The .40 caliber pistol is one of the most popular pistol calibers on the market today.
It didn’t gain that popularity for no reason either. A combination of availability, stopping power, and versatility have made .40 caliber pistols a popular choice among law enforcement, competition shooters, and civilian shooters alike.
Keep reading to see some of the best .40 cal pistols available today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 40 Cal Pistols
- OUR TOP PICK: Glock G22 G4
- BEST 40 CAL PISTOL FOR CONCEALED CARRY: Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Hi-Point 40 S&W 10+1 Round
What to Watch For When Buying a .40 Cal Pistol
Deciding on a big purchase isn’t always easy. The sheer number of models and options available can make choosing a pistol an overwhelming undertaking. However, with the right knowledge, things will begin to clear up quickly.
This Section Written By:
Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Keeping Your Priorities Straight
With so many different gun manufacturers and pistol models out there, marketing is often sent into overdrive. Each company and each pistol brand wants you to buy their gun. Where reputation and brand recognition end, is where marketing hype begins. The key thing to remember is that your needs outweigh that hype.
Make sure you are buying a pistol that will fulfill your needs. Whether that be self-defense, home defense, or competition shooting, it is vital to keep an eye on your priorities. The last thing you want to do is wind up with a pistol that you aren’t comfortable shooting or using. Marketing hype can get even the savviest shoppers, so just keep an eye out and pay attention to the details that matter most to you.
Photo credit: gundigest.com
Considering Size and Grip
This might seem like an obvious one, but it is still important enough to talk about. For one reason or another, it can sometimes be tempting to choose a gun that isn’t the ideal size for your needs. This could be for increased ammo capacity, preference for another feature, or brand priority. However, it could easily be argued that comfort with the size and grip of a pistol is one of the most important things when it comes to shooting safely and confidently.
Don’t underestimate how discomfort can manifest itself when shooting. A small problem with this can escalate into poorly placed shots and other issues while drawing, charging, and firing. Prioritize comfort and choose a pistol model that you can hold, control, handle, and fire with comfort and confidence.
Zeroing In on Price
More expensive does not always mean better in the world of firearms. It doesn’t take a fortune to obtain a high-quality .40 caliber pistol that will suit your needs well. Shop around and check prices in multiple places to get an idea of the average price of .40 caliber pistols. Of course, the price also depends on what you plan to do with your pistol. A high-end competition quality pistol is going to be pricier than the options for a home-defense weapon.
If you aren’t opposed to buying used, it is possible to find some great deals on .40 caliber pistols. That being said, it is possible to get a new .40 caliber pistol from a well-known brand without breaking the bank.
Comparison of the Best 40 Cal Pistols
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Review of the Best 40 Cal Pistols
Below, you’ll find the best .40 cal pistols on the market, with some being specialized for certain needs and others being all-around winners. No matter what you’re looking for, one of these pistols should be a good fit.
Best Overall:
Glock G22 G4
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The most recent users of this .40 caliber pistol say that they generally enjoy its performance, especially as a self-defense or shooting range weapon. It’s easy to handle and it provides for snappy reloading thanks to its magazine chamber. Its light weight and agility mean it’s very easy to get the hang of even if you’re a beginner firearm enthusiast.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Glock G22 stood out to us because of its quality construction and ease-of-use. Its hand-grip is particularly notable, being comfortable and anti-slip so it’s difficult to lose control of the weapon even in a tense situation. It also offers decent accuracy even though its sights are average at best. The gas nitride finish is also notable since it improves the life span of the weapon by reducing corrosive damage.
Who Will Use This Most
We think this is a great .40 caliber pistol for just about everyone. Its versatility makes it a decent fit for both service members or home firearm owners alike. It may be particularly valuable for people looking for an easy-to-use firearm that has a larger than an average capacity magazine, which can give you a few extra bullets when you need them most.
Bottom Line
All in all, the Glock G22 provides great .40 caliber performance at a distance and has lots of leeway to help you recover from mistakes and get your bearings. It’s quite a comfortable weapon to use and is a great choice if you want to find a firearm that’s a little more gentle for beginners overall.
