.40 S&W recommendations?

[oldrifle]

So I've been to two different Wal*Mart stores to buy some of that Blazer Brass 45 ACP and both times they were completely sold out. I did notice a big stack of .40 S&W at both stores and it was cheap. Now I'm thinking that in light of the current ammo shortages that I should think about getting a pistol that fires .40 also in addition to my 1911.

I know the Sig P229 is a pretty popular gun. I'm also thinking about getting a short barrel revolver in that caliber for carry/concealment. Any recommendations on either of those or other pistols in .40? What do you think of the .40 round?

TIA.

[JJ1911]

Glock 22 is a pretty standard .40 Cal. The 229 is awesome as well.

My personal choice for a .40 is the Springfield XD Tactical. I have found lots of good deals on .40 online. recently i picked up 1000 rounds of federal for $299. There was also .40 PMC as well. I never really used .40 very much till I picked up the XD and I've discovered its a very versatile round. Cheap enough for range time, and .40 HPs are apparently very effective.

[oldrifle]

Thanks for the info. I'm pretty familiar with the XDs and they seem like a great value.

Do you know what I can expect to pay for a P229?

[squishyhead]

The caliber itself is great. It feels just like 9mm, but packs a bigger punch. I'm a glock-head so I favor my Glock 22, but the Springfield XD is an excellent platform for this caliber as well. When it comes to deciding between these two, I'd suggest determining which trigger you prefer. My cousin's issue is a P229 and she's never had any problems with it, that's all I can say about that lil' guy. In conclusion, go with the Glock 22!

[JJ1911]

definately shoot all of them before you buy. I discovered im partial to the XD, because I shot it next to a glock, and I owned a sig before. And as I already mentioned, .40 is an excellent caliber.

[Jel]

I have no experience with either the XD or the P229, however I do have the G22 and it's smaller sibling the G27. What's nice about the pair is that the full size magazines from the G22 fit the G27.

In choosing between the 3 guns, I would hold each of them first and find out which one fits your hands the best. IMHO, it should be one of the major factors when deciding on a handgun.

That being said, I definitely do like all the extra goodies that come with the XD and the P229 is a non polymer composite body, so it does have more heft so if you like all metal guns then it would be a contender.

Good luck on your choice. I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them.

[Matt C]

I have 2 Sig 299s, but my favorite .40 is the Beretta 96. As always, your best bet is to try them all (buddies or range rentals) and see what works best for you. They should both be around $600-$650 in used good condition, the 96 maybe $50-$70 cheaper.

[FieldsofFire]

I would be after an XD40 4" or a Sig p226. .40S&W is my favorite caliber.

[leitung]

P226! I shot one the other day, and I am in LOVE....

[norcal77]

I love my HK USP .40 with the Light LEM trigger...highly recommended..if you can find it

[AndrewMendez]

You have to check out the S&W M&P's. Super nice gun, comes with interchangeable hand grips! It was my 1st Handgun, and I love it!

[Miltiades]

Many good .40 choices...

I have also noticed that .40 ammo is somewhat more available these days than other calibers, and I'm not sure why that is. But since I buy ammo when I see it now, I have a good supply of .40 and have been shooting that caliber more.

I have three guns in .40, any one of which I would recommend - Glock 23, Sig P229 and H&K USP 40c. They all have strong points, and are all very reliable. If I had to pick one it would probably be the Sig P229, which is heaviest and handles the .40 recoil very well.

[456-SGT]

Oldrifle,

Sent you a PM re: this thread.

[Horus408]

If you have big hands, check out the HK USP40.
I dont have big hands and may part with mine one day.....

[Tallship]

[QUOTE=Miltiades;2238908]I have also noticed that .40 ammo is somewhat more available these days than other calibers, and I'm not sure why that is.[QUOTE]

Because most of the people who shoot .40 get it for free.