40 cal options

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ExAgoradzo

ExAgoradzo

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A friend is wanting a 40 cal. My only experience with the caliber is in a Glock 22, and that was only one range trip.

What are the best options out there? I am a Ruger fan, but their pistol seems too light??? it seems the 'sharper than a 9mm' might be too much (my friend isn't a regular gun guy...I'm hoping this might sway him though...:) ).

I would love to get him in a 1911, but that is just my preference.

I am also trying to steer him towards full size models because he isn't a gun guy and probably won't carry it.

Thanks again,
Greg
 
ExAgoradzo said:
A friend is wanting a 40 cal. My only experience with the caliber is in a Glock 22, and that was only one range trip.

What are the best options out there? I am a Ruger fan, but their pistol seems too light??? it seems the 'sharper than a 9mm' might be too much (my friend isn't a regular gun guy...I'm hoping this might sway him though...:) ).

I would love to get him in a 1911, but that is just my preference.

I am also trying to steer him towards full size models because he isn't a gun guy and probably won't carry it.

Thanks again,
Greg
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I would look at loooong-barreled G22 which is G24. Very impressive weapon.
 
Have him check out the SIG P229. One of the finest .40 pistols one can buy and designed for the .40 cartridge. I have two of them and shooting a P229 in .40 is like shooting a most other pistols in 9MM.

The SIG SP2022 is also a terrific .40 for a lot less with it's poly frame but it still is a beefy pistol for a poly frame pistol.

P229b-2.gif
 
My suggestion would be for your friend to do some comparison range test of different pistols/models and see which pistol shot most comfortable and produced the most consistent shot groups for him.

Full-size models will have less snappy felt recoil than compact/subcompact models.

I would certainly have your friend include the Glock 22 and M&P 40 in the range test.

I did the same for several family members/friends and most found the recoil of Glock22/M&P40 to be "softer" than most other pistol models.
 
I'm partial toward the Walther P99 or PPQ, both have the best ergonomics I've felt in any pistol.
 
I don't own one, but the XD40's that I have shot were the most comfortable to shoot and very accurate.
 
A full size M&P40 would be a good candidate for him. I carry a M&P40c and find the recoil characteristics not nearly as nasty as some other .40S&W-chambered pistols I fired.
It's just as pleasant as my larger Steyr M40. They're on the affordable side as well.

Many indoor ranges have a sizable selection of rentals. He should take advantage of that if possible.
 
Our range does have a few rental options. For some reason most are 9's, not 40's.
I love my Berreta 92. I love the Sig above, many things I like about the 1911 is true of that.
I will check out the other ideas. Unfortunately, we just can't test as many as Id like. But thanks for the list to start with.
Greg
 
Glock 22 & 23, S&W M&P .40/.40c, Ruger SR40/SR40c, Sigs, XD/XDm, H&K options...

There are a lot of right answers. Despite my love of Walther, I prefer those in 9mm. The muzzle rise isn't problematic in 9mm, but it is noticeable. In .40, it's more pronounced.

I'm basically waiting to have money again after holiday spending, and will be picking up a G23 Gen 4. If I made a last minute change, it would be to the M&P. Ultimately, I view the size of the Glock 23 as the perfect intersection of concealability and capability, so that has been the biggest determining factor in my own choice. If I were to throw out carry, I would likely go with the M&P.
 
Just got to hold, not shoot, a G23. Agree with the above on carry vs shooting all day size compromise.
There is a range 30 mins north of here they might have more than this does/ I'll tell Rich to go try some of those and go with him if I can...but I am not retired!!!
Thanks again,
Greg
 
Glock 27, 23 or 22

"Have him check out the SIG P229. One of the finest .40 pistols one can buy and designed for the .40 cartridge. I have two of them and shooting a P229 in .40 is like shooting a most other pistols in 9MM."

That is because the 229 weighs as much as a cinder block loaded. My Glock weighs less loaded than that thing does empty.
 
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Nothing wrong with a 1911 in .40S&W ....wilson combat, and others, make 1911's in .40S&W and other calibers besides the .45 acp..../ I have a Wilson Protector model, 5" gun, all stainless in .40S&W ...ambi safety, mag well ...very nice gun - if he budget can handle a Wilson.

I also like a Sig 226 ...for a full sized gun ...and while you have more trigger options, the DA/SA trigger is probably the best way to go ( its no 1911 trigger...but its a nice gun ) ....especially if he goes for a model in all stainless - so its a little heavier.
 
I have looked for 1911's in 40 cal. They seem to be a mythical beast: seen by a few but never recorded. Kinda like a 338Marlin Ex... Maybe it is the part of the world I live in???
 
I don't know what is CA approved and what isn't ...but if you look at the Wilson Combat website...you'll see many of their guns are available in .40S&W... from Tactical Supergrade, CQB, Protector models..etc..../ mine happens to be a 5" Protector model...

Most shops won't stock Wilson Combat 1911's - but you can certainly order them if they're CA legal ...and just call Wilson / they'll tell you what options you have for special orders.
 
I have the Sig 229 in .40 and I would buy it again. It's very accurate, a joy to shoot and feels rock solid.
 
The .40 is a very popular caliber, and many companies make a gun in a .40. I'm partial to the polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols myself, which pretty much includes most of the popular brands (except maybe Caracal). If you want a full-size, get him the XDm .40, it's pretty big but doesn't feel like it.
 
.40 S&W - surprisingly - is a good caliber in the small single stack Sig 239 as well.../ I have had one in 9mm for quite a while and a yr or so ago, I picked up another one in .40S&W...and its surprisingly manageable in .40S&W even with 180gr Hydra Shok rounds in it. The weight of the Sig 239, even with an alloy frame and a steel slide ...makes the recoil for followup shots very easy.

If all you want is a range gun....look at the Sig 226 X-Five as well ...there are 4 models - the L-1 model with an adjustable trigger, wood NIL grips make it easy to spot, and trigger adjusts from 2.0 - 4.0 lbs - and then you lock it down /its a nice all stainless SAO gun - but its heavy. With a full mag in it, my L-1 model ( in .40S&W ) is right at 55 oz (they make them in 9mm as well). But for a target or a race gun...its fun to shoot - and they make 3 other X-5 models - none with the adj trigger - but less expensive - the competition model, the all around and the tactical.../ but the X-Five 226's are worth a look as well ..if you want something different in .40S&W.

The L-1 model of the X-Five is selling for around $ 2,400 I think (list is $2750 or so ) ...the other X-Fives are selling for $ 1,300 - $ 1,600 or so / but the L-1 X Five would be less money than a Wilson Combat 1911 in .40S&W ..probably averaging about $ 3,250 now.../ I like both the L-1 X-Five and Wilson's guns...just another option for you.
 
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If you want a classy, full size service pistol that is match grade, yet combat proven..all steel reliable workhorse that is easy to service, and has a good rap sheet..

Beretta 96.

Its Beretta and CZ when it comes to .40 autoloaders for me.
 
I loves me my Glock 22 - it's my favorite 40S&W handgun. I also think very well of my Ruger SR40 and I prefer it over my P226, P229, CZ, Beretta 96, M&P, and so forth.
 
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That is because the 229 weighs as much as a cinder block loaded. My Glock weighs less loaded than that thing does empty.
Click to expand...
You know, Planet Fitness is very reasonable and they follow a "No Judgement" policy. Or, you could work out at home, start with some empty soda cans and work your way up to full ones.

One of my carry guns weighs 2.2 pounds fully loaded. Aside from the .40 caliber snap, my 14 year old shoots it just fine.
 
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