Thoughts on a 40 S&W

shockwave said:
Hey there. Just thinking about getting a 40 S&W, any thoughts on this calibre would be great!
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Do you currently shoot any other handgun caliber? The .40S&W has a stronger snap than a 9mm and doesn't feel as " smooth" as a .45ACP.
It's a round that is slowly falling out of favour with LE agencies. More recoil, more wear on gun frames, harder to shoot accurately without training and perseverence. Also more expensive than 9mm.
On the Canadian market, gun models available in both 9mm and .40 will resell better in 9mm than .40.

As a caliber, I think it's dying out slowly as a mainstream shooter. It'll always have a good sized niche market though, like the 10mm, .38 Super and .357 SIG. If you enjoy making slightly bigger holes and enjoy the bigger snap than a 9mm, then go for it! I own 2 and they are fun for me!
 
I don't see the need for .40 or 10mm caliber, I prefer the feel of a .45 acp (in a 1911) and 357mag (in a revolver).
 
As was mentioned, the only really need for 40 S&W is if you shoot IPSC standard division. It is a bonus there as it is milder to shoot than a 45, and it can easily maintain 10 rd capacity. As far as straight target shooting, a 9mm is definitely easier and cheaper to shoot and just as accurate if not more so. For defence, forget it, we cannot use handguns to defend ourselves here in Canada. I would personally prefer a 40 over a 45, but other than that, it is 9mm all the way for ease of shooting and affordability.
 
One advantage of .40 over .45 is if we are shooting in competitions. There is never time between shooters to collect brass. So it's left to the end of the day. The .45 guys get much of it back but there's not really a lot of extra. On the other hand the ground is frequently left littered with 9 and .40 and it's there for the picking if you're a reloader. It's not a huge deal but if one shoots enough ammo the reduced cost of the "free" brass and the lighter bullets all adds up over time.

And as mentioned .40 meets the power factor for Major in events where that matters where 9 can't or has to be "turbocharged" as 9 major to meet the power factor.

For a casual shooter that won't be in any competitions .40 is still a little more expensive. And there again if you shoot lots this can add up. But if you have tried some .40 guns and enjoy the added recoil kick and only shoot up to maybe 400 rounds a month this isn't a big amount. And if you would like to shoot more than that and you find the finances are tighter than perhaps you should be looking at 9mm. Or reloading. But then reloading requires time. Time you may or may not have.

All this and all the things mentioned above are the questions you need to answer to yourself and then weigh up the options. The paper or steel we shoot at doesn't care which you use. So it's all about cost vs your own grin factor as to which way you go.
 
Don't listen to the "need" talk. if that's what you want to try, go for it. I personally shoot and load 9/40s&w/45acp/357mag/44spl/44mag just because I want to have experience on all these calibers. I love them all equally!
personally I don't shoot any match and only play with popular service pistols, in 40S&W, I have MP40/G22/P226(these 3 all have 9mm barrels as well) and HKP30L. The most accurate one, happens to be the most expensive one, is HK P30L, followed by P226. Having said that, all 4 are very accurate @ 25 meters. MP40 range kit is the best value IMO. pick what you want and have fun!
 
Whilst I shoot many calibers...I'm still a .40 fan...with reloads the cost difference is negligible..I just love the snappy round..shooting way more .40 than any other...for comp I'd go 9mm..
 
The 40S&W is cheaper than the .45 to shoot and more fun than the 9mm. Finding the right gun for the individual, is another question.
I've tried many and found the steel frame Jericho 941 is best for me, followed by a 1911(S.A.M.)
The best light load for the Jericho, that I've found is 180Gr. Campro plated/4.2gr. Power Pistol @ 1.125 OAL.
 
I picked up a ppq m2 in 40. Love it. Very accurate and comfortable. Why did i get it? Because i could. Filled a gap in my stable and i personally wanted one. No other reason needed. No need to justify it to anyone else.
 
Still alive said:
The .40S&W has a stronger snap than a 9mm and doesn't feel as " smooth" as a .45ACP.
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This is well put. It's a "snappy" calibre, and I think that's accentuated by typically being in polymer pistols. (read- light weight pistols)

I have a Glock 22, I like it, but I shoot 9mm and .45ACP twice as much.. maybe more

ITB
 
The second pistol I bought was chambered in .40S&W (P226). I still like shooting it on occasion and I use it particularly when I want to work on recoil management. It kicks harder than 9mm so when I go back to 9mm I have better accuracy and groupings,
 
When 9mm ammo gets scarce you can still find .40 (or so I'm told)

A couple months ago I bought a Glock 22 (.40) and a 40-9mm conversion barrel for it. 2 calibers, same gun.
 
If you go to the need argument, you are not a true gun nut. As a guy who has from 25 auto to 50 AE pistols I can say that there are not many calibers that are not worth owning. 40 S&W is fun to shoot and if you reload not that expensive either.
 
I had a CZ75 in 40 and only traded it because it didn't fit my hand. I call BS on the "snappy" rhetoric. Something between 9 and 45 - as it should be. If enforcement agencies are moving away from it, it's because they are filling quotas by hiring people who should not be doing law enforcement - and then letting accountants determine weapons choices based on cost of practice ammo.

40 is a great choice. I don't own any now because I just love shooting the 45ACP 1911s.

You can rent them at the range. Try it out. ...but not a glock. :rolleyes: That would taint the results.

Rob!
 
shockwave said:
Hey there. Just thinking about getting a 40 S&W, any thoughts on this calibre would be great!
Click to expand...

I own 22, 9mm, 40 and 45 handguns. In all honesty 40 is generally least favorite. I find it has a pretty snappy recoil, not really bad but more pronounced. Similar in nature to a 9mm but more pronounced especially in a poly frame gun. The 45 is a heavier but slower recoil, more of a strong push. For economics the 9mm is best, I like the 45 in a 1911 the best to shoot but accuracy wise there is really no significant difference between the big three cartridges. Having said all that I shoot my CZ TS in 40 the best. Big heavy steel gun. I have a really dialed in reload for that gun and it is like a lazer beam.
 
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