Which .40 caliber?

Well Guys I lied. At first I was going to get just one handgun-if it fits my hand it will be a HK Mark 23 .45. However I have decided to get another smaller caliber also for defense and concealment.
I have looked at 3 handguns. They are [all .40 caliber]
If you had your choice for dependability, less recoil to get back on target, and easier to use what would you recommend?
This will be for defense and concealment

A Glock G22 40 S&W Full Size or

Smith & Wesson M&P40 - Full Size, Thumb Safety

HK USP

All fit my hand but Glock seems to be more KISS type :-).

You Are Significant Because God Doesn't Make Mistakes or Junk.
Thanks,
Nelson

No matter what gun you decide to buy, I am not going to shoot it.

Basically find a range (if you have some in your area) that rents them out and test them. Get whatever feels the best to you and which one you shoot the best with. Thats your pick.

I personally went with the PX4 in .40 2 weeks ago for my first handgun......though I'm not concealed carrying anything

I've always heard that the M&P's have a lot of recoil. Never shot one myself though....

I compared a G19, PX4 in 9mm and a P99 in 9mm that my buddy owned. Decided on the PX4 but 9mm is practically non-existent in my area so I switched it for the .40 which is EVERY WHERE.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sloopy312

Well Guys I lied. At first I was going to get just one handgun-if it fits my hand it will be a HK Mark 23 .45. However I have decided to get another smaller caliber also for defense and concealment.
I have looked at 3 handguns. They are [all .40 caliber]
If you had your choice for dependability, less recoil to get back on target, and easier to use what would you recommend?
This will be for defense and concealment

A Glock G22 40 S&W Full Size or

Smith & Wesson M&P40 - Full Size, Thumb Safety

HK USP

All fit my hand but Glock seems to be more KISS type :-).

You Are Significant Because God Doesn't Make Mistakes or Junk.
Thanks,
Nelson

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Good advice! Pick the gun that fits you, and that you shoot well. S&W, Glock, and HK all make a quality firearm. You can argue details until you are blue in the face, but it will all boil down to what works for you. I will tell you that I am a "Glock Guy" but I have owned both of the others that you mention, and they were quality firearms that worked as advertised.

Good luck with your decision.

K. Lake

It is a very snappy round. If you have shot it and like it, good for you. I found the .45 ACP easier to handle than the .40 S&W. The only pistol thast i found comfortable to shoot in the .40 S&W was the HK P7M10, but it is a heavy pistol.

Therefore, I defer to others on the .40 S&W.

Thanks A Lot Guys,
For some reason your replies are not coming to my e-mail so I decided to check here. Probably instead of concealed I should have said a small enough weapon my wife or I could carry easily.
Your advice is good. I need to go to a target range and try some out. We have two in this area and one will be getting in the HK Mark 23 this December. I'll shoot that and the .40 calibers I mentioned.
I was pretty good in the AF [SAC] and we always demanded quality. That's why I'm leaning to HK. I remember some of the old Glocks, as well as Tarus, that had some quality problems., But I know Glock has come a long way in quality. At first I was only going to consider a revolver. As a pilot in WWII my dad had one and it was reliable; but after reading I feel HK makes a quality automatic.
Again thanks. Also I'll run out to Ft. Lewis and see if they carry a holster for a HK Mark 23 as well as one to fit a .40.
Hakuna Matata,
Nelson

The 40 rounds is no big deal recoil wise depending what you are using to send lead down range. I have a P16 Para that has about the same flip as a 9mm. My Sig 229 is a dream in that round too. Bu those are metal frames. I've had Glocks that I didn't like as much just because the lighter weight did help cause more muzzle flip.

As to what you should get...Find the best fit for your hand. I really like my 229 Sig. It carries very easy and follow up shots are not a problem.

Out of what you have listed as choices I've shot the Gock and the M&P. If I was choosing from those two I'd lean to the Smith. I'm jut not a Glock fan. I do not see them as perfection. I thought the Smith had better balance. But that's just me. I've not shot the HK so I can't put a dog in that fight. They are well known for making a quality weapon though. f I had the choice of any 40 I"d look at Sig Sauer. I think they are just some of the best built weapons of their type. And that's coming from a 1911 guy. Para Ord has the S16•40 Limited (link) and the Todd Jarrett Signature .40 (link) That are just mind blowing .But I am a huge fan of the 1911 platform. I do like it more in a 45 but you ever get the chance to shoot a 1911 in 40 or 9mm you will be surprised at the lack of recoil.

Don't forget the FNP 40. It's lighter with the poly frame but they are great weapons. Man..I need to go to the gun store:smt082!

If you wanting something for defense and concealment.Why are you wanting full sizes?

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Originally Posted by hi im drummer03

If you wanting something for defense and concealment.Why are you wanting full sizes?

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I was kinda wondering that myself.

In wintertime, or longer, baggier, summer clothes I carry my P229. But certain days just won't allow it unless I just decide to OC. Which I"m not a big fan of. But you "will" find circumstances in which those options you've given just won't be a viable option. Also, my P229 is still a bit smaller than all the weapons you listed as well. Taking that into consideration.

My suggestion would be to try the M&Pc, or one of the smaller Glocks for everyday carry. There may be better options, but I listed that because the makes you posted. Just my opinion, for the record. Or perhaps your choices are situation specific in which case... Just tell me to buzz off!! :buttkick: HeHe


Cheers,

SIGness

I agree....if you are wanting something small enough for you or your wife to conceal, you're not going to want a full size.

If you decide to go with the Glock and absolutely want a .40, go with the smaller G23....compact but still manageable recoil-wise. However, my personal opinion, unless your wife is familiar with and comfortable shooting a .40, I would recommend the G19...same size as the G23, only its 9mm.

I carry a G23 daily, no problems with concealment. If I can't carry IWB due to having to tuck in my shirt, I carry in an Uncle Mike's ankle holster. Hoping to rectify that soon by getting a SuperTuck IWB.

All in all its personal preference. But you and your wife are going to be hard pressed to conceal a full size well.

The one that fits the best you will shoot the best.