Does The 40 S&W Suck?

Published on January 5, 2025
Duration: 22:21

This review analyzes the .40 S&W caliber, exploring its history and performance against 9mm. While .40 S&W offers slightly better ballistic performance in terms of penetration and wound cavitation, the increased recoil and reduced magazine capacity make 9mm a more practical choice for most shooters. The video emphasizes that training and shot placement are paramount, regardless of caliber.

Quick Summary

The .40 S&W caliber, developed from the 10mm Auto, offers slightly better ballistic performance than 9mm but comes with increased recoil and lower magazine capacity. For most shooters, the trade-offs make 9mm a more practical choice, emphasizing that training and shot placement are the most critical factors in self-defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: History of .40 S&W
  2. 02:51Technical Comparison: .40 S&W vs. 9mm
  3. 05:40Recoil and Accuracy Testing
  4. 08:12Ballistics Gel Testing
  5. 13:28Ballistics Dummy and Real-World Approximation
  6. 15:04Conclusion: Is .40 S&W Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the .40 S&W caliber developed?

The .40 S&W was created in response to the FBI's need for a more potent round than 9mm after the 1986 Miami shootout. They initially adopted the 10mm Auto but found it too powerful, leading to a shortened case version, the .40 S&W.

How does the recoil of .40 S&W compare to 9mm?

.40 S&W typically produces significantly more felt recoil, often described as 'snappy,' compared to 9mm. This increased recoil can make rapid follow-up shots more challenging and potentially lead to accuracy issues like flinching.

Does .40 S&W offer better ballistic performance than 9mm?

In some tests, .40 S&W shows a slight edge in bullet weight, penetration, and temporary wound cavity size. However, modern 9mm defensive loads perform remarkably well, often closing this gap, making the .40 S&W's trade-offs in recoil and capacity less appealing.

What is the most important factor for handgun effectiveness in self-defense?

The most crucial factor for handgun effectiveness in self-defense is consistent training and accurate shot placement. Regardless of caliber, the ability to place shots accurately under stress is paramount, more so than the specific caliber chosen.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Garand Thumb

View all →