Author Topic: Best bang for the buck in .40 S&W? (Read 2200 times)

The Famous Grouse · « **on:** December 30, 2010, 05:38:03 PM »

Folks, I've decided to get a new .40 S&W, mainly for home defense, although it will also do occasional double duty as a black bear defense sidearm. I'm not really considering any other caliber, I'm happy with the .40 S&W's combination of mag capacity and knockdown power. I'm not interested in CC, so size isn't the big issue.

What are the opinions out there on the best bang for the buck in a 40 S&W?

Given my needs and the amount of use, I'm looking more for value than I am match-grade performance. I intend to practice enough to get and hold proficiency with the weapon, but that's about it.
I hunt with a Contender and I target shoot with a match grade Buckmark, so I'm not a handgun newbie and I can hold my own as far as putting holes in the black, but I won't by pounding 1000 rounds a year through the new 40. But by the same token, I don't want to be disappointed by the performance. I'm used to adjustable sights and good barrels, so I don't want to be totally let down by substandard performance.

I'm not brand loyal, so give me your suggestions and the approximate cost.

Thanks.

Grouse

XD40SC · « **Reply #1 on:** December 30, 2010, 07:55:45 PM »

I love my Springfield XD subcompact . Better safety system than the Glock.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2010, 12:44:25 AM »

two recomendations for you. If price is a consern look at the ruger. It aint pretty or even a tack driver, at least the ones ive shot, but they are a good solid reliable gun at a good price. If you have a little more money id look hard at the smith and wesson m&p line. There as reliable and as good of a gun as a sig or glock and no black gun feels better in the hand to me then a m&p. Ill put it this way. I know alot of people who own or have owned sigs and glocks. Some swear by them and some didnt like them and got rid of them for something else. Ive yet to find a guy who owns a smith m&p that doesnt love it.

Curtis · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2010, 04:36:51 AM »

Quote

Ive yet to find a guy who owns a smith m&p that doesnt love it.

Well, ad me to that list. I love my M&P 40 Compact. Like Famous Grouse, I am primarily a Contender shooter for many years. The M&P was actually my first autoloader pistol, which I bought for HD and CC purposes. Having no defensive handgun experience (shot a few of friend's double and single action revolvers over the years) I took my M&P to the range and these are my first five shots ever. I was shooting at 25 yards and resting my forearms on a carpet covered 4x4 that was on the shooting bench.

The only thing I can say negative is that with this Compact model I have to reposition my grip slightly after each shot to get the best accuracy. I suspect that a full size model would not exhibit this problem with me, but as I said mine is primarily for HD and CC. I am so happy with my M&P that if the need (or urge) arrises for a full size 40 cal, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. Of course you will probably want the barrel length of the full size model for best performance in the field.

Also as mentioned by XD40SC in his post above, like the Glock the M&P has no external safeties.

Curtis

The Famous Grouse · « **Reply #4 on:** December 31, 2010, 05:02:01 AM »

I'd considered Springfield, but their prices seem to have crept up very near the range of what I consider to be guns with a much better pedigree. I don't want to start that debate, but safe to say once we get close to the $500 range, it brings in a whole new range of options and I was thinking there must be better options nearer $400 (or less?) than $500.

Ruger is an interesting suggestion, I have to look into those more. S&W M/P gets close to the same problem as Springfield, it looks to me like the prices quickly get near $500, but maybe I'm seeing full retail and there are better deals to be had?

Realistically, what's the off-the-bench accuracy of the Rugers like compared to say the S&W?

Grouse

mauser98us · « **Reply #5 on:** December 31, 2010, 07:29:48 AM »

Witness series of pistols. Either full size or compact,all steel. Very good price. Look at them a EAA website.

Noreaster · « **Reply #6 on:** December 31, 2010, 09:59:34 AM »

Gotta look for a sale. If your buying used, Glock or Ruger seem the way to go. Either of these pistols will take a pounding and keep on going. I started looking for a night stand gun for the wife and I, (everything else is in the basement safe or locker at work.) I'm a big Sig fan but they are almost twice the price of a Glock or M&P. I've seen the Ruger's on sale at Cabela's for about 300. First duty auto I was ever issued was a P94, I don't think you can break one of these! For just a little more you could probably find a SR40, Glock, or M&P, but you need to shop around and wait for a sale at Gander or Cabelas or whatever is near you.

