Fun 40S&W Pistol

[Lunker]

During the last two big ammo shortages, many of us noticed that 9mm and 45ACP were nowhere to be found, but 40 S&W was usually on the shelf. I am pretty well stocked with reloading supplies for 9mm, but it is nice to have a gun where you can always find ammo for it regardless of the political environment.
With that in mind, I am looking for a do-it-all semi auto pistol in 40 S&W. it should be accurate, reliable and durable, but mostly it should be fun. It won’t come out of the safe too often, but when it does I want to enjoy shooting it. I welcome your suggestions…

Here are some super non-fun 40 pistols (from my experience only):
Glock 27
Glock 23
HK P30 (surprised at how snappy this was)
Beretta 96 (too bad. I am a Beretta da/sa fanboy)

I do have a few early leaders in my search:
PX4 - i truly love shooting my 9mm, but have not tried in 40.
M&P40 2.0 - I have been shooting my M&P9’s more than any other pistol, and they are my favorite of the striker guns.
And I regret having sold my old CZ P06. That was a great pistol. I don’t see them for sale very often though.

[GJM]

The Gen 5 22/23 are completely different animals than early generations, and are much more fun to shoot.

[OfficeCat]

P229.

[Lunker]

P229.

I just wish those classic metal Sigs weren’t so righty oriented. I used to own a west german P210, but sold it.
I have a Sig 226 Legion SAO in 9 mm, and that is a beauty and a great shooter. It is the gun people reach for when I take friends shooting. I wish Sig made the 229 Legion SAO in 40.

[HeavyDuty]

Have you shot a Gen5 23 or 27? They are a totally different experience compared to earlier Glock .40s. My 27.5 is actually pleasant.

Edit - GJM beat me to it.

[revchuck38]

I'd go with the M&P. The 1.0s can usually be found as LE trade-ins for under $300 and don't suffer from the accuracy issues the 9x19 1.0s had. Magazines are relatively cheap too. I have an M&P40 1.0 with a TLR 1 that pulls full-time nightstand duty.

[Lunker]

Have you shot a Gen5 23 or 27? They are a totally different experience compared to earlier Glock .40s. My 27.5 is actually pleasant.

Edit - GJM beat me to it.

I haven’t. I still own a GEN5 G34 and 43X, but I ditched the rest of my Glocks for M&Ps.
It’s good to know Glock improved the product and the experience. The Gen 3/4 40 guns were unpleasant.


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[Le Français]

You didn’t say affordable, so how about a 2011? Since the .40 fell out of favor with LE agencies, USPSA Limited Division is where .40 actually has a place.

On the other end of the race gun vs. reliability spectrum, I would go with an HK USP40 or USP40c.

[Lunker]

You didn’t say affordable, so how about a 2011? Since the .40 fell out of favor with LE agencies, USPSA Limited Division is where .40 actually has a place.

On the other end of the race gun vs. reliability spectrum, I would go with an HK USP40 or USP40c.

To me, HK’s are one of those guns you shoot because you know they will work. But except for my P7 (another regretful sale) I would never call any of them “fun”.


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[Ichiban]

I have a Sig 1911 in 40S&W that is just a joy to shoot and scary accurate. The only 40S&W that I have left and I don't think I'm ever getting rid of it.

[Bucky]

On the other end of the race gun vs. reliability spectrum, I would go with an HK USP40 or USP40c.

My STI has technically been more reliable than my USPc. Admittedly, the USPc doesn’t like the light stuff, which isn’t necessarily a flaw, but the STI eats everything.

[Duelist]

I have a Sig 1911 in 40S&W that is just a joy to shoot and scary accurate. The only 40S&W that I have left and I don't think I'm ever getting rid of it.

The only .40 I’ve ever shot and enjoyed every minute was an STI 1911. Others have had their moments, some more and some less, but that STI… I think bad thoughts about its owner every time I think about that gun.

[Exiledviking]

To me, HK’s are one of those guns you shoot because you know they will work. But except for my P7 (another regretful sale) I would never call any of them “fun”.


