[JohnVF]

I am looking into buying a .40 cal and considering the following: CZ75, HK USP and the GLOCK. I really need feedback as to which one would be better i.e. accuracy, reliability and also better for the range(IDPA or club shoots).

[Joey101]

I'm pretty new at this but here is what I've been hearing when asking the pro's their opinions.

The HK, while as HK makes some great guns. They are over priced.

Glock makes a great line of guns, I don't care for some of them, but the 30 has to be my favorite out of the line.


Also, in my opinion try a S.A. XD40. I have the XD45 on layaway. From what I've read on them they seem to be a very good contender with Glock. The XD line is farely new (02' I think), but is gaining popularity.

[seed]

All of them are good. Some will say that Glocks will kaboom, but that's another story (I have two Glocks in .40, one with a Bar-Sto and one with a factory barrel...I am not worried about either of them). You might want to consider the Sig P229 as well. I'm sorry about mentioning it, since you didn't, but it is so frickin' sweet that I couldn't help myself. Good luck.

[boofus]

Rent the HK if you can. It will turn you into a German Gun Snob after a few shots. Worse than crystal meth. The only guns you might like better will be the USP Tactical in .40 and Sigs. That's ok, they are German guns too. :neener:

[MikeJ]

I have owned both the Glock 23 and Sig 229 in 40. I sold the Glock last week as I really didn't care for it that much, nothing wrong with it but it just didn't float my boat. I have shot several other 40's but my favorite by a wide margin is the Sig 229. I strongly urge you to take a look at and hopefully get an opportunity to shoot one before you make your final decision. It may not be the right one for you but at least you will know that when it comes time to lay down your hard earned cash.

[greg531mi]

Didn't Glock have troubles with their 40's?
I heard of a few that blew up......

[lyricsdad]

A friend of mine has the Glock 22, nice accurate pistol, he never ever cleans the thing, fires every time though. I have a Walther p99 which is German BTW. Nice pistol, has taken everything I have put through it.

Yeah the German pistol thing will make you a want another, but I assume the glock thing is the same lol. I am kinda scared to get a glock, because I think I may end up getting a bunch. Right now I am still waiting to hear on a sig....

[gudel]

The HK, while as HK makes some great guns. They are over priced.

Overpriced says who? People who never own it? :rolleyes:

Gentlemen, You get what you pay for.
Shouldn't Sig be be cheaper? The slide/barrel are made here in the US.
At least my HK made in germany everything, it justifies the cost because of import fees.

If you cannot afford it, you cannot say it's overpriced. it's not the gun's fault that you can't afford it.

I never blow up my Glock 22. Then again I'm not stupid using reload that some backwood hick was cooking up.

Local deputies here are issued USP40, you know, the same guys that raided Neverland. I asked one of them how he likes his USP40. The answer: Love it!
Get both the G22 and USP40.

[caz223]

I was looking HARD at a CZ75 in brushed stainless when they first came out.
The only reason I didn't get one was the gun shop that had one in stock closed down.... :(
I had a MAJOR itch for a bar-sto barrel for one to convert it to 357SIG!
No idea if they make 'em or not.
The most accurate .40 (Auto) that I've shot to date was the SIG 2340.
Had a 229, somewhat underwhelming.
Most accurate .40 of ANY I've shot is my S&W 610. :D
Haven't shot a 945 shorty fourty yet, though.
It's really hard to pick a loser out of that crowd.
HK/glock/SIG/CZ all make some sweet guns.
Personally, I'd stay away from the full size glock in .40, the smaller and midsize ones seem to be better, for some reason. (For me.)

[IZinterrogator]

The USP is the only one of the weapons that you named that was designed for the .40S&W. The other two are re-engineered 9mm pistols. If you're going to buy a .40, why not buy the one that was built for it? ;)

[Berg01]

I have the CZ 75B in .40 and can vouch for the fact that it is accurate and reliable. But I use it primarily as a range gun. If your intended use is at the range, I would recommend it highly. But if I wanted a CCW, I wouldn't hesitate on the HK USP Compact or the P2000, including the SK. No such thing as an overpriced carry gun.

[HSMITH]

I've shot just about all of the HK USP variants and HATE them. They feel bad in my hand, feel funny in recoil, terrible sights, and just aren't what I want. I can afford them with no problem, but I wouldn't give half of what one costs to take it home.

The CZ-75 is a great gun, the only downside I can think of is weight as they are quite heavy. If you don't mind a heavy gun the CZ is a great choice.

I have a G22. I've shot it quite a bit, and have gotten pretty proficient with it. I still am not crazy about the grip shape but with some traction aids on it it works fine. The stock sights are junk and need replaced right away. Very reliable, and decently accurate for a service type gun.