Best 40 Cal Pistol for Concealed Carry:
Smith and Wesson M&P 40M2.0
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent users of this .40 caliber pistol report that it’s an excellent choice for concealed carry holsters. It’s because of the small size and light weight of the firearm that this is the case. It’s a particularly sleek example of the .40 caliber pistol and features an excellent design, plus innovative features across most of its major components.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out largely due to its excellent construction. The stainless steel chassis will improve its durability over the long term, and the reduced muzzle rise will help you recover your aim after each shot taken much more quickly than other .40 caliber pistols. In addition, the trigger pull is particularly satisfying, since it clicks audibly and features a tactile reset to help you take multiple shots in rapid succession.
Who Will Use This Most
We think those who typically carry their firearms in a concealed holster will want to consider this choice at length. It’s a phenomenal firearm that offers fantastic performance and great durability, with the mild exception of its grip, which can be exchanged for different inserts. While this is nice for customization, it’s not quite as damage resistant as grips that only have one feel or texture.
Bottom Line
Overall, this .40 caliber pistol features a higher than average capacity magazine and excellent performance for concealed holsters. It’s super durable and long-lasting thanks to its stainless steel chassis and has some of the best aim recovering design features we’ve seen on the market.
Best Hi Point 40 Cal Pistol:
Hi-Point 40 S&W Striker Fire Standard Handgun
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The most recent users of this firearm report that it’s an excellent and affordable option if you want a quality .40 caliber pistol while still remaining within your budget. It’s made with 100% American parts, which lends it decent consistency and a high-impact frame that can last for a long time while delivering accuracy at a distance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This firearm stands out thanks to its fully adjustable rear sight, plus an additional peep sight that can improve your accuracy even further. Even better is the super low asking price, which still delivers a high-quality firearm into your possession if you decide to purchase it. The fact that it can accept multiple types of ammunition improves its value for money even further.
Who Will Use This Most
Those who want a decent .40 caliber firearm on a budget will really want to check this out. It’s also a great choice if you like to adjust your sights or need a little extra help hitting your targets on the shooting range. The free trigger lock that comes with the purchase isn’t a bad bonus, either.
Bottom Line
All in all, the Hi-Point 40 is a great example of the .40 caliber handgun that can deliver performance without raising the asking price too high. It features several excellent design innovations, like a fully adjustable rear sight or a magazine disconnect safety, without breaking the bank.
Best Smith and Wesson 40 Cal Pistol:
S&W M&P M2.0 Shield Pistol w/ Crimson Trace Laser
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The most recent users of this firearm report that it’s a phenomenal choice if you want a true sidearm that’s perfect for self-defense or for carrying a concealed carry holster. The small size and light weight of this firearm cement its nature as a secondary weapon or something you pull out as a last resort. Despite this narrow use, it’s a phenomenal example of a defensive weapon.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol stands out precisely because of its small size and utility. It can offer excellent short-range accuracy, especially thanks to the integrated red laser that can tell you exactly where your bullet will land when you pull the trigger. Each trigger pull is extra satisfying thanks to the tactile reset. The corrosion-resistant finish is a nice touch, as well, as it ensures that the firearm will last for a long time to come.
Who Will Use This Most
Those in need of a good defensive weapon that they can carry on their person within a small holster will enjoy this pistol. Because it is a .40 caliber weapon, it can deliver stopping power without taking up too much space. As a result, it’s best used for self-defense situations rather than for shooting range competitions.
Bottom Line
This smaller .40 caliber pistol is still an excellent example of a quality product designed to serve a niche audience. It does its job very well, even though it has a few downsides that prevented it from being the best overall .40 caliber pistol. We’d recommend it if something along these lines is exactly what you’re looking for.
5. Sig Sauer SP 2022 Handgun
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, the most recent users of this pistol report that it's an excellent self-defense weapon and can handle the recoil of .40 caliber rounds without too much trouble. It's a reliable and dependable weapon that can provide stopping power and short-range accuracy when it counts.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This pistol stands out to us thanks to its affordable asking price and versatility. It’s a great starter .40 caliber pistol since it can handle most self-defense situations without trouble since it’s so durable and reliable. Its range isn’t the best at the upper end, but it’s still great for general self-defense needs.
Who Will Use This Most
Overall, law enforcement or security personnel will get a lot of mileage from this .40 caliber pistol. By the same token, anyone who wants a consistent and reliable sidearm to ensure their personal safety will love this .40 caliber pistol.