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My USP Experts beg to disagree. My 9mm Expert has a superb single action trigger and it's very accurate. One of my favorites to shoot. The first time I won the local bowling pin match, I was shooting that pistol with surplus Federal XM9001 115 gr JHPs.

I bought a USP40 for the same reasons as you listed. Myself and a friend went searching for a soft recoiling .40 and tried several platforms. The USP was the winner. The PX4 was a top contender to the USP.
Used USP40 pistols can be usually be found fairly cheap. Add a Match Trigger kit and it'll be more fun.

[Tokarev]

You didn’t say affordable, so how about a 2011? Since the .40 fell out of favor with LE agencies, USPSA Limited Division is where .40 actually has a place.

On the other end of the race gun vs. reliability spectrum, I would go with an HK USP40 or USP40c.


I have a Sig 1911 in 40S&W that is just a joy to shoot and scary accurate. The only 40S&W that I have left and I don't think I'm ever getting rid of it.


The only .40 I’ve ever shot and enjoyed every minute was an STI 1911. Others have had their moments, some more and some less, but that STI… I think bad thoughts about its owner every time I think about that gun.

Yep.



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[1slow]

HK USP 40 full size , the original overbuilt 40. LEM is my preference.

[fly out]

I don't know, I think the USP40c qualifies as being a fun gun? I'd see if you can find one from a friend or range so that you can give it a try.

[Crusader]

The only 40 I ever ran across that was not fun to shoot was a CZ P06, bought one of the first runs when they were released. CZ really dropped the ball with them, marketed as a compact carry gun same as the P01 but they didn’t offer flush fitting mags. Really defeats the purpose of a compact carry gun when you have an extra inch hanging out the grip, especially when it doesn't increase capacity. Also found it uncomfortable to carry IWB and it suffered from misfeeds. I think the misfeeds were caused by shoddy magazines, CZ rushed them to marked without developing quality mags for them. Sold it quickly and never again looked at a CZ 40.

I have all manner of Glock 40s find them all extremely fun to shoot and train with.

The one gun I think I would like to try in 40 is the SA EMP, but only the 4”. Not sure if they made the 4” in 40 and not interested in the 3”.

[TexasSiegfried]

Sig SP2022!!!!

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[Navin Johnson]

Or…… one could just use common sense and spend all that money buying more cases of whatever your true carry guns are. Then one could practice using their emergency rescue equipment. Otherwise buy a twin to what you carry in 40. So you can at least practice with something similar. Trigger manual of arms etc.

[KevH]

I would strong recommend the M&P 40 (original or 2.0 with a strong preference for the 5" variety if you can find one) or the H&K USP (fullsize or Compact...skip the P2000 in 40) with a LEM trigger.

[Slice]

During the last two big ammo shortages, many of us noticed that 9mm and 45ACP were nowhere to be found, but 40 S&W was usually on the shelf. I am pretty well stocked with reloading supplies for 9mm, but it is nice to have a gun where you can always find ammo for it regardless of the political environment.
With that in mind, I am looking for a do-it-all semi auto pistol in 40 S&W. it should be accurate, reliable and durable, but mostly it should be fun. It won’t come out of the safe too often, but when it does I want to enjoy shooting it. I welcome your suggestions…

Here are some super non-fun 40 pistols (from my experience only):
Glock 27
Glock 23
HK P30 (surprised at how snappy this was)
Beretta 96 (too bad. I am a Beretta da/sa fanboy)

I do have a few early leaders in my search:
PX4 - i truly love shooting my 9mm, but have not tried in 40.
M&P40 2.0 - I have been shooting my M&P9’s more than any other pistol, and they are my favorite of the striker guns.
And I regret having sold my old CZ P06. That was a great pistol. I don’t see them for sale very often though.
I recommend giving the HK VP40 a try. Fun to shoot and plenty accurate.

[Paul D]

This is my favorite Fun 40. It is heavy and the trigger is great.

116683

[Crusader]

I would strong recommend the M&P 40 (original or 2.0 with a strong preference for the 5" variety if you can find one) or the H&K USP (fullsize or Compact...skip the P2000 in 40) with a LEM trigger.

