Which steel .40?

[DrDeFab]

Which steel frame .40S&W, of the four listed, would you choose, and why? Prices are close enough to not be an issue.

I do plan to try-before-I-buy, so I'm particularly looking for long-term issues that may not be obvious in a 30-minute rental session.

And to hopefully forestall any thread-jacking, I already have a polymer-frame striker-fired .40, I just want to diversify.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I going with none of the above and I'll write in the Sig P226 stainless.

 

[Moonclip]

I voted S&W 4006 but only in an older model, I hate that dumb tactical mark on the slide of new models! I have the CZ75 in .40, serviceable but I'm not in love with it, I like my circa 1985 9mm CZ75 better.

My BHP .40 is very reliable but not all that accurate. I have not much experience with the Beretta 96 though I do want the Taurus clone in .40. I have the CZ40 and the Baby Eagle .40 as well but I'm no thrilled with them either, relaibel and serviceable though. I have the polymer framed striked fired .40 example or two as well

 

[jgo296]

really any of the above guns are great
i think the berreta looks the best

 

[outerlimit]

The Beretta and S&W are aluminum framed pistols.

The Browning and CZ are steel framed.

 

[Moonclip]

IIRC the older 4006 is a steel frame. The CZ 40 is alloy framed as well I believe.

 

[outerlimit]

The CZ 40 is alloy framed as well I believe.

The CZ75B?

 

[Moonclip]

No the CZ40, a different model. The CZ75b chambered in .40S&W is a steel framed pistol.

 

[outerlimit]

Okay, didn't read your post. He listed a CZ75B on the poll so I was like huh?

I've been looking at CZ40's for many years and they've just never thrilled me. You say you BHP in .40 is not accurate? Is it an early model by chance?

 

[Moonclip]

I bought it new in 2004 but it was made in 1995 which is sort of early for this model. It's not like it patterns like a shotgun but the groups are not as good as say a 9x19 bhp or definately not as good as my cz75 9mm.

 

[outerlimit]

I think there were some dimension problems with early .40 barrels because of wrong specs, you might want to give Browning a call and check it out. I definitely would! I think several manufactures had this problem early on, not just Browning.

 

[DrDeFab]

Outerlimit: The Beretta is also available in steel http://www.beretta.com/index.aspx?m=74&idc=2&ids=28 , although it would stretch my price point a bit.

PO2Hammer: I didn't list the P226 because I was under the impression it was alloy frame only. A bit more searching found that like the Beretta, it is also available in steel. I don't plan on adding it to the poll, though, because I'm eliminating it for other (mostly subjective) reasons.

 

[NGIB]

I'll add one not on your poll but does fill the bill and that's an EAA Witness. I have a Witness .40, all steel and it's a great shooter and very inexpensive. They come in compact as well as full size, and they also have conversion kits available to change calibers...

 

[jdh]

The CZ75 just fits the hand like nothing else and is a reliable and accurate package. Accesories are not as available as for the others.

The 4006 is a close second. Also reliable and accurate enough. The grip is a little more blockie but accesories are plentiful.

 

[kirkcdl]

Second the Witness,see this thread: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=345141

 

[DevilDog0402]

Depends on what your primary use will be. I have a Beretta 96 and it is a great gun, but I wouldn't try to carry it concealed due its size and weight.

 

[outerlimit]

Outerlimit: The Beretta is also available in steel http://www.beretta.com/index.aspx?m=74&idc=2&ids=28 , although it would stretch my price point a bit.

DrDeFab, if you are interested in a Steel-I 96 let me know, there is a shop not too far from here that has had several in stock for a long time now. The price was good from what I remember.

 

[chris in va]

The very first centerfire handgun I ever tried was a CZ 75 .40. I liked it so much I bought the 9mm version.

I'd get a 40, but already have a 45.

 

[Firepower!]

Beretta 96 from your list. The rest don't even come close. Only other serious contender is SW.

 

[DMK]

I have both a CZ40 and a CZ75 in 40S&W. Very nice guns both. I won't be getting rid of either anytime soon. I've tried the Beretta but don't like it. Especially due to the safety on the slide.

The CZ40 is a little lighter (and much cheaper), but the CZ75 is sleeker and has a slightly longer sight radius.