pauli
Member
myself, i'd go cz or xd.
What .40 cal is better?
- Thread starter JohnVF
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PowderBurn
Member
How do "import fees" add to the value of the gun?
Value is what I look for in anything I purchase. A gun has to have the features I want and meet a certain quality threshold, and have a good reputation. Oh, and the THR consensus has to be positive as well
. Once I create a shortlist of guns that I like and that meet my criteria, I evaluate the incremental value of each additional dollar spent. I've got the money to buy what I want, but I'm not stupid with it. If your only criteria is "you get what you pay for", how much will you pay? Why not have any one of the major gun manufacturers design and build all your guns to your exact specifications?
The fact is, we all make compromises between price, quality, value, features, reputation, wants, needs, and many other intangibles. That's part of what makes THR so fun and interesting.
PaulCSomething
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- Apr 28, 2005
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- 31
CZ p-01
I have a CZ p-01 that feels perfect in my hand. As has been said before go for the gun that fits the best. I can close my eyes and point the gun...Comes right up on target. My P-01 is a 9MM with alloy frame. The .40 CZ has a steel frame and will be heavier. For me the ergonomics can't be beat and the trigger smoothes out nicely with use. I like the 9MM for cheap practice and good self defense rounds don't give up that much to the bigger calibers. High quality but inexpensive gun + inexpensive ammo = confidence and competency.
I have a CZ p-01 that feels perfect in my hand. As has been said before go for the gun that fits the best. I can close my eyes and point the gun...Comes right up on target. My P-01 is a 9MM with alloy frame. The .40 CZ has a steel frame and will be heavier. For me the ergonomics can't be beat and the trigger smoothes out nicely with use. I like the 9MM for cheap practice and good self defense rounds don't give up that much to the bigger calibers. High quality but inexpensive gun + inexpensive ammo = confidence and competency.
I have shot most of the guns mentioned in this thread, and...all things considered (price, reliability, ease of maintenance, concealability and accuracy) I'd go with the G26 (Glock). It's inexpensive to acquire, it's easy to operate and maintain, it's dead reliable, it conceals very well for a .40cal and it's plenty accurate for personal protection.
If you go this way however, you will need to install aftermarket night sights.
PS: As with any handgun, the kB thing is a non-issue if you care for and feed your Glock appropriately.
If you go this way however, you will need to install aftermarket night sights.
PS: As with any handgun, the kB thing is a non-issue if you care for and feed your Glock appropriately.
I had to make the decision as well to which .40 I wanted to purchase, I chose the P229 and couldn’t be happier with my choice (except for the ST model wasn’t available at the time I got mine or I would have went that route). I do however still want an HK and as soon as finances will allow I plan on getting one. From the choices listed HK would be my first pick...
Gixerman1000
Member
Of the handguns I own in 40sw,
Beretta 96FS
Glock G22
H&K USP40 Stainless
Sig P229
S&W SW99
S&W 4004
SpringField Armory XD40 4” Stainless
Steyr M40
The USP40 and P229 are my favorite, but all have been very good handguns, reliable and at the very least, accurate enough for their intended purpose (or I wouldn’t have kept them).
It all comes down to personal preference and individual needs, the best 40sw handgun (or any handgun) will be the one that feels good in your hand, fits where you want it to fit, and that you can shoot and operate well enough to trust.
Beretta 96FS
Glock G22
H&K USP40 Stainless
Sig P229
S&W SW99
S&W 4004
SpringField Armory XD40 4” Stainless
Steyr M40
The USP40 and P229 are my favorite, but all have been very good handguns, reliable and at the very least, accurate enough for their intended purpose (or I wouldn’t have kept them).
It all comes down to personal preference and individual needs, the best 40sw handgun (or any handgun) will be the one that feels good in your hand, fits where you want it to fit, and that you can shoot and operate well enough to trust.
I bought an HK USP 40 a few years back and I love the gun! Yes, you do turn into a gun snob after having one. I scoff at all other guns in the .40. Seriously though, you'll never find a better 40cal. I have 10,000 rounds through mine and not one problem. My dad has closer to 30k through his (his was one of the first to come out in '93) and he ran into his first problem last month. Something in the trigger malfunctioned. BUT, with the HK warranty, he's sent it in and it's being fixed for free. It's the first everybody he's talked to has heard of an HK malfunctioning. But after 30krds... you can't really complain.
