grant1265
Member
I need some opinions on the best full size .40. Anything is fine except an m&p because I already have a compact in .40 and a full size .45. Thanks.
Best full size .40 S&W handgun?
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scythefwd
Member
Hi power if you like steel guns. Cant speak for the polymer guns. I personally cant stand the feel of the grip safety of a 1911, but they are quality guns.
MtnSpur
Member
I own and regularly take to the range a S&W Model 410. Bought it used about 4 years ago from LGS and she just flat out performs flawlessly. Bulkier than some .40 S&W caliber guns but POA, recoil and durability are just flat out "grinnin time" features I find it has to offer. All this IMHO and offered free of charge.
beeenbag
Member
Glock 22 or 35 would be my pick
hardluk1
member
Glock , and with so many older cop pistol trade ins there also a deal.
Lonestar49
Member
Some great choices out there..
...
Have had a Beretta full size Px4 40 G (decocker-only) w/rotating barrel, polymer frame, large round capacity and can't say enough good things about it over 5yrs, 11k flawless rounds, accuracy never fails, very soft/balanced, and rail mounted laser has not changed in 4yrs since I put it on and dialed it in for a six o:clock sight picture just off/above the front sight.. Spot on whether up close or out to 63ft max at my indoor range.
Very nice, smooth DA pull and clean SA break, out of the NIB, which both just get better and better with use..
Mine next to my Sig P228 9mm
Also, I have Two P229n/r 40's (also decocker-only) that between both of them, thru 4yrs, I have nearly 14K flawless rounds and a tad heavier than the Px4 40 but the thicker slide/weight offers nearly the same soft, balanced, recoil along with quick follow up shots with on-going accuracy that just never fails.. great gun as well.
Note: P228n/r 9mm same size as P229n/r 40
Both of my P229n/r 40's , one with CTC laser grips, once set, 3yrs ago, never changes as where the red dot is, so go the bullet/s
Both, make/model, guns are the easiest guns to dissemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble, out there, bar none.. Makes for fast, easy, fun, inspections/cleanings.
Both types just a pure joy to own and shoot and I "know" they will keep on firing, be it 2-hand grip, 1-hand grip, weak hand grip, they don't fail, never have in mentioned years and round counts with both type ammo's new or reloads, with exception to a bad bullet here and there, now and then.
If you want a slightly bigger gun, then a Sig P226 would be a great flavor to choose..
New ammo's of most makes or reloads (of good and known re-loader/company) run fine thru both makes
Luck,
Ls
...
Have had a Beretta full size Px4 40 G (decocker-only) w/rotating barrel, polymer frame, large round capacity and can't say enough good things about it over 5yrs, 11k flawless rounds, accuracy never fails, very soft/balanced, and rail mounted laser has not changed in 4yrs since I put it on and dialed it in for a six o:clock sight picture just off/above the front sight.. Spot on whether up close or out to 63ft max at my indoor range.
Very nice, smooth DA pull and clean SA break, out of the NIB, which both just get better and better with use..
Mine next to my Sig P228 9mm
Also, I have Two P229n/r 40's (also decocker-only) that between both of them, thru 4yrs, I have nearly 14K flawless rounds and a tad heavier than the Px4 40 but the thicker slide/weight offers nearly the same soft, balanced, recoil along with quick follow up shots with on-going accuracy that just never fails.. great gun as well.
Note: P228n/r 9mm same size as P229n/r 40
Both of my P229n/r 40's , one with CTC laser grips, once set, 3yrs ago, never changes as where the red dot is, so go the bullet/s
Both, make/model, guns are the easiest guns to dissemble, inspect, clean, and reassemble, out there, bar none.. Makes for fast, easy, fun, inspections/cleanings.
Both types just a pure joy to own and shoot and I "know" they will keep on firing, be it 2-hand grip, 1-hand grip, weak hand grip, they don't fail, never have in mentioned years and round counts with both type ammo's new or reloads, with exception to a bad bullet here and there, now and then.
If you want a slightly bigger gun, then a Sig P226 would be a great flavor to choose..
New ammo's of most makes or reloads (of good and known re-loader/company) run fine thru both makes
Luck,
Ls
Last edited:
Best? Well, thats really a personal thing.
Favorite? Steyr M40-A1.
Best reputation for reliability? H&K USP .40
Best Overall Reputation? SIG P225/P226 or Glock-series.
Best Ergos? Walther P99 or H&K P30 .40S&W (latter also HIGHLY reliable, but not terribly cost-effective).
