It’s no secret that the 9mm is the most popular defensive handgun cartridge in the world. Since its development, it has come a long way in terms of its ballistic capabilities. However, for a time, plenty of shooters would turn to an alternative cartridge for their self-defense needs. The .40 S&W offers an increase in ballistic power in a handgun that retains the overall footprint and size of a standard 9mm, making it a great option for concealed carry and defense.
Why choose the .40 S&W?
If you’re not already aware, the .40 S&W cartridge was developed by shortening the case length on a 10mm Auto round. The 10mm was introduced after the tragic Miami Dade Shootout in the 1980s, in which the 9mm round proved to be an ineffective fight-stopper at the time. The original 10mm loading was determined to be too powerful (recoiling too much) for average agents to handle, so the powder charge was reduced to a more accommodating level. This meant the cartridge casing could be shortened and fit into a smaller frame design, resulting in the .40 S&W.
The new .40 S&W allowed shooters to use a firearm the same dimensions as their 9mm with a more potent cartridge. The cartridge offered an expanded bullet diameter and improved penetration, which resulted in increased ballistic performance. The round is high velocity, pushing a 180-grain projectile around 1,000-1,100 fps. Lighter bullets (around 135-165 grains) can hit up to 1,350 fps, producing around 500 ft/lbs of energy, or more, at the muzzle.
With only a slightly reduced magazine capacity compared to 9mm counterparts, .40 pistols feature the same grip circumference to accommodate more hand sizes than larger 10mm/.45 ACP frames. Extended magazines are available if you’re looking to carry a spare or sling lead at the range.
Unfortunately, the cartridge still gained a reputation for snappy recoil, which turned many shooters off. Additionally, more and more shooters became concerned with having the highest capacity possible. These concerns resulted in the .40 pistols losing popularity over the years. However, if you’re willing to train to master the added recoil, the .40 S&W can be an excellent defensive cartridge well worth your time.
USP Compact
The Universal Self-Loading Pistol Compact, or USP-C, is the smaller frame little brother to the full-size USP duty pistol. The Compact model features a reduction in both trigger reach and grip circumference, which increases concealability and enhances shooting ergonomics for varying hand sizes. It is available in a double-action/single-action V1 variant, as well as a V7 variant with the LEM trigger mechanism.
Further, the USP Compact sports the same fiber-reinforced polymer frame stiffened by stainless steel inserts that can be found on the full-size USP. In industry use, the USP design doesn’t experience the excessive wear that plagues other polymer-frame .40s, such as the Glock. This design boasts legendary durability and reliability, making for an incredible concealed carry or home defense handgun.
Beretta PX4
The heart of the Beretta PX4 is its rotating barrel lockup system. Intended to reduce muzzle rise, the action locks and unlocks via a rotating cam and locking wedge based on the original Beretta Cougar, rather than the typical Browning tilting design. This keeps the barrel in line with the sights for enhanced accuracy and the cartridges in line with the barrel throat for improved reliability. Because of this system, the PX4 makes for an incredibly soft-shooting .40 with less muzzle flip than other lightweight competitors.
The Px4 Storm comes in subcompact, compact, and full-size versions. Each model features checkered grips that provide secure traction in muddy and wet conditions, and include three backstraps that can be swapped for comfort and hand fit.
SIG P229
The SIG P229 was designed and built to handle the higher pressures of the .40 S&W cartridge. The compact pistol has been trusted by law enforcement and civilians for over 30 years. The double-action/single-action trigger mechanism is durable and dependable. The pistol incorporates a frame-mounted decocking lever that is intuitive and works well. An alloy frame gives this pistol enough weight to provide a nice reduction in recoil compared to polymer frames, but keeps it light enough that it’s not a hassle to carry.
Magnum Research Baby Desert Eagle III
The Baby Desert Eagle III is based on the time-tested CZ 75 design. The pistol features a 4.43-inch, match-grade barrel and accepts 13-round magazines. The DA/SA pistol has a 12-pound double-action pull and 4-pound single-action pull. Additionally, the firearm incorporates a slide-mounted decocker that also functions as a manual thumb safety.
The Baby Desert Eagle III utilizes a reinforced polymer frame for a lighter overall weight and slimmer grip profile than steel frame versions. This makes it a bit snappier to shoot at the range, but much easier to carry on the hip all day long.
Beretta 96A1
The Beretta 96A1 represents the evolution of the world-famous 92FS/M9 pistol. Retaining all the best elements of the 92 series, the Model 96 is chambered in the hard-hitting .40 S&W cartridge. An internal recoil buffer increases the service life of the pistol by reducing stress and excess wear on the receiver. Further, the iconic open-top slide design of the Beretta makes for excellent reliability, with plenty of room to eject empty casings. The pistol utilizes a near 5-inch barrel for improved velocity and ballistics, and the A1 frame incorporates a 1913 rail for mounting accessories.
Hi-Point JCP
It’s not the flashiest or best looking, but the Hi-Point JCP provides shooters with a reliable .40 cal option that almost everyone can afford. The direct blowback action is simple and reliable. The updated Gen 2 model incorporates a 5.2-inch threaded barrel as well as new grip texturing for improved control. Additionally, the pistol now features an accessory rail for mounting tactical lights and lasers. The JCP .40 accepts 10-round single-stack magazines and features a magazine disconnect and manual thumb safety.
M&P Shield 2.0 PC 4-inch
As mentioned earlier, .40 S&W exhibits more recoil and can be harder to control than 9mm, especially in smaller pistols. The M&P Shield 2.0 4-inch Performance Center model does a good job of counteracting that. The slimline pistol incorporates a ported barrel for improved recoil control, even during rapid fire.
The Performance Center tuned action produces a light, crisp trigger pull that makes accurate hits a breeze. Further, the 4-inch barrel model comes with a Crimson Trace red dot sight mounted straight from the factory and includes a set of quality fiber-optic backup iron sights.
Do you still use the .40 S&W cartridge? What are your favorite .40 S&W pistols? Share your thoughts in the Comment section.
