.40 S&W Pistols

The .40 S&W was developed in 1990 as a law enforcement cartridge and spent nearly two decades as the dominant duty caliber in America, chambered in more police pistols than any other cartridge during that period. It delivers more energy than 9mm in a frame sized for 9mm, offering a meaningful middle ground between the high-capacity 9mm and the powerful .45 ACP. While many agencies have transitioned back to 9mm, the .40 S&W remains a fully capable defensive caliber with excellent platform availability—often at attractive prices as agencies and individuals have upgraded.

Read our full .40 S&W Pistol Buying Guide ↓

Ballistics and Performance

The .40 S&W typically fires a 155–180 grain bullet at 980–1,200 fps, producing 370–510 ft-lbs of muzzle energy—meaningfully more than standard 9mm loads. The 165-grain at 1,130 fps is a common all-around duty load; the 180-grain at 1,000 fps is the standard law enforcement weight. Recoil is noticeably sharper than 9mm, often described as a snappier impulse compared to 9mm’s softer push. In a full-size pistol it’s manageable with practice; in compact platforms it can be fatiguing over extended sessions.

Full-Size .40 Platforms

The Glock 22 is the most widely issued .40 S&W pistol in law enforcement history, with a track record that covers tens of millions of rounds in service. The S&W M&P 40 M2.0 and Springfield Armory XD-M in .40 are strong polymer-framed alternatives with good ergonomics. These full-size platforms typically hold 15–16 rounds of .40 S&W and are well-suited for home defense and range use. Law enforcement trade-in Glock 22s frequently represent outstanding value—the same reliable platform at significantly reduced cost.

Compact .40 Platforms

The Glock 23 is the compact equivalent of the Glock 22, holding 13 rounds in a frame that is a practical size for concealed carry. The S&W M&P 40 Compact and Springfield XD-M Compact in .40 offer similar options. One practical advantage of the Glock 23 is compatibility with Glock 22 magazines for home defense use, while the shorter barrel makes the pistol more manageable for carry. Glock 23 trade-ins from law enforcement are also frequently available at significant discounts over new production pricing.

.40 S&W vs. 9mm Today

The FBI’s 2014 return to 9mm and subsequent agency transitions prompted widespread re-evaluation of the .40 S&W. Modern 9mm defensive loads have closed the terminal performance gap while offering lower recoil, higher capacity, and lower practice cost. For most shooters choosing a new platform today, 9mm is the better starting point. However, if you already own a .40 S&W and shoot it well, there is no compelling reason to switch—it remains a fully capable defensive cartridge. The used market for quality .40 S&W pistols currently offers exceptional value.

Top .40 S&W Platforms

For full-size use, the Glock 22 and S&W M&P 40 M2.0 are the benchmarks, with law enforcement trade-ins offering the best value. For compact carry, the Glock 23 is the most practical option with the deepest aftermarket support. The Springfield Armory XD-M Elite in .40 is worth considering for shooters who prefer a grip safety and slightly different ergonomics. For any .40 S&W buyer, checking availability of law enforcement trade-in inventory is worthwhile before purchasing new—the savings can be substantial on identical platforms.

Browse our full handguns page for all in-stock options, or see our 9mm pistols page to compare calibers. See our .40 S&W ammo page for practice and defensive loads.