.40 cal Recommendation for Carry

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Redcoat3340

Redcoat3340

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Looking for a hammer-fired .40 for concealed carry.

I've got 2 .40s, an M&P full-size with an Apex and night sights and a Beretta 96 Centurian (a "compact" that's not all that compact). I had a nice H&K USP 40 compact but it's now residing on my middle guy's hip. (As my father used to say, "If there's reincarnation, I want to come back as one of your kids.")

So now I'm short a .40 carry gun and I'd like to hear some recommendations. The two that top my list now are a Beretta PX4 compact and a Smith 4013. I have a couple of PX4s and the 9mm compact is my go to piece for concealed carry so I'm familiar with it. And one of my carry 45s is a 4513 and I like that platform a lot.

I've not really considered anything else (all out of trade fodder for another H&K) and I'd like to hear some ideas. I could just do a Shield in .40 to go with my .45. It would probably make the most sense...but I wonder if it will be as soft shooting as my .45. Anyone with experience shoot that?

Budget is a consideration or I'd be hunting for another H&K...any suggestions?
 
The Beretta and Shield would be good choices. I have a Shield 40 and like it fine.
 
I'd go with the Beretta PX4. They are still in production and parts are readily available. At least three months ago, the .40 S&W versions were selling at reduced prices, but I suspect all firearms have increased in price by now.

I have an S&W 4506, and it's a nice gun, but S&W discontinued those guns nearly 20 years ago. There isn't a whole lot of support for them anymore.

If you like Beretta, there is the APX line-up that is a lower cost option.
 
You didn't mention any issues with weight.

There are great deals out there for .40 call Sig 229s. Seen some good deals on the HK P30 in .40 off and on, but I like the Sig triggers better.

I'd go that route.

Though, if you already like and have the PX4, it seems smart to just go that route.
 
I thought about the Sig 229 but was reluctant to post it. I thought it might be bigger than what you want. CDNN has LEO trade ins for good prices right now though.
 
Mike J said:
I thought about the Sig 229 but was reluctant to post it. I thought it might be bigger than what you want. CDNN has LEO trade ins for good prices right now though.
Click to expand...

My Sig P229 is my favorite 40 caliber pistol to shoot. It was a LE trade-in. I won it for a $280 bid (IIRC) with the box and three magazines. It went for cheap because the finish on the slide is so worn, but the slide is stainless anyway, and IDC how it looks. It's a high-quality pistol. I like the trigger and sights. It's a great shooter.

On the other hand, the P229 is large (not a whole lot smaller than the full-sized P226) and heavy (aluminum frame and steel slide) for carrying.

The 40 I sometimes carry is a Kahr PM40. It doesn't have an external hammer, though its trigger is like a nice DAO revolver: longish but smooth. It's small enough that it will fit in a cargo pocket easily, and light enough to be practically unnoticeable if carried IWB or OWB.

(In the photos they look about the same size, but they're definitely not.)

Sig P229 40 Caliber

Sig P229 40 Caliber


Kahr Model PM40

Kahr Model PM40

 
Tallball said:
My Sig P229 is my favorite 40 caliber pistol to shoot. It was a LE trade-in. I won it for a $280 bid (IIRC) with the box and three magazines. It went for cheap because the finish on the slide is so worn, but the slide is stainless anyway, and IDC how it looks. It's a high-quality pistol. I like the trigger and sights. It's a great shooter.

On the other hand, the P229 is large (not a whole lot smaller than the full-sized P226) and heavy (aluminum frame and steel slide) for carrying.

The 40 I sometimes carry is a Kahr PM40. It doesn't have an external hammer, though its trigger is like a nice DAO revolver: longish but smooth. It's small enough that it will fit in a cargo pocket easily, and light enough to be practically unnoticeable if carried IWB or OWB.

(In the photos they look about the same size, but they're definitely not.)

Sig P229 40 Caliber

Sig P229 40 Caliber


Kahr Model PM40

Kahr Model PM40

Click to expand...
I carry a Kahr PM 40 mostly in an ankle holster. Sometimes I forget I have it on.
 
Since Beretta is on your list look into the Beretta Cougar 8040 if you can find one. If not they are now made by Stoeger Arms which is owned by Beretta. I have read that you really can’t tell the difference between the two.
I have and carry the 8040 which to me is a real smooth shooter of the .40 and you can hardly feel the recoil.
Would never give mine up.
 
