Least Snappy Choices in .40?

I appreciate all the responses. While I'm sure the general discussion will be constructive for anyone thinking about wading into the world of .40, I've got to narrow my focus a little. As I said before, I'm happy with my other guns but I'd really just like one in .40 should the need or want arise. I'll definitely practice with it until I'm comfortable. If I like it, it will get continued range use. Depending on the "need or want", it could get carried too. Since this is likely to be my only gun ever in .40, versatility matters. My steel guns and 1911s are nice at the range but just don't get carried anymore.

I like hammer-down SA/DA for carry. Manual safety is optional and a decocker is preferred. I didn't hear much love for the FNX-40 and comments here have me seriously considering both the USP and PX4. I don't know if I should start a new thread for that one, but who has experience with both?

My main misgiving about the PX4 is the "bat wing safety". I think it's ugly and anti-ergonomic. However, the love for it in this thread got me surfing. It looks like you can switch it to "Type G" (decocker only) and install some much better "stealth levers". Has anyone done this?
 
The PX4 and USP are both outstanding guns. My PX4 is in .45, as is my USP Elite, but I've fired hundreds of rounds through both PX4s and USPs in .40. The USP has more cachet/prestige, of course, but the build quality and fit and finish of the PX4 are also top-notch. (For one thing, Beretta is always 10 years late at minimum in bringing stuff to market, with consequences for its products' popularity.) I find them both to be very accurate. It's very rare that anyone has reliability issues with either (though I was unlucky with my USP Elite in the early going). The thing I prefer most about the USP is the frame-mounted safety/decocker setup. The thing I prefer most about the PX4 over a standard USP is probably its superior stock trigger (and the way it sits in my hands -- the USP's grip is pretty blocky and old school). I've already commented on my felt-recoil impressions. I'm faster with the PX4, but I still find the USP to be a soft shooter. Felt recoil is pretty subjective, though, so you'd do well to shoot them both if you can.

As far as the PX4 Type G conversion, it's pretty easy, and the stealth levers are a huge improvement. (Why Beretta doesn't make them standard equipment, I have no idea.) Here's a video that will give you quick impression of what's required to make the change (there are slower ones that will go through the steps in greater detail): http://gun-videos.net/2013/10/18/beretta-px4-storm-safety-conversion/.

All in all, it's really just a matter of personal fit. You truly can't go wrong either way from a functional perspective. Try to at least hold them if you can't find a way to shoot them.
 
The only .40 I have is an STI LS40. I shoot it occasionally and carry it occasionally. Overall, I like the gun and it handles .40 just fine.
 
I haven't shot too many .40s, but

Bersa UC40 - one of the snappiest guns I have ever shot - loved it
Bersa HC40 - Felt like a 9mm, hardly seems like the big brother to the UC40

I am more of a recoil junkie, so snappy is a good thing. Too bad for the UC40, that I also like my guns to be useful. The gun was too wide for me to conceal well, so I off-loaded it. I am not up to keeping range toys.
 
Since this is likely to be my only gun ever in .40, versatility matters.
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Since your only so-so on the 40 and buying one to be able to adapt to ammo availability, maybe focus on guns that you can swap barrels in/out.

I have a Gen3 Glock 35 that I like a lot. Its not the softest shooting 40 out there, but its not bad - much better than my Glock 27.

There are quite a few other barrels that drop right in it... 9mm, 357Sig, along with ported versions.
The top of the slide is already cut out, so it lends itself easily to becoming a project gun if you want.

The G35 isnt the softest, but its priced right and offers lots of versatility.

The Gen4 version might be even softer shooting, I dunno?
 
The P229 is great in 40, but it also depends on the ammo you are shooting. If you reload the you can create rounds based on what is best for you. If you use factory ammo, then go with 180gr. It will be less snappy.
 
Been using the PX4 .40 as an EDC for a few years now, accurate gun, recoil feels alot like 9mm in a full size

-Madball
 
I've got 5 diff 40's--comprised of Glocks and M&P's. Out of my group of guns the M&P40C seems to shoot the softest.

Another poster mentioned a 10 to 40 conversion barrel and I put one in my G20 which shoots well also.
 
I considered the Glock 20 conversion route for stuff that would be fun to have access to but that I wouldn't make a mainstay in my collection: 10mm, .40, .357 SIG, and 9×25mm Dillon. I've heard that the Glock 20 handles them all nicely and without complication. I've also heard that it is easily convertible to a cool carbine. The problem is that no matter how much I try to love them, I remain a hater. I appreciate that they are good and reliable guns but the squarish grip and its aggressive angle just never feel right in my hands.
 
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I've got four automatics. Three of them are .40. The other is a .22.

One with the least recoil, most comfortable shooting is my Stoeger Cougar 8040. This thing really absorbs recoil. Comfortable to hold. A real joy to shoot.

Apparently Beretta originally built these in .40 for the law enforcement market so they are built to be durable.

I got lucky and found mine for $359 new. They seem to run around $400 in most cases. Thing is a rock.

All the Best,
D. White
 
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