I shot the Glock first. I liked it, but the HK felt so much better. Honestly, go to the range and rent both on the same day. See which one feels better, which one you shoot better with.
My decision was made on a couple things. My dad had a HK and I knew they were great guns. I went to the range and shot the Glock and the HK. I shot the Glock better, but the HK felt much better in my hand. I figured I'd get used to the HK and probably shoot it better since it fit me better. I also wanted an external safety, and an external hammer. And I really loved the amb. mag release. And... I like the way the HK looked more than the Glock.
I'm super happy I chose the HK. One of my best friends just bought a Glock 22 and, after shooting my HK for a couple years, I was not impressed. He loved the gun, until he shot my HK. Then... he got kinda quiet. lol.
Glocks do have a rep for going kaboom. Why? Probably because people were shooting lead through the polygonal barrel. That's a big no no. Lead is good for land and groove barrels. In a polygonal barrel it'll gum up the rifleing and potentially cause a kaboom if you don't keep it uber clean.
1911 is for .45's, not for .40's. Just silly to get a 1911 in a .40.
Seriously though, you'll never find a better 40cal. I have 10,000 rounds through mine and not one problem. My dad has closer to 30k through his (his was one of the first to come out in '93) and he ran into his first problem last month. Something in the trigger malfunctioned. BUT, with the HK warranty, he's sent it in and it's being fixed for free. It's the first everybody he's talked to has heard of an HK malfunctioning. But after 30krds... you can't really complain.I shot the Glock first. I liked it, but the HK felt so much better. Honestly, go to the range and rent both on the same day. See which one feels better, which one you shoot better with.
My decision was made on a couple things. My dad had a HK and I knew they were great guns. I went to the range and shot the Glock and the HK. I shot the Glock better, but the HK felt much better in my hand. I figured I'd get used to the HK and probably shoot it better since it fit me better. I also wanted an external safety, and an external hammer. And I really loved the amb. mag release. And... I like the way the HK looked more than the Glock.
I'm super happy I chose the HK. One of my best friends just bought a Glock 22 and, after shooting my HK for a couple years, I was not impressed. He loved the gun, until he shot my HK. Then... he got kinda quiet. lol.
Glocks do have a rep for going kaboom. Why? Probably because people were shooting lead through the polygonal barrel. That's a big no no. Lead is good for land and groove barrels. In a polygonal barrel it'll gum up the rifleing and potentially cause a kaboom if you don't keep it uber clean.
1911 is for .45's, not for .40's. Just silly to get a 1911 in a .40.
JohnVF
Member
I just came from the gun store and checked-out the XD-40. It is nice...... the grip felt good, the trigger is far better than the Glock. And for the price..... it seems like a good choice.
I am giving myself another week to decide and maybe depending on other feedback.
Again thanks for the input.........
I am giving myself another week to decide and maybe depending on other feedback.
Again thanks for the input.........
brickboy240
Member
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2005
- Messages
- 304
Go for the XD-40...you'll love it.
I have had mine for a year now and have expereinced no problems with it at all. It is as accurate as any combat auto and I am surprised at its quality for such an inexpensive pistol. I own two nice 1911s, a Hi-Power and a Sig 220, so my expectatations of an autopistol are very high. The XD has met those expectations and I'd trust it to the ends of the earth.
(besides, if it ever does go belly-up, theres a lifetime warranty to cover it)
- Brickboy240
I have had mine for a year now and have expereinced no problems with it at all. It is as accurate as any combat auto and I am surprised at its quality for such an inexpensive pistol. I own two nice 1911s, a Hi-Power and a Sig 220, so my expectatations of an autopistol are very high. The XD has met those expectations and I'd trust it to the ends of the earth.
(besides, if it ever does go belly-up, theres a lifetime warranty to cover it)
- Brickboy240
Marshall
Member
Ditto on the XD-40. I have a 4" sevice model, fine gun. Last weekend I had it out, we were shooting at Prestone jugs on the ground at 35 yards. Bam, hit....bam bam, hit hit, etc. I think we ended up at 50 yards after a number of shots because we ended up blowing it backwards. Love the gun, never had a hiccup with it, accurate thing too.
