Is/Has the .40 S&W going the way of the 7mm Rem Mag?

[Laufen]

Tweeners always seem to get punched in the nuts. How much neglect can the 40 take before manufacturers start reducing production?

LE contracts have propped the 40 up for now, but what does it's future look like if that tide turns?

This isn't a thread to debate it's effectiveness versus other offerings, simply it's waning popularity......deserved or otherwise.

 

[dial1911]

I've never owned a .40S&W... but having shot a few friend's handguns, I didn't really care for it. Seemed very snappy.

 

[Hoss]

It seems like a lot of new gun owners or nightstand warriors buy the 40 with an almost religious fervor. I've met so many people that know nothing about guns that turn up their nose at 9mm, go buy an SD40, shoot it once then stick it in the nightstand drawer.

 

[Laufen]

It seems like a lot of new gun owners or nightstand warriors buy the 40 with an almost religious fervor. I've met so many people that know nothing about guns that turn up their nose at 9mm, go buy an SD40, shoot it one then sick it in the nightstand drawer.

And I'm guessing it's because they have an LE buddy that recommends it to them.

 

[dial1911]

It seems like a lot of new gun owners or nightstand warriors buy the 40 with an almost religious fervor. I've met so many people that know nothing about guns that turn up their nose at 9mm, go buy an SD40, shoot it one then sick it in the nightstand drawer.

This is a perfect description of the .40's I've shot at the range. One G23 and one Kahr something or other.

 

[cbh13]

I could see it happening if more pd go back to 9mm. though I don't know about the 7mm mag part, I still know tons that still love it

 

[Gunsite Grad]

The 40 will be around as long as the 45 GAP still exists

 

[Laufen]

I could see it happening if more pd go back to 9mm. though I don't know about the 7mm mag part, I still know tons that still love it

Yeah, it has nothing to do with performance, just the fact that it's stuck in the middle. Take a look at the popularity of the WSM rounds when they came out. The .270 WSM, 7mmWSM, and 300 WSM......guess which one has sold the fewest numbers.

 

[EugenFJR]

45 acp & 9mm have been in two wold wars... .40 S&W ain't got shit on that.

 

[dial1911]

Yeah, it has nothing to do with performance, just the fact that it's stuck in the middle. Take a look at the popularity of the WSM rounds when they came out. The .270 WSM, 7mmWSM, and 300 WSM......guess which one has sold the fewest numbers.

Oh- WSM's I thought we were talking about 7mm Rem Mag- Dad still loves the old 7mm Mag round.

I never got into the short, fat cases.

 

[Laufen]

Oh- WSM's I thought we were talking about 7mm Rem Mag- Dad still loves the old 7mm Mag round.

I never got into the short, fat cases.

No, I'm talking about the Rem Mag too. They had a brief period of popularity, but suffered the fate of a lot of "middle children". Again, it's not that they aren't great rounds, it's just that people usually go bigger or smaller, rather than middle of the road.

 

[dial1911]

No, I'm talking about the Rem Mag too. They had a brief period of popularity, but suffered the fate of a lot of "middle children". Again, it's not that they aren't great rounds, it's just that people usually go bigger or smaller, rather than middle of the road.

Well, Dad also had an 8mm Rem Mag. He said it was too much for hunting Georgia sized animals.

 

[Laufen]

Well, Dad also had an 8mm Rem Mag. He said it was too much for hunting Georgia sized animals.

Oh yeah for sure. The 8mm mag is a beast. Those are few and far between.

 

[cmshoot]

I think the .40 will always be around.......too many handguns chambered in it for it to go away. But its heyday is behind it and I don't know what it would take to revive it. It will always have a loyal following and it ain't a bad caliber.

Look at the .260 Remington. It was marketed by Remington as the perfect whitetail caliber, and it is a good one. Popular when it first came out, then it died away. PRS/F Class shooters made it popular again, but the 6.5-.284 cut into its popularity, then the 6.5 Creedmoor killed it. It will always be around, with a loyal following, but it's 2 heydays are over.

 

[Rwjeter]

My first Glock was a g27 that I got a really good deal. But damn was it snappy. Got a G19 and swore I would never own another .40. Unless I do. Lol. I try to warn all of my friends looking for their first handgun. Most don't listen. Then after shooting their new purchase, they immediately start regretting their choice. I think newbies well Keep the .40 alive for sure. And if they never shoot anything else, they won't know any better.

 

[shootin4fun]

I love my .40 and my 7mm RemMags. I carry 9 and use a .270 mainly anyway.

 

[Laufen]

I love my .40 and my 7mm RemMags. I carry 9 and use a .270 mainly anyway.

Exactly.