Has the .40 S&W Become Extinct? (My Thoughts) - TheFirearmGuy

Published on June 10, 2021
Duration: 6:19

This video discusses the current market status of the .40 S&W cartridge, questioning if it's becoming obsolete. The speaker notes a decline in new firearm releases chambered in .40 S&W, with manufacturers focusing heavily on 9mm. While acknowledging the .40 S&W's ballistic advantages and historical role as a balance between 9mm and .45 ACP, the speaker addresses criticisms of its recoil, finding it manageable with practice. The trend of law enforcement agencies transitioning from .40 S&W to 9mm for increased capacity is also highlighted.

Quick Summary

The .40 S&W cartridge is facing declining popularity due to manufacturers focusing on 9mm and law enforcement agencies switching to 9mm for increased capacity. While not entirely extinct, it's becoming a niche caliber with fewer new firearm releases and a market dominated by police trade-ins.

Chapters

  1. 00:00.40 S&W Introduction
  2. 00:17The Question of Obsolescence
  3. 00:48Historical Context & Balance
  4. 01:14Ammunition Availability & Cost
  5. 01:55Manufacturer Trends
  6. 02:24Recoil Debate
  7. 02:52Law Enforcement Transition
  8. 03:269mm vs .40 S&W Ballistics
  9. 03:48Used Market & Pricing
  10. 04:02Extinction or Niche Caliber?
  11. 04:20Market Demand & Ammo Production
  12. 04:36Ballistic Performance
  13. 04:44Enthusiast Perspective
  14. 05:02Conversion Barrel History
  15. 05:25Speaker's Stance
  16. 05:35Personal Search for .40 S&W
  17. 05:47Future of .40 S&W

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the .40 S&W cartridge becoming less popular?

The .40 S&W is becoming less popular due to a market shift towards 9mm, driven by manufacturers focusing on 9mm releases and law enforcement agencies adopting 9mm for increased ammunition capacity. This has led to fewer new firearms being chambered in .40 S&W.

Is the .40 S&W cartridge truly on its way to extinction?

While the .40 S&W is experiencing a significant decline in new production and market presence, it's not entirely extinct. A dedicated group of enthusiasts still favors it, and many police trade-in firearms are available, suggesting it may become a niche caliber rather than completely disappearing.

How does the recoil of the .40 S&W compare to other popular handgun calibers?

The .40 S&W is often criticized for being "snappy," but many shooters, including the speaker, find its recoil manageable with practice. It's generally perceived as having more recoil than 9mm but less than .45 ACP, offering a balance that some users prefer.

Why are law enforcement agencies switching from .40 S&W to 9mm?

Law enforcement agencies are transitioning from .40 S&W to 9mm primarily to increase ammunition capacity in their duty firearms. Modern advancements in 9mm ammunition have also closed the ballistic performance gap, making 9mm a more attractive option for capacity-conscious agencies.

Are there still new firearms being released in .40 S&W?

New firearm releases in .40 S&W are becoming increasingly rare. Most manufacturers are focusing their new product development on 9mm, with very few companies actively producing or promoting new handgun models chambered in .40 S&W.

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