Newbs take on .40 S&W

I purchased my first hand gun about two months ago and had not had the time to shoot until yesterday. I chose the Ruger P94 because I have always loved the way the gun looked and new it was reliable. After I purchased the gun I read tons of threads about the recoil or snappy .40 cartridge. I wondered if I made the right choice for a beginner. That being said I found after 50 rounds of 155gr and 50 rounds of 180gr it shoots quite smooth. I have nothing else to compare it to since I have only fired one other gun and it was a small pocket sized .380 which was harder to control than my Ruger. I am not doubting other cartridges such as the 9mm for easy of shooting but I will not hesitate to buy another .40 S&W gun.

First time at the range and I believe the gun is way more accurate they I am. I managed to consistently shoot 5 inch groups at 10 yards. I did have a some poor shots (still keeping the strays within roughly eight inches) but that I believe will change with more practice.

Rugers have always been underrated. The are built like tanks, reliable, shoot accurately (when we do our part), and...........inexpensive. Good luck with yours. How about a picture? :smt023

Good deal. Anybody with normal amount of strength can learn to handle the .40S&W. Just read up on the basic's and practice them and your groups will start to tighten up. Get some help from a friend or family member that is a good shooter. Good luck. :smt023

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Originally Posted by Charlie

Rugers have always been underrated. The are built like tanks, reliable, shoot accurately (when we do our part), and...........inexpensive. Good luck with yours. How about a picture? :smt023

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This is the only photo I have access to right now. Not the best but here you go.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/l...lassic/002.jpg

IMO, that P94 would be a good balance for the 40S&W. Sharper recoil is experienced in the compact pistols. I like the Ruger P series...but not my idea of a CC pistol.

The 40 is a pretty good round I think. I have a few different ones right now and all of them are really good shooters. While I agree that the P94 is not the best CC pistol they shoot pretty well. I had one a while back and thought it was a really good pistol. Only reason I got rid of it was I happened across a deal that I just couldn't pass on and the guy wanted that gun if mine..heh.

This gun was never intended for CC. It was a stepping stone. Once I become a better shooter and get more formal training I will purchase a CC weapon but at this point I don't think I am ready. Until then I am basically collecting toys. This thing is for home defense and punching holes in paper.

I have a P94 and it is as good a shooter as my Sig2340 or my H&K USP40. I kinda think of it as a poor man's Sig, but don't want to discount it on it's own merit in any way. I use a Beretta 96 as a principal carry weapon and it is larger than the P94. I haven't experienced any problems with it as a CCW, but then I am a fairly large individual and have invested in some good quality leather. You will find that a Galco S.O.B. is an excellent choice under an untucked short sleeved shirt that is worn over a t-shirt. A Gould and Goodrich belt slide works very well also. Don't discount it as your choice for defensive carry due to it's size alone. A .380 placed well will stop a perp as well as a .50GI. It's all about shot placement and knowing when and when not to shoot. You have a great handgun, enjoy it and grow more proficient. Mine shoots very well as stated and has never had the first failure of any kind in around 2,500 rounds through the tube. If I had one observation, I'd like to see Hogue make some panel style grips for it and maybe a little thicker, big hands.