Bottom Line
We think that the SP2022 is a lightweight and easy to use .40 caliber pistol that nonetheless delivers consistent performance and enough stopping power to serve as a defensive weapon for anyone. As a bonus, its size and shape make it a great choice for both duty and concealed carriers alike.
6. Beretta USA 96A1 Handgun
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The most recent users of this firearm report that it is a durable and powerful piece of equipment that combines lots of the great elements of .40 caliber pistols with a lighter frame and a dedicated accessory rail. They also report that it’s incredibly easy to take apart and put back together, which minimizes the frustration you might encounter during a maintenance session.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This .40 caliber pistol stands out thanks to its internal recoil buffer. This increases the service life of the firearm since it reduces stress on the pistol receiver with each shot. While this does have some effect on the outside recoil felt by the user, it could be a little better. Still, this dedication to longevity is an excellent aspect, especially given the high asking price.
Who Will Use This Most
Those in the market for a long-term duty firearm will really want to pay attention to the Model 96A1. It delivers consistent performance and accuracy at long ranges and can be customized with tactical additions at your leisure. It’ll last for quite a long time, so learn how to handle the recoil and you’ll be in for a treat.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Model 96A1 is a phenomenal .40 caliber pistol. It's wear-resistant, durable for a long time, and is pretty easy to use once you figure out the recoil. In addition, we think there’s a lot of value in its internal recoil buffer, as well as its magazine interchangeability with other pistols of its type.
Best Taurus 40 Cal Pistol:
Taurus 740FS 3.2IN
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The most recent users of this firearm say that it offers dynamic performance, putting .40 caliber rounds where they need to go and drawing smoothly from well-sized holsters. It’s another great example of a concealed carry self-defense weapon that has enough power to stop anyone trying to mess with your day.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This firearm stands out as another potent defense of weapon alongside the last pick on our list. It’s an excellent size and weight for a .40 caliber pistol for this purpose and features one of the best anti-slip grips we’ve seen, meaning you’ll be less likely to drop it in a tense situation. The only major downside is that the small side makes its safety a little easier to accidentally hit when you don’t intend to.
Who Will Use This Most
Those looking for a slightly more affordable self-defense weapon would do well to check out the Taurus 740FS. It offers great performance even though it has a small capacity, and its grip is comfortable and great for snappy drawing and quick aiming.
Bottom Line
This is a perfect self-defense weapon through and through. Once you get used to the odd location of the safety, you'll feel secure walking just about anywhere with your concealed carry holster so long as this firearm is resting within.
Best Beretta 40 Cal Pistol:
Beretta USA PX4 Storm Compact Handgun
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The most recent users of this firearm report that it offers consistent performance at ranges standard for .40 cal pistols, but quickly starts to drop off past that point. Still, it delivers a snappy response and features a Picatinny accessory rail that’s perfect for customizing the firearm with extra sights or other things to improve your experience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This Beretta stands out thanks to its modular design and versatility. The modular construction can let you change the back straps to fit your hand in shooting style. Its ambidextrous safety and slide lock are great for shooters that don’t favor one hand or the other and want as much utility as possible. Furthermore, the magazine release can be reversed, so you can train with this weapon with either hand.
Who Will Use This Most
Firearm enthusiasts who want to practice shooting with their left or right hands equally will get a lot of mileage from this .40 caliber pistol. It has a great capacity and an excellent design, plus durable components that will last a long time to come even if you take it apart and put it back together again multiple times in a row.
Bottom Line
All in all, this .40 caliber pistol is a durable and versatile piece of equipment that does a great job at shorter-range distances. Its design strength lies in its ability to work equally well for both the left and right hand, plus its acceptance of various high-quality accessories, like laser sights.
Can You Find a Quality 40 Cal Pistol That’s Affordable?
There’s a common misconception that higher-priced items are automatically infinitely better than affordable firearms. When it comes to .40 cal pistols, this isn’t necessarily the case. In fact, many affordable .40 cal pistols will still be high-quality and constructed with exceptional materials, even compared to more expensive guns.
Of course, pricier guns often have more bells and whistles and may be “better” on paper. But the truth is that you can find a good firearm for your uses and budget if you seek a balance. .40 cal firearms are popular because they’re reliable and affordable, so don’t let anyone tell you that you have to spend a fortune to find a decent pistol.
What Should I Look For When Buying a 40 Cal Pistol?
