Best Full-Size Combat .40 caliber? - Seeking advice from experienced owners...

[DMK]

If you can find one, I really like my CZ40B. It's basically a CZ-75B "under the hood" and even uses the same magazines. The gun has an alloy frame but the ergonomics make it a sweet shooter. This was my first 40 S&W gun and I've always enjoyed shooting it.

The gun has an interesting history too. Colt asked CZ to design a double stack, DAO gun for them that had 1911 ergos. CZ did so and Colt sold it as the Z40. Then Colt did what Colt does and screwed themselves over. Unintentionally they associated the Z40 with the "Smart Gun" fiasco. After that they distanced themselves from the whole project. CZ converted the gun to DA/SA and sold it as the CZ40B.

 

[ATLDave]

If weight isn't an issue (because you're not trying to carry it) and you just care about the gun that will help you shoot the best you possibly can in terms of a combination of speed and accuracy, consider looking at what guns are used in USPSA matches in Limited division (where the rules effectively make .40 the only caliber worth considering). Hint: it's not stuff with alloy frames, and it's generally not stuff with polymer frames.

 

[DMK]

Tarosean,

I hope not. : )

This is a home defense weapon. It'll stay on the nightstand at night, and I hope to never need it in a deadly capacity. That said, if I need to pick up a handgun and go see about something that went bump in the night, I want something that I can count on.

KR

My bedside gun is an S&W SD40VE. It's low cost, reliable, has good ergonomics and has a light rail so don't need to look for the flashlight in an emergency.

 

[DMK]

If weight isn't an issue (because you're not trying to carry it) and you just care about the gun that will help you shoot the best you possibly can in terms of a combination of speed and accuracy, consider looking at what guns are used in USPSA matches in Limited division (where the rules effectively make .40 the only caliber worth considering). Hint: it's not stuff with alloy frames, and it's generally not stuff with polymer frames.

I used to shoot that CZ40B in USPSA.

Guys that don't shoot guns with alloy frames in competition choose something else because they are going to do a LOT of shooting. For an HD gun or even the casual local competitor, that really isn't a big issue.

 

[ATLDave]

Guys that don't shoot guns with alloy frames in competition choose something else because they are going to do a LOT of shooting.

I don't think wear-and-tear is the sole driver, if that's what you're suggesting. Weight is the issue. It's shaken out a little differently than, say, 5-10 years ago when lots of people were trying lightweight guns (particularly plastic guns) in various divisions, but the simple fact is that weight tames recoil. Less recoil = faster splits.

That CZ40 is sweet. But for pure shooting, as opposed to hauling around, I feel pretty confident the TacSport is better.

 

[DMK]

I don't think wear-and-tear is the sole driver, if that's what you're suggesting.

That was what I was suggesting.

...the simple fact is that weight tames recoil. Less recoil = faster splits.

I agree. I'd shoot a steel framed gun if I was serious about being competitive. But I never really cared about that. I just shot for fun and for practice in something other than a square range.

 

[RPRNY]

Just picked up one of these: S&W M&P 2.0 .40 SW. Don't have it in hand yet. Reviews raving about the new trigger. 5" barrel, new steel mag release, increased rigidity via extended steel chassis. Very hopeful. Will advise.

 

[Captains1911]

In order of considerations, I'd like to know about:

Accuracy
Reliability (especially with hollow points)
Durability
Ergonomics / Natural "pointability"
Any other aspects you think I should take into account.
KR

Any modern day pistol from a reputable manufacturer is reliable, durable, and inherently more accurate than you are. Pick one that has the features YOU want and that fits YOU (by "fit" I mean you shoot well, not just feels good when you pick it up). What is ergonomic and points naturally for me probably will not for you.

So...

What would you buy to carry as a duty weapon if you were a police officer or soldier (and had your choice)? Why?
KR

Again, irrelevant because I'm not you, but I would probably pick up a G22 if I had to buy a .40.

 

[browningguy]

Springfield XDM 5.25, soft shooting and accurate enough. If you want ultimate accuracy and don't mind single action then the Tanfoglio Witness Elite Match, its a little big for a carry gun but about the most accurate factory pistol you can find.

 

[mongoslow]

Sig 229 the only way to get any better is a Sig 229 Legion

 

[golden]

My experience in .40 S&W has been with three different makes. BERETTA 96, H&K P2000 and SIG 229.

My favorite to shoot is the BERETTA 96D Brigadier. The extra weight of the Brigadier slide makes it a much better gun than the standard 96. Even so, it will wear out if shoot steadily, say after 5000 to 6000 of the high velocity ammo.

