Best .40 Caliber Pistols Everyone Should Own In 2025

Published on August 2, 2024
Duration: 10:09

This expert guide reviews the best .40 caliber pistols still in production for 2025, drawing on insights from an experienced firearms instructor. It covers the historical context of the .40 S&W cartridge, its decline in popularity, and provides detailed overviews of models from Springfield Armory, Beretta, Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Heckler & Koch, including their features, capacities, and MSRPs. The guide emphasizes the importance of acquiring spare parts and ammunition while these firearms are still readily available.

Quick Summary

The .40 S&W cartridge, once a popular compromise between 9mm capacity and .45 ACP power, has declined in favor of 9mm. However, several .40 caliber pistols remain in production for 2025, including models from Glock, S&W, Beretta, and H&K, making them viable purchases if you secure spare parts and ammo now.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Origin of .40 S&W
  2. 00:30.40 S&W decline and current status
  3. 01:20Focus on current production pistols
  4. 02:24Specialized Competition Pistol
  5. 03:18Springfield Armory XD in .40 S&W
  6. 04:35Beretta PX4 Storm .40 S&W
  7. 05:34Glock 22 (Gen 5) .40 S&W
  8. 06:42Smith & Wesson M&P 40 2.0 Metal
  9. 07:55Heckler & Koch VP40
  10. 09:26Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the .40 S&W cartridge?

The .40 S&W cartridge, once highly popular especially with law enforcement, has seen its popularity decline significantly, largely replaced by the 9mm. However, several manufacturers continue to produce .40 caliber pistols, making them still viable options for purchase new.

Which .40 caliber pistols are recommended for 2025?

For 2025, recommended .40 caliber pistols still in production include the Specialized Competition Pistol, Springfield Armory XD, Beretta PX4 Storm, Glock 22 Gen 5, Smith & Wesson M&P 40 2.0 Metal, and Heckler & Koch VP40. These offer various features and price points.

Why did the .40 S&W lose popularity?

The .40 S&W lost popularity as 9mm ammunition and firearm technology advanced, offering comparable performance with higher capacity and often lower recoil. Many law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters have transitioned back to 9mm.

What advice is given for owning a .40 S&W pistol today?

Given the declining market for .40 S&W, experts advise purchasing extra magazines, spare parts, and ammunition while they are still affordable and readily available to ensure long-term usability and maintenance support for these firearms.

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