Best 40 S&W CC

Groundhog34 · January 14, 2019, 08:16 PM

Looking for suggestions on the best 40cal for CC. I want something the size of a Glock 43. Reliability is first, round count second, accuracy third in importance. Please do NOT denigrate, that word is not racist, 40cal or try to convince me 9mm is just as good. Just ideas on the best gun.

**Spats McGee** · January 14, 2019, 08:17 PM

I don’t own a .40, but in that size, the Shield is gonna get some votes.

Targa · January 14, 2019, 08:26 PM

S&W Shield, Springfield XDS, Kahr CM40 are a few options. As for convincing you that 9mm is as good? I don’t waste my breath trying to convince anybody of anything....

Rangerrich99 · January 14, 2019, 08:32 PM

Shield. Particularly the 2.0 with an Apex trigger/sear kit. My buddy's example is about as shoot-able as my 9mm.

Oh, and every Shield I've experience with (about 8 now I think) has been completely, boringly reliable.

Sorry, I should've mentioned that the only other gun listed that I have trigger time with is the Glock, but between the two, I prefer the Shield. Better ergos, better trigger, even stock. However, there's plenty of choices out there so YMMV.

Jeff H · January 14, 2019, 10:00 PM

Shield. Mine is a 40. I have quite a few rounds through it. Runs flawlessly. Great gun.

Bongo Boy · January 14, 2019, 10:22 PM

I was going to suggest you look at the SW M&P 2.0 40 Compact, but not because I own one or think it's the 'best' of anything. I own and carry the MP45c and am familiar with it and feel it's the best handling, nicest size, fastest and best-on-target carry I own. If I were going to look at 40SW carry's, the new M&P 40 compact would be the first one I'd look at.

I don't know the Shield, and actually don't know what distinguishes them from the M&P. I'm not surprised to see folks recommending them though, assuming they share some qualities with the M&P.

I like 40SW and find it a super-capable and flexible cartridge--it's as plentiful and widely available as anything out there, brass is like pennies a pound and comfortable to reload. It seems to pack a decent punch, and doesn't trade much if any capacity for the 40 cal bore size. Since I shoot a lot of 10mm, sharing bullets, molds, and dies is kinda nice.

Enjoy the quest.

Bimus · January 14, 2019, 10:30 PM

This may be a great time to buy a new or used 40 S&W with so many getting traded for 9MM

Siggy-06 · January 14, 2019, 10:36 PM

Another vote for the shield in .40s&w. Give the Glock 27 a look as well, its a bit thicker, but still very concealable.

**Mike Irwin** · January 15, 2019, 08:55 AM

Were I to be looking for something like that I think I'd give the Sig P320 a hard look. I've handled one and it fits my hand very well.

peterg7 · January 15, 2019, 11:58 AM

For me the quintessential .40 is a G23, since you want smaller I’d go with a G27

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BarryLee · January 15, 2019, 12:52 PM

Yes, at least look at the G27 and see if it might meet your needs. I carry it's cousin the G26 in 9mm and it basically disappears IWB or even OWB. The gun carries like a small gun, but shoots like a much large gun or at least I feel it does. They can also accept a variety of different capacity magazines adding to their flexibility.

glockman55 · January 15, 2019, 01:26 PM

I have a G-27 and carry on occasion. good shooter

Sharkbite · January 15, 2019, 01:36 PM

Going to be hard to beat a Shield in that size

jmhyer · January 15, 2019, 03:42 PM

Walther PPS

Siggy-06 · January 15, 2019, 05:28 PM

Also give the Taurus 740 Slim a look(they can still be found online). Glock style disassembly, good trigger, pretty ergonomic, and a nice carry weight. Should be able to find them $100 cheaper than a shield. I have had the 9mm version for 5+ years now, been super reliable.

GoPappy · January 15, 2019, 08:10 PM

The Glock 27 is only a 9mm conversion barrel and a 9mm mag away from being a Glock 26, which allows you the flexibility shoot either round with the same gun with a 30 second change of the barrel and mag.

That's what I did with mine and it has been 100% reliable with both calibers.

Not trying to introduce 9mm into the mix as an alternative. Just pointing out one of the pluses of the Glock 27, and I'm not even much of a Glock fan.

