which .40 S&W is better?

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tonytuna

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im looking to purchase a .40 in the next month or so. what is the best option?
fnh-fnp40
s&w-sd40
glock-23
or maybe a sig or whatever would be best.
its main use would be CCW, but an all around pistol would be best.
$550 budget.
 
You'd do good with any of the above. I personally lean more toward the Glock, FNH or Sig.
 
For sheer price id say the Glock. Ive been seeing a lot of used 22/23 for around 400 or so.

The SD40 is a good gun as well, although my experience is limited to handling one at a gun shop, but i know its gotten good reviews.

Those are the two Id choose for sure. Ive owned a couple .40 Glocks, a 23 and a 27, and honestly i loved them both. I never once had any malfunctions that were "user induced". I used the 23 as a "loaner" with friends on the range, and one evening we even managed to put down almost 800 rounds without stopping to clean or even lube the gun.
 
Smith & Wesson 4040 with Sc frame. I do not care for any of the rest.
 
If its "main use" would be as a CCW...of the 3 choices, no question, go with the Glock 23. If you want to expand your search a little I'm a huge fan of the Ruger SRc(in your case the SR40c). My CCW is the SR9c(same size as the SR40C) its also become my most favorite pistol, period. I'm not going to over gush about it, except to say, its a hair smaller than the G23, much more comfortable and shootable. These compact Rugers are very versatile and reliable, making them an excellent defensive handgun in many situations...

Here's a few pics:
DSC03967.jpg

Side by side with a G26
DSC04108.jpg
 
The FN and Sig will make better HD pistols and the others are better options for carry IMO. I don't like safties or hammers for carry but appreciate them and the ability for cocked and locked without a holster for the nightstand.
 
I haven't seen a ruger sr40 with the black slide yet. It was on my list but the stainless slide was a deal breaker for me.
@mikepain-Is that the compact version?
The glock wasn't my first choice cause I don't like glocks much. But after some research it be came my first on my list.
 
I have a CZ P07 and I like it a lot more than a G23. The trigger is much smoother after it's broken in and the grip is more comfortable. CZ P06 is also a great gun in your price range.
 
Springfield xd40 subcompact. 3000+ rounds through mine. No issues at all. Pretty darn accurate as well. Tens rounds locked loaded and ready to go.

I would suggest renting/shooting as many different pistols as you can before you buy.
 
Bud's Gun Shop has the M&P40 full size & M&P40 compacts for $478.00 shipped for free to your FFL, both within your budget but more expensive than the SD40. I have both a M&P40 full size & 40c and have functioned flawlessly.
 
I picked the glock 23 because it met a lot of what I was looking for (lightweight, large enough to use for range or home defense, easily concealable, consistent trigger pull, pretty cheap accessories and replacement parts) but I have a buddy who loves his fnp-40 and would buy 10 more if he had the money. The only reason I would ditch my 23 would be to pick up a 19, which I'm thinking about doing now
 
I had the same question 6 or 8 months ago. I ended up choosing the glock 23. It is an excellent firearm, but I don't think that you can go wrong with any of the above listed.
 
If the Glock doesn't suit you ( I can't hold them properly myself) I throw my vote behind the M&P over the SD. the palmswells really fit my big mitts perfectly. One of the most comfortable guns I've shot.

Go grope all of your prospects rapid-fire a few times and see which one feels the most natural to you. We know attractive mates subconsciously within seconds of seeing them, I find the same holds true for firearms.
 
I can't speak on the S&W or FNH, but I have owned and shot Springfield XD, Ruger SR, Kahr PM and Glock 23. The Kahr did not work well for me, the Ruger and XD are awesome, but for my taste the Glock is the best .40 out there.
 
my Sig P239/40 1st gen has operated flawlessly for well into 11,000 rounds.
the high count is partly practice for carry but mostly IDPA. It also gets used in the class room.
positives are the double action 1st shot followed by SA and the de-cocker for safing the gun before re-holstering and when topping off the magazine after chambering a round.
minuses in my opinion, is its only 7+1 and 29 ounces. both 'problems' go away with a good holster and good shot placement. if you feel that you must have more rounds on board, the P229 has a fatter grip to accommodate 12+1.
just be sure it fits your hand.
 
You didn't list it but i think you should look at the Springfield XD 40 Tactical, bought one last year. Great gun, 5" sight radius, it handles the recoil without much barrel lift at all. My two sons like it more than our Glock or Beretta. The OD green is really nice looking.
 
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