Pistols Cal .40 - Why They Are So Hated?

[The Old Jaybird]

Wouldn't this be an ideal choice for a budget minded newbie with a thick skin to pick up a very good pistol, or 2, for "cheap" money???

 

[joel2000]

My M&P 40 is my daily companion. I do .45 in a p227 bedside and a p229 in 9mm in the arm of my recliner ...go figure
I just have a mental feel better attitude with the 40 and 45

 

[Ken Ford]

I just consolidated calibers.

Modern 9mm ammo can get close enough to .40 that I could not justify the .40 anymore.

9mm, 45 ACP, .32, and 22lr for handguns.

And modern 40 doesn’t improve diametrically?

 

[Ken Ford]

40s&w was a compromise caliber created by LE's that couldn't handle 10mm.

It was pushed to the civvy community during the AWB... since most carry sized 40cal guns carry around 10rds.

It's pretty much useless today... with advances in performance of 9mm JHP ammo.

Aside from 1911 dudes that realized 7 rounds ain’t enough... a few LE agencies and USPSA major power factor... its trash.

Useless? That’s a overly dramatized statement. LOL

 

[Barbwire]

And modern 40 doesn’t improve diametrically?

Good point, I imagine all ammo has improved over the years.

 

[nwbn90]

Realistically there’s nothing “wrong” with the caliber, for myself and others I’ve talked to, it’s more a logistics issue. 9mm HP technology and development has made huge strides in the past decade, beating 45 and coming close to .40 in ballistics and terminal energy transfer. So basically you get more rounds with 9mm, similar performance and a few rounds more in capacity.. not to mention drastic recoil reduction from the .40

 

[GFB]

Gun culture is increasingly faddish. 40 S&W is fine. So is 9mm and 45 ACP. Politically motivated FBI studies, cult training gurus, military fetish culture all provide ammo for the acolytes. Shoot whatever you want.

 

[charlie hotel lima]

I always liked my Gen 3 G23, til I got a Gen 4. My G22 is in a Roni MCK right now. The .40 abides..

 

[WinstonSmith]

40 is good. Ammo is cheap right now too. 180gr is subsonic 165 is faster so you get best of both worlds. That 9mill ammo that is "almost as good as 40"? Pricey. More expensive than 40. And almost isnt all its cracked up to be. Small differences equal big changes on target. My daily carry is a g23. I put a 9 mill barrel in it for idpa to shoot cheap 9mill just to make shooting cheaper. I wouldn't spend money on the "good" 9mill when I can just buy 40. And yes I shoot 40 too just so its familiar. If your wrists cant handle 40 and you think its "snappy" buy new panties and woman up.

 

[wozeyjales]

I don't hate the .40 just don't feel the need to add another caliber.
Have wondered why so many 9mm pistols also have a .40 version.
If so many manufacturers feel both calibers need to be produced
figured that was a sign somebody must be buying .40 versions.
I'd hate to buy one then have the new .41 come out and have
to start the whole cycle over again.