Onward Allusion · January 15, 2019, 11:43 PM

Glock 27 or P320 subcompact. The Sig will get you an extra round but the Glock is slightly shorter.

lee n. field · January 16, 2019, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhog34

Looking for suggestions on the best 40cal for CC. I want something the size of a Glock 43. Reliability is first, round count second, accuracy third in importance. Please do NOT denigrate, that word is not racist, 40cal or try to convince me 9mm is just as good. Just ideas on the best gun.

XD40 subcompact. A bit chubbier than you specify, but heavy enough to make .40 not harsh to shoot.

9 rounds in the short magazine, 32oz loaded.

test drive · January 16, 2019, 06:07 PM

Beretta Mini Cougar 8040

dontcatchmany · January 27, 2019, 07:22 AM

Shield 40, but make sure you get the 2.0 version. Mine was not and I had a couple of improvements to make to get it to shoot well and it now is just great.

Also look at FNS40c.

I also have a Glock 27 and have had problems with it.....it is now the last gun out of the safe for shooting.

The 40 is a very good caliber. I own 4 semis in 40 out of 21 handguns. Oh, I also have a 9mm barrel and mags for my Shield 40.

disseminator · January 27, 2019, 01:06 PM

I'd skip the shield in a 40 and go for the 4" M&P Compact.

The SIG P239 would be a a good choice as well.

Bottom Gun · January 27, 2019, 01:14 PM

Sig P239

T. O'Heir · January 27, 2019, 01:29 PM

There is no 'best' anything.
A pistol must fit your hand and your budget. What's your budget?

Groundhog34 · January 27, 2019, 07:07 PM

Don't have a budget

Jeff H · January 27, 2019, 07:25 PM

Do you have a local range around with a rental counter?

Pick out a few, shoot them, see what you like the best.

My personal opinion, I like the Shield in 40.

January 14, 2019, 08:16 PM	#1
Groundhog34 Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 196	Best 40 S&W CC Looking for suggestions on the best 40cal for CC. I want something the size of a Glock 43. Reliability is first, round count second, accuracy third in importance. Please do NOT denigrate, that word is not racist, 40cal or try to convince me 9mm is just as good. Just ideas on the best gun. __________________ "they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name 666." Revelation 13:11

January 14, 2019, 08:17 PM	#2
Spats McGee Staff Join Date: July 28, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 8,821	I don’t own a .40, but in that size, the Shield is gonna get some votes. __________________ I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer. If you need some honest-to-goodness legal advice, go buy some.

January 14, 2019, 08:26 PM	#3
Targa Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Posts: 2,084	S&W Shield, Springfield XDS, Kahr CM40 are a few options. As for convincing you that 9mm is as good? I don’t waste my breath trying to convince anybody of anything.... Last edited by Targa; January 14, 2019 at 08:37 PM.

January 14, 2019, 08:32 PM	#4
Rangerrich99 Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2014 Location: Kinda near Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,254	Shield. Particularly the 2.0 with an Apex trigger/sear kit. My buddy's example is about as shoot-able as my 9mm. Oh, and every Shield I've experience with (about 8 now I think) has been completely, boringly reliable. Sorry, I should've mentioned that the only other gun listed that I have trigger time with is the Glock, but between the two, I prefer the Shield. Better ergos, better trigger, even stock. However, there's plenty of choices out there so YMMV. Last edited by Rangerrich99; January 14, 2019 at 08:41 PM.

January 14, 2019, 10:22 PM	#6
Bongo Boy Senior Member Join Date: December 18, 2008 Location: Colo Spgs CO Posts: 517	I was going to suggest you look at the SW M&P 2.0 40 Compact, but not because I own one or think it's the 'best' of anything. I own and carry the MP45c and am familiar with it and feel it's the best handling, nicest size, fastest and best-on-target carry I own. If I were going to look at 40SW carry's, the new M&P 40 compact would be the first one I'd look at. I don't know the Shield, and actually don't know what distinguishes them from the M&P. I'm not surprised to see folks recommending them though, assuming they share some qualities with the M&P. I like 40SW and find it a super-capable and flexible cartridge--it's as plentiful and widely available as anything out there, brass is like pennies a pound and comfortable to reload. It seems to pack a decent punch, and doesn't trade much if any capacity for the 40 cal bore size. Since I shoot a lot of 10mm, sharing bullets, molds, and dies is kinda nice. Enjoy the quest. __________________ NRA Benefactor Member “If I had to live my life again, I'd make the same mistakes, only sooner.” T Bankhead "I think only the authorities should have weapons." The New American Electorate

January 14, 2019, 10:00 PM	#5
Jeff H Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 176	Shield. Mine is a 40. I have quite a few rounds through it. Runs flawlessly. Great gun.

