40 cal autos

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RBid said:
Having run them both (the G23 in both Gen 3 and Gen 4 versions), I feel compelled to point out that the G23, especially in Gen 4, is better suited to shooting fast than the Shield .40. I freely admit that it handles the .40 very well for a single stack sub, but it is not the same at speed.

One of the most surprising aspects of the Shield 40 is the control-ability of the little gun. I was completely taken off guard by this at the first shooting, I was expecting huge recoil and flip but I got was mild thump and quick settling.
Maybe in competition shooting where 10th's of a second and fractions of an inch matter the Glock has the advantage but for real world use and defensive situations.....I stand on my points.
 
IMO,For the Cost, Reliability, function, RUGER SR40C Hands down ,the only negative for me is the Slide spring,18-22 lbs,I have strong hands and its over the top on racking the slide,its not so much the strength of the springs its the grip.You will have a tuff time using your thumb and index finger.
 
There are plenty of good choices as far as reliable operation. I hope you have the opportunity to shoot a few choices before making your decision. They all shoot accurately enough if they fit your hand reasonably well.

Focus on what is the best choice of a mix of what feels good in your hand and what is comfortable to wear concealed when you are wearing what you most often wear. When you consider wear comfort, I think low bulk is more important than weight if carried in a CCW appropriate holster.

I recommend Glock or S&W M&P for ease of service and repair, and available options and accessories.
 
For my money I don't think it gets any better than the HK P2000 with the light LEM trigger. Probably the softest shooting .40 I've ever shot, quality is second to none, and the footprint is almost identical to the Glock 19/23 so concealment is easy enough.
 
One of the most surprising aspects of the Shield 40 is the control-ability of the little gun. I was completely taken off guard by this at the first shooting, I was expecting huge recoil and flip but I got was mild thump and quick settling.
Maybe in competition shooting where 10th's of a second and fractions of an inch matter the Glock has the advantage but for real world use and defensive situations.....I stand on my points.

For most shooters, who haven't developed any ability to shoot accurately with real speed (3-5 shots per second), the Shield .40 will be a rodeo bull at speed. When you're in a violent situation, seconds are huge. Even fractions of seconds can be critical. If an attacker is within 10 feet, the defender does not want to have to wrestle and reset grip on every shot. This SHOULD be addressed with training, but the reality is that most simply won't do it. It's a disservice to recommend firearms that require extra proficiency to use effectively.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yB9kEc9S8ac

It's weird to me that 47 posts into this thread no one has even mentioned the .40 S&W pistol the S&W 4006.

It is the only .40 I will carry, It is the most accurate pistol I own and as noted in the video the all steel frame soaks up the recoil of the .40 S&W round.
I shot one a few times, and while it's OK, it's a PITA to field strip. The grip is also wide, so one needs to have have big hands for them to be comfortable. They are also a bit bulky for concealed carry.
 
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Out of the several 40 S&W handguns that I own, my favorite for games, range use, and home defense, is my G20 10mm with a Lone Wolf 40 conversion barrel. The big frame makes it easier for me to get accurate shot placement. The gun is super reliable, and shoots right to point of aim with my 180gr/Power Pistol loads.

Don't know if the OP would even consider this setup, but I thought I would throw it in just because.
 
I say go to a local gun range that rents guns a try some of the 40 cal they have in their rental fleet and make up your own mind. After all you are the one going to use it, so make your decision on one that is comfortable to you.
 
flintlock62 said:
I shot one a few times, and while it's OK, it's a PITA to field strip. The grip is also wide, so one needs to have have big hands for them to be comfortable. They are also a bit bulky for concealed carry.

We have differing opinions on this but since they are opinions I see no point in arguing them.
 
I know a guy with a Dan Wesson RZ-10 Razorback with a .40 S&W drop in barrel, I don't know if it's the best .40 I ever shot, but it's probably the most accurate & definitely the coolest!
 
Smith & Wesson all steel/alloy in a 40 would be my choice but I am sure it limits the capacity some. I just don't like the recoil/snappyness of a 40 cal polymer. I would rather go to 45 or 9 but that is me.
 
Like my brother told me years ago...Buy a Glock...Some of the best advise I ever got!!!
 
