Is .40s&w here to stay?

[Amadeus]

CAUTION: THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE A “WHICH ROUND IS BETTER†THREAD!! Thank you. We now return you to your regularly scheduled question.

I want to invest in a .40 caliber semi-auto (maybe a Sig 299) but cannot shake this feeling that the .40s&w round is neither as available nor as “street†proven (reliability, accuracy) as the older 9mm and .45.

9mm has a “street recordâ€. It is so widely used for such a wide variety of applications and comes in so many configurations I feel confident that I can keep my gun fed with good defensive as well as quality range ammo for the rest of time and beyond. If I walked into a shanty in east BumFrrrruk, Afghanistan I could probably find 9mm in stock. But .40? Not so likely. I mean – even Secret Service, the U.S Military, and many Police Departments STILL use 9mm. Don’t they?

So -- is .40 truly here to stay?

 

[Correia]

Yep. It has become one of the most popular cartridges of all time and will be around for a very long time. And I don't even like it.

 

[Mike Irwin]

The .40 S&W had amazing impact from its introduction in 1989.

It was probably the most quickly adopted and accepted cartridge in history.

Yes, it's here to stay.

 

[treeprof]

The .40 S&W is overwhelmingly THE most widely used cartridge in LEO circles, and very popular w/private citizens. It is NOT going away. Is it as ubiquitous as 9 mm or .45 at retailers? Probably pretty stinkin' close. In some countries, military rounds like 9mm and .45 are verboten for the general public, and you must use something else. I have seen .40 ammo avail in Europe (France).

BTW, the SS uses 357 SIG; same caliber as 9 mm (.355) but diff. cartridge. A lot of Feds use the .40 for std issue, incl. DEA and FBI.

 

[Amadeus]

BTW, the SS uses 357 SIG; same caliber as 9 mm (.355) but diff. cartridge. A lot of Feds use the .40 for std issue, incl. DEA and FBI.

Wow. No kidding? I was certain that the Secret Service was using the 9mm. And the FBI too huh? I'm surprised. Pleased to hear it, but surprised.

 

[AJ Dual]

Here to stay?

Wal-Mart sells 100 round Winchester White Box "Value Packs" of .40 S&W.

Eastern European makers such as Sellier & Bellot make it by the caseload for the American mail-order market. Russian makers like Wolf and Barnual make even cheaper bulk loads of steel cased .40.

Yep, it's here to stay.

 

[cidirkona]

Yes it is...

...speaking of, where's the cheapest place to get 10mm?

-Colin

 

[Flashpoint]

Yes it is.

Flashpoint predictions:
The popularity of the .40 will soon cause a surge in the popularity fo the 10mm and the 10mm will cause the .45 ACP to be an obscure round.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Ban the .40 S&W!

No one needs such a dangerous round!

I have sprained my back several times at the range diving for what I though was a left-behind .45 ACP case!

 

[Sean Smith]

...speaking of, where's the cheapest place to get 10mm?

http://www.georgia-arms.com/pistol.htm#ee

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=67502

 

[Zundfolge]

Ban the .40 S&W!

No one needs such a dangerous round!

I have sprained my back several times at the range diving for what I though was a left-behind .45 ACP case

Boy are you going to be in for a world of hurt if the .45GAP picks up in popularity

 

[fastbolt]

Is .40s&w here to stay?

It seems to be ...

I waited for a bit more than 10 years after its introduction, and acceptance in L/E, before I seriously considered trying it. It was only after the reported results from actual shooting situations in L/E that my agency started to consider it, and not until after THAT occurred that I actually considered owning one.

Now, I'm issued one, and own two others ... but I won't be "giving up" my .45's & 9mm's, though ... I'm also issued a 9mm compact weapon for my plainclothes assignment, although I often carry the .40 S&W weapon in that role, as well. The configuration of each weapon does offer a slight comfort advantage to the slightly smaller 9mm, so that's what I most often carry.

