.40 S&W (Best gun for the money?)

[Raw-Dog]

Let me start by apologizing for the avalanche that may ensue:

I am in the market for an auto-loader after years of owning only rifles.

I have shot friends 45acp and 9mm, and recently a compact .40S&W. After some research I am ready to go forward with a .40S&W cal auto-loader....The one issue is which to get? (I don't want a compact).

Since I cant test everything and many "feel" good, I would love some feedback on personal or professional experience.

My criteria:
price: Under $650 (Sorry no Kimber for me)
Reliability Reliability Reliability (No good if it jams...ever)
Accuracy (No looking for a musket)

I have looked at Ruger P94 and Springfield XD40 and know there is a lot more out there.
Thank you for your help

 

[t george]

i personaly like the xd mine is only a 4 inch but i think the full size would be nice... there are tons of options though im sure some will be along shortly to help you out more than i can good luck!!!

 

[Marcus L.]

S&w M&p?

 

[Chuckulator]

Well, for $650 you could buy two S&W Sigmas. I think they are great guns for the money. You just need to remove one of the trigger springs to lighten up the trigger and you have a very nice gun.

 

[azlobo]

You can usually find a Walther P99 for just under $650 new with a little looking, definitely a used one for less than that price. In my opinion the grip/feel is excellent, and they're accurate as all heck, and very reliable. There are three or so different variants - I prefer the QA model (YMMV).

I used to have a P99 QA 9mm, but traded it in for a compact model 40 S&W. Even though I personally prefer the larger frame model over the P99C 40 at this point (live and learn), I still like the compact enough to never wish to part with it even if I could trade again - I like the feel and the performance that much ;-). I'll just have to save up and replace the P99. I also have a PPS 9mm (on my hip as I write this), so I guess that makes me a fan boy

If interested, then look for the latest variants/generation, slightly longer mag release (on the trigger guard like a H&K, but uh, a little longer), and design with a concave trigger guard on the front and without a hump inside that follows the trigger (see the P99 FAQ for more info).

For that matter I've also seen a lightly used H&K USP 40 (or was it a 45 I forget now, one of the two though) going for $625. So, for what its worth, I recommend you find a weapon you really like, THEN look for the deal to match what you can now or in the near future handle. It is better to save and spend a little more, or find a used model in good condition, on what is comfortable and valuable to you (that you know you like and trust in), than pass them over for something you settled for due to a hard price limit.

Granted, cost is a BIG one, especially these days. Plus you have to pay for mags, holsters, ammo, etc, etc :-/

Update:
An exemplary model on gunbroker can be seen for a short while (an ebay style auction, which ends in a day or so): http://gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=111254631
And no, this is not my listing (though it would explain my cheerleader-like attitude for Walthers here ;-) ) ; I include this link more for a example of the newer generation P99.

 

[Run&Shoot]

I like the 4" barrel length. It is a good compromise between long sight radius, velocity, and compactness for carry. My favorites so far are the Glock G23, Springfield XD40 and the SIG P229.

I have the G23 and plan to buy a second one next year. Although I like the trigger and overall feel of the of the XD better, I can buy every part for the G23 for a complete repair kit if ever needed. The G23 is fairly accurate, has proven to be extremely durable and dependable, simple to fieldstrip and maintain.

I like the trigger on the SIG very much, but would get it in DAK instead of the regular DA/SA trigger.

For me a smooth trigger pull is one of the most important things to consider. Then I want simplicity, reliability and toughness. The Glock is all of that, plus easy access to complete spare parts.

So many of the pistols these days are such high quality that you cant go wrong. Get what feels good in the hand, has a trigger pull you like, and handles at the range well for you. Glock, XD, Hi-Power, SIG, Beretta, S&W M&P, CZ75, etc. are all good, just depends what feels right for you.

 

[Big Daddy Grim]

Glock, XD, or M&P I have all 3 in .40 S&W and to be honest like the M&P although my new XDM in 40 is very nice.

 

[Treo]

Reliability Reliability Reliability (No good if it jams...ever)

So in essence you're saying you want a gun that doesn't exist.

Even my 75B jammed once.

CZ75B
CZ40B
S&W 4006

Those are my picks

 

[CountGlockula]

The one in the rear, G35.

 

[hrivera007]

I got a G22, and never had a problem with that one. No matter how much I abuse it, it keeps going. As far as the M&P I shot it, but didnt like the long trigger reset. the other ones, I cant say, never shot them.

 

[Black Majik]

The quality polymer framed guns should serve you quite well: SA XD, Glock 22, S&W M&P, FN FNP40, HK USP40.

Also, maybe a Browning Hi-Power in .40. Also try out a Beretta 96FS.

Of the guns I've tried the P99 had the snappiest recoil in its respective caliber. Great gun however.

