Gonna buy a Steyr M-40, any owners willing to answer some questions?

[Snowdog]

I just can't pass up CDNN's Steyr M40 for a mere $299 any longer... I almost feel guilty for waiting as long as I have.
Originally, I was going to place an order for a Taurus 24/7 in .40S&W, but I'm sure those will remain available for some time, but I recognize the likelihood these NIB M40's (especially at these insane prices) might become scarce. Besides, they're so ugly-in-a-unique-way, I've decided that's one reason to own one.

I've gained some understanding of the model both here and on TFL using the search function, but a few things remain unclear.


1) The 4†barrel of the M-40 features polygonal rifling, correct?

2) How's the trigger on these pistols? I'm especially curious about length of travel and weight.

3) In terms of accuracy, can I safely to presume it to be at least on par with a G23?

4) What's the deal with this manual safety located ahead of the trigger within the trigger guard? Is it something that one can easily grow accustomed to?

5) Feel free to add any particulars that you might want to point out about this pistol (without referring to the "lacks a firing pin safety" issue).

Thanks for the info!

 

[mrapathy2000]

I just can't pass up CDNN's Steyr M40 for a mere $299 any longer... I almost feel guilty for waiting as long as I have.
Originally, I was going to place an order for a Taurus 24/7 in .40S&W, but I'm sure those will remain available for some time, but I recognize the likelihood these NIB M40's (especially at these insane prices) might become scarce. Besides, they're so ugly-in-a-unique-way, I've decided that's one reason to own one.

These Uglies can get the job done. good pistol robust design with some interesting unique qualities,growing track record for reliability.
who cares if the pistol is ugly or cool looking, wouldnt you want to put them in fear of their life and scare any would be attacker off? wouldnt ugly do that best?

I've gained some understanding of the model both here and on TFL using the search function, but a few things remain unclear.

Thefiringline has some good threads but your best source for current info will be www.steyrtalk.com

1) The 4" barrel of the M-40 features polygonal rifling, correct?

it features traditional land and groove rifling safe for lead bullets, has a fully supported chamber in 40sw and the pistol was built for the 40sw instead of being a 9mm originally and having the slide cut and a new barrel slapped in.

2) How's the trigger on these pistols? I'm especially curious about length of travel and weight.

nicest DAO you may ever find. slightly better than the XD, short reset Crisp break some describe between 1911 and glock

3) In terms of accuracy, can I safely to presume it to be at least on par with a G23?

many variables around shooting accurately some gun some shooter, some guns might be inaccurate the Steyr is not one of them. if you have good shooting skills you should do well with steyr.

4) What's the deal with this manual safety located ahead of the trigger within the trigger guard? Is it something that one can easily grow accustomed to?

its a ingenious spot for the safety. its ambidextrious unless you have broken your finger bunch of times and have limited movement its fine shouldnt take much to adjust. 1 continuous movement of finger you should be able to disable safety and pull the trigger kinda like a long DAO pull but not.

5) Feel free to add any particulars that you might want to point out about this pistol (without referring to the "lacks a firing pin safety" issue).

it has firing pin safety its called the sear and the sear has a safety which prevents firing till only the trigger is pulled. no documented incidents since introduction in 99

some info at the Faq
SteyrFaq
Holsters,Barrels,Sights,Rail Adapter,etc. written horribly but the author stepped up and put something out that can be helpfull.

Thanks for the info!

np

 

[Flashpoint]

Here's you a link with lots of good information.
http://members.cox.net/guntraining/steyr.htm

mrapathy2000 pretty well fielded all your questions.

If you have done some searches I'm sure you have seen my post so telling you how I feel about the Steyrs would be redundant.

I will had this though, the triggers are real nice, the best I've felt on a plastic pistol. But a little buffing on some contact points makes it that much nicer.

I think that you'll be pleasantly surprised by the craftsmanship you'll find in the Steyrs, exspecially for the price.