These are the main factors that you should keep in mind as you seek out the perfect .40 cal pistol for your needs.
Accuracy
This is far and away the most important aspect of choosing a good .40 cal pistol. Accuracy can be affected by lots of things: material in construction, barrel design, handling, comfort, and grip all play a part. Try to find an all-around accurate firearm that will serve you well for years to come and something that is accurate even if you switch ammunition types.
Material/Construction
Next up the material used to make the gun. Most .40 cal pistol frames are made from a polymer-metal material that offers balanced strength and weight. These allow for a flexible firearm that’ll still withstand some significant punishment. Check to see if a pistol has a stainless steel slider, as this indicates even better durability and quality.
Capacity
Keep the capacity in mind. Some pistols only allow for a few rounds before you need a new magazine, while pistols with larger magazines can fire more rounds before being interrupted.
Grip
The grip is also important. Grip comfort and anti-slip function are critical, especially if you have sweaty hands or want to make sure that you don't drop your weapon in a tense moment.
Photo credit: personaldefenseworld.com
Aspects to Consider Before Buying a 40 Cal Pistol
These are the Major Things to Consider Before Buying a .40 cal Pistol.
Durability
A good .40 cal pistol should be durable and last you for a long time. This ensures that you’ll get your money’s worth and you’ll have a reliable firearm for many years to come. It may even save your life if you depend on your weapon to work after getting into trouble.
Budget
You should always try to pick a firearm within your budget. Going into extreme debt for a new .40 cal pistol isn’t a good idea when there are effective and affordable options, such as the pistols we described above.
Ammunition Type
Some .40 cal pistols only accept certain types of ammo. If you have some bullets you are already planning on using, be sure to pick up a pistol that accepts those rounds. Otherwise, you might make a mistake when you decide to pull the trigger on a purchase!
Effective Range
If you're planning on taking your weapon to the range, be sure to pick up a .40 cal pistol with a good effective range for your purposes. Some pistols are shorter range and better for self-defense, so consider this as well if you're primarily buying for a defensive weapon.
Photo credit: youtube.com
How to Assemble a 40 Cal Pistol
Assembling a .40 cal pistol doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s a brief breakdown of the major steps, but check out this video for a full overview and a more detailed description.
Start with the slide. Place the barrel into the slide and make sure everything is aligned properly. Next, grab the spring and guide rod. Make sure they’re going in the same direction and keep your thumb over the end as you place them into the slide. This will effectively keep all the pieces of the firearm so far together and tightly oriented.
Next, grab the grip and frame of the pistol and make sure no obstructions are present that might interfere with its firing abilities. Match up the grooves of the slide and accompanying parts, then slide everything into place toward the hammer of the pistol.
Switch the takedown lever to about a three o’clock position. Pull it forward and release it, testing the slide by pulling on it a few times to ensure that it won’t slide off and is secure. That’s all there is to it!
Conclusion
Overall, any .40 caliber pistol will serve well as a self-defense weapon or as a great firearm for taking to the shooting range. Few weapons match the versatility and all-around usefulness that a .40 caliber pistol can bring to your life. Hopefully one of the above examples is perfect for your needs. Thanks for reading!
People Also Ask
When it comes to .40 caliber handguns, people tend to have a few questions, especially since there are some urban myths that spread around now and again. Let’s tackle these questions with some descriptive answers so you can feel knowledgeable about .40 caliber pistols and their uses.
What is the Smallest 40 Caliber Handgun?
Overall, the CM9 and PM9 pocket pistols by Kahr are the smallest .40 caliber handguns you can find on the market. These are thin, fit in your hand comfortably, and are very easy to use, making them popular choices as defensive sidearms or as options for concealed carriers. They also come in several different types of materials for their frames, such as polymer, carbon steel, or stainless steel.
What is Better: 40 Cal or .45?
Both types of round use the same bullet types, which are full metal jacket or jacketed hollow point. .40 cal rounds have greater velocity and greater minimum energy, but .45 rounds usually hit harder and have higher maximum energy. .40 rounds are easier to be more accurate with at long ranges with, although both are great at short range. .40 cal rounds also have less recoil. Overall, they’re fairly similar in many respects, although .40 cal rounds are a little more versatile and easier for beginners. They’re both worthwhile and one is not really “better” all in all than the other.