Agree with the M&P, gun was designed with the 40 in mind. I’ve had two for a very long time. A 5” pro series and a Vickers 4”, both have APEX triggers. Great shooting 40’s that soak up the recoil nicely.

I will say this I’ve never been bothered by 40 recoil, spent a lot of time with them. Last duty gun was a Gen 4 22. But the softest shooting 40 I ever shot was a 22c, those compensated Glock 40’s are like shooting 9mm. The downside loud as hell, I’ve done quite a bit of low light shooting with them and it is one hell of a fireball blasting out of the top. But contrary to what’s posted on the internet it does not interfere with your front sight, the fireballs are directed away from it. But yeah loud a bright for sure.

[KevH]

Agree with the M&P, gun was designed with the 40 in mind. I’ve had two for a very long time. A 5” pro series and a Vickers 4”, both have APEX triggers. Great shooting 40’s that soak up the recoil nicely.

I will say this I’ve never been bothered by 40 recoil, spent a lot of time with them. Last duty gun was a Gen 4 22. But the softest shooting 40 I ever shot was a 22c, those compensated Glock 40’s are like shooting 9mm. The downside loud as hell, I’ve done quite a bit of low light shooting with them and it is one hell of a fireball blasting out of the top. But contrary to what’s posted on the internet it does not interfere with your front sight, the fireballs are directed away from it. But yeah loud a bright for sure.

I like the 22C as well, but dealt with so many Gen3 Glock 40 S&W shenanigans that I would never recommend one. The problem with any of them, the 22C included, is that they still use the same RSA as the 17 and instead relied on the frame to absorb recoil. Clamp on a light on that sucker and gun no worky.

If it were 1999 and I was working somewhere I had to carry a 40 S&W there is not a doubt in my mind it would be either a H&K USP or H&K USP Compact.

Now that Glock FINALLY seems to have cracked the code on 40 S&W pistols the caliber is essentially dead in LE.

[JonInWA]

HK P30L or VP40, or Gen5 Glock G23 are my recommendations. Best, Jon

[Crusader]

I like the 22C as well, but dealt with so many Gen3 Glock 40 S&W shenanigans that I would never recommend one. The problem with any of them, the 22C included, is that they still use the same RSA as the 17 and instead relied on the frame to absorb recoil. Clamp on a light on that sucker and gun no worky.

If it were 1999 and I was working somewhere I had to carry a 40 S&W there is not a doubt in my mind it would be either a H&K USP or H&K USP Compact.

Now that Glock FINALLY seems to have cracked the code on 40 S&W pistols the caliber is essentially dead in LE.

We found that the problem with the light and Gen 3 Glock 40s came down to cranking down on the light tension too much. We have a tendency to crank down on them to insure they are nice and tight, problems. But when you backed off and just mounted them firmly without cranking down, few if any problems. Of course it shouldn’t have mattered, but that was what we found out worked with them and lights our Gen 4’s didn’t have that problem.

[CSW]

Try a Browning Hi-Power in 40.
I've only shot mine about 5x, but it shoots like 5" 1911.

[fatdog]

As a long time .40 SW "clinger" I currently have all these (not for long as I am downsizing big time) and would rank them in this order in terms of fun to shoot

Glock 22 Gen 5
HK USP 40
P226
P229
Glock 23 Gen 5
PX4
HK USP/c
HK P2000

As cited, the Glock gen 5 .40's are completely different animals from all the previous versions because of the heavy slide. It and the new recoil assembly for gen 5 make a huge difference.

The G22 gen 5 tames even the hottest loads as does the full size USP

[Slalom.45]

If you are willing to spend a bit, you could likely get a nice .40 2011 used for a good price. Many people have moved out of Limited division in USPSA. Lots of higher end guns out there not being used.

[Vista461]

I have a 1.0 M&P .40 and it is way nicer to shoot than my Gen3 G22.
I used it for my duty gun until I changed departments Jan1 and now carry an issued Gen5 G17

[DLWinner]

I vote Glock or M&P.

