I am shopping for a .40 SW handgun. I am looking for dependable, accurate, and value.?

Question

I am not looking for a self-defense weapon as much as I am a fun gun to shoot and practice with. My FEG PA-63 is way to hard on the hand after a day on the range.

I used a .40 SW as a teenager when shoting and I recall it having nice power for takedown. And I recall desiring a Glock Model 35, but have since decided to shop around and am seeking advice. Basically, is there any reason I should not buy a well rated Hi Point? Is the SIGMA a good line? Why should I consider a Glock, if at all?

I already have some rifles and shotguns. My 9x18 is simply to painful to through and the ammo is to exotic to continue using as a plinker. I don't really have much use for a pistol since CA likes having only "cops and criminals" carrying they won't let me conceal carry. And won't use for home defense because I don't want to kill my neighbor.

Answer 1

Rather than deal with amateur opinions, I have found that the professionals, both commercial and independent, have given a slight edge to the H-K pistols, from tests run by evaluators from such sources as Guns & Ammo, American Handgunner, and Gun Tests magazines.
In such tests, the H-K USP models had fewer malfunctions and NO (0) failures when tested against, not only the Sig-Sauer, but Beretta, Springfield, and S&W models, as well.
I've run nearly 5,000 rounds through my H-K USP .45ACP, including Hydra-Shok, Cor-Bon, and several equivilent custom handloads, with 0 stoppages EVER, and it's tolerances haven't measureably changed since I first aquired it.
As a 'die-hard' 1911 fan, know too that I carry my USP .45 in 'Condition One' (****** & locked) with a round chambered, just as safely as one can with the 1911.
The only negative factors I've dealt with carrying the USP, inherrent in the SOCOM, as well, is it's larger size, but I'm a larger guy and LIKE the more impressive size, and the limited availability of carry systems, but I carry concealed in my own unorthodox manner, anyway.

P.S: for others that may snivel at the higher prices of the USP's, I recently saw one on Gunbroker for $400, believe it or not, & there have been several .45's & .40's for little more than the XD's asking price.

Answer 2

If you want something to target shoot and practice with, get a 9mm.

Yes, Yes, the .40 offers more energy and is a nod better for stopping a man, but you are not looking for that, so why would you want a .40 when 9mm ammo is almost as powerful, shoots easier and costs a whole lot less?

The more you save on ammo, the more you shoot!

The used market is full of reasonably priced quality 9mm pistols now...and the selction of new ones is vast.

I would steer you to a Hi Power, a CZ, or a Sig, but the Beretta 92 is a good gun if it fits your hand well.

The Hi Point is a TOY.....when it breaks (and it will), you throw it away. Not a good investment of your $150 when you could put that toward a $300 gun that will last you a liftime like a Hi Power clone. With the Hi Power, you can get 17 round magazines too.

Stay away from S&W auto pistols, unless you find a good used one cheap and can't pass it up. They have had a lot of problems, especially the Sigma.

Glocks are good quality and for target shooting they work well. Like I said, you can find good deals on trade in 9mms. Glocks are over-rated and they are not suitable as a defense carry weapon because they simply have no safety. Period.

I know what you mean on the PA63. I have several real Makarovs, which shoot incredibly well, and when I shot the PA it actually hurts. You can tame that little sucker with a heavier mainspring, you know. Go to Makarov.com and buy all new springs for your PA. A heavier mainspring and a lighter trigger spring works wonders on the "shootability" of the PA, it really does. Also order a Houge slip on grip sleeve. This stuff will improve the little pistol dramatically.

Answer 3

I have a Smith & Wesson M&P in a .40, and I really like it. The cool thing about it is that it comes with 3 interchangeable grips, so that you can change it to SM, Med, or Lg, depending on the size of your hands. Also, the S&W M&P holds 15 rounds in a mag, whereas most others only hold 12 rounds.
Don't like Smith & Wesson? Try Springfield Armory's XD-40. I've shot them, and they are very nice. Don't get me wrong, Glocks are good and very reliable, but they aren't the only good ones out there. I would stay away from a hi-point, though. Also, a friend of mine has a S&W Sigma, but he says the triger pull is way too heavy. The Sigma's are S&W's way to tap into the 'cheap pistol' market.