Best Overall Accuracy? Buy a 9mm, or a custom .45.
Favorite? Steyr M40-A1.
Best reputation for reliability? H&K USP .40
Best Overall Reputation? SIG P225/P226 or Glock-series.
Best Ergos? Walther P99 or H&K P30 .40S&W (latter also HIGHLY reliable, but not terribly cost-effective).
Best Overall Accuracy? Buy a 9mm, or a custom .45.
Bullet Bob
Member
Finally, an easy question - the answer? A S&W 646:
Seriously, as others have pointed out, there is no best; there's a bunch of good ones, and it's up to you to pick the one that works best for you, or that you like the most.
Seriously, as others have pointed out, there is no best; there's a bunch of good ones, and it's up to you to pick the one that works best for you, or that you like the most.
Jed Carter
Member
Best? I like my SIG P226 .40S&W / .357SIG, been my HD weapon of choice for years. STI makes some of the best 1911s in .40S&W, my STI 9mm is an incredible pistol, it is the best shooting pistol I own. H&K USP Expert is a great handgun, like everthing about it, but the price. Beretta 96, Glock G22, SIG P229, P239...
NMGonzo
Member
To me, nothing can be sweeter than the G35
Tennessee Ned
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My vote goes to the Sig 229 or 226. My 229 is very accurate and a joy to shoot.
Strykervet
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The Glock. G24L. One bad weapon. I have a 17L and it is phenomenal. 15rds. too (if you act quick that is).
But don't get an aftermarket slide! The factory ones are cut differently and have tighter tolerances.
But don't get an aftermarket slide! The factory ones are cut differently and have tighter tolerances.
TGReaper
Member
I am a 1911 type but I recently acquired a Sig P226 with .22 and 9mm top ends.
It has impressed me enough that I expect I will get a .40 S&W conversion for it.
TGR
It has impressed me enough that I expect I will get a .40 S&W conversion for it.
TGR
ArchAngelCD
Member.
BERETTA 96 Vertec
This is my favorite full size .40 S&W pistol. I also have a BERETTA 96 and the two things that set the Vertec apart are the slimmer, straight grip which is modeled on the 1911 pistol. I find that I shoot a slightly higher score when I use the Vertec instead of the 96 with the regular grip style.
The other feature I like is the light/laser rail on the front of the frame. I really, really like a bright light on a gun for house or nighttime use and the Vertec was the only model with it until the 90-2 and M9A1 series came out.
I have shot other .40 caliber pistols including the GLOCK 22 and H&K P 2000. The GLOCK kicks too much for me and the H&K is just too expensive for what it offers.
So for now, my favorite is the Vertec.
Jim
This is my favorite full size .40 S&W pistol. I also have a BERETTA 96 and the two things that set the Vertec apart are the slimmer, straight grip which is modeled on the 1911 pistol. I find that I shoot a slightly higher score when I use the Vertec instead of the 96 with the regular grip style.
The other feature I like is the light/laser rail on the front of the frame. I really, really like a bright light on a gun for house or nighttime use and the Vertec was the only model with it until the 90-2 and M9A1 series came out.
I have shot other .40 caliber pistols including the GLOCK 22 and H&K P 2000. The GLOCK kicks too much for me and the H&K is just too expensive for what it offers.
So for now, my favorite is the Vertec.
Jim
Rustinthewheel
Member
FNP-40, or if you like cocked and locked, the FNX-40.
Both are extremely reliable, and have the now common interchangeable back straps. Take-down is just like a SIG, and if suppressors are your game, EFK Firedragon makes threaded barrels for less than $200.
Holsters used to be difficult to find, but they have been out for some time now so people have found holsters built for other guns that fit perfectly.
Oh yeah, they're also made in the USA, and FN Herstal has a long history of producing quality firearms for us.
Both are extremely reliable, and have the now common interchangeable back straps. Take-down is just like a SIG, and if suppressors are your game, EFK Firedragon makes threaded barrels for less than $200.
Holsters used to be difficult to find, but they have been out for some time now so people have found holsters built for other guns that fit perfectly.
Oh yeah, they're also made in the USA, and FN Herstal has a long history of producing quality firearms for us.
GuysModel94
Member
I would toss in the Springfield XD 40 5" Tactical. Has a grip safety and comes with a holster and mag. holsters in a great case.
glenns
Member
Love the feel of the Glock 22 - I have 2 of them.
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