Good 40 S&W Autoloader

[Bob_Konysh]

It just seems to me that all 40 autos are either designed to be a 9 pistol and then they cram the 40 into it or they are a 45 pistol with extra slop for the 40.

Just as an example the the Springfield XD in 9 holds 16 rounds and in 40 holds 12 but in 45 it holds 13, its as if they made the 9 crammed in the 40 then remade it for the 45.

Why don't they design it for the 40 as well?
Is there any pistol designed for the 40?

 

[C-grunt]

Glock is pretty good. 9mm holds 17+1, .40 holds 15+1, and .45 hold 13+1. These are the full sized models.

Also I heard the Beretta Px4 (the new one, Im not sure thats the correct name) was designed specifically around the .40.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The S&W M&P is specifically designed and engineered for the .40 and in fact was introduced in that caliber first, the .40 being the most popular police cartridge at this time. The SIG P229 was also specifically engineered for the .40; the machined stainless steel slide that is now standard on SIGs was first introduced on that gun.

The XD 45 is on a larger frame than the 9mm and .40 versions.

 

[Bob_Konysh]

more to the point, why don't they redesign the gun for each caliber?

 

[hopelessjoe]

I've got a Bersa Thunder 40 that ''appears'' to be designed for the .40 even though the 9mm version seems to be the same with the exception that the .40 holds four fewer rounds than the 9mm.

There is no slop in the slide or frame. The chamber is fully supported and the barrel is thick all the way to the muzzle. In fact, the 9mm version could probably shoot some really heavy duty ammo. The chamber and barrel thickness on it is super thick. I would venture to guess that +P+ is more than safe to shoot in the 9mm version, but I am a .40 guy

It (the 9mm) is the issue gun of the Agentine Federal Police. If it was designed for the 9mm, then that means the .40 was perfect as an upgrade because both are perfect for high pressure ammo like .40 and 9mm+P+.

Pick one up for about 400 dollars NIB and you will be pleasantly suprised regardless of your preference for 9mm or .40

 

[Autolycus]

Originally posted by Bob konysh: more to the point, why don't they redesign the gun for each caliber?

Simply because it costs to much.

If they were smart, they would start designing more guns around .40 S&W as it is a popular LE round. And guns chambered in .40 S&W will easily be able to adapt to 9mm as it is not as hard on the gun. Thus they get two guns for the price of one.

I believe this is what they did for the HK USP and USPc. They just increased its size for the .45 ACP model but since .45 ACP is not an overpressured round it was not really hard to re-engineer, and the same goes for 9mm.

 

[possum]

Is there any pistol designed for the 40?

yes the h&k usp. the s&w sigma.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

more to the point, why don't they redesign the gun for each caliber?

A major attraction of the .40 was that the guns do not need to be substantially redesigned. The .40, being the same overall length as the 9mm, already fit into 9mm-sized guns. I would agree this has led to mixed results, with some working better than others.

 

[Shaner]

more to the point, why don't they redesign the gun for each caliber?

Cost and because some of the frames/slides originally intended for the 9mm are quite strong enought to handle the .40 anyway. Case in point, the XD line...

 

[NCHornet]

The same reason Toyota uses the same frame and engine for many different models. They have found what works and they don't try and redesign the wheel every couple years, unlike Ford, Chevy etc....
IMHO the G23 is one of the best 40's out there. I have carried it for 11 years and it has never let me down. Glocks you either lov'em or hat'em!!

 

[ar10]

I have 2 xd 9's and 2 xd .40's. The nicest thing about the XD's (.45's excluded) is one holster fits all and some of the parts are interchangable.
After shooting both at the range quite a bit I often wonder why the 9mm hasn't gone the way of the GAP round. From what I've been reading and heard the mil issued 9mm's do not have the penetration needed for military. I talked with one of the reserve officers at the Blightor Armory about month ago and they are doiing some trials with the .40 as a replacement for the 9mm's. I just wish they'd try the GAP.

 

[critter]

How 'bout the SIG 229?

 

[jdorian]

Take a look at the S&W 4000 Series, as they can be had in used condition in the $300 range, and its a classic design. .40 is my favorite, I don't think I'll ever go to the 9mm unless I get an awesome deal on gun. Its easier to stay with one caliber for everything.

 

[rgs1975]

The finest all around .40 S&W I've owned was a Sig P239. Perfect gun/bullet combination.

 

[scndactive]

Man, there is just something about a Glock. I TRIED to hate the big ugly plastic brick after I got mine (G 22 40S&W). I just can't.

Expensive 1911's, other ugly plastic bricks, guns with lots of toys on them like decockers, safeties, ambidextice this and thats. Just can't shake the Glock!!!

IMO
to each his own.
just my two cents
ya ya ya Glocks suck, whatever