R&R | Is 40 S&W Done?

Published on August 8, 2024
Duration: 11:50

The video discusses the perceived decline in popularity of the 40 Smith & Wesson cartridge. The speaker argues that while not dead due to the vast number of existing firearms, its market share has decreased significantly. This decline is attributed to law enforcement agencies converting back to 9mm and the rise of micro-compact, double-stack firearms that offer comparable or superior capacity in 9mm with a smaller footprint.

Quick Summary

The 40 Smith & Wesson cartridge is not dead but has seen a significant decline in popularity. This is largely due to law enforcement agencies reverting to 9mm and the emergence of micro-compact, double-stack pistols that offer superior capacity in 9mm within a smaller footprint, diminishing the perceived advantage of 40 S&W.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction & Loading 45 ACP
  2. 00:49Discussion: Is 40 S&W Dead?
  3. 01:1140 S&W vs. 30 Super Carry Foothold
  4. 01:39Reasons 40 S&W Won't Be Dead
  5. 02:10Decline in 40 S&W Manufacturing
  6. 02:31Reasons for 40 S&W Decline: Law Enforcement Shift
  7. 03:50Reasons for 40 S&W Decline: Micro Compacts
  8. 04:37Capacity Comparison: 9mm vs. 40 S&W Subcompacts
  9. 05:26S&W Shield vs. Shield Plus Capacity
  10. 06:24Glock 26 vs. Glock 27 Capacity
  11. 07:02Terminal Performance vs. Capacity Trade-off
  12. 07:31Hypothetical: If Police Stayed with 40 S&W
  13. 08:06Future of 40 S&W in New Designs
  14. 08:10S&W M&P Model History (40c)
  15. 08:50Current S&W 40 Caliber Offerings
  16. 09:20Elimination of 40 S&W Models
  17. 09:35New Firearm Designs in 40 S&W?
  18. 10:19357 Sig Comparison
  19. 10:45Speaker's Late Entry to Calibers
  20. 10:52Viewer Thoughts on 40 S&W Future
  21. 10:56Ammunition Manufacturing Outlook
  22. 11:10Premium Hollow Points Fading
  23. 11:24Gun Manufacturers Slowing Down Models
  24. 11:34Conclusion & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 40 Smith & Wesson cartridge losing popularity?

The 40 S&W's popularity has declined due to law enforcement agencies switching back to 9mm and the rise of micro-compact, double-stack pistols. These modern 9mm firearms offer comparable or superior capacity to 40 S&W in a smaller, more manageable size, diminishing the perceived advantage of the larger caliber.

Will 40 Smith & Wesson ammunition stop being produced?

It is highly unlikely that 40 Smith & Wesson ammunition will cease production anytime soon. The vast number of firearms already chambered in this caliber ensures continued demand, meaning manufacturers will likely continue to produce it for the foreseeable future, possibly for generations.

What are the main reasons for the decline in 40 S&W firearm manufacturing?

Two primary reasons for the decline in 40 S&W firearm manufacturing are the shift of law enforcement agencies back to 9mm and the design limitations of modern micro-compact, double-stack pistols. These 9mm pistols achieve higher capacities in smaller frames, making them more appealing than 40 S&W alternatives.

How does the capacity of 9mm micro-compacts compare to 40 S&W?

In modern micro-compact designs, 9mm pistols often achieve significantly higher capacities than their 40 S&W counterparts. For instance, a 9mm SIG P365 can hold 10+1 rounds, while a comparable 40 S&W Shield might hold only 6+1, making the capacity difference a major factor in caliber choice.

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