 

[spacemanspiff]

i had both the m9 and the m40, and i preferred the m9. what with the polymer frame and everything, my hands didnt like the snappiness of the 40s&w. now, a baby eagle in 40s&w i really liked.

for the price you really cant go wrong. now that i've had a lot more experience with handguns, and have corrected some of my bad shooting habits, i would like to at least try the m9 and m40 again.

as far as the safety is concerned, if you ever carried a glock, then you probably wont ever activate the safety. flicking it off is quite easy, and you can do so when you put your finger in the triggerguard, obviously once you ahve decided you need to fire it.

the trigger reset was pretty good.
the trigger itself, i was not entirely impressed with. i think it has to do with that 'safeaction' trigger, another reason i cant get hyped up about glocks, it just doesnt turn me on, ya know what i mean?

a regular walther p99 seems to have a better trigger, in my opinion anyways. tried out one with their new quick action trigger, and i really wasnt impressed. it would take quite a bit of getting used to the heavy feeling and then the crisp letoff.

imho, guns should either be DA or SA, none of this 'in between' stuff.

but thats just me.
buy the steyr. you'll like it.

 

[Mr. Mysterious]

You'll be happy with your Steyr. My M9 remains one of my favorites! So much three people have bought a Steyr after shooting mine.

MrM

 

[emc]

I used to own an M40. Great pistol! Quite accurate (off hand at 10 yards, one ragged hole for 10 shot group), good design, reliable, easy take down, and much more. So, why did I sell it? Pure ergonomics. For me, at least, the top of the back strap that curves back over the hand wound up striking the base joint of the thumb with every shot. After around 6 or 7 rounds, that got to smarting just a wee bit! So, had to trade it in for something else, like the Springfield XD40.

Bottom line, if you won't have any hassles with the fit, there's little to complain about for this pistol.

FWIW,

emc

 

[mrapathy2000]

there is a remedy for that.

http://www.limbsaver.com/limbsaver/firearms/phs.aspx

 

[KONY]

So, why did I sell it? Pure ergonomics. For me, at least, the top of the back strap that curves back over the hand wound up striking the base joint of the thumb with every shot. After around 6 or 7 rounds, that got to smarting just a wee bit! So, had to trade it in for something else, like the Springfield XD40.

Another remedy besides the LimbSaver is to cant the pistol more towards the center of the web of your hand. This may feel weird at first but with practice, it becomes more natural. I have only had my M9 for a month (about 400 rounds or so) but am starting to get it. My OWB holster is coming in soon so I will try to practice this from the draw.

Now, I will admit that I have been thinking about getting a CZ as I shot a CZ-75BD last week that was a perfect fit! ... so my "short list" of guns to get doesn't look so short anymore.

 

[emc]

Interesting stuff, mrapathy! Have you any personal experience with these? I'd like to know more.

Thanks,

emc

 

[mrapathy2000]

unfortunately no.

seen one on glock and kel-tec both owners had good things to say. havent shot with one.

 

[Snowdog]

Thanks everyone for the info. That SteyerTalk website certainly offers excellent information, thanks mrapathy2000.

Based on all the glowing reports, I purchased one this morning from CDNN. Seems I'll have first hand knowledge soon enough.

Thanks again

 

[Flashpoint]

I'm sure you'll post a range report, right?

 

[KONY]

Based on all the glowing reports, I purchased one this morning from CDNN. Seems I'll have first hand knowledge soon enough.

Awesome! Just keep an open mind about the sights. They are usually the most critiqued feature of the Steyr. When you evaluate them, pay attention to sight acquisition time. The Steyr sights acquire VERY quickly.

 

[Snowdog]

I'm sure you'll post a range report, right?

If anyone asks, sure... why not. However, I'm not much into range reports unless something truly freaky happens. Unless the pistol explodes or a spews out cubes of cheese, I'll likely not.

Without a doubt, I am looking forward to my first range session with it. With all the excellent things I've read of it from the information supplied (including that excellent link you included which in itself just about lends to my decision to purchase), I don't think I'll become disappointed.