I own more .45 ACP pistols than I own 9mm's & .40 S&W's combined ... and I suspect it might stay that way.

My next .40 S&W purchase will probably be a 4040PD, unless S&W decides to offer a 4040TSW, or a 4040S. I prefer stainless steel slides.

I still prefer .45 ACP pistols when it comes right down to it, though ...

Sure, I realize that most reviews and interpretations of scientific testing, and actual shootings, indicates that there's very little actual difference between "performance" of the common calibers adopted by most L/E, in most defensive situations and conditions ... But I still like .45 ACP, and I like it with heavier bullets.

After handling, shooting and tearing down out quite a few different 1911's, including several Wilson KZ45's & CQB's, as well as Kimbers and a SW1911 (both before AND after it had the Safety Recall firing pin plunger modification) ... and listening to the head armorer, who builds VERY nicely done 1911's, explain his opinions of the parts used in each, and overall fit, finish and quality of each model ... I think I'll be buying a SW1911 (and this is after starting out as a COLT shooter 45 years ago). All of my 1911 models are COLT ...

I'd seriously consider the CQB, except I think they're over priced for what they are ...

Under extended shooting conditions the CQB's have proven ... so far ... to be as reliable and as accurate as the SW1911 ... or, vice-versa, if you want to list the expensive gun first ...

Also, I really, really, really prefer to remain with 7-round magazines in single column magazine 1911's ...

But I think the .40 S&W IS going to remain with us for some time ...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

As I see it, there are only 4 "necessary" pistol cartridges:

1. The .22 Long Rifle. Everyone needs a .22 pistol -- for plinking, practice, small game -- it's really the most used cartridge of all.

2. The .38 Special/.357 Magnum. This chambering gives you the ultimate in flexibility. The .38 Special is a great target, small game, and general purpose round, and the .357 Magnum is a contender for top spot as a defensive round.

3. The .45 ACP. In the M1911. 'Nuff said.

4. The .45 Colt. In a Ruger, it will do anything a .44 Magnum will do, and can be loaded down for things like Cowboy Action Shooting.

Others may disagree, but them's my choices, and I'm sticking to 'em.

 

[HSMITH]

I never knew the first thing about 40, and didn't want to know. Then, I get one as a gift. Yup, I was in a pickle, and forced to look into it and find out all about it that I could. The conclusion to my looking into things is that YES it is here to stay, and I eventually managed to make friends with mine. As bullheaded as I can be I am proof positive that the 40 stands on it's own merits and can't be denied a place in the top couple defensive handgun chamberings. I tried to not like it quite hard, obstinate yes - stupid no, so I really didn't have a choice.

 

[TechBrute]

I can't remember where I saw it, but according to one source, the Glock 22 is the most widely issued LEO sidearm in the country. I wouldn't stand by that with money, but the fact it can be alleged is tribute to the popularity of the cartridge.

 

[Marko Kloos]

I wouldn't stand by that with money, but the fact it can be alleged is tribute to the popularity of the cartridge.

I work in a LE supply store, one of the largest cop shops in the Southeast. I can tell you that we easily sell two G22s for every Glock that's not a G22. It is by far the most issued police sidearm in this part of the country.

 

[Werewolf]

Is .40s&w here to stay?

CAUTION: THIS IS NOT MEANT TO BE A “WHICH ROUND IS BETTER†THREAD!! Thank you. We now return you to your regularly scheduled question.

TROLL ALERT - TROLL ALERT - PLEASE HIDE ALL TROLL FOOD - DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS!



Sorry but I couldn't resist.

As many others have said the .40S&W is here to stay. The only down side to the round that I've found is that if fired out of a Glock it's probably not a good idea to reload the thing and that's really a Glock problem not a .40 S&W problem.

Fear not - the .40S&W will be around for a long time to come!