Noreaster · « **Reply #7 on:** December 31, 2010, 10:03:06 AM »

Ruger P series accuracy? My academy had 120 guys and I got top gun with my P94. I'm sure it was the least expensive firear there. It was DAO, but I learned to shoot it.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #8 on:** January 01, 2011, 10:29:13 AM »

You ought to pick up a SIG SP2022 and look it over. The 40S&W is less common than 9mm, but look around a bit. An SP2340 is about the same just an older model with proprietory rail. Mine has never failed me, I feed it whatever is on sale, it ain't finicky. There are three different size grip adapters now. The trigger is very nice out of the box, most you will find are DA/SA I'm not real sure about DA only but I think it is available. $500 give or take will get you one with 2 12rd mags maybe even Nite sights.

The Famous Grouse · « **Reply #9 on:** January 01, 2011, 05:00:16 PM »

Appreciate the replies so far. I have to see if I can find an EAA Witness to look at in person and then see what Rugers are available locally. Especially the Witness P series. The exposed hammer doesn't bother me.

Do any members out there own the Witness series guns in any caliber? Reviews or comments?

So far those look like the most price competitive options. As I said, there would be lots of options open if I wanted to go north of $450, but there must be good options nearer $400.

Grouse

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #10 on:** January 01, 2011, 06:50:44 PM »

At the $425 level I would sure look at Springfield XD line. Shop around for an Essentials package. I picked one of these up in march for $465 with an extra mag, taxes and all. I have also heard reports that S&W is lowering prices on many of there models by about $90. S&W Sigmas are pretty cheap and by all reports they seem to run pretty well, not a very refined pistol, but... it's no longer considered junk.

Brett · « **Reply #11 on:** January 02, 2011, 11:23:35 AM »

Take a look at the S&W M&P40 as well. I would place then right up their with the Glocks and Springer XDs, definitely more refined than the Sigmas. The M&P, XD and Glocks are all priced about the same and any of the three should serve you well. I recommend you start your search by checking these three out first. Handle and shoot them all if possible before making a final decision. I ended up going with the M&P because I thought it felt better and pointed more naturally in my hand but that's not to say one of the others may not feel and point better for you.

the jigger · « **Reply #12 on:** January 02, 2011, 01:46:07 PM »

I have two EAA Witness all steel Wonder finish pistols.
One is a full-size 45ACP; the other is a compact 40 S&W with
a 45ACP conversion kit.
I have been very pleased with the performance of these pistols
in both calibers. The only issue that I have had is "stove-piping"
with an after market magazine. With minor adjustment of the magazine lips
that problem went away.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

Savage · « **Reply #13 on:** January 02, 2011, 02:52:59 PM »

There are lot of choices out there these days. It'd be hard to make a bad choice. You could never go wrong with a Glock. Some say they have trouble with the point-ability of the Glock. I think that's more of a training problem than anything else The M&Ps are a good choice as well. Of all the pistols mentioned so far, the Tanfoglio pistols have the best ergonomics. They are in the Ruger price range, but far superior IMO.
Savage

Tiapan64 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 09, 2011, 03:20:42 PM »

I have an EA Witness in 10 mm. Steel with the wonder finish. Nice and reliable gun. More accurate than I also. Took my CCW class with it and have enjoyed it. Ammo is not to be found in my town for it. So I think I'll be getting another set of dies to reload for it.

countryroads · « **Reply #15 on:** January 09, 2011, 08:58:36 PM »