It has the best trigger and accuracy of the three models mentioned, good sights and is big enough to make shooting comfortable. I have shot this model out to 100 yards on a range and it did hit the target, which impressed me a lot. I make no claims to being a great sht.

I also have a 96 VERTEC and prefer the grip of the VERTEC, but the Brigadier has a stronger slide and has a very smooth trigger. I use the VERTEC for home defense some times because it has a rail and I put a light on it.


I had a SIG 229 and it is a very nice gun, much more compact than the BERETTA. Side by side, the trigger on the BERETTA was much lighter and smoother. My 229 was not as accurate as the 96D Brigadier, but the small size of the pistol may have been the biggest factor in this. It was reliable and much more concealable that the BERETTA.


I have been carrying an H&K P2000 in .40 S&W for the past 10 years as a duty pistol. It has been reliable, but several of our guns have developed rust. The trigger and sights are good and you can change grip parts to match your hand size. It has a built in recoil absorbing ring and was shootable, even when my agency was still issuing the 155 grain ammo which has a fair amount of recoil.

Still, I have never warmed up to this gun for whatever reason.


Jim

 

[Tallball]

To respond to Golden, my Beretta 96 has been the most accurate and easiest to shoot 40 caliber pistol I have ever shot.

 

[jjones45]

I would think one could shoot more than 5000 or 6000 rounds through a beretta 96 brigadier before wearing it out. I know of 40 caliber glocks that have gone 18000 rounds before parts breakage (mostly pins) and once repaired still go strong. I've shot the p2000 in 40 as well and for whatever reason wasn't crazy about it. My buddy offered it to me for a good price and I passed, apparently he wasn't thrilled about it as well. A sig p229 I had in 40/357 sig was a real pleasure to shoot, dang I miss that gun

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I have small hands. The M&P40 lends itself to smaller hand people.
I also like and carry Sigs with the DA\SA trigger. The 229 is my favorite, followed by the 239. {both in .40s&w}

 

[mavracer]

I started my venture into 40 S&W with a smoking deal on a G23 and while I really tried Glocks just don't work for me, but I had bought 1000 rounds of ammo for it so when I sold it and got a FN FNS and then sold my P239 9mm and got a P229. I feel very comfortable and confident with either.

There are some smoking deals around on the FN right now.

 

[bushmaster1313]

Do not go into battle without the proper accessories
The defining statement is the color of the grip panels
Correct color grips will pull the entire outfit together

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

Glock 23 Gen 3 is what I have. If you watch you can pick one up pretty reasonable. I like it also because I can switch barrels and go to 9MM or .357 SIG and not have to buy more guns. (although I do )

 

[hemiram]

I've had several .40S&W guns and I definitely liked the larger, heavier guns to shoot. I only have one right now, a FNH FNS-40 that will soon be gone. It's an ok gun, but I only bought it because it was insanely cheap ($360). I would prefer a hammer fired gun, and one with less aggressive checkering/texturing than it has. It's a little over the top, IMHO. It's not a "Cheese Grater II, the Belgian", but it's not comfortable at all for me and I would greatly prefer, a CZ, Sig P226, P229, etc than the FNS-40. But at this time, my intention is to sell or trade the FNS-40, which I've never actually fired, I shot a friend's so I know I don't like it, and replace it with a 9mm Sig P226 DAK. With a ton of cheap LEO trade in Sigs out there, if I was looking for a good .40, I would be buying one, there are tons out there. My LEO trade in P220 .45 ACP was in almost new condition for $400.

 

[RehnMan]

I vote for a CZ P07/P09 in .40SW. I love those guns.

Side note (I assume it will come in .40SW, but I did not check prior to this post), I got my hands on the Beretta APX this morning (work for an LE distributor) and it was very impressive. I personally think the gun is kinda fugly, but the ergos on it are the best Ive ever felt. The trigger was impressive and crisp. The gun points very well. The cocking serrations on the slide, they are the most functional cocking serrations there are. You can easily rack the slide at any point on the gun and under any conditions. Those will be easier to find than a P10C or a P320, but I am more impressed than the P320 and I cant get my hands on the P10C to offer input.

Best of luck on your choice.

 

[O C]

Browning Hipower .40 by all means.

 

[larryh1108]

Another vote for the seldom mentioned S&W 3rd Gen. Mine is a DAO but they come in all flavors. Built like a tank, handles recoil very well and points very naturally. Someone mentioned the TSW model. It's worth a look.

 

[d'zaster]

I have a HK-P2000 that has an awesome trigger and very accurate. It's not full size but I'd recommend it.

 

[Casefull]

I have sig 226 in 40. Have shot for several years, great gun. I always say a .40 shoots flat like a nine and hits like a .45.