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

When Cabelas sells ammo in bulk, then it is a sure bet to be popular

 

[Majic]

I gave it a shot (pun intended) when it first came out. Wasn't really impressed with it and promptly sold the gun. Some have looked upon it as the best thing since sliced bread. It's definately here for the long run.

 

[chaim]

While I'm not a big fan of the caliber (give me a 9mm or .45acp any day) I must say it is here for good. When most police agencies issue it (I think most do now) and nearly all that don't issue it have approved guns in .40S&W I think it is here to stay. How many guns are in police holsters? That alone makes it profitable, and then there are all those people who feel they just have to own what the police have.

Walk into any store that sells ammo- there are usually as many .40S&W choices as there are choices in 9mm or .45acp. Now that Walmart and Winchester have the 100 round value-packs of WWB ammo in .40S&W you know it is here to stay. Look at any gun store, you will probably see as many .40S&W chambered guns as 9mms in the new gun racks (maybe more at some stores). Virtually every gun that is made in 9mm also has a .40S&W version, often selling as many copies as the 9mm version. People are buying them and more and more ammo (and platform) choices are available everyday. Prices seem to be coming down already. As more people buy .40S&W guns and the demand continues to go up, and the number of companies and loads in .40S&W increases, the law of supply and demand insures that the price will go even lower. If it goes to within another dollar or two of 9mm prices I think it will cut even more into the 9mm's popularity. Heck, with the WWB prices, even I would be willing to strongly consider another .40S&W (the main reason I sold my CZ 40B, a great gun, was the chambering).

 

[Ky Larry]

Yes,it's here to stay. Every major manufacturer make guns in this caliber. I have a CZ-75B, a CZ RAMI, and a Sig 2340 and enjoy them all. It's just another choice.

 

[cratz2]

I work in a LE supply store, one of the largest cop shops in the Southeast. I can tell you that we easily sell two G22s for every Glock that's not a G22.

Yup... if the G22 and G23 disappeared tomorrow... Glock would still have plenty of worldwide business, but American sales would be down probably 60% or 70%.

My favorite local shop gets in 22s and 23s every single week... several of them. 17s, 19s, 26s, 27s... regularly, but not five to eight a week. All the others - 20s, 21s, 30s, 36s - pale in comparison.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

I really did think that LEO's were issued the same pistol and that was that. However, around here, I've noticed a change. Almost all Jefferson County Cops carry .40 caliber Glocks. Not too long ago I was making conversation with a uniformed Cop while we were in line somewhere. Naturally, the conversation turned to guns. He was a nice guy and showed me his "hi-cap" Glock magazines. And, there they were--9MM Hydra-Shoks. I was surprised, and said so. He looked me in the eyes and says-"You gotta carry what you shoot the best". So, it must not be a hard & fast "rule" around here. But I have talked to a lot of Cops who carry a Glock 22 and a Glock 27 as a back-up. The .40 S&W seems to be the "in" thing around here. (Some even carry the G27 in an ankle holster. I reckon you can get used to just about anything.)
Louisville City Police seem to be able to carry anything they want. I haven't seen any .38's, but I've seen a LOT of .44 Mag and even .45 Colt REVOLVERS.

KR

 

[sturmruger]

No offense, but where do think they are going to go???? It isn't like people are going to just start throwing all the .40s in the garbage. I can see the headlines now.

GUN OWNERS GET RID THEIR .40 S&w PISTOLS.

GARBAGE MEN COLLECTING PISTOLS BY THE DOZEN

GUN STORES REFUSE TO STOCK .40 S&w



Too many people own .40s they will never disappear.

 

[Amadeus]

I cannot imagine that .40 will completely go away. Nor do I think people will start tossing their guns in the trash. If they do then I'll be sure to start hanging around the curb on garbage day.

Considering the .40's swift rise in popularity over the past decade I just want to make sure that its success and staying power are true and that it has begun to reach a plateau of existence (like the 9mm and the .45) rather than taking a swift dive into relative obscurity.