I own a ratty old Gen 3 Glock 23, that I love shooting. One day I will pick up a Gen 5.

[Lunker]

Or…… one could just use common sense and spend all that money buying more cases of whatever your true carry guns are. Then one could practice using their emergency rescue equipment. Otherwise buy a twin to what you carry in 40. So you can at least practice with something similar. Trigger manual of arms etc.

I took the more fun than practical approach on this one, hence the thread title.
But practically speaking, I was leaning towards the PX4 and M&P 2.0. I carry and enjoy shooting both in 9mm.
It is always interesting to hear what others think though.


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[sharps54]

You can tell this isn’t ARFCOM because no one has recommended a 10mm yet. ;)

Still if it is only a fun gun there is something to be said for a 10mm, revolver or auto, to shoot 40.

[JAH 3rd]

When ammo availability/price went wonky a few years ago, I bought a Glock 20 in 10mm. This was to have another caliber in the stable so to speak. I haven't looked into it, but a conversion barrel for .40 caliber will give you the one pistol, two caliber platform. Also, a conversion revolver (2 cylinders) which can shoot both .357 and 9mm or one that can shoot a 45acp and 45 LC will give you ammo flexibility as well. Good luck on making a decision and let us know what you decide in your .40 caliber firearm.

[sharps54]

When ammo availability/price went wonky a few years ago, I bought a Glock 20 in 10mm. This was to have another caliber in the stable so to speak. I haven't looked into it, but a conversion barrel for .40 caliber will give you the one pistol, two caliber platform. Also, a conversion revolver (2 cylinders) which can shoot both .357 and 9mm or one that can shoot a 45acp and 45 LC will give you ammo flexibility as well. Good luck on making a decision and let us know what you decide in your .40 caliber firearm.

I’m showing my ignorance here and I realize a second barrel would be the best practice but I thought you could safely fire 40 out of the 10mm barrel?

[Lost River]

When ammo availability/price went wonky a few years ago, I bought a Glock 20 in 10mm. This was to have another caliber in the stable so to speak. I haven't looked into it, but a conversion barrel for .40 caliber will give you the one pistol, two caliber platform. Also, a conversion revolver (2 cylinders) which can shoot both .357 and 9mm or one that can shoot a 45acp and 45 LC will give you ammo flexibility as well. Good luck on making a decision and let us know what you decide in your .40 caliber firearm.

If you are interested in a large frame Glock, I would suggest that you buy a Glock 21.

That way you can shoot .45 ACP, 10mm, and .40, just by doing barrel and mag swaps. The G21 will accept a 10mm drop in conversion barrel, but the G20 10mm will not accept a G21 barrel, so it makes the most sense to go with the best of the large frame guns. Which happens to also be the most accurate of the large frame guns by a good margin (in my experience and observation). Actually the G21 may be the most accurate Glock out there. I don't know that for a fact, but based on shooting one since the early 90s, I can tell you that they shoot little tiny groups when fed quality ammo.

https://i.imgur.com/7HlckOdh.jpg



Back to the .40s, I shoot a Gen 3 G22 with a load I took a bunch of time developing and carry a lot during the warm weather months, especially when hiking with the kids. Its a 170 grain poly coated SWC. Quite fast out of a G22 at 1200 FPS. I never cared for the .40 due to what I always considered terrible accuracy compared to .45 and 9mms. So I worked for a considerable amount of time on that and the end result was one that I have been extremely happy with in terms of accuracy, speed and reliability.

https://i.imgur.com/LQdo3GXh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yAriAI5h.jpg

Works perfect for a "Trail and Town" gun when traveling and hiking.

https://i.imgur.com/ga3h1yFl.jpg




:cool:

[SWAT Lt.]

The Glock G22 Gen 5 is suprisingly soft shooting (I have not fired the G23 Gen 5) for a 40 S&W pistol and would be my recommendation. Much less perceived recoil than previous Gen Glocks, or any other .40 I can recall firing (SIG P239, P226 & P229, HK P30 & USPC, Beretta 96, Walther P99, and S&W M&P & 3rd Gen TDA guns).

