between Sig, M&P and FNH .40 cal

[thomis]

Hello friends, I'm looking for a full size high capacity .40 cal gun. I don't have any experience with Sig and I'm very interested. I'm also taking a hard look at the M&P 40 because I love my Smitty's. I'm not considering Ruger (already have one). I'm staying with American made. I'm focusing on accuracy and obviously reliability. This won't be my carry gun. This will be a yard, house and workshop gun. I'm interested in your opinions comparing the Sig, M&P and FNH in regards to feel, accuracy and function. Please don't recommend another make/ model. Many thanks for your time.

 

[Fishbed77]

Before we can make any suggestions, you need to answer this question. Do you want a DA/SA trigger system (SIG or FNX) or constant-action striker-fired trigger system (M&P or FNS)?

 

[HOOfan_1]

I have an FNP-40. 3000 rounds down the pipe and only 2 failures, both with out of SPEC reloads (crooked bullets). I really like it, however, magazines are expensive and hard to find. Other parts are virtually non-existent. It seems like you need to call FNH directly to buy stuff like recoil spring assemblies, and I have heard others say every time they call about them, they are out of stock.

The only other gun I have shot in .40 was an FNX, and it was comparable in accuracy. I have been much more accurate with my Ruger SR9c, Glock 19 and 1911, but none of those is really comparable to the .40.

 

[allaroundhunter]

I have an FNP-40. 3000 rounds down the pipe and only 2 failures, both with out of SPEC reloads (crooked bullets). I really like it, however, magazines are expensive and hard to find. Other parts are virtually non-existent. It seems like you need to call FNH directly to buy stuff like recoil spring assemblies, and I have heard others say every time they call about them, they are out of stock.

That's interesting, my local shop always seems to have FN mags in stock (and they are a small Ma and Pa shop.


OP: I prefer Sigs in the list you mentioned, reason being that they are very soft shooting .40s and I like the DA/SA trigger system. If you aren't a fan of the DA/SA, then you most likely won't like it.

 

[snooperman]

I prefer the SIG. It is heavier and I can get quick follow-up shots with it with better accuracy as well.

 

[Old Dog]

I an tell you straightaway that you'll have a far easier time finding magazines for the SIGs.

The P226 and P229 in .40 are some of the best-handling, softest-shooting 40s out there -- and it's my opinion that for out-of-the-box accuracy, SIGs rule. There are almost always great deals to be found on used 226s and 229s as well.

Some will say the 229 is too big to conceal well. I say balderdash -- it's a great CCW pistol. The 226 in 9 or 40 is an awesome duty weapon and a truly fun pistol for the range.

My employer issues me the M&P. I have no problems with this pistol; I've actually grown somewhat fond of it. That said, I carry the SIGs.

M&P mags are scarce and hard to find, at least locally up here -- and there may be substantial wait time if one orders on-line.

Can't speak to the FNH -- I shot the FNP a while back and the ergonomics, appearance and accuracy did nothing for.

 

[Fiv3r]

I have an FNS-40 that I purchased during the ammo drought to supplement the 9mm and .45 I couldn't find. It made me a real believer in the caliber. I shoot it better than any other semi auto in my collection.

It's been 100% reliable over several hundred rounds, accurate, and the ergos on this gun (for me) are phenomenal.

Yes the mags are pricy and you might not be able to buy them any old place, but the gun comes with 3. For me, that's plenty for what I use this gun for. I don't carry it daily as it is my bump in the night pistol since it has good capacity and a rail for a light. My local gun guy is an FNH dealer, so he can hook me up with fair priced magazines if I want them.

Furthermore, for my purposes, I like the external safety. I generally don't like them on a carry gun, but on a night stand gun I don't mind them. It it allows me to safely store the gun in the safe chambered and return it as such. I would get a little squeamish trying to retrieve a chambered Glock out of the vault under stress.

Long story short, I'm a fan of the FNS-40. It shoots great, feels wonderful in hand, is a handsome gun, and has sold me on the merits of the .40 for home defense.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

if its a SIG P226, then I would go with that. I have one and really love it.

Of the M&P's that I have shot, i was not really all that impressed. Trigger felt gritty.

