Originally Posted by
JonInWA
I agree that low market prices as opposed to true desire for the .40 over 9mm, etc. are probably significantly driving current .40 acquisitions.
A couple of my thoughts:
1. I strongly suspect that most pistol acquirers probably don't shoot their pistols in significant enough amounts after the acquisition to master them, or be able to intelligently discern the differences between them and a different caliber in the same or similar platform-the lower initial acquisition price (for admittedly decent weapons) is driving the train, before the pistol is shoved in a sock drawer...;
2. A well designed .40 can dampen down and tame the pressure spike and recoil characteristics of the .40; HKs come immediately to mind, with their purpose- and caliber-driven architectures and RSA design. A key, long suspected by p-f conoscenti seems to be the combination of a heavier slide and an intelligently designed/tuned RSA.
3. While the .40 is an established and viable cartridge for many venues/likely scenarios, I suspect that where it's starting to establish itself as a viable niche cartridge is for backcountry/wilderness use, combined with cartridges designed and manufactured by some of the boutique outfits, such as Underwood with their Underwood Lehigh Xtreme Penetrator and Defender lines, making a .40 and 9mm platform viable against dangerous game-and especially with lighter, more weather-impervious, easily and minimally maintained and higher capacity polymer-framed pistols can make for a paradigm shift in wilderness protection, away from heavier, larger-calibered, relatively limited capacity revolvers, which are generally more weather susceptible and significantly more difficult to disassemble if needed in a field environment. My personal case in point, for what it's worth: When handgun hunting with my excellent, tuned Ruger Blackhawk, I concurrently carry either my Gen 3 Glock G21 in .45 ACP or Gen4 G22 as protection backup against fast moving dangerous game...
4. While LEOs are indeed shifting in significant numbers from .40(and probably .45 ACP) platforms to 9mm ones, I would be willing to suggest that those organizations with a significant history or perceived concern where increased media penetration is desirable will continue to maintain at least partial issue of .40 platforms; I'm thinking Highway Patrol/State Police and more rural police/sheriff departments.
5. Performance rather than capacity per se will be more of a platform/caliber determinant as we move on, especially between .40 and 9mm choices.
6. While more culturally and historically embedded, I suspect that over time .45 ACP will see significantly diminished use and platform sales, as it strikes me as being effectually book-ended between 9mm and .40, without providing an inherent objectively definable performance value over either, as well as generally necessitating a larger platform for use.
Best, Jon