January 14, 2019, 10:30 PM	#7
Bimus Senior Member Join Date: April 15, 2018 Location: Farmington NM Posts: 122	This may be a great time to buy a new or used 40 S&W with so many getting traded for 9MM

January 14, 2019, 10:36 PM	#8
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	Another vote for the shield in .40s&w. Give the Glock 27 a look as well, its a bit thicker, but still very concealable. __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

January 15, 2019, 08:55 AM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,381	Were I to be looking for something like that I think I'd give the Sig P320 a hard look. I've handled one and it fits my hand very well. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 15, 2019, 11:58 AM	#10
peterg7 Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2017 Posts: 316	For me the quintessential .40 is a G23, since you want smaller I’d go with a G27 Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

January 15, 2019, 12:52 PM	#11
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	Yes, at least look at the G27 and see if it might meet your needs. I carry it's cousin the G26 in 9mm and it basically disappears IWB or even OWB. The gun carries like a small gun, but shoots like a much large gun or at least I feel it does. They can also accept a variety of different capacity magazines adding to their flexibility. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

January 15, 2019, 01:26 PM	#12
glockman55 Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2009 Location: Mich Posts: 179	I have a G-27 and carry on occasion. good shooter

January 15, 2019, 01:36 PM	#13
Sharkbite Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 2013 Location: Western slope of Colorado Posts: 3,679	Going to be hard to beat a Shield in that size

January 15, 2019, 03:42 PM	#14
jmhyer Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2012 Location: MS - USA Posts: 899	Walther PPS

January 15, 2019, 05:28 PM	#15
Siggy-06 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2014 Location: Florida Posts: 1,148	Also give the Taurus 740 Slim a look(they can still be found online). Glock style disassembly, good trigger, pretty ergonomic, and a nice carry weight. Should be able to find them $100 cheaper than a shield. I have had the 9mm version for 5+ years now, been super reliable. __________________ Flicks just like a lighter, just a different kind of fire.

January 15, 2019, 08:10 PM	#16
GoPappy Member Join Date: November 28, 2015 Posts: 78	The Glock 27 is only a 9mm conversion barrel and a 9mm mag away from being a Glock 26, which allows you the flexibility shoot either round with the same gun with a 30 second change of the barrel and mag. That's what I did with mine and it has been 100% reliable with both calibers. Not trying to introduce 9mm into the mix as an alternative. Just pointing out one of the pluses of the Glock 27, and I'm not even much of a Glock fan.

January 15, 2019, 11:43 PM	#17
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	Glock 27 or P320 subcompact. The Sig will get you an extra round but the Glock is slightly shorter. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

January 16, 2019, 06:07 PM	#19
test drive Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Posts: 100	Beretta Mini Cougar 8040

January 27, 2019, 07:22 AM	#20
dontcatchmany Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2010 Posts: 460	Shield 40, but make sure you get the 2.0 version. Mine was not and I had a couple of improvements to make to get it to shoot well and it now is just great. Also look at FNS40c. I also have a Glock 27 and have had problems with it.....it is now the last gun out of the safe for shooting. The 40 is a very good caliber. I own 4 semis in 40 out of 21 handguns. Oh, I also have a 9mm barrel and mags for my Shield 40. Last edited by dontcatchmany; January 27, 2019 at 07:34 AM.

January 27, 2019, 01:06 PM	#21
disseminator Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2016 Location: Minnesota Posts: 960	I'd skip the shield in a 40 and go for the 4" M&P Compact. The SIG P239 would be a a good choice as well.

January 27, 2019, 01:14 PM	#22
Bottom Gun Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 1998 Location: Arizona Territory Posts: 1,092	Sig P239 __________________ NRA Life Member Mechanical engineers have their moments.

January 27, 2019, 01:29 PM	#23
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	There is no 'best' anything. A pistol must fit your hand and your budget. What's your budget? __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

January 27, 2019, 07:07 PM	#24
Groundhog34 Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 196	Don't have a budget __________________ "they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name 666." Revelation 13:11

January 27, 2019, 07:25 PM	#25
Jeff H Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2009 Posts: 176	Do you have a local range around with a rental counter? Pick out a few, shoot them, see what you like the best. My personal opinion, I like the Shield in 40.