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

[guninthewater]

Don't buy your first handgun based on the vote of this board. You'll be the one owning and shooting it, so get what fits you best. Handle and fire as many handguns as you can. Pay close attention to ergonomics and what feels most comfortable to you.

You've gotten loads of recommendations here, because there are loads of quality .40 S&W handguns. Depending on how the guns fit you, there are a lot of right choices. For me, I've owned or shot a multitude of different makes and models. Some have been good and others not so much. I can recommend any 3rd-generation S&W (4006, etc.). I also really like the Ruger P944, which I've recently come back to after parting with one years ago to pursue something with a polymer frame. Even with Ruger's characteristic heavy DA trigger pull, both of the ones I've had have demonstrated better accuracy and reliability than anything else.

 

[burningsquirrels]

+1. don't buy something based on what others vote. like i also said before, try before you buy. what's right isn't always popular, and what's popular isn't always right.

 

[Raw-Dog]

Thanks

Hi Guninthinwater and burningsquirrels. I agree with your statement:

"Don't buy your first handgun based on the vote of this board"

I have now shot the glock 23, xd, and S&W at the local range today at lunch.

Grip/comfort I like the S&W M&P, with the XD 2nd (glock handle is way too bulky for me, and unnecesarily so...there is plenty of room to shave between the shooters palm and the back of the magazine.)

As far as complexity of disasembly and cleaning I am still not sure how big a difference exists (other than the glock being as simple as changing batteries on a remote control)

My greater concern is reliability, which is regarded quite highly for all three (only bad ammo has been the regular culprit)

I think now which ever I choose (of the 3) I am in good hands and will be happy.

 

[bb21]

I agree you'll be happy with any of the last three, I own an XD45c and my duty weapon is a M&P 40 both are great. Glocks have a great reputation and following, but I am with you on the grip being a little too big for my hand. I love my M&P but if the XD you shot was not the XDm, I would make sure to handle that first, it really does fit my hand better than the M&P and it has some great features that make it much improved over the old XD. It really is all about what works best for you and fits you. Good Luck.

 

[burningsquirrels]

between the two...

M&P has interchangeable backstraps...

but,

the XD has a grip safety... and the 40 is available in a subcompact that allows you to pick grip length to suit your needs...

either gun will serve you great!


now, on the flip side... the XD-M has interchangeable backstraps, but it's a full size gun compared to the glock 23. at least the regular XD-40 can come compact or subcompact. my fiance carries the XD-9 subcompact. she uses the short grip in the car and on the hip, and at home it gets the full length grip.

 

[kludge]

Another +1 for the XD-40.

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.

Bah! Just always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

For the XD: Unload (mag out, slide back) check the chamber. Rack the slide, check again. Takedown lever up, slide foreward, SAFE DIRECTION, pull the trigger.

 

[Marshall]

Hell, they're all good. You need to get what you like and feels best to you. Shop and handle them.

My personal preferences in your price range are the Springfield XD-40, Beretta PX-4, Fabrique National FNP-40 and the Stoeger Cougar in .40 S&W.

 

[toopercentmlk]

My vote goes to the Glock 23 or USPc if you can find a nice used one.

 

[Raw-Dog]

Back on Track

Took some time off (save back up after having a too good to pass up offer on a Noveske N4 rifle)

I pull the trigger Friday (after Thanksgiving), and in all truth I am still stuck between 2 (maybe 3) guns..

1) M&P-40(love the fit and feel, and just keep coming back to this beauty)
2) FNP-40 (This one snuck up on me, but if you have ever felt the trigger pull on these you know its like butter, well more like a very smooth sliding machine switch, where the M&P feels like you are sanding down something...Sorry I am a bit spoiled with an M700 Remington that is as crisp as breaking a mechanical pencil lead)
3) The CZ75, (I know, where did the Glock and XD go? But to tell you the truth the glock is an oversized brick that was revolutionary when it came out, but now there are better refined polymer pistols that have same capacities and smaller grip, with less overall weight and look pretty damn slick, for the XD...well I dont know what to say there, I have an M1A that I love but I feel like I would really be getting the 2nd class choice now that everyone and there mother is dripping wet over the XDM...which BTW I cant get in CA...yet...or ever, the way things are looking/going)

Thats my rant...any last minute praises or warnings for the 3 I listed (I will list again cause of all my clutter):

1) S&W M&P-40
2) FNM FNP-40
3) CZ-USA CZ75

 

[71Commander]

Hopefully my M&P gets delivered tomorrow.

