40 S&W Accessories

[Pathtoyorsoul]

I'm thinking about purchasing a 40 when I turn 21 and carry it for personal protection. I was thinking also about getting some kind of accessory to go with it. I was looking for some imput. Laser sights or tactical flashlight? Which brings me to my next question, I saw the 45 S&W comes with a tactical rail so you're all ready to mount items. Can you mount accessories on the 40, is there something special you have to get? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[colorado_handgunner]

What .40? The XD's all have rails. However, learn to shoot with your sights. I tried the laser deal, and found iron sights are far more reliable and more intuitive once you have practiced enough. Now I go straight for sight picture, ignoring a laser if it is mounted. Spend the money on training, not accessorizing. It will serve you far better in the future. If you really must accessorize, go with a good holster and gun belt, they will serve you better than any laser or light ever will (a must with a CCW), even if you don't have a CCW yet.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If you're carrying it on your person, externally mounted sighting devices limit your options for carry, as there are few concealment holsters that accommodate them. For home defense, a separate gun-mounted light that you can quickly attach to the frame rail is fine.

 

[possum]

welcome to the forum. a hand held light would probally be a better option for you as compared to carrying with a weapon monuted flashlight, holsters for gun light combos are big and bukky. and even though they have there place and i own a few, it would probally be more comfortable and easier to conceal a handgun in a holster and a light somewhere else. but just like anything else you need to lern how to use the light with the handgun etc.

 

[BlindJustice]

+1 Lone Haranger & Possum

#1 on the Accessory list is your rig,
including, Holster, Gun Belt and Mag. Carrier(s)

and Ammo so you can shoot it often

You have taken a handgun or basic firearm
course?

Randall

 

[gunlaw]

just because the rail is there does not mean you have to use it. most people don't. forget about the tacticool accesories and get a good quality holster and a belt.

 

[Mr_Toad]

Hi, Pathtoyorsoul...

This is just my opinion....well, it's the opinion of lots of folks...but if the firearm you select is so heavy that it requires a gun belt to properly support it, then there is a fair chance that you eventually find reasons to NOT carry it. (That opinion will upset a lot of dedicated CCW folks, but it's one of the reasons this whole .380 pocket pistol craze has taken off, despite the defensive limits of the .380 cartridges. Go to YouTube and type in "nutnfancy guns"...for some example reviews.)

I agree with the posters about first learning to fire with the gunsights. Having said that, my pocket S&W revolvers and my 1911 Kimber wear Crimson Trace lasers, just 'cause I like variety in all things, and because installing them on those pieces did NOT require a special holster. As a rule, if you mount a flashlight and/ or laser on the tactical rail, then you will be forced to find and special order a kydex or leather holster that accomodates that specific rail mounted device. I had a Springfield XD Compact with a Streamlight Light/ Laser combination...and after adding a good Kydex Holster to contain it all, the whole package was just way too bulky for concealed carry. Plus, within a year, that Streamlight was obsolete.

There are some great concealed carry holsters on the market, but when it comes time for you to get all busy with sliding a heavy belt through double loops, and tucking in the shirt, and adjusting the holster position, and moving it around in my pants, and looking in the mirror to check if you're "printing"...EVERY day... then it gets to be a PITA. ...and here come the excuses to not carry the larger pistol.

Plus...as the other posters have alluded, rail-mounted lights will probably not be as bright as a good pocket flashlight. Like the 35 dollar Surefires I carry every night when I walk the dogs are way bright and reasonably priced.

Anyway...maybe go to the Crimson Trace website and kinda take a look at their images of handguns wearing a CT laser. Some installations are just plain UGLY to behold..and I don't do ugly.

Alsos...there are some firearms that have nightsight options..for a price. But, then you get into the debate of... if it's too dark for you to see your gunsights, then it's too dark for you to be shooting at a human being that you can't identify as friend or foe.

Anyway...in 40 caliber, there are lots of great products that are not too large for daily carry...Glock 27, Kahr MP40, S&W M&P Sub-Compact, Springfield XD40, the list goes on...

BTW...some of those pistols are kinda blocky (like the Springfield XD40) which again makes them a challenge for daily carry.

Anyway...enough of my rambling.

Have fun with your purchase!

Robt.