1/10/2024 0 Comments Sig 9mm p239![]() The S&W and Glock were the clear winners in the speed shooting, with much softer recoil. In the speed test, we found the H&K was a bit snappy with muzzle flip, while the SIG had flip but was more controllable. The average five-shot group for these pistols averaged 1.7 to 2.9 inches, good accuracy for a defense pistol. We found with these guns that following the front sight was easy, so follow-up shots were quick. We started with our gun at low ready and fired six rounds. For speed work, we moved the targets in to 7 yards and fired many Bill Drills. We fired the pistols for accuracy using a rest and cardboard targets at 25 yards. The M2.0 variant of the M&P40 was a stellar shooter with good accuracy and good recoil management. The P30 is a good hammer-fired pistol, but it’s more complicated to operate. The G23 offered a totally new 40-caliber shooting experience in the Gen5 variant. We anticipated getting rapped in the palm with the P239, which wasn’t the case, but we do have other gripes about this pistol. With these rounds, we saw the wider-grip pistols transfer less felt recoil. These bullet weights are the sweet spot for the snappy 40 S&W. For training, we used MagTechs loaded with a 180-grain FMJ-FLAT and a handload with a 155-grain JHP. For defense loads, we used Hornady Critical Defense with a 165-grain FTX bullet. How We TestedĪmmunition consisted of training and defense loads. A thin-grip pistol can produce more felt recoil in the palm of your hand, and we anticipated that as well as lots of muzzle flip. Yes, the 40 S&W is still alive, and kicking. It had been a while since some of our testers fired a 40 S&W, but the snappy recoil of the round brought back memories. Our test checklist included reliability, accuracy, concealed carry, and ease of use. We chose these particular pistols since they represent a good variety of proven, reliable pistol designs. ![]() Across the board, we feel the Glock and the S&W were simpler to handle and operate. The decocking button on the SIG was initially confused with the slide stop, and that is due to user error and lack of training. ![]() In general, the hammer-fired pistols were a bit more complicated to operate due to the additional controls. All feed off a double-stack magazine except for the P239, which uses a single-stack magazine. The P30 and P239 are hammer fired, and the G23 and M&P40 are striker fired. We liked the used SIG P239 (bottom right), but we thought the striker-fired pistols were easier to operate.Īll of these 40-caliber pistols are similar in dimensions and barrel length. We last evaluated the 40 S&W-chambered P239 in the November 2003 issue, in which it earned a “buy it” recommendation. We also picked up a police trade-in SIG P239 to complete this quartet. Still, we think the 40 S&W has a lot to recommend it for self defense, and three manufacturers apparently agree because we found three new pistols in 40 S&W: the Glock G23 Gen5, S&W M&P40 M2.0 Compact, and H&K P30. In fact, there are fewer 40 S&W-chambered pistols these days. Regardless, gone are the days of 9mm pistol introductions followed by the same pistol chambered in 40 S&W. There still are a number of LE departments that use the 40 S&W, and what improved the 9mm also improved the 40 S&W, as well as other cartridges. ![]() By 2007, the pendulum was swinging back as the FBI changed from the 40 S&W to the 9mm due to advances in ballistic technology. Hence, the 40 S&W Auto was developed, and the S&W Model 4056 and the Glock G22 and G23 were the first pistols chambered in 40 S&W. So, the FBI had a reduced-velocity 10mm Auto round produced, and that was better until Smith & Wesson and Winchester suggested the same velocity and energy could be had in a medium-frame pistol instead of a large-frame pistol. As you will recall, the FBI was keen on the 10mm Auto until it was discovered the round had too much recoil, and agents found it difficult to control. Smith & Wesson and Winchester designed the 40 S&W, which is basically a shortened 10mm Auto cartridge. The FBI geared up with the 40, and other law-enforcement agencies followed. The 9mm back then was considered an underpowered cartridge. The irony is the 40 S&W became law enforcement’s darling when it debuted in early 1990 and nearly eclipsed the 9mm in popularity. Albeit, it is not as popular as the 9mm is today. ![]() When speaking about the 40 S&W Auto cartridge these days, we’re reminded of that famous Samuel Clemens quote: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” While you may think the 40 S&W is dead, it is very much alive. The SIG also had a natural grip angle, though it was bit nose heavy - probably due to the lighter, single-stack magazine. ![]()
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