What sub-compact .40 S&W pistol is best for self defense?

Question

What sub-compact .40 S&W pistol is the best for self defence?

Answer 1

Your choices are fairly limited with sub-compact firearms. For 40sw I'd look at:
Glock 27 Sub Compact
Heckler & Koch P2000 SK Sub-Compact
Springfield XD in .40 S&W 3" sub compact
CZ 40P .40S&W Compact Pistol
CZ75 Compact 40sw

Quality should be considered as well as frame size, the above listed are HIGH quality firearms.

Answer 2

Well, as with many other things in life, it is a matter of opinion, but I would recommend a Glock 27 for a .40.

I am sure there are others out there, cheaper, or whatever, but if it were me, I would tote the G27. I was not a fan of Glocks, never really cared for the ploymer guns to begin with but my wife bought a G23 (.40 Compact), and I was impressed the first time I shot it. It was comfortable, accurate and handled well.

I prefer and usually shoot a 1911 style gun in .45ACP. I also own a Taurus PT 101 in .40 which I do like, but the Glock would make a more concealable. comfortable carry gun.

As far as self-defense, if you aren't carrying it around all day and just want to keep one around the house, I would go with a compact (not a "sub" gun) as there is a little more to hang on to, meaning a little more control in a stressful situation.

If you havent held a sub compact in your hand and compared the feel to a compact or a full size, you may want to try it before commiting yourself to the sub compact outright.

Most companies like S&W, Ruger, Taurus and many others excellent compacts that would suit your needs quite easily. The .40 XD (full size, and I think it now comes in a compact version too) seems to be the trend lately. Glocks are popular and for good reason. The S&W M&P seems to be gaining popularity as well.

If anything, shoot a few different pistols in compact, then try the sub-compacts, and see what you prefer for your needs. There aren't too many options for sub .40's I know of the glock and possibly a taurus but not sure. Other than that you will have a better selection in the compact gun arena.

Good luck, sorry I couldn't be more specific but suggesting that someone buy a certain gun is like picking their clothes out for them. It may fit, but they may not look right, or feel right in them. It is a decision which they really make themselves in order to be satisfied with it. When it comes to a gun, it could be their life, or someone elses.

Answer 3

The Springfield Armory XD Compact comes in that caliber.
However I would go with the XD 45 Compact.

#1. Just by switching out the magazine and adding the extender that comes with the gun, you can turn the Compact into a Service size gun.

#2. 45 ACP is a proven round that has been here for 100 years. It can be found everywhere.

#3. Real men use a 45...

Answer 4

I would take a look at the Glock 27 (polymer), Kahr K40 (stainless steel), or Kahr MK40 (stainless steel).

Glock 27 (3.5 in barrel) has the advantage of price and capacity (9 + 1)but is on the chunky side (for a sub compact).

The Kahrs are slim with the K40 (6 + 1) holding an additional round more than the MK40 (5 + 1)and having a 3.6 in barrel vs a 3 in barrel. Kahr polymer models are inferior to Glock, so if you want a polymer get a Glock.

Answer 5

There is no "best." What works for someone else may not work well for you. What's "best" in my world may not be "best" in your world.

It also depends heavily on what you mean by "best." Are you looking solely at reliability, accuracy, comfort, weight, or name-brand? A combination of all of the above? What does "best" mean to you?

You've chosen a caliber, and a sub-compact frame. That severely limits your choices. Personally, I carry a Walther P99c, in .40S&W. I like it. It is "best" for me.

The only recommendation I can give is that you go to a range that rents guns, and try out as many different ones as you can. You might find that the Glock 23 is not for you, or that the Walther feels wrong in your hands.

All in all, Konstipashen (that's a great name!) is correct. It's hard for us to tell you what to buy. What works for us, may not work for you. Check out the site below for more information on choosing a handgun. Lots of good info there.

Answer 6

I have always like the Springfield XD sub-compact. I know that Beretta came out with a Px4 Storm Sub-compact recently, I just do not know if it is out for sale yet. Also Smith & Wesson has their M&P sub-compact.
Kahr Arms, Glock, Taurus may also have what you are looking for.

Answer 7

According to their website, S/W has an M&P Compact, .40cal that goes for $640.00; no sub-compact is listed. Your choices will largely depend on how it feels in your hand, how well it shoots, and how much you're willing to pay for it. Personally, I prefer a Glock....easy maintenance, extremely reliable, and very accurate.

Answer 8

Glock makes a good product, just get very familiar with the safe action trigger safety. I think Para ord "wart hog is available in .40 S&W. springfield armory lists a compact in .40 too

Answer 9

Taurus Millinium Pro. Small, lightweight, efficient, inexpensive.

Answer 10

Get a Glock or the Para-ordinance Warthog, if you can find one!