Mike J said:
I thought about the Sig 229 but was reluctant to post it. I thought it might be bigger than what you want. CDNN has LEO trade ins for good prices right now though.
Click to expand...

Yeah I just got and email from CDNN advertising trade in .40s for $499.

I got real tempted at the trade in 226 in .357 Sig for the same price, but I've got other plans for my gun money this year.
 
There is probably some version of this in 40 caliber, made by CZ, Tanfoglio, SAR, or others.

It's a polymer version of the CZ75 compact. (Zerodefect posted the metal version.) I wouldn't carry my Sig, but this polymer pistol is much lighter and I could easily carry it OWB under a coat or good cover shirt.

This SAR was around $200 OTD and it's a darned good shooter.

SAR B6C 9mm

SAR B6C 9mm

 
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I have several somewhat compact 9mm.s that I would definitelyconsider if I was moving up to a .40 S&W version. First would be a CZ P06 which is a favorite of mine as the P01 in 9mm. Next would be the Ruger SR40c which is a great gun design with fantastic ergonomics. I would also consider the P229 as it was originally designed as a .40 and makes for a decent compact package along with it's comfortable E2 grips.
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RovinOn said:
Since Beretta is on your list look into the Beretta Cougar 8040 if you can find one. If not they are now made by Stoeger Arms which is owned by Beretta. I have read that you really can’t tell the difference between the two.
I have and carry the 8040 which to me is a real smooth shooter of the .40 and you can hardly feel the recoil.
Would never give mine up.
Click to expand...
Stoeger stopped making them a couple of years ago. Yes they are a smooth shooter in 40 with the rotating barrel.
 
My mistake I thought Stoeger was still making them. I guess I thought that because I had seen a brand new one in the gun case at a shop I visit and that was about a year ago?
 
I’ve been carrying a Smith 40 VE for years. It has proven reliable after a few thousand rounds at the range.
 
I have and love my SIG 239, I occasionally carry i n a Galco OWB paddle holster and have all three barrels. I also have a P229 , only a little bigger and doesn't feel any heavier but both SIGs get heavy for EDC concealed carry. Had a Shield .40 and it is the right size, lighter than the SIGs but I just never warmed up to it. Which brings me to my inexpensive light, small , relable and amazingly accurate Walther Classic (first model ) PPS. I bought one in 9mm a number of years back and loved it, so decided to get the same model in .40 for a little more horsepower . Bingo ! Carry it everday IWB and my son carries the .40 . ZERO problems !
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/870652263
 
JR24 said:
You didn't mention any issues with weight.

There are great deals out there for .40 call Sig 229s. Seen some good deals on the HK P30 in .40 off and on, but I like the Sig triggers better.

I'd go that route.

Though, if you already like and have the PX4, it seems smart to just go that route.
Click to expand...
This.

I'd find a LEO trade in.
 
briansmithwins said:
The HK P2000s seem to be under rated on the used market in both .40 and 9mm, SA/DA and LEM variants both are available at the usual suspects for under $500, like this one for $400: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/870657094

(Not mine, don’t know the guy...)

BSW
Click to expand...
Most HK’s were federal guns. (Border patrol etc) Not too many police trade ins. I’m sure there are a few. Problem is federal police don’t allow their guns to be sold on the private market. Please correct me if I am wrong. I wish they would, as most federal police don’t shoot their duty weapon often. (So I am told)
 
I’ve gotten a few ex-police pistols. Most are beat up on the outside and almost new internally.

Happens when a pistol is carried everyday but shot once a year for qualifying.

The exception to my cop gun experience was a P226 from Flint, MI. That pistol was beat externally and internally. The barrel was loose in the slide, there were dents (from teeth?) in the frame, the rails were worn, and one of the mags that came with with it has blood pitting.

BSW
 
I really like the P229, P239, and P224 for .40 S&W. They're just good pistols.

The P239 (as has been said) has been discontinued, but it's still possible to find springs, mags and such. My wife's P239 SAS Gen2 is excellent. It used to be mine, but she liked it too, and that's why it's not mine anymore.

The P224 has also been discontinued, but was a shorter lived affair. They're still floating around the used market. And they take P229 and I think P226 mags too.
 
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