Take a look at the XD and the Sig 229, I think they are worthy of consideration and one of them might just be THE gun for you.

[Berg01]

JohnVF;

As you are probably aware, everyone has an opinion on everything, and there are no bad opinions on this post. I refer back to your original post, and encourage you to rent or borrow the guns you reference to draw your own conclusions.

My own opinion is that 9mm and / or .45 ACP are better overall choices for an all-purpose gun than .40 S&W, but in that caliber, I would choose my own CZ 75B, or the Sig P226 or P229 that I have had the opportunity to shoot on a few occaisions. If you want to shoot IDPA, my opinion is that the Glock 17 is the one to choose. My overall preferences for range guns would be my Sig P228 9mm (which I also carry) or my SW1911. Strictly my opinions, no better or worse than anybody elses.

[Ala Dan]

Having owned a G-23, G-27, and a SIG P229 all in .40S&W, I found that
I shot the G-27 better (tighter groups) than with the others. Furthermore,
the stout recoil of the factory .40S&W offering's caused the G-23 to
bounce around more than the G-27. And the SIG P229, was yet another
story as I couldn't see the factory SIG-LITE night sights while shooting
in bright sunshine; and it left a lot to be desired.

Probably, from your choices I go with either the Glock or one of the H&K
USP variants.

[Universal]

Of the three I have shot the GLOCK and the H&K. I personally owned and carried a GLOCK 22 for several years and this was by far the best semi-automatic handgun I have ever shot. I had 8-9000 rounds through it, mostly in LE firearms training i.e. lots of combat type shooting and general abuse of me and the gun. I never had a single malfunction of any kind. I have posted about this before but I saw problems with almost every H&K I shot or saw fired on the range. Mainly minor stuff due to lack of proper cleaning. I have no knowledge of the CZ.

My vote goes to the GLOCK model 22.

[kevin387]

Sig

[brm3601]

I say GLOCK. I have one, shoot one, never had any real problems with my G22. Accurate, reliable, and easily carried all day long. Just my opinion though.

[Rinspeed]

Another vote for the Sig 229.

[Chupacabra]

The best .40S&W is the one that shoots well for you. What works for someone else may not be your cup of tea. My stepdad really likes his Glock 23 and swears by it. I personally can't stand it and prefer the USP40 compact.

If possible, go to a range that rents out guns and try them all. Try everything from the sub-compacts to the fullsize models. Try the same gun in different calibers. Eventually you will find the weapon that fits you best.

Also, most of the major firearms manufacturers put out really good stuff. Glock, Sig, H&K, Ruger, CZ, S&W, Walther...all are pretty well built and reliable.

;)

[brickboy240]

Have you looked at a Springfield XD-40?

You can get one in 4" or 5" Tactical models. The 5 incher ought to be good for competition. I know of a whole XD shooters club here in Houston that shoots IPDA matches with 9mm and 40 caliber XDs exclusively.

I own a 4" XD-40 and have about 800 rounds through it and love it. Zero malfunctions from day one. I carry the thing all the time and I trust it to the ends of the earth.

Check them out, they fit the hand real well, are not expensive, have a better trigger and grip angle than the Glocks and have a lifetime warranty...whats not to like?

- Brickboy240

[yayarx7]

For competition or range use you have to go with the CZ or the Glock (35). I shoot the CZ better, but YMMV. The Glock is more popular, more expensive and easier to find mags, holsters etc for. The CZ is heavier, has a better trigger (albeit long in double action), and is not a Glock.

Get the one you shoot best. If you cannot shoot them all get the one that feels the best in your hand.

Then get the other one. :)

[JohnVF]

Thank you all for the input. I have fired a USP40 and the Glock 23. The USP's grip felt a bit uncomfortable (it was slipping while I shot) and had 3 misfires (Range Officer said it was dirty). Tried the same 3 ammos on the Glock and they fired. The Glock's grip felt better but it was the trigger I wasn't too happy with. I guess I am just used to a 1911 trigger pull. I will try the XD and the SIG.

I noticed not much commented on the CZ. I heard they have good trigger pull?

[mons meg]

The USP is the only one of the weapons that you named that was designed for the .40S&W. The other two are re-engineered 9mm pistols. If you're going to buy a .40, why not buy the one that was built for it?

The Steyr M series started out as .40s as well. Might not be a bad idea to check out the few remining CDNN M40s. You know Steyr...the "other" Austrian gun maker? :D

[Vernal45]

Most major 1911 makers make a 40 cal. Springer makes some nice 40 cal 1911's, then next you can get a 10mm barrel and have 2 guns in one.