 

[Defensory]

Glock + reloads = KABOOM! Lousy ergonomics.

Smith M&P has had numerous quality control problems since it was first released a few years ago.

Springfield XD = Extreme reliability and ruggedness. The Custom Defensive Pistol division at the 2007 IDPA National Championships was won by a competitor shooting an XD-45, beating out many other competitors using 1911's, Glocks and M&P's. Whether concealed carry, home defense or competition---the XD can "GIT-R-DONE!"

 

[Disaster]

For absolute value you can't beat the CZ40B. Last time I checked CDNN was selling them for $290. Accurate and reliable.

P.S. My CZ40b is so reliable it will even feed empty brass.

 

[Curiousity]

I really want the CZ75B in .40 Trying to decide between the SA or Just Normal. I already have the SA in 9mm just for a difference i might just get a normal CZ75B in .40 but the SA is also nice...Great Accuracy, Reliable, ALL METAL BABY! not toy gun like my polymer .40....



If you live in a state that allows you to buy EAA, not like here in Cali. Then i would definitely get an EAA witness..the .40 in Single Action that is just beauty i so wish i can own it! GOSH THIS CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED LIST!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHH!




http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/21_231/products_id/54978

 

[jlh26oo]

Glock 23

I like my P2000, which is a T.D.A. compact in .40 S.W., though it was a little overpriced. For a .40 S.W. compact, I'd recommend a GLOCK 23. This will come in well under your budget, yet is top notch in quality right there with Sig, Walther, and H.K.

The 23 is what I'd have gone with if I weren't so biased for D.A./S.A. pistols.

 

[wanderinwalker]

I'd suggest a Glock 23, XD 4" Service or a Walther P-99. I've fired all of the above in their 9mm counterparts, and all handle well and are easily capable of doing anything you may ask them to do.

As for your never-fail reliability, ain't gonna happen. They WILL malfunction, just a matter of when and where. My 9000+ round Glock 17 is as close as I may ever get to a "perfect" pistol, and it has had stovepipes and failure-to-extracts a couple of times. Oh well, learn to clear it and move on. Murphy doesn't just lurk in the shadows around me though, he's my copilot!

And Defensory, my experiences in match shooting tend to indicate it's the Indian WAAAAYY more than the arrow. The guys capable of winning at the top levels could probably beat all of us if all they had was a sling shot! And my Glock and I have won and placed in the local practical-fun pistol matches a time or two, but I'm by no means a top-level pistolero.

 

[legion3]

Don't like or shoot the 40. but if I were going to go with a 40 I would look at the Glock 23.

Beretta PX4 would also be something I looked at.

 

[gtmtnbiker98]

For $650, if you do a lot of looking, you can get a NIB Sig P229 in .40 for that price or very close. Nothing beats a Sig and if you can't swing anymore cash, then go with a Glock or an M&P.

 

[wingman]

Browning HIPower in 40 or the CZ40B, neither have jammed, both accurate,
that I own, never cared for the 40 until I fired the above two firearms, but
its all in how they fit your hand.

 

[briansp82593]

Beretta 96
Glock 35
I trust them more than some of my other guns

 

[possum]

i would reccomend the glocks, but i don't like glocks that aren't 9mm. i say go for the xd. i have 2 a service and a sc, and since you aren't interested in the sc i think that the service would fit you perfect.

i have over 7750rds through mine, and i love it. it has been 100% reliable, it is accurate, and fun too shoot.

 

[baryon]

I went through the same phase and ended up with a M&P. Buy either the M&P, Wallther P99 AS, new XDM or the Ruger P944. You can't go wrong with any of these choices.

I would NOT RECOMMEND any pistol that requires you to pull the trigger for field strip. Too many accidental discharges. It is easy to blame people for not checking the chamber but one single mistake and your life is never the same again. I thought of buying the Glock 22 but decided not to. Glock is an excellent design but the company refuses to upgrade. So, stay away from Glock and lookalikes.

 

[burningsquirrels]

16,000 rounds and counting, and about 1k/month now on the right.

best for the money? they're $289 new.

 

[Walkalong]

Springfield XD. Excellent guns. Reasonablly priced, accurate, dependable, good trigger, easy to shoot well.

The OMG you have to pull the trigger to field strip is blown way out of proportion. What moron is going to rack the slide with a mag in it, not notice, chamber a round as they take off the slide and manage to fire it? Even if that is possible.

 

[baryon]

I don't want to hijack this thread into a Glock bashing one.

Apparently, there are so many morons out there. People who have been carrying Glocks for 15 years have had AD's. Sadly people have died. How much would it cost to Glock to add a decocker or at least change the takedown procedure like the Springfield XD which at least forces you to lock the slide. But the company doesn't care as long as it is making money.