Of course I am a really big fan of the DA/SA and haven't really warmed up to striker fired yet.
No experience with the FNH but they have good reputations.

 

[JTQ]

This will be a yard, house and workshop gun.

If that's the case, holsters may not be that big a consideration, but you may still want to holster the gun as you move around your property.

There are lots of holsters available for the SIG P226/229 and most of the M&P varieties, but if it is the SP2022 or one of the SIG's with the Picatinny rail, your options will be more limited.

FN seems to change their gun every couple of years (FNP, FNX, FNS, etc), so it would be good to know the model you want, and if you like a particular holster make sure it is available for that gun.

 

[tommy.duncan]

I have and like the P226 and the FNX-40. I use my P226 and a carry pistol. I also have a 357sig barrel for my P226. The Sig is an awesome shooter. I have the FNX because my wife is a lefty and this pistol has ambidextrous controls.

 

[sigarms228]

The SIG P229 or P226.

The Secret Service uses the P229 I believe.

For .40/.357 SIG the P229 is my choice over any other of any brand.

 

[TestPilot]

Among the three P226 or P229 would be the softest recoiling 40S&W, but there can be more muzzle rise due to the higher bore height. Reliability is very good.

Among the three, M&P40 is my choice, and it is my current primary pistol. I went from P229 to P226, then to Glock 22(not really because I liked it), then to M&P40.

FN pistols seems good, but I never bought one because I require my pistols to be capable of firing with trigger pull only.

M&P40 is working great for me so far. I went with it because it is most ergonomic for me compared to all other pistols I have evaluated at the time when I did the evaluation, and it was the closest in specifications to what I require.

It feels okay for me. I won't say it is great, but others either feel worse or their specification do not meet my requirements.

All my M&P 40s are head shot capable at 35 yards, and that's enough accuracy for me.

 

[HOOfan_1]

FNP came standard as DA/SA, just like the SIG....only the USG models had a Safety I believe

 

[private snowball]

I think the FNP model was a heck of a gun. I currently own an FNS and could not be happier. I think this model is really going to get some traction and has staying power.

 

[Queen_of_Thunder]

I would go with a CZ 75 TS. I have one in 9mm and its fantastic and a friend has one in 40cal and he says the same.

 

[Magnuumpwr]

HOOfan, just looked at my FNP-40. It is an DA/SA. Love the way it feels in my hand and is very accurate, as is out of the box (no mods). Sorry, but personally have no experience with the OP's other two options.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

I have both a MP and FNX in 40. Hands down the FNX. Parts for FN while not as easy to find as say a Glock they are out there. Mags for my FNX are fair easier to find and a few bucks higher then MP mags, the lowest I've bought them for is 33 bucks.

 

[thomis]

Thank you all for the comments.

I don't know how the magazine factor got brought up. Its not a concern of mine. Two mags should be more than practical for the gun I'm looking for.

I've ruled out the Sig for reasons regarding price, weight and ammo capacity. I'm sure its a great gun (I mean, hey, look at who uses them) but not what I'm looking for right now.

I handled an FNS 40 yesterday and if it wasn't bi-tone, I would have left the store with it in hand. I liked it that much. But I'd like one to be all black. And I've been impressed with FNH since they acquired Winchester. My new South Carolina made Model 70 is first class. Also, the FNS 40 comes with 3 mags and is at least a couple hundred $$ less than a Sig.

The only reason I'm not jumping all over a FNS 40 is I'd like to handle the M&P 40 with the 5" barrel. As I mentioned, this isn't going to be a everywhere EDC gun. It will be a gun I carry around my place, mostly on the weekends so one more inch of barrel actually appeals to me. I just need to handle one.

 

[JTQ]

The only reason I'm not jumping all over a FNS 40 is I'd like to handle the M&P 40 with the 5" barrel. As I mentioned, this isn't going to be a everywhere EDC gun. It will be a gun I carry around my place, mostly on the weekends so one more inch of barrel actually appeals to me. I just need to handle one.