[drf]

I have the H&K P2000 in .40 and would consider it one of the most ultimate tools for a .40 caliber defensive firearm...
It is pricey but you will get a no frills gun that will throw any .40 bullet out of the barrel. It is also has strong and durable as a tank....(It is a tool and thats it) What the H&K isnt is a sleek designed 1911 which is almost a work of art....
I also like the Glock 23 but have never fired one, only held it and pulled the trigger several times..

I would also like to have the Glock but I dont feel safe with there safe action trigger.... but a NEW York trigger would fix that problem.....drf

[pauli]

myself, i'd go cz or xd.

[PowderBurn]

Gentlemen, You get what you pay for.
Shouldn't Sig be be cheaper? The slide/barrel are made here in the US.
At least my HK made in germany everything, it justifies the cost because of import fees.
How do "import fees" add to the value of the gun?

Value is what I look for in anything I purchase. A gun has to have the features I want and meet a certain quality threshold, and have a good reputation. Oh, and the THR consensus has to be positive as well :D. Once I create a shortlist of guns that I like and that meet my criteria, I evaluate the incremental value of each additional dollar spent. I've got the money to buy what I want, but I'm not stupid with it.

If your only criteria is "you get what you pay for", how much will you pay? Why not have any one of the major gun manufacturers design and build all your guns to your exact specifications?

The fact is, we all make compromises between price, quality, value, features, reputation, wants, needs, and many other intangibles. That's part of what makes THR so fun and interesting.

[PaulCSomething]

I have a CZ p-01 that feels perfect in my hand. As has been said before go for the gun that fits the best. I can close my eyes and point the gun...Comes right up on target. My P-01 is a 9MM with alloy frame. The .40 CZ has a steel frame and will be heavier. For me the ergonomics can't be beat and the trigger smoothes out nicely with use. I like the 9MM for cheap practice and good self defense rounds don't give up that much to the bigger calibers. High quality but inexpensive gun + inexpensive ammo = confidence and competency.

[Tim3256]

I have shot most of the guns mentioned in this thread, and...all things considered (price, reliability, ease of maintenance, concealability and accuracy) I'd go with the G26 (Glock). It's inexpensive to acquire, it's easy to operate and maintain, it's dead reliable, it conceals very well for a .40cal and it's plenty accurate for personal protection.

If you go this way however, you will need to install aftermarket night sights.

PS: As with any handgun, the kB thing is a non-issue if you care for and feed your Glock appropriately. ;)

[allen268]

I had to make the decision as well to which .40 I wanted to purchase, I chose the P229 and couldn’t be happier with my choice (except for the ST model wasn’t available at the time I got mine or I would have went that route). I do however still want an HK and as soon as finances will allow I plan on getting one. From the choices listed HK would be my first pick...

[Gixerman1000]

Of the handguns I own in 40sw,
Beretta 96FS
Glock G22
H&K USP40 Stainless
Sig P229
S&W SW99
S&W 4004
SpringField Armory XD40 4” Stainless
Steyr M40

The USP40 and P229 are my favorite, but all have been very good handguns, reliable and at the very least, accurate enough for their intended purpose (or I wouldn’t have kept them).

It all comes down to personal preference and individual needs, the best 40sw handgun (or any handgun) will be the one that feels good in your hand, fits where you want it to fit, and that you can shoot and operate well enough to trust.

[Justang]

I bought an HK USP 40 a few years back and I love the gun! Yes, you do turn into a gun snob after having one. I scoff at all other guns in the .40. :p Seriously though, you'll never find a better 40cal. I have 10,000 rounds through mine and not one problem. My dad has closer to 30k through his (his was one of the first to come out in '93) and he ran into his first problem last month. Something in the trigger malfunctioned. BUT, with the HK warranty, he's sent it in and it's being fixed for free. It's the first everybody he's talked to has heard of an HK malfunctioning. But after 30krds... you can't really complain.

I shot the Glock first. I liked it, but the HK felt so much better. Honestly, go to the range and rent both on the same day. See which one feels better, which one you shoot better with.

My decision was made on a couple things. My dad had a HK and I knew they were great guns. I went to the range and shot the Glock and the HK. I shot the Glock better, but the HK felt much better in my hand. I figured I'd get used to the HK and probably shoot it better since it fit me better. I also wanted an external safety, and an external hammer. And I really loved the amb. mag release. And... I like the way the HK looked more than the Glock. :p

I'm super happy I chose the HK. One of my best friends just bought a Glock 22 and, after shooting my HK for a couple years, I was not impressed. He loved the gun, until he shot my HK. Then... he got kinda quiet. lol.

Glocks do have a rep for going kaboom. Why? Probably because people were shooting lead through the polygonal barrel. That's a big no no. Lead is good for land and groove barrels. In a polygonal barrel it'll gum up the rifleing and potentially cause a kaboom if you don't keep it uber clean.