 

[burningsquirrels]

nothing wrong with the CZ, but i'm a tad biased. M&P is also a good choice, as is the FN.

 

[gglass]

The Experts say...

This forum link says it all from those who know more than most on the subject. (Those being our boys in blue)

This link sold me on the M&P 40 more than any other opinion source.

http://www.policelink.com/products/products/368-smith-wesson-mp-40

 

[burningsquirrels]

i'm seeing more and more LEOs with the M&P....

 

[71Commander]

This forum link says it all from those who know more than most on the subject

You're kidding me, right?

 

[WVfishguy]

I would NOT RECOMMEND any pistol that requires you to pull the trigger for field strip. Too many accidental discharges.

Any time you pull the trigger without checking the chamber, you can have a negligent discharge. I have a stack of phone books beside my gun safe where I point the barrel of any gun to pull the trigger AFTER I check the chamber. The phone books are a back-up.

I also keep a snap cap in each gun I'm not carrying. Over cautious? You bet!

That being said, I have several .40s. My hands-down favorite is the Walther P99, AS. I lucked out and got it for $475, NIB.

I also like my new XDm, but it's pretty big for carrying. IMO, it's also too expensive.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

You're kidding me, right?

I'd say police would be good judges of stopping power, they are far more likely to have experiance in that regard than most people.

 

[ZeBool]

If I were buying new, it would definately be the XD over the M&P(which is what I did choose). However, if I were buying used, I would go with an H&K USPc. The H&K will certainly run you more, but a Caddy costs more than a Cobalt, right?

 

[CountGlockula]

Get a Glock.

 

[Raw-Dog]

That Police link website could be anybody...I just signed up myself (to test if there is any credential check)....nope!

So taking their word is not really a solid choice either....Its better to check the larger police offices directly by calling their armories...

 

[burningsquirrels]

or, just look at what they're carrying. still mostly glocks, i'm seeing some starting to carry M&Ps. The federal protective service at work uses SIGs.

 

[elktrout]

You likely will have to save some more money and add to your $650 to get one, but you will never be sorry you spent the extra money to buy an H&K USP. They are simply incredible. There is a reason the Navy Seals went to the SOCOM pistol made by H&K, and it was not because it was the cheapest.

A local gun shop in my area sells thousands of handguns each year. The owner and his employees are big fans of Glocks, and they sell a boat load of them. But when my son bought his H&K there, the owner confided that the ONLY gun his shop never sends back to the factory for repairs or warranty work is the H&K.

I would not sell mine for any price. I hope this helps you.

 

[gglass]

M&P All The way

The S&W M&P 40 is the way to go. Check out what the boys in blue think about this weapon.

http://www.policelink.com/products/products/368-smith-wesson-mp-40

How can you have a gun so universally loved by all these guys, especially when they've chosen it over most of the aforementioned semi's?

Smith & Wesson reserves naming guns to ones that reach a certain level of perfection... I don't think they would sully the hallowed M&P brand by placing it on an average weapon.

My last check at budsgunshop.com has the M&P 40 at $439.00 including shipping.

 

[rscalzo]

Policelink has no connection to law enforcement. The site is run by a Computer specialist who has interests in law enforcement.

 

[mauiglide]

Glock pistols are easy to use and maintain. They are great defensive and combat firearms.

Any firearm owner can have an AD or ND. But if you are diligent in maintaining the four gun safety rules you can keep AD and ND to the barest minimum.

 

[BP44]

Either glock or the HK would work swell but I beleive they both have Polyagonal(sp?) barrles which means no lead so thats kinda a bum deal for me at least. There is always Sig,S&W,Ruger,CZ, and a ton of other great guns to pick from, I suggest as I am sure most others have, go and shoot as many as you can and then make your decision.
Or buy them all