Top 10 Best .40 S&W Handguns

While the .45 caliber version of this handgun has been respected and used by many, the .40 caliber version is also a defensive powerhouse of a weapon. The M&P from S&W comes in both a regular and compact model. The compact model is better for concealed carry, but the regular model works perfectly for home defense as well.

Both models are manufactured with a strong Zytel polymer frame, a stainless steel barrel, and integrated variable grips. It also has has a steel ramp dovetail mount front and Novak Lo-Mount carry sights.

The HK Heckler And Koch USP, which stands for “Universal Self-Loading Pistol”, is a SA/DA pistol with a corrosion-proof fiber reinforced polymer frame and its namesake USP control lever. This lever is a combination safety and de-cocking lever that is frame-mounted for quick and easy access. It can process hundreds and thousands of rounds without a problem.

 It has a number of other great features that make it stand out in the market, such as an over-sized trigger guard, ability to convert into nine different trigger modes, and universal mounting grooves for any sort of accessories.

Beretta is definitely known for its high quality manufacturing and craftsmanship, and the Beretta PX4 Storm .40 is no exception. It’s also incredibly cheap for the price without skimping on quality. With a rotating barrel system that reduces recoil and an SA/DA trigger system that switches over as soon as you fire the first shot, this handgun is meant for speed and accuracy. 

The firearm comes in full size, compact, and sub-compact models for extra customization and adaptability. That, combined with the Pitcanniny rail system make sure that any shooter can alter this gun to their own specifications.

This latest Fabrique National pistol comes with the same FN quality as other models while remaining in a reasonable price range. It has a slide with front and rear cocking serrations along with and external loaded chamber indicator. The FNX .40 has a wide variety of other facets that make it a great home defense weapon.

To include just a few of them, it comes with ambidextrous de-cocking capability, and MIL-STD 1913 accessory rail, and a polymer frame with replaceable steel rails. You won’t be at a lack for adjustments to make with this handgun.

The Glock 22, the .40 caliber version of the Glock 17, was actually the first handgun to bring the power of the .40 round to the law enforcement community. Ever since, the .40 has been a staple of law enforcement and the Glock 22 with it. While it may be a bit pricier than others on our list, that is only because of the quality and reliability that the firearm brings with .40 caliber power.

It requires less maintenance while providing added durability with its strong polymer frame. By far its selling facet though is the “Safe Action System”, which requires fully pulling on the trigger in order to disengage the safeties, which are immediately reengaged once the trigger is released.

Most shooters likely aren’t familiar with the versatile and powerful firearms from Italian manufacturer Tanfoglio. The Tanfoglio Combat Standard is the perfect representative for the company though and is the standard model for all of their pistols. It comes in two versions, the Combat which has a “cocked and locked” safety mounted, and the Standard which has an ambidextrous firing pin safety on the slide.

 The pistol feels heavier than other .40 models, but it fires extremely well and has reduced recoil. If you’re looking for a more classic and powerful feeling weapon too, then this steel barreled handgun is perfect for you.

The Springfield XD(M) .40 handgun is a great pistol that retains the high quality of Springfield’s firearms. It has a number of great features as well, such as the grip safety, the trigger safety, and its multi-adjust rail system. However, even with the two safety options, its not impossible for unpracticed shooters (such as children) to fire the gun so be sure to be extra careful when keeping it at home.

One of the more impressive features though is the Mega-Lock textured grip. It allows for maximum control over the firearm in any sort of situation.

While most .40 caliber weapons are meant for powerful home defense, the small and easy to handle Walther PPQ is a great option for a concealed carry weapon as well. It has smooth firing capabilities and also a degree of accuracy that is hard to beat. This coupled with the sheer power of the .40 caliber round makes the Walther PPQ an effective and powerful firearm.

If you’re looking to take down targets efficiently and quickly without wasting ammo then this is the perfect sidearm for you.

This CZ pistol is another great option for a home-defense .40 caliber handgun. It is a well balanced and easy to fire pistol whose Omega trigger system comes with de-cockers installed. It can be switched to a manual safety relatively easy with minimal alterations.

With its included 1913 Pitcanniny rail and DA/SA trigger it makes for a great and adaptable home defense option.

The Kahr TP40 isn’t the most common handgun model, but it is still a great home defense pistol all the same. Though its capacity is significantly less than others, that makes it great for concealed carry and easy handling. It’s black polymer frame and matte stainless slide it has a sleek and basic style.

Two, one-piece stainless steel inserts are molded in the front and rear of the pistol which give it a stronger, thinner, and lighter polymer frame. Whether you want to use it for home defense or concealed carry, the Kahr TP40 is a great handgun option.