.40sw for Fiance

[BrianG20]

Hey everyone. My fiance is in the market for a compact handgun. She's been shooting my 9mm M&P for quite some time now and is very fond of it. She's also tried out its Glock/ XD counterparts and isn't too hot on either of those.

She wants to get the M&Pc in .40sw. I was wondering if anyone here has used that gun personally and how manageable the flip is. I know that .40sw tends to snap/ pop more so than other rounds.

She currently fires a S&W 686+ in .357 and .38 spcl so she isn't new to recoil. This is a possible CCW gun, but most likely a recreational/ home defense handgun for her. Give me your input. Thanks!

[MyGlock17]

It is a bit more snappy but it's managable...if you hold the gun correctly it wouldn't snap as much...she'll get use to it...

[Caliyanks]

I have a MP 40c. My wife's 38 is more snappy for me (bad wrist-army injury). I love my 40c though. The recoil will be manageble for her since she's shooting a 357 and 38 (IMO). Wife also has the MP 9MMc and shoots it pretty well. If she like that, then she should get it. As far as ammo pricing, it does cost more. However, the fix for me there is to get the Barrel coversion kit in 9MM for plinking (about $160 at MidwayUSA). But i'm not too concerned about that. Good luck

[BrianG20]

Also, if you don't already own another .40S&W it's one less caliber you have to keep in stock.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Thanks guys.

[Bullwinkle]

I know a woman who uses a Glock 35 for all her needs at home, and G27 for CCW. I wouldn't want to meet her in a dark alley, as she is rather proficient with both. But since you've already mentioned that your fiance doesn't like Glocks (kudos to her!), that really doesn't help you any.

The Kahr K40 might be the ticket. It's hefty enough to help dampen the .40 (though as a previous poster pointed out, it's more about technique). Kahr also makes a polymer version, the P40, if you're one of those "carry snobs" who thinks an all steel gun is inappropriate for every day carry, and has the extra advantage of lower price, as the 'K' series guns are on the pricey side.

I really can't think of anything else right now--typical Monday morning brain dead, I guess--other than the usual suspects, and I'm sure you've already considered those.

[Jsnscot]

I have the M&P40c and to be honest, I don't care for it. The snap is way too much for me to be accurate/good follow up shots. I'd definitely get the 9mm if I could do it all over again which is why I'll probably sell mine.

[tacticalcity]

I recommend 9mm over 40S&W, unless she has shot both and she personally likes how the 40S&W shoots and feels better.

The issue with the 40S&W is that to many, it has a very snappy feel to it. And that makes it difficult to manage and master. I'm among those that feel this way. I personally would rather shoot the 9mm or the 45acp before opting for the 40S&W.

A select few don't have that problem. If she is one of them, great. But if she wants the 40S&W because somebody told her it was better or she read something saying it was better, and has only shot the 9mm...I strongly recommend she stick with 9mm that she knows. It will likely make learning and mastering her gun much easier.

Again, my comments only apply is she is basing her decision on second hand information and not on first hand experience with the 40S&W.

[AragornElessar86]

Px4. The rotating locking mechanism significantly reduces muzzle flip by converting linear rearward force to torsion movement. If you haven't tried one do your self a favor and rent one at the range.

[ap3572001]

Hey everyone. My fiance is in the market for a compact handgun. She's been shooting my 9mm M&P for quite some time now and is very fond of it. She's also tried out its Glock/ XD counterparts and isn't too hot on either of those.

She wants to get the M&Pc in .40sw. I was wondering if anyone here has used that gun personally and how manageable the flip is. I know that .40sw tends to snap/ pop more so than other rounds.

She currently fires a S&W 686+ in .357 and .38 spcl so she isn't new to recoil. This is a possible CCW gun, but most likely a recreational/ home defense handgun for her. Give me your input. Thanks!

Sig P239 in 9MM.

[chrisf]

Given the escalating price of ammo, advancements in bullet technology and increased recoil from the .40S&W cartridge, I don't see any significant advantage of it over the 9mm in your case. Also, if you don't already own another .40S&W it's one less caliber you have to keep in stock.

I don't get when people say things like this. I hear often why not just get a +p+ 9mm its the same as a .40. Well you can get a +p+ .40 and it would even it out wouldn't it? Not saying that is exactly what you said, But same principal.

[locosway]

Hey everyone. My fiance is in the market for a compact handgun. She's been shooting my 9mm M&P for quite some time now and is very fond of it. She's also tried out its Glock/ XD counterparts and isn't too hot on either of those.

She wants to get the M&Pc in .40sw. I was wondering if anyone here has used that gun personally and how manageable the flip is. I know that .40sw tends to snap/ pop more so than other rounds.

She currently fires a S&W 686+ in .357 and .38 spcl so she isn't new to recoil. This is a possible CCW gun, but most likely a recreational/ home defense handgun for her. Give me your input. Thanks!

Did you ask her why she wants a .40 over a 9mm?

Has she taken any shooting intensive classes?

I'm really not a fan of the .40. My primary HD gun for myself and my wife's are both 9mm. And I own 9mm, .40, 10mm, .45.

[gschoelles]

If I only had the choice of one caliber for CCW, it would be either the 40 SW. Ballistic-ally speaking they perform well in all environments and penetration scenarios. And I know this thread will cause another caliber battle, but this is my take.

I Train heavily with the GLOCK 17 for ammo price and carry a GLOCK 22 and HK USP-C 45 for defense. Whereas the .40 is snappier than either the 9mm or the .45, I have found that a weapons system mounted light is a great equalizer. It helps with targeting, muzzle jump and increases its usefulness as a bedside gun.

And yes I often do and have no problem in carrying a 9mm for self defense, but IF I only had one choice, it would probably be the .40.

Hey everyone. My fiance is in the market for a compact handgun. She's been shooting my 9mm M&P for quite some time now and is very fond of it. She's also tried out its Glock/ XD counterparts and isn't too hot on either of those.

She wants to get the M&Pc in .40sw. I was wondering if anyone here has used that gun personally and how manageable the flip is. I know that .40sw tends to snap/ pop more so than other rounds.

She currently fires a S&W 686+ in .357 and .38 spcl so she isn't new to recoil. This is a possible CCW gun, but most likely a recreational/ home defense handgun for her. Give me your input. Thanks!