Is there a gun that fits these specs (and my needs)?

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James39

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I need help to find a gun that fits my needs and the following specs:

Caliber: .40 S&W
Magazine load: min 11 (more is better of course)
Safeties: I do not like manual safety switches. Grip safeties are OK.
Size: up to 4.50" barrel. Smaller is better.
Ergonomics: It has to have top notch ergonomics.
Trigger: Consistent pulls for every shot. Short and light pull. DAO only.

Not required but as a nice bonus it would be good to have:
1) extended lock slide
2) a) ambidextrous and b) simple magazine release style. I prefer push button styles but lever type is fine if it's easy to operate.
 
Yeah, there's a ton of them out there. Head down to your local gun shop and start trying them on. Given your specs you should probably start with the Glocks, S&W M&P's, and Springfield XD's.
 
It sounds like you've described various polymer striker-fired pistols, as WC145 mentioned. I'd say it's probably a matter of what fits your hand best as Glocks, Springfields, Kahrs, S+Ws, etc. are all great and reliable.
 
Sounds to me like you want either an XD or M&P. Both can be had in .40 S&W, both are set up ambidextrous, both have mag capacity of at least 11, both can be had in a compact model of about 3.5" barrel length. The only thing keeping Glock out of the running here is the ambi requirement.

Ergonomics, however, are entirely subjective. There is no way for us to recommend a handgun that will feel good in your hands because we all have different size and shape hands. That's why there's more than one model of handgun.
 
With a DAO design, you're going to have to trade off a bit of trigger pull shortness and lightness. You'll be hard-pressed to find a double action gun with a trigger pull as good as, say, a 1911.
 
Glocks have a 5 pound trigger, but it's not what I would call "short". I might call it "medium-long".

Edit:Woo-hoo 700 posts!
 
I think that rules out the XD.
Click to expand...

Why? Only one version of the XD has a manual safety, in fact I've never even seen one with a manual safety, although apparently one .45 model does have the manual safety.
 
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I need help to find a gun that fits my needs and the following specs:

Caliber: .40 S&W
Magazine load: min 11 (more is better of course)
Safeties: I do not like manual safety switches. Grip safeties are OK.
Size: up to 4.50" barrel. Smaller is better.
Ergonomics: It has to have top notch ergonomics.
Trigger: Consistent pulls for every shot. Short and light pull. DAO only.

Not required but as a nice bonus it would be good to have:
1) extended lock slide
2) a) ambidextrous and b) simple magazine release style. I prefer push button styles but lever type is fine if it's easy to operate.
Click to expand...



I personally have been most pleased with the H.K. P2000, which holds 12+1 rounds of .40 S&W, has ambi controls, no manual safeties, polygonally rifled 3.7" barrel, short trigger reset, and I.M.O. has the nicest ergonomics if you decide you can handle a lever type mag release. Mine's a V3 which is T.D.A., but it's also available in L.E.M. that has a consistent pull from first shot to last per your specifications. The H.E. finish is not the most durable out there, but good enough I.M.O.

I'd also be sure to try the Sig P250 that B.W. recommended. It's much improved over their SigPro, which was a bit heavy for a compact polymer at 30oz with empty mag. The P250 compact O.T.O.H. is 25oz and 13 x .40 S&W. Although F.Y.I. I've been no more impressed with Nitron than H.E. finish, Y.M.M.V. Similarly the Walther P99 in Quick Action ("D.A.O." striker fired, 4.17", 12 x .40 S&W) is another high quality option. Otherwise, the F.N.P. 40 is available in D.A.O. (4", 14 x .40 S&W), as are S&W's metal frames (4", 11 x.40 S&W), their polymer M&P (4.2", 15 x .40 S.W.), and Springfield's X.D. (4", 12 x .40 S&W) all meet your specifications as well, but I'd probably avoid Taurus, Ruger, C.Z. and Kahr for what you've requested, but that's J.M.O. and Y.M.M.V. If you dropped the 11 round capacity requirement by a couple of rounds, it would open up a few more options (for instance subcompacts by the same makes if you are O.K. with "pinky-danglers" or gripping mag extensions).

I am not particularly comfortable with the GLOCK "safe action" trigger outside of range and game use, but if you are they make the most durable, toughest finish, and are tops in size & weight to capacity ratios. With the shortest O.A.L. yet longest barrel in a compact (4" barrel but only EDIT-6.85" overall), the GLOCK 23 is "D.A.O." striker-fired and holds 13 x .40 S&W. It also has the polygonal rifling like the H.K. which makes up some velocity lost in compacts and subs. GLOCK has the lowest bore-axis, a very short reset, and despite the infamous "2x4" shape, they are actually pretty thin (1.18" overall). 0.T.o.H. GLOCK ergonomics, aesthetics, grip angle, and trigger are highly Y.M.M.V. The 22 has wider finger groove spacing, and is a very smooth shooting .40 S&W (which B.T.W. while "full-size", the 22 still meets your criteria). This is the highest value I.M.O. and best fits your requirements. So I would be sure to check out a 22 or 23, the P2000, P250, and the P99. You can't go wrong with GLOCK, H.K., Sig, and Walther I.M.O.
 
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S&W/Beretta

Except for the manual safety, the 4006 sounds about right; I know they made a series based on 4006 with a DAO only trigger/no manual safety in it, but can't recall the model number. Beretta also put out a DAO compact for a while that would do it (96?).

Cheers, TF
 
Last edited:
Beretta 96 DAO Centurion?

edit: oh, you said "short and light pull", but also DAO. I don't think those requirements are compatible, unless you consider striker-fired-action (SFA, like Glocks and XDs, etc.) to be "double-action".
 
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Just a quick update on my search.

(EDIT)
After handling and shooting some of the guns I liked/preferred 1911 grip frame angle. Sadly this ruled out excellent Glocks that you guys suggested.

H.K. P2000
Loved it but mag release was difficult (for me) to operate.

XD40 Subcompact
Seems nice and reliable but for some reason it just did not 'feel' right for me. It's the same story with Beretta, and FN pistols. Great pistols that didn't fit me.

Walther P99 QA, SIG-Sauer 250, HK USP40 LEM
Couldn't find one to try or handle yet.

Am I missing anything?
 
You should definately look at Springfields Xd-m. If I'm not mistaken it has a 17 round capacity and meets all of your criteria.
 
If the 1911 pointed for you, the XD should have as well (as long as the grip width wasn't the issue). If instead the single stac 1911s are what fits but the XD doesn't then go with a 1911.
 
Well... I was toying with the idea of buying a 1911 and one sub compact (like Walther PPS) but considering all the gun craze right now in the town and with guns flying off the shelfs like hot cupcakes I'm not sure if this is a buyers market. My plan now is to get a decent gun (per specs above) and later maybe go with a 1911.
 
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