Best beginner semi auto in .40

Another vote for a 9mm instead of the .40.
It doesn't answer your question, of course.
With modern ammo, there's not enough difference between most of the common pistol calibers to matter much.
For a new shooter, especially, the .40 torque recoil can be a hindrance.
If you haven't, it might be best to try one first, if you're on a budget and can't afford to get it wrong.
 
I can see how some people would develop bad tendencies starting with the snappier recoil of a 40, but I started shooting with a 40 and I think that I am a better shooter now because of it. It got me more accustomed to recoil early on which has led to me not being as affected by recoil. I do choose to shoot 9mm now a lot more than I do 40, but that is mostly due to price of ammunition and magazine capacity. Also, correct me if I am wrong but isn't the "bullet technology" excuse a moot point? Unless I am missing something, 40 ammunition should have the same technological advancements that 9mm ammunition does thus the difference in effectiveness between the two calibers would have stayed the same.

Anyway, to get back on point. I started with a Sig Pro 2022 in 40, and it worked great for me. As long as things have not changed you can also find them at a great price. You do not get a manual safety, but I do not feel that a manual safety is needed anyway. It would just be another thing that the beginning shooter had to learn about the pistol. I would highly recommend it for a beginner.
 
Nobody asked anything about 9mm.
What is a good entry level handgun in .40 for around $500? Just looking for some suggestions.
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First, figure out what you like in a gun:
Poly or steel?
Manual safety? If so, frame or slide mounted?
Decocker maybe?
Hammer or striker fired?
Double action? Single action?
Magazine release? Standard or the Walther/HK style
Size? Full-size, compact or subcompact

Then, what are you planning to use it for?
Shooting range? Focus on good sights and trigger
Home defense? Focus on capacity and maybe a rail for a light if your into that.
Carry gun? Think small, thin, light
All purpose? Prioritize the items above and narrow it down.

Then, go find and shoot/rent (if possible) the ones that feel good in your hand..
Can you reach the controls?
Is it too fat for your grip?
Good balance/not too muzzle heavy - Keep in mind it'll be heavier in the grip when loaded.

After narrowing the field of options down a bit, come back and tell us what your preferences are, we can then help you zero in on a few that are good values with good reputations.
 
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Every thread that asks about .40s exclusively, there are always a handful of people who just need to chime in about getting a 9mm instead. Can't help themselves. Gets old. There's no shortage of 9mm threads to sing the praises of that cartridge.

I have more nines than forties, but I started out on .40 and I'm a pretty good shooter.

Just gets remarkably repetitive.
 
While it might get old, it's usually very good advice.
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Naa... 9mm is boring. Not much different than shooting a small'ish 22 if the 9mm is coming out of something like a CZ or any full size really.

40 is vastly more fun to shoot, especially if you can shoot "stuff" at your range... not only does it deliver a satisfying thump, it rings louder on the steel, it splashes the 2-liter bottles a bit better, and its so much more fun when splintering up a chunk of wood.

I also see it as a built in artificial ammo restriction... about 300 rounds in I've had enough, but a guy can shoot himself into the poor house with 9mm.. and still be bored :D

With all the endless whining about 40's recoil.. the guys in the revolver forum must think were such a pack of sissies over here. :rolleyes:
 
Nobody asked anything about "the best" nor 9mm.
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Ummmmm...Actually, if you read the heading to the thread it was "Best beginner semi auto in .40", so "best" was asked, but in the question it was phrased better in my opinion.
 
You may want to consider a gun that has multiple backstraps to adjust the fit to your hand. Several makers do this now, but I like the Springfield XDm in .40 better than my S&W Sigma. You should be able to get a used XDm for about 4-500.

Shoot Safe and Often
 
"the guys in the revolver forum must think were such a pack of sissies over here".

I got a .357 and a .44 I will let y'all shoot if you want to try snappy, G 23 is a powder puff :D
 
40 is not a beginner choice. You don't choose a Mustang GT for a first car.
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Difference between an entry level gun for a beginning shooter versus an entry level gun in a specific caliber for a shooter. 40 S&W is a fine choice, but I won't turn this into a caliber war. I personally like the G22. Lots of aftermarket options. Grab a police trade for under $400.

Absolutely correct in not getting a pony car as your first. Mine was a Camaro w/350 4 barrel Z :D
 
With all the endless whining about 40's recoil.. the guys in the revolver forum must think were such a pack of sissies over here.
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Mmmm, maybe . . . :D

I love carrying my 357 but it'll never have the capacity of the 40 that is on my belt right now.
 
I have several firearms currently. Mostly rifles and shotguns. I also have a t/c contender in .44mag. Nosemiauto handguns to speak of. Recently shot a couple of my buddies pistols. A glock 23 in .40 and a ruger in 9mm. Shot good with the glock and had a blast. The 9mm was a lil lame in my opinion. My buddyy reloads .40 and has offered to reload for me since its on of his hobbies. Wanted to get some ideas as to what else was out there and other peoples experience. I like the glock but wanted something a little different. Thanks for all the replies. I'll look into a few of your suggestions.
 
For "entry level" I'd stick with a full size or mid size, easier to handle. My personal best .40 was a Glock 23. Don't like the cartridge as a whole, but the 23 shoots it just fine.

Other good options (if they fit you) IMO are Sig's 2022, Springer XD (not my cup of tea though), Ruger SR40 (I had the compact, nice gun but not as nice as my Glock for .40).

I also have had some really good experience with the CZ P-07 in 9mm, I'd personally give that a look in .40 were I thinking I needed a new .40.

But, at the end of the day, try as many as you can and see what fits you best, its the only way to be sure.
 
the guys in the revolver forum must think were such a pack of sissies over here
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Running .38 +P's though my LCR is rough enough, I can't imagine what full-house .357 mag feels like in that little thing.

But this thread reminds me, I have a bunch of Garett .44 mag that needs to be shot up, I don't live in Grizzly country any more, might as well make some bowling pins fly.
 
Has anyone mentioned the Ruger SR?
Inexpensive and an excellent choice in MHO.
Very good triggers and ergonomics.

As to the caliber wars, pretty sure where the holes are is more important that what made them.
 
My question is if you get a 40 for a beginner gun, will you be able to afford to shoot it enough to get accurate with it?
 
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