Looking for advice on what .40S&W semi-auto to get

**DrBenway** · 02-21-2009, 11:53 PM

Hi all,

I'm looking at pistols, specifically .40S&W semi-autos, and I'd be interested in advice on what to get. Primary purpose is self-defense away from home.

I'm a first time handgun buyer (have owned a shotgun for some time). I had a trainer at the range teach me how to shoot them, and I tried out a wide range of pistols, .22, 9mm, .40S&W, .45 and 10mm. Tried mostly Glocks, a Beretta, and a few others.

I want to go with a .40S&W for the stopping power, and because I felt the kick was not a problem at all.

Here are my other constraints:

I have big hands, so I want a fairly large gun. I didn't like the feel of the smaller guns, especially where the trigger was not sufficiently far enough away from my palm (forcing me to crook my trigger finger too much).

I also want a heavy gun. I found it much easier to keep the heavier guns dead still, and was able to shoot very fast and accurately with them.

I don't really want a single action trigger. I somewhat liked the Glock 35 I tried because it took so little to fire it. Seemed like a very efficient weapon for self defense. I would get one, but it was a little on the light side; I'd like something heavier.

The most comfortable gun I checked out was a Sig P226 X-Five, but it was single action, and it wasn't as efficient to discharge as the Glock (obviously, the X-Five a competition pistol, not really for self defense). If it wasn't for that, I'd have bought it on the spot. The point is that I really liked the feel of it; it fit my hand very comfortably and I loved the heft of it.

Money isn't really an object. I'd like to keep it under $3k, say, but would happily pay that for the perfect weapon fitting the above criteria.

One last constraint: I'm in California.

OK, any advice for me?

Thanks much,
Doc

**PhilR.** · 02-22-2009, 12:32 AM

OK -- large, heavy, and no single-action. The first thing that comes to mind are the DA Sigs (most Sigs are DA, unlike the X-Five) and Beretta 92. Also look at the H&K USP's as well, since they are pretty big. The H&K's come in several different trigger types, and I'm sure there's at least one that would suit you.

The CZ 75 would also work, but I'm not sure if you can get them in .40. There's also the older S&W metal-framed semi's like the 4006 that would be worth looking at.

I'm not in CA, so I cannot tell you if the above would apply to your situtation.

**PhilR.** · 02-22-2009, 12:37 AM

I almost forgot - the EAA Witness "Match" would also fulfill your requirements.

**DrBenway** · 02-22-2009, 01:11 AM

Yeah, I've been looking at the Sig DAs. This one looks perfect:

http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/Sho...&productid=261

P226 X-Five Allround. But it's CA non-compliant... $&%#!!!

It's not like I even need the hi-cap mag, I'd be perfectly happy with 10 rds.

**BeefyBeefo** · 02-22-2009, 01:28 AM

Originally Posted by DrBenway

One last constraint: I'm in California.

OK, any advice for me?

Move.

Seriously though, the CZ75 in .40 would be a great choice. Give this gun a long look. I looked at these, and loved them, but the trigger reach was a little long for me in DA. I have smaller hands for a guy, and it sounds like this wouldn't be a problem for you, so definitely give this gun a look. Also, if you can find one, check out the Stoeger Cougar. We have one in 9mm that my girlfriend picked out, and it's been great for over 1000 rounds. She loves it, and we haven't had a single problem. This gun in a great value. Good luck!

**Ptarmigan** · 02-22-2009, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by DrBenway

I want to go with a .40S&W for the stopping power

There is no such thing as stopping power in handguns. If you want stopping power use a shotgun or rifle.

That being said, I think you should take a look at the Beretta 96FS or 96D. The first one is the .40S&W version of the 92FS AKA M9, and the second is the same gun but double action only. The "classic" Berettas are nice big heavy guns, and I am pretty sure they are approved for purchase in California.

**DrBenway** · 02-22-2009, 10:56 PM

This must be divine intervention:

I went to a local gun shop today, and handled a fair number of pistols. One stood out. It was a Sig Sauer P226R ST .40S&W, the stainless version of a P226.

I hadn't even seen this on the Sig Sauer website. Apparently they've been discontinued, and are somewhat harder to find. (Now you have to buy the Elite Stainless.)

Damned if it didn't fit my hand perfectly, and it was a good 10oz or so heavier than the standard P226. Felt like the perfect weapon to me.

I bought it on the spot. I'm very happy.

Thanks for the input though,
Doc

**Marcus99** · 02-22-2009, 11:01 PM

Congrats on your purchase buddy. I was gonna say check out the Beretta 96D like Ptarmigan advised, but sounds like you found the right gun for you. Good luck!

**BeefyBeefo** · 02-22-2009, 11:03 PM

Congrats on the purchase and good luck with it!

**DrBenway** · 02-22-2009, 11:34 PM

Thanks all.

I'll report back after I've squeezed off a thousand rounds or so.

**Ptarmigan** · 02-23-2009, 11:18 AM

The Sig Sauer P226 is a great gun. Congratulations.

Thread: Looking for advice on what .40S&W semi-auto to get

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

Looking for advice on what .40S&W semi-auto to get

Ads

Posting Permissions

Search tags for this page

best 40 s&w semi auto pistol

good .40 s&w semi auto

how much is a smith and wesson 4006 worth

p226 x-five allround review

sig p226 elite stainless review

sig p226 x-five review

sig sauer p226 x five competition review

sig sauer p226 x-five review

sig sauer p226 x5 reviews

why p226 elite stainless not ca compliant