I have owned and tried several .40 pistols in the last few years and have not liked any of them. All were traded away in short order.
Yet, were I forced to choose only a .40, I would probably go with one of the Glocks because they are simple, reliable, rugged, and easy to maintain properly. BTW, the most important aspect of any pistol is probably its trigger. The Glock safe-action trigger is not a finely-tune specimen, but it is consistent. With practice, Glock shooters quickly become quite proficient and confident with their firearms. Of course, my only warning with Glock in .40 is to follow the manufactuer's rule and only shoot in it factory ammo of good quality. I know many people do not agree with this rule, but Gaston Glock knows what works in his pistols.
Follow his instructions to the letter.
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We have never been modern.