I dislike 40's, to me they were an abomination caliber. One that started out as something else and ended up someware in the middle of what it was meant to be, and what it ended up becoming. I have tried several including the Glock 23 and an EMP. I am able to get by with one, I can shoot anything if necessary, but do not shoot it nearly as well as a 9mm or a 45. After 44 years of carrying a self defense gun everyday, I realized that it wasn't me, it was the round. I shoot 357's better than 40's, but that is my opinion.
I would advise against that caliber and if really interested in it go for the 10mm. Which it was supposed to be.
Whenever you use higher pressures to obtain a harder hitting bullet, you end up with the herky jerky feel of the 40, or 357 sig round, instead of the smooth firing 9mm 38 cal, or 45. The following was googled at random while typing this response, it is typical of what one sees when researching the 40 caliber guns and ammo,
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-pistols/268843-40c-firing-issue.html. I stopped trying to figure it out, when it's easier to avoid it.
I am sure a dozen people will jump on me for saying this, but it's the way I find it to be.
Again I am not trying to convert anyone to my belief, only giving the op an honest answer, the way I feel about it. So the best one would be the 10mm. he did say go crazy.
 
No watered down loads in my 40. Underwood 155gr that chronies at 1302 fps from a 4" barrel. No 9mm can deal with that and even the 357sig fall behind when compared to the 147gr loads.


You are shooting some good stuff. I like all Underwood ammo. I saw a ballistic gel test on a 125 grain Buffalo Barnes all copper load in .40 that was very impressive. The load was rated standard pressure. The .357 Sig is my first CC choice with Underwood 125 grain that chronos over 1500 fps. I like the .40 with a load like you are shooting just as well. I think a lot of people don't understand that using ammo because it shoots soft lowers the performance greatly. The folks that swear a 9mm is equal to all other calibers I agree with for the most part but, it has to be loaded with + or + P+ for me to have that confidence. Happy New Year!!!
 
All these Glock fans here. WOW, sorry but i dont like Glock just my preference. I carry a Ruger SR40c, its my carry gun of choice. Ive carried several and i love it. During the summer i tend to carry a 380 Keltec. I seem to like it for what it dose. Just remember no matter what you carry its not caliber or size its all about shot placement. Your no good it you cant use your tool correctly. Hope that helps.
 
I daily carry a SR40C. I was actually looking for a compact .45ACP like the XDS to carry when I decided on the Ruger. I got as many current production compact handguns in my hands as I could and the SR40C just fit MY hands better than anything else. Plus I liked the trigger quite a bit. It is lower in price than most of it's competition and it has been absolutely reliable with no problems at all for me.

I do have skinny fingers and most of pinky finger fits on the standard grip. The most experienced shooter I personally know hates my SR40C because he has big hands and it doesn't fit him at all.

I carry it in a tuckable Theiss Holster. It took a little getting used to, but now I notice it more when it isn't on my hip than when it is. Kind of like once you get used to wearing a watch. I have an average physique, if I was larger could see the tuckable holster being uncomfortable.

Find what feels right to you, but definitely check one out.
 
The other is a XD-40 I bought new in 2007. It is an accurate reliable gun & works well.

Second the Springfield XD-40. Bought mine in 2009 and have put 1100 rounds through it with absolutely NO malfunctions whatsoever. It may not be the prettiest gal in town but she sure is sweet!
 
I own and endorse the Walther PPS for carry, the S&W 4006 for HD and range work and the Glock 23 for all of the above.
 
Out of the several 40 S&W handguns that I own, my favorite for games, range use, and home defense, is my G20 10mm with a Lone Wolf 40 conversion barrel. The big frame makes it easier for me to get accurate shot placement. The gun is super reliable, and shoots right to point of aim with my 180gr/Power Pistol loads.

I tried out a similar setup and I agree 100%. I have both a Gen4 Glock 22 and a Gen4 Glock 21, and the .40 in a larger frame size like the Glock 20 just works for me. Your mileage may vary.
 
Looking for opinions on the best 40 Cal auto for SD--based on size--function--reliability--price--comfort in concealment etc. Go crazy.

Without knowing how and where on your body you intend to conceal the pistol and what your physique is, it is difficult to narrow down the choice of suggestions. Some people are quite comfortable and successful in CCing full-size .40s. Unless you want something smaller, I suggest in the following order: S&W M&P, Glock 22/23. I see little benefit of choosing a G27 over a G23 for most CCW scenarios. If you want something smaller you should consider the weight of the pistol as much as the bulk. Small but heavy pistols (G27 weight class) in pockets are a PITA and not a good choice. For pocket carry, I suggest something lighter than 20 ounces loaded weight.
 
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