1911 is for .45's, not for .40's. Just silly to get a 1911 in a .40.

[JohnVF]

I just came from the gun store and checked-out the XD-40. It is nice...... the grip felt good, the trigger is far better than the Glock. And for the price..... it seems like a good choice.

I am giving myself another week to decide and maybe depending on other feedback.

Again thanks for the input......... :)

[brickboy240]

Go for the XD-40...you'll love it.

I have had mine for a year now and have expereinced no problems with it at all. It is as accurate as any combat auto and I am surprised at its quality for such an inexpensive pistol. I own two nice 1911s, a Hi-Power and a Sig 220, so my expectatations of an autopistol are very high. The XD has met those expectations and I'd trust it to the ends of the earth.

(besides, if it ever does go belly-up, theres a lifetime warranty to cover it)

- Brickboy240

[Marshall]

Ditto on the XD-40. I have a 4" sevice model, fine gun. Last weekend I had it out, we were shooting at Prestone jugs on the ground at 35 yards. Bam, hit....bam bam, hit hit, etc. I think we ended up at 50 yards after a number of shots because we ended up blowing it backwards. Love the gun, never had a hiccup with it, accurate thing too.

[AlaskaErik]

I'm going to recommend the HK. I have a Compact .40 and it is the best feeling pistol I've ever held. And the reliability is awesome. No misfires or misfeeds to date. The Glock 23 is also a good choice. About half the price (LEO discount) and also very reliable. The CZ I know nothing about.

[Texshooter]

In order IMO:

Ruger - XD tied
S&W
CZ
Sig
Many others

Way last - Glock (in .40 S&W at least)

[The Bear]

Boofus is right on! My USP 40 made me a German gun snob. I took my 21 yr. old son to the range yesterday for the very first time to shoot pistols. We had 4 autos to shoot (two Glocks, Browning HP and the USP 40). Even though he said the HK had really big grips he shot lights out. He told me to change my will so he gets the HK!! And this is from a guy with no bias, doesn't read the gun rags or chats and is completely neutral. All he knew was the gun felt right and shot amazingly.

HK's are expensive but shoot a few rounds through one and you'll understand why! BTW, my second choice would be a Kahr 40, either a P or K series.

There's a reason SOCOM chose the HK when the Beretta is the standard military issue pistol!

[Surefire]

CZ75, HK USP and the GLOCK

Here is my opinion from shooting them:

Fit and finish:

1. HK USP (very good overall)
2. Glock (good overall)
3. CZ (excellent exterior, poor interior; average overall). Exterior finish is flawless on my CZs, as good as Sig and in some cases better. However.....the biggest problem on my CZs are TONS of interior tool marks, and really bad interior metal work. Doesn't affect function, since this is in non-critical areas, but it certainly should be better IMO. Funny how the same company IMO does great work on the exterior, but very sloppy interior work (IMO).

Accuracy (subjective):

1. CZ 75
2. HK
3. Glock

Ergonomics (subjective):

1. CZ 75 (top notch)
2. HK (mediocre)
3. Glock (mediocre)

Trigger (subjective)

1. CZ (great SA, fair DA)
2. HK (DA and SA seem to be acceptable, not good though)
3. Glock (mediocre "safe-action"

Durability (my best guess):

1. Glock
2. HK
3. CZ

Overall shooter (subjective):

1. CZ 75 (best .40 I've shot and owned, including Sigs, etc)
2. HK (very good, but not as comfortable as the CZ)
3. Glock (respectable)


Other comments, all three are reliable in general, but the CZ seems less tolerant of being dirty than Glock or HK. When I had the CZ 75B in .40, it was 100 percent reliable when clean....but if not cleaned after a 200 round day reliability would fall a bit.

[hillbilly]

I'd say the better .40 would be a .45.

hillbilly

[erh]

Sig....????!!!!! (erh)

[bountyhunter]

HK's are excellent, also consider SIG 226 (maybe the Beretta 96FS as well).

I own a CZ-85 combat and love it, but the materials they use are not as good as higher priced guns. Mine shows wear on the slide/barrel lugs.

Don't care for the Glock's trigger or top heavy feel.

[TexasRifleman]

Uhhhhhh Sig... Hello :evil:

[Pietro Beretta]

3. CZ (excellent exterior, poor interior)

I have completley stripped my CZ75 Compact, and dont see any poor craftsmanship inside.

The only thing that I really hate is the PLASTIC recoil spring guide. Other than that I dont have any rough machineing in my CZ.

I own the XD40 Sub-Compact, My only complaint is I have to "work" to get the shots where I want them due to recoil. Perhaps I should have got the 4 or 5' model.

I was thinking perhaps I should have got the XD9 Sub-C and gotten the CZ75 Compact in the .40