Take a look at FN Herstal's 40S&Ws at Bud's gun shop. The manual safety 14 round version is going for $397 shipped to your FFL. I have the decocker version as well as a 9mm decocker. They're getting $514 for that version. Of all of my 40s, the FN is my favorite. It eats any kind of ammo, and I've never had a problem with it. It is made in the USA, if that's important to you. Also, FN makes a lot of stuff for the US military. I recommend their stuff highly.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/advanced_cat_search.php?cated=26&manufacturers_id=409&ITATR_list%5B2%5D=&ITATR_list%5B3%5D=314&ITATR_list%5B4%5D=&ITATR_list%5B5%5D=&ITATR_list%5B6%5D=&ITATR_list%5B7%5D=&ITATR_list%5B8%5D=&ITATR_list%5B9%5D=&ITATR_list%5B0%5D=

Bigeasy · « **Reply #16 on:** January 09, 2011, 11:12:51 PM »

If money is a consideration, The S&W Sigma in 40 cal goes about 350.00. Very similar to a Glock. Never owned one, but did shoot a friends a little. Seemed like a good, serviceable gun for the $.

Larry

PAHUnter04 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 27, 2011, 05:34:28 PM »

Like the title says... The Best bang for the Buck..... GLOCK! I pooh, poohed these handguns for years. Plastic handguns, not like a colt, yada, yada.

I got to shoot a Glock .40 S&W extensively.... price, accurate, reliable no matter what. And I like the trigger. With a million holsters, and accessories available.

There is a reason it is the Number #1 of CHOICE of Leo's and Police Forces in the USA.

Brett · « **Reply #18 on:** January 28, 2011, 02:52:18 AM »

There are so many choices in decent, reliable pistols in the $400+/- range that it is difficult to go wrong here. Ask yourself what you intend to use it for... home D., carry, range gun? Will you need or want lot's of accessories... holsters, laser or optical sites, flashlights, etc.? By honestly answering these questions you can narrow the field somewhat. For example; if you want to attach a laser or flashlight you probably want something with a rail. If you want a range gun you want something with a good trigger (or easily 'fixed' trigger) and available/affordable magazines. If you plan to carry it you want something more compact, lighter weight and with a smoother profile without a lot of sharp corners or edges. Plus you would want a lot of holster choices available for it.

Once you've narrowed the field to a hand full of choices handle and shoot them if possible to see what is the best fit for you. If you are only looking at a $50 or so difference between a gun that fits your hand well and feels right and one that does not I would spend the extra $. And always keep in mind that what works for your buddy may not work for you. For example, Glocks are great guns, many folks absolutely love them. However, they all feel like a chunk of 2X4 in my hand. I found the M&P felt and handled better for me.

poncaguy · « **Reply #19 on:** January 29, 2011, 05:16:55 AM »

I have a Glock 22 40, a XD 40 and Ruger SR40. I really prefer the Ruger over the others, slimmer and less recoil. You can't go wrong with any of the 3, I just like my Ruger better,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

pasquot · « **Reply #20 on:** January 29, 2011, 12:00:58 PM »

I don't want to start any arguments, but the best bang for the buck is a hi-point .40 priced at about 150.00. Dead on reliable, unconditional gaurentee, made in ohio. UGLY!!!! YES!!!.

Ak.Hiker · « **Reply #21 on:** January 29, 2011, 03:08:31 PM »

I have owned Glocks in 40 S&W. They were all very good guns. The only reason I traded off the first Glock 23 was I also have a Glock 29 in 10mm and they are similar is size . I traded another Glock 23 later for a new Glock 22 in OD green. I like the OD color for some reason and decided that I really did prefer the grip size of the Glock 22 or 23 over the larger Model 29. If size is not an issue go with a Glock 22 but the Model 23 is a great option as well. They do pack a little easier. One of my buddies took his boys out on a hike on a very cold day. They had an assortment of semi auto handguns but the only one that would function was the Glock. They make a great gun. I have been packing one around in the woods for years. I am thinking about ordering one of the new generation 4 models with the rough textured grip. The double spring and non slip grip are nice improvements. You did mention carrying in the field when hunting. One of the best loads I have found on the market for field use is the Double Tap 200 grain in either FMJ or hardcast. They also are now loading a new Nosler 200 grain JHP that looks like a good option. Lots of other good loads on the market as well but I did want to mention the 200 grain DT as it is not a very common weight for the 40 S&W.