Smyth Busters: Is the .40 S&W Cartridge Obsolete?

Published on May 31, 2022
Duration: 4:29

The Brownells Smyth Busters episode debunks the myth that the .40 S&W cartridge is obsolete. Modern advancements in 9mm ballistics have closed the performance gap, offering comparable effectiveness with advantages in lower recoil and faster target transitions. While .40 S&W still holds some appeal for specific platforms and was more available during shortages, 9mm is generally favored for its shootability.

Quick Summary

The .40 S&W cartridge is not obsolete. While modern 9mm ballistics have improved significantly, offering comparable effectiveness with less recoil and faster target transitions, the .40 S&W remains relevant, especially for specific platforms and due to its availability during past ammo shortages.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Is .40 S&W Obsolete?
  2. 00:54Modern Ballistics: 9mm vs .40 S&W
  3. 01:49Recoil & Target Transitions
  4. 02:59Competitive Shooting & Accuracy
  5. 03:47Ammo Availability & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the .40 S&W cartridge still relevant in today's firearms market?

Yes, the .40 S&W cartridge is still relevant. While 9mm has advanced significantly in ballistics and shootability, the .40 S&W offers a different balance of power and recoil, and remained available during recent ammo shortages when 9mm was scarce.

How does 9mm Luger compare to .40 S&W in self-defense scenarios?

Modern 9mm ammunition performs comparably to .40 S&W for self-defense. 9mm generally offers lower recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and quicker target transitions, which can be advantageous in dynamic situations.

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

The primary practical advantages of 9mm over .40 S&W include lower recoil, which leads to better control and faster target acquisition. Additionally, 9mm firearms often have higher magazine capacities, and ammunition is typically more affordable and widely available.

Did .40 S&W have any advantages during recent ammo shortages?

Yes, during recent ammunition shortages, the .40 S&W caliber proved to be more readily available than 9mm Luger for many consumers. This availability made it a practical choice for those who could find it when 9mm was scarce.

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