[Navin Johnson]

I took the more fun than practical approach on this one, hence the thread title.
But practically speaking, I was leaning towards the PX4 and M&P 2.0. I carry and enjoy shooting both in 9mm.
It is always interesting to hear what others think though.


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To me a 1911 is a great range toy. But an Apexed 2.0 dotted would be a "fun" 40

[HeavyDuty]

Sig SP2022!!!!

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I picked up a .40 top end and magazine for mine, just for this kind of backup.

[Lunker]

I picked up a .40 top end and magazine for mine, just for this kind of backup.

If that gun was a little more ambi friendly, I would own one.


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[gruntjim]

I'm a great fan of the Smith 2.0.

It really doesn't care what you feed it, but it's exquisite with 180 grainers.

As to recoil, I'm not seeing much of a difference, even in one handed shooting. My wife is sudden death with her 9mm, but she can handle the .40 with only a slight increase in split times.

[cjb1911]

Did glock decide to support the 40 cal barrels at the 6 o clock position with the gen 5?

[Tuefelhunden]

Lots of great options but another vote for the USP 40. One of my most accurate shooters.

[Oldherkpilot]

I picked up a complete slide for my CZ 75 in .40 and find it "fun-ish." Installed on my SP-01 Tactical it's actually pleasant. Size and weight are your friend in .40 caliber.

[jnc36rcpd]

When we traded in our .40 SIG 226 and 239's in for the FNS-9, I took the opportunity to fire some rounds through one of the 239's with Hogue (?) rubber grips. While I'd carried a 9mm 239 with standard grips as a back-up in our 9mm days, I really liked the .40.

[Lunker]

Today was range day. I decided what was most “fun” for me was a pistol that I shot instinctively well at speed. Steel plates at 30+ yards was the test (8” and two 10”). I took out my 9mm pistols that have 40s&w counterparts. In order, I shot these best:

M&P 2.0 5”
Gen5 G34
Tie- 92G Elite Centurion w/SRO + M&P 2.0 4.25” w/rmr
PX4
HK P30 LEM

A few things hit me. I shoot iron sight 5” guns best, even that hinged weird trigger m&p, and am not as accurate with my PX4 as I thought. And I really need to practice more with my red dot guns. They should have been at the top of the list.

I am getting the M&P 2.0 5” in 40s&w.
Thanks for all the interesting and insightful suggestions!

[Tannhauser]

I recommend a M&P 2.0 5” in .40 S&W.

I have one and it has been a pleasure to shoot, even with hotter .40 handloads.

I also have a .40-to-9 conversion barrel for it, and a simple barrel swap plus 9mm magazine gives me a reliable and accurate 9mm pistol.

[Tannhauser]

Today was range day. I decided what was most “fun” for me was a pistol that I shot instinctively well at speed. Steel plates at 30+ yards was the test (8” and two 10”). I took out my 9mm pistols that have 40s&w counterparts. In order, I shot these best:

M&P 2.0 5”
Gen5 G34
Tie- 92G Elite Centurion w/SRO + M&P 2.0 4.25” w/rmr
PX4
HK P30 LEM

A few things hit me. I shoot iron sight 5” guns best, even that hinged weird trigger m&p, and am not as accurate with my PX4 as I thought. And I really need to practice more with my red dot guns. They should have been at the top of the list.

I am getting the M&P 2.0 5” in 40s&w.
Thanks for all the interesting and insightful suggestions!

Good decision! :D

The hinged M&P trigger doesn’t bother me, but installing an Apex Tactical trigger is a major upgrade.

[FNFAN]

When we traded in our .40 SIG 226 and 239's in for the FNS-9, I took the opportunity to fire some rounds through one of the 239's with Hogue (?) rubber grips. While I'd carried a 9mm 239 with standard grips as a back-up in our 9mm days, I really liked the .40.

I have a .40 239 SAS with a set of Nill's on it for when I want AIWB. Great little shooter!

[Trajan]

Around me 40 was non-existent. Only reason 40 was still around for sandy hook was because no one used it. I assume ammo manufactures have adjusted production accordingly.