy that. Most guns that are available in .40 are also available in 9mm so I'll stick with 9mm. This would include Glocks, Sig Saur 226/229, H&K USP, Beratta M9/92 etc.

On the other hand if a gun is not generally available in one of my existing calibers then I'll buy it in a different one. E.g. if I get a revolver I'll go for a .357, and I might get a .22 just for fun.

The .40 is preferred by the police because of its supposed "stopping power", which is only marginally better than 9mm at the cost of higher recoil. But we're not likely to use our guns for street battles so it doesn't matter. In any case .45 is better than .40 for when you go gang banging. :)

So in my view stay with 9mm.
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From what I've read, .40SW's 'stopping power' is closer to that of .45ACP than 9mm.
 
I bought a 40S&W so I wouldn't have to buy a 9mm and 45. It is my only pistol as I prefer revolver 357 and 22s. Next handgun on the wish list is a 44mag then I think I am done.
 
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