I don't know if you've seen this (found at Talon Tactical's site)… https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...475848.-2207520000.1385052568.&type=3&theater

I've ruled out the Sig for reasons regarding price, weight and ammo capacity. I'm sure its a great gun (I mean, hey, look at who uses them) but not what I'm looking for right now.

I'm not trying to talk you into a SIG, and I don't know what models you were considering, but the P226 will have mag capacity that is essentially the same as FN and M&P. The SIG SP2022 may have a slightly lower capacity, but it will probably cost less than either the FN or M&P.

 

[HOOfan_1]

the P226 will have mag capacity that is essentially the same as FN and M&P. .

Standard 226 is 15 Rounds 9mm and 12 rounds .40 S&W, there are 20 round 9mm and 15 round .40 S&W mags available though

FNX and M&P come standard 17 9mm and 15 .40 S&W

 

[Fiv3r]

Thank you all for the comments.

I don't know how the magazine factor got brought up. Its not a concern of mine. Two mags should be more than practical for the gun I'm looking for.

I've ruled out the Sig for reasons regarding price, weight and ammo capacity. I'm sure its a great gun (I mean, hey, look at who uses them) but not what I'm looking for right now.

I handled an FNS 40 yesterday and if it wasn't bi-tone, I would have left the store with it in hand. I liked it that much. But I'd like one to be all black. And I've been impressed with FNH since they acquired Winchester. My new South Carolina made Model 70 is first class. Also, the FNS 40 comes with 3 mags and is at least a couple hundred $$ less than a Sig.

The only reason I'm not jumping all over a FNS 40 is I'd like to handle the M&P 40 with the 5" barrel. As I mentioned, this isn't going to be a everywhere EDC gun. It will be a gun I carry around my place, mostly on the weekends so one more inch of barrel actually appeals to me. I just need to handle one.

I'm with you on not being a huge fan of two-tone guns. I just prefer my pistols to be one solid color if possible.

My FNS-40 is all black, and it's a very good looking piece of hardware. It's got a nice heft to it but is very balanced. The low bore axis really tames the .40. The 4" barrel gives it good ballistics yet makes it packable IF you decided to carry it.

Most days, my carry piece is a .357 snub, but the FN gets strapped on if I'm venturing any place where I might feel undergunned with 5 shots.

I haven't been this smitten with a semi auto in a long time.

 

[JDR]

Of the three on your list, I have the Sig P226-40 and can recommend it, although the P226 and P229 series are probably better overall in 9mm. My H&K USP 40 is very good but it's no P30 with the LEM trigger variant. My Gen4 G-22 does what it's designed for, but I shoot my Gen4 G-21 better.

 

[thomis]

Standard 226 is 15 Rounds 9mm and 12 rounds .40 S&W, there are 20 round 9mm and 15 round .40 S&W mags available though

FNX and M&P come standard 17 9mm and 15 .40 S&W

thank you for the breakdown hoofan. i guess an aftermarket 15 round mag for a .40 would be like a 10 round mag for a single stack 1911 45
ACP.

I haven't been this smitten with a semi auto in a long time.

you really have me looking harder at that FNS 40!

 

[powder]

SIG, go 226 and get a conversion barrel for .357 SIG, or vice versa...

 

[sexybeast]

Well you said its basically going to be a "house" gun so I would rule out the M&P. Nothing wrong with one and in fact I compete with one, but a striker fired gun with a round in the barrel will have the striker spring compressed for who knows how long. I know, cops do it and as a matter of fact so do I, but I also shoot my house/carry gun every week. But you should as if its just going to sit. Go with the Sig or FN. Lots of places sell used police turn ins and I see Sigs all the time now that the crazyness is over priced very good. Less than $450 with a couple mags. The HK UsP is also a good reliable hammer fired gun.
Go 40 and you won't go back! Great caliber.

Oh, you mentioned a 5" model m&p 40. Why? I have a m&p 9 pro in 5", its great for competiton but costs $100 more new. You can pick up police turn in m&p's for under $400 with three or four mags. Just like the police turn in glocks they will have holster wear but will have been shot very little.
Go with the Sig if you don't have alot of experience. you can also find almost every part for one online and if you can't fix it thousands of gunsmiths can. Can't say that about the FN.