AlaskaErik
Member
I'm going to recommend the HK. I have a Compact .40 and it is the best feeling pistol I've ever held. And the reliability is awesome. No misfires or misfeeds to date. The Glock 23 is also a good choice. About half the price (LEO discount) and also very reliable. The CZ I know nothing about.
Texshooter
Member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2004
- Messages
- 481
In order IMO:
Ruger - XD tied
S&W
CZ
Sig
Many others
Way last - Glock (in .40 S&W at least)
Ruger - XD tied
S&W
CZ
Sig
Many others
Way last - Glock (in .40 S&W at least)
The Bear
Member
Boofus is right on! My USP 40 made me a German gun snob. I took my 21 yr. old son to the range yesterday for the very first time to shoot pistols. We had 4 autos to shoot (two Glocks, Browning HP and the USP 40). Even though he said the HK had really big grips he shot lights out. He told me to change my will so he gets the HK!! And this is from a guy with no bias, doesn't read the gun rags or chats and is completely neutral. All he knew was the gun felt right and shot amazingly.
HK's are expensive but shoot a few rounds through one and you'll understand why! BTW, my second choice would be a Kahr 40, either a P or K series.
There's a reason SOCOM chose the HK when the Beretta is the standard military issue pistol!
HK's are expensive but shoot a few rounds through one and you'll understand why! BTW, my second choice would be a Kahr 40, either a P or K series.
There's a reason SOCOM chose the HK when the Beretta is the standard military issue pistol!
Here is my opinion from shooting them:
Fit and finish:
1. HK USP (very good overall)
2. Glock (good overall)
3. CZ (excellent exterior, poor interior; average overall). Exterior finish is flawless on my CZs, as good as Sig and in some cases better. However.....the biggest problem on my CZs are TONS of interior tool marks, and really bad interior metal work. Doesn't affect function, since this is in non-critical areas, but it certainly should be better IMO. Funny how the same company IMO does great work on the exterior, but very sloppy interior work (IMO).
Accuracy (subjective):
1. CZ 75
2. HK
3. Glock
Ergonomics (subjective):
1. CZ 75 (top notch)
2. HK (mediocre)
3. Glock (mediocre)
Trigger (subjective)
1. CZ (great SA, fair DA)
2. HK (DA and SA seem to be acceptable, not good though)
3. Glock (mediocre "safe-action"
Durability (my best guess):
1. Glock
2. HK
3. CZ
Overall shooter (subjective):
1. CZ 75 (best .40 I've shot and owned, including Sigs, etc)
2. HK (very good, but not as comfortable as the CZ)
3. Glock (respectable)
Other comments, all three are reliable in general, but the CZ seems less tolerant of being dirty than Glock or HK. When I had the CZ 75B in .40, it was 100 percent reliable when clean....but if not cleaned after a 200 round day reliability would fall a bit.
erh
Member
Sig....????!!!!! (erh)
bountyhunter
member
HK's are excellent, also consider SIG 226 (maybe the Beretta 96FS as well).
I own a CZ-85 combat and love it, but the materials they use are not as good as higher priced guns. Mine shows wear on the slide/barrel lugs.
Don't care for the Glock's trigger or top heavy feel.
I own a CZ-85 combat and love it, but the materials they use are not as good as higher priced guns. Mine shows wear on the slide/barrel lugs.
Don't care for the Glock's trigger or top heavy feel.
TexasRifleman
Moderator Emeritus
Uhhhhhh Sig... Hello 
Pietro Beretta
Member
I have completley stripped my CZ75 Compact, and dont see any poor craftsmanship inside.
The only thing that I really hate is the PLASTIC recoil spring guide. Other than that I dont have any rough machineing in my CZ.
I own the XD40 Sub-Compact, My only complaint is I have to "work" to get the shots where I want them due to recoil. Perhaps I should have got the 4 or 5' model.
I was thinking perhaps I should have got the XD9 Sub-C and gotten the CZ75 Compact in the .40
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