40 cal is dumb and always was dumb

Published on July 10, 2023
Duration: 2:50

Ben Stoeger asserts that 40 S&W is an inherently flawed caliber, citing its increased recoil, higher ammunition cost, and detrimental effect on firearm durability compared to 9mm. While acknowledging it can serve as a challenging training tool to improve grip and recoil control, he ultimately advises against its widespread use, suggesting it's rightly becoming a niche caliber.

Quick Summary

Ben Stoeger states that 40 S&W is a 'dumb' caliber due to its significantly higher recoil, making it punishing to shoot and leading to increased firearm wear and breakage. While it can be a challenging training tool to improve grip and recoil control, its drawbacks in cost and reliability make 9mm a generally superior choice.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: 40 Caliber is Dumb
  2. 00:16Finding Abundant 40 Caliber Ammo
  3. 00:40Benefits of Shooting 40 Caliber for Training
  4. 01:04Recoil and Physical Impact of 40 Caliber
  5. 01:33Competitive Shooting with 40 Caliber
  6. 01:57Firearm Durability Issues with 40 Caliber
  7. 02:16Final Verdict: 40 Caliber's Drawbacks

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 40 S&W caliber considered a poor choice by some firearms instructors?

Instructors like Ben Stoeger argue that 40 S&W is 'dumb' due to its significantly higher recoil, which makes it more punishing to shoot and can lead to hand injuries. It also tends to cause more wear and tear on firearms, leading to increased breakage of components.

Can shooting 40 S&W offer any benefits for a firearm enthusiast?

Yes, despite its drawbacks, shooting 40 S&W can be a valuable training tool. The increased recoil forces shooters to develop a stronger grip and better recoil management skills, which can translate to improved performance with other calibers like 9mm.

What are the main disadvantages of the 40 S&W caliber compared to 9mm?

The primary disadvantages of 40 S&W over 9mm are its substantially higher recoil, which is more punishing on the shooter and the firearm. Additionally, 40 S&W ammunition is typically more expensive, and firearms chambered in this caliber are more prone to breaking components.

Is 40 S&W still a popular caliber for competitive shooting?

While 40 S&W was once ubiquitous, it is now largely considered a specialty caliber. It may still be used in certain competitive shooting disciplines, but its popularity has waned significantly in favor of calibers like 9mm due to the advantages in recoil and cost.

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