.40 S&W First Handgun

[Mercureality]

I know there are a ton of "which handgun should I buy" threads. I've read most of them, by this point, I think. Please forgive the addition of one more, but I really am kind of stumped and hoping for some input.

After conducting my own research, I'm pretty firm on .40 S&W for my purposes.

I've spent a lot of time at the range renting different guns, and I find that I'm most accurate with an HK USP .40. Problem solved, /thread, right? Not really. I'm torn because I know that range rentals aren't always treated all that well, and I fear that I might be discounting really great options by mistake. There are some makes that haven't shown up at my local ranges.

I like:
HK USP .40
SIG

On the fence about:
XD
M&P
Glock

Curious about:
Baby Eagle
Steyr MA1
FNH

Not interested:
1911
HP

I want the weapon for HD, SHTF/bugout and range plinking, so full size is probably the way to go for me. I have relatively small hands, so ergonomics are important.

So, priorities are: reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, in that order. Price is a consideration, but secondary - I want to get the best weapon I can, within reason.

I'll continue my own research and experimentation, but in the meantime, I was hoping for some tips and recommendations from this community. I don't have a lifestyle which allows for a large gun collection and since this will be my only handgun for quite a long time, I want to make sure I make the right choice.

Thanks in advance!

[Markus]

Check out the CZ-75B in .40 S&W. Its all steel full size with some of the best ergonomics Ive ever felt.

[smarter]

M&p adjustable back straps. Reliable. If you can find one steyr do have one of the most comfortable grips.

[SinisterBud]

i hated glocks then i broke down and bought a 23 and love it its my CCW gun best in my opinion. You can get a glock 32 barrel and shoot 357sig or a 9mm conversion barrel and shoot 9mm although u have get a get 19 mag. Glocks are so simple. Like i said i was a glock hater tell i bought one

[Low-Pressure]

Can't go wrong with the Sig P226 or Sig P229.

[PandaLuv]

Sig 226 baby !

If you have the money of course

[mrvash]

I want the weapon for HD, SHTF/bugout and range plinking, so full size is probably the way to go for me. I have relatively small hands, so ergonomics are important.

So, priorities are: reliability, accuracy, ergonomics, in that order. Price is a consideration, but secondary - I want to get the best weapon I can, within reason.

Thanks in advance!

Sounds like to me you need an M&P

[dicker]

Check out the CZ-75B in .40 S&W. Its all steel full size with some of the best ergonomics Ive ever felt.

This.

I've been looking for one in 9mm but haven't had any luck finding one.

Field Time in Westminster has a 75b .40s&w in stock (If I don't break down and buy it) if you want to go hold one.

[Sturnovik]

p226 and p229 are excellent choices, but are pricey and I as the worlds biggest Sig fan agree they are expensive. The Glock 22 is a decent choice as well and affordable. I prefer HK's in 45 but the .40's are very good guns as well. ITs really a win win with HK, Glock, and Sig.


I think it comes down to is does this weapon have to be full sized, compact or sub? I think your better off with a full sized pistol than a compact but a compact like a Glock 23/P229 are cool as well. The Steyr's are awesome, never gotten to shot one yet. I'm bummed that I havent! .40 is a expensive first handgun caliber but its a very reliable and dependable HD/SD round. I have 3 9mm's so my first .40 is going to be a Sig Pro or P229, depends what I find easier.

[Sunday]

The most important thing other than quality and reliability is that you like the piece. If you were in the military and you would learn to shoot what they gave you. I wonder the reliability on a Sig though? One thing that I place ultimate value in is parts availability and ease of repair. Glocks, XDs, and I am sure Smiths would have the parts on line from many distributors. Also check the price of the magazines you need at least 5, A semi without magazines is as good as a black powder pistol. For example one of my buds sold a Sig 556 I think "the 223 semi auto " because of not being able to buy spare parts from Sig It was nice to shoot though, IMO can't beat an AR .

[Mercureality]

This.

I've been looking for one in 9mm but haven't had any luck finding one.

Field Time in Westminster has a 75b .40s&w in stock (If I don't break down and buy it) if you want to go hold one.

Thanks for the information - I'll give it a look. I read somewhere that the Baby Eagles are like an update on the CZ design. Do you know how they compare?

And I'll definitely give the M&P another look. If I recall correctly, the M&P felt great in the hand, but I didn't shoot it as well as some of the other pistols I tried. I also didn't like that the breakdown was kind of awkward (though to be fair, I might be confusing it with another gun).

Do any of you have experience with the Steyr, FNH or Baby Eagle - and if so, how they compare with more standard offerings? There's less information floating around about them than I was hoping for.

.40 is a expensive first handgun caliber but its a very reliable and dependable HD/SD round.

That's also a valid point. .22 conversion kit availability might be something else to consider.

Edit: Thanks for the responses so far!

[den888]

Glock 22/23, HK USP or SIG!

[dicker]

I heard the Baby Eagle was out of production, either way never seen one or held one.

The M&P seems like a nice gun, but I haven't been to a shop with one in stock, even still I'd consider one over a glock or XD (didn't like those!)

[Sturnovik]

Thanks for the information - I'll give it a look. I read somewhere that the Baby Eagles are like an update on the CZ design. Do you know how they compare?

And I'll definitely give the M&P another look. If I recall correctly, the M&P felt great in the hand, but I didn't shoot it as well as some of the other pistols I tried. I also didn't like that the breakdown was kind of awkward (though to be fair, I might be confusing it with another gun).

Do any of you have experience with the Steyr, FNH or Baby Eagle - and if so, how they compare with more standard offerings? There's less information floating around about them than I was hoping for.


That's also a valid point. .22 conversion kit availability might be something else to consider.

Edit: Thanks for the responses so far!

Those kits are pretty neat. Keep them in mind, but dont let the that stop you from buying a full size caliber. I think its a win win with the brands you've mentioned. I personally like track record and quality and I see that with XD, Sig, Glock, Beretta and HK. I highly recommend those. Steyr I've only heard good things about, but dont want to vouch until I can do some plinking with it.

Nothing wrong with the M&P's and 1911's and Hi powers, but I'd go with a different platform.

[compulsivegunbuyer]

I've spent a lot of time at the range renting different guns, and I find that I'm most accurate with an HK USP .40. Problem solved

If you found something you shoot well with, buy it.