Answer 4

Hey!
Here are some good .40 cal pistols that you should check out!

Springfield XD-comes with carry holster, extra mags, speedloader, Springfield quality at reasonable cost.

Sigarms Equinox-Is going to cost more than an XD or a glock, but is an excellent gun.

Glock 22-Excellent gun, comes with accessories, Glock also makes three other .40 guns. The 22 is the full size, the 35 is the competition, and they also make a compact, and a sub-compact models.

Any of these guns would be an excellent purchase. I really tend to stay away from hi-point guns. I'm not overly fond of the Sigma. S & W usually makes excellent guns, but the Sigma doesn't really meet the usual quality. If you want a S&W, I suggest looking at their Military & Police (M&P) models, which are excellent guns.
I work at an indoor gunrange, and I see a lot of these guns and really suggest the ones I mentioned.
Good luck, whichever way you go!

Answer 5

Go with either Glock 22 or 23, and if you can afford it, a Heckler & Koch USP.

Both are very fine weapons with high magazine capacities.

The pros of Glock is that it will work, and it's simple to use in the same manner that a double action revolver is. Glocks are kinda like chevy trucks, they get the job done.

The USP is what every other auto loader wishes it was. Utterly reliable, accurate, well designed. It takes a bit more practice to become proficient with, but it's performance is outstanding.

Click on models, and click on G22, and G23.
http://www.glock.com/english/index_pistols.htm

http://www.hecklerkoch-usa.com/usp_general.html

Stick with Glock, HK, and Sig arms. Whatever you do though, stay away from any S&W that isn't a revolver.

Answer 6

I have the full size Glock model 22, and it is a great gun. The model 23 is 1/4" shorter at the grip, and about an inch shorter on the barrel. I know there are a lot of people who say that it is easier to conceal, but the diffecernce between this compact model and the full size model is negligible, and I have better control with the slightly bigger gun.Academy Sporting Goods sells them for $499 in my area. I have been hearing a lot of bad reports about the S&W M&P's, so I would never consider one of those.

Answer 7

I am the satisfied owner of a glock 27 and also m&p 40c. the glock is dependable but the smith shoots much smoother. The durability of the polymer pistol is incrediable the weight is just as satisfing light but very manuverable. One area of concern is the tenifer coating on the s&w it allows surface rust if the wepon is exposed to to much moisture like sweat. The glock on the other hand is coated in melonite and it is impervious to moisture but lack in the accuracy department because of sloppy barrel fit. Overall i am prepared to defend my life and that of my family with either wepon. It is mostly personal choice but for overall fun the glock and s&w are a joy to handle and shoot .

Answer 8

Thats a common problem with the Millennium Pro series- they almost all shoot low and left. There is no fix for them, other that getting a different pistol. You can replace the front sight only (not both) to bring POI up. And may can drift the rear sight if it shoots left or right. If you really want a 40 cal....look at the Beretta 96 or a CZ. If you like Taurus, they make a 101 which is a like the Beretta 96, and has adj rear sights.

Answer 9

I agree with the above post re: give the Springfield XD a look. I really like my XD 40, and they have a good reputation for reliability. A lot of people like the "feel" better than the Glocks, though I like those too.

Answer 10

No matter what you get, try something that's kind of heavy. I have a .40 SW Sigma Series. It has a plastic handle for light concealed carry and it kicks really hard (I'm petite, so everything kicks hard), so it's tough for me to be accurate. I prefer my BF's 9mm Sig. His buddy lets me shoot his .40 Glock and his .45 Ruger. I seemed to do much better with those right off the bat. I'm a new gun owner so I'm still trying to get the hang of my .40.

P.S. If you really want to have some fun at the range, get a revolver like a .357 magnum. Something with a long barrell. Accurate and totally cowboy.