Is the .40 Really Dead?

Published on November 14, 2024
Duration: 14:10

This video provides an expert comparison of the 9mm and .40 S&W calibers, focusing on the Glock 19 and Glock 23. Instructor Hickok45, with over a decade of experience carrying the featured platform and a background in competitive shooting, details the physical similarities between the two pistols while exploring the ballistic differences and historical context of the .40 S&W. The analysis concludes that the .40 S&W remains a relevant and powerful defensive option, offering a significant trade-off in recoil for increased terminal performance.

Quick Summary

The .40 S&W caliber is far from dead, offering a significant power advantage over 9mm in the same firearm frame size. While 9mm is more popular, .40 S&W provides superior penetration and larger wound cavities, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing terminal ballistics despite increased recoil.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Is the .40 S&W Dead?
  2. 00:56Shooting the 9mm Glock 19
  3. 01:08Shooting the .40 S&W Glock 23
  4. 03:39Current Market Status of .40 S&W
  5. 04:52History: FBI and Law Enforcement Adoption
  6. 07:30Technical Advantages of .40 S&W
  7. 10:09Conclusion: .40 S&W is Not Dead

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Glock 19 (9mm) and Glock 23 (.40 S&W)?

Physically, the Glock 19 and Glock 23 are identical in size and weight. The primary difference lies in their caliber: the Glock 19 fires 9mm, while the Glock 23 fires the more powerful .40 S&W, which typically results in more felt recoil but potentially greater terminal ballistics.

Is the .40 S&W caliber still relevant for self-defense?

Yes, the .40 S&W caliber remains relevant and is far from dead. While 9mm has gained popularity, .40 S&W offers a significant power advantage in terms of penetration and wound cavity creation, making it a viable and effective choice for defensive use.

Why did law enforcement agencies adopt the .40 S&W?

The .40 S&W gained widespread adoption by law enforcement in the 1990s as a response to a perceived need for greater stopping power than 9mm, following high-profile incidents that highlighted ballistic performance concerns.

What are the ballistic advantages of the .40 S&W over 9mm?

Referenced ballistic tests suggest that .40 S&W ammunition generally provides better penetration through barriers and creates larger permanent wound cavities compared to 9mm ammunition, though this comes at the cost of increased recoil.

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