.40 S&W First Handgun

[c good]

I have one of the first generation XD .40 models, right after Springfield took over distribution in the U.S. I had heard good things about the HS brand so figured it would be even better after S.A. backed it.

It has been 100% reliable. I now have Approximately 6K rounds through it. Not a SINGLE FTF, FT Fire, or FTE. Period! Reasonably priced, accurate, reliable and backed by Springfield Armory, Inc. I clean it after every outing but I'm sure it would still run well even If I didn't . c good

[vintagedude88]

Funny how nobody mentioned the SR-40.



That gun seems to fit all the OP's needs.

BTW, to the OP, if you're really not sure about which to get, go to a range that has those guns you are considering and rent them to see which gun suits you best.

[GUNFREAK]

After you get this:

Sig p229 e2... Amazing handgun

You can do this:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=412515

[rckjeep]

I own an XD in 40 and it's a nice gun. Never had a single issue. No misfires, jams or malfunctions of any kind. Then a friend wanted a Glock but ended up with the M&P also in .40. It's a very comfortable gun to hold and shoot. Any of the $500+ guns by mainstream manufactures should be fine. From what I hear the lower end guns can be problematic, last thing you want in a SHTF moment.

as far as .22 conversions (mind you I'm not expert) you can usually buy a .22 pistol for close to the same price.

[nick]

My first gun was a Glock 35 in .40. It's still one of my favorites.

Do yourself a favor and rent (or maybe you know someone who has them and would let you shoot them) the handguns you're considering first, then just buy the one that worked best for you. Don't forget that everyone is giving you HIS personal preferences.

[Sanderhawk]

I bought my first handgun a few months ago and its a XD40. I really like it. I have put about 800 rnds through it so far no jams or problems at all. Easy to clean It comes apart in 4 or 5 pcs. cleans up nice and easy.

[Sturnovik]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like the simple elegance of the Glock.

I agree. I love my Sigs and the occasional HK, but I love how slim Glock looks and feels.

[GrinderCB]

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

What he said.

I've owned a .40 S&W CZ-75 Compact since 2008. I don't have smallish hands but the compact model was more comfortable than the full-size. It has a pretty good heft to it for a compact but that helps it absorb the recoil, which to me feels a bit sharper than that of a .45acp.

[LazyDog]

I'm loving my Sig226 more after each range session. I recently installed Hogue rubber finger grooved grips and I've found the perfect combination for my hands. I like the heavier feel to the Sig and less felt recoil as compared to other handguns I tried.

You've compiled an impressive list of choices and it's obvious you've done your homework. I don't think quality or reliability should be a strong deciding factor as most of those will be fine. You should decide if you want safeties, decockers and/or hammers on your gun.

Keep us posted...

[MKE]

I like the HK P2000 .40S&W or the HK USP Compact 40. I like the grip on the P2000 better than the USP Compact. But I like the safety lever on the USP series so it's a toss up between the two. The P229R is my favorite of the SIG firearms due to its size and accuracy.

[temekuguy]

As with the OP, I recently purchased my first handgun. Picked it up last week and shot it at the range on Saturday.

Something strange about that day, as my 20 year old son wanted to go...cool. So did the wife. After I gave them the safety briefing and got them shooting the smiles on their faces told me I had been right in buying a handgun.

Don't know if the fact that it is a Glock 22 had a lot to do with their experience, but it performed flawlessly and my little wife screamed like a kid on her first shot.

They both loved it, and I shot much better than with the rentals (discussed above.) So, I guess the Glock worked for us.

[Prenub]

Buy what you like. It won't be your only gun for long.

[Icypu]

I had a Steyr M, and now I have a Steyr S. Both were excellent .40 caliber firearms. Since they are not on the list anymore, you can't buy them. They have a ultra low trigger reset, better ergonomics than a Glock, and are easy to clean. Their unique features include a built in lock, as well as a steel subframe that you can remove. You could remove the steel parts in the lower and throw it in the dishwasher if you want to clean it.

[luckygunner]

Nothing on your list is a bad pistol. There are some that I would prefer to have over the others but you've already done your homework. Since you shoot the best with the H&K (assuming your budget can handle it) I would get that one. The good thing is you can get another if you find a different pistol that you like better. I don't condone selling firearms but the H&K keeps it's resale value pretty well too.

If offered the same situation I would probably get either a CZ 75 or FN. I have found that I prefer a traditional exposed hammer on pistols, and wouldn't want to spend H&K money.

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40 auto ammo

[MrClamperSir]

The Sig P229 is comforatable with smaller hands and it an Awesome pistol!