SMITH & WESSON M&P 40
Posted Jun 16, 2023
The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 is a reliable and highly-respected semi-automatic handgun chambered in .40 S&W. With a variety of calibers, sizes, and frame configurations, there is an M&P for almost any shooters’ needs. This polymer-framed handgun was the original in Smith & Wesson’s successful Military & Police (M&P) series. The M&P 40 is highly favored by both professionals and recreational shooters for its ease of use, reliability, accuracy, and power.
In the hand, the Smith & Wesson M&P 40 feels natural and provides excellent balance. The contoured frame, abbreviated dust cover, and integral accessory rail all make it possible to fit a variety of holsters comfortably and securely. The M&P 40’s abbreviated dust cover also reduces weight and bulk, allowing for easier carry, yet still promotes good handling. This handgun has a reversible backstrap that allows for an adjustable grip size to fit different hand sizes, making it an ideal choice for those with smaller hands or those who prefer a more custom fit.
The M&P 40 features a 4” barrel length, which makes it a great choice for both defensive and recreational shooting. This barrel length provides a good combination of power and accuracy, while still allowing it to fit easily into a standard holster. The M&P 40 also utilizes Smith & Wesson’s Armornite finish on the barrel and slide for added corrosion resistance, making it ideal for regular use in harsh conditions.
For reliability, the M&P 40 is equipped with a lightened slide, which promotes a smooth, consistent cycling and a trigger safety that functions as a drop safety, preventing the gun from firing if dropped. The barrel is equipped with polygonal rifling, which promotes accuracy on a variety of ammunition and reduces wear and tear over time. The M&P 40 also comes with an ambidextrous magazine release, so it can be easily accessed by right- and left-handed shooters.
When it comes to accuracy, the M&P 40 performs quite well. The combination of the 4” barrel and polygonal rifling, as well as the consistent weight distribution, make shooting and maintaining an accurate group relatively straightforward. The trigger is smooth and consistent with a pull weight of about 5.5 pounds. Additionally, the trigger reset is quite short, making shooting at multiple targets or landing quick follow-up shots much easier.
The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 is a powerful handgun chambered in .40 S&W. The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 offers 145 grain loads that offer good stopping power, even at long distances. The M&P 40 also has the option of higher grain loads which offer even more energy and penetration.
The Smith & Wesson M&P 40 is an excellent choice for both self defense and recreational shooting. This handgun is routinely praised for its accuracy, reliability, ease of use, and power. The variety of frame configurations and options make it an ideal choice for those who are looking for a reliable, accurate semi-automatic handgun that can be adjusted to fit almost any user. If you’re in the market for an reliable and powerful handgun, then the Smith & Wesson M&P 40 is an excellent choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Ergonomic design for comfort and stability
-High capacity magazine for extended firing time
-Easy to rack slide and adjustable back straps
-Durable aluminum frame with corrosion resistant finish
-Integrated safety features
Cons:
-High cost for some models, compared to similar competing pistols
-Heavy weight makes it difficult for some shooters to control recoil
-M&P 40 model lacks an external "manual safety"
-Reliability of the magazines is questionable
Who Should Buy
This specific gun is intended for consumers who want a reliable self-defense firearm and for those who pass a stringent background check. Individuals who can legally purchase firearms and who are responsible gun owners or prospective buyers should consider this gun. Those who are not legally allowed to own firearms and those who do not intend to use it, or buy the gun for more nefarious activities, should not buy this gun.
Comparisons
| S&W M&P 40 | S&W Performance Center PC1911 | Wilson Combat CQB Tactical LE | H&K HK 416 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W | .45 ACP | .45 ACP | 5.56 NATO |
| Barrel | 4.25" | 5" | 5" | 10.4" |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 | 8 | 8 | 30 |
| Weight (unloaded) | 24 oz | 41 oz | 44 oz | 7.0 lbs |
| MSRP | $599 | $1,499 | $3,099 | $2,699 |
Features / Specs
•Caliber: .40 S&W
•Action: Striker Fire
•Capacity: 10, 12, 15, 17 or 20+1 Rounds
•Barrel Length: 4.25, 4.5, 5 or 6 inches
•Overall Length: 7.25 - 8.75 inches
•Front Sight: Steel Ramp Dovetail
•Rear Sight: Steel Novak 2 Dot
•Weight: 24.25 - 31.3 ounces
•Grips: 3 Interchangeable Polymer Palmswell Grip Sizes
•Frame: Polymer
Popular Accessories
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- Holsters – Various styles of holsters are available for the SMITH & WESSON M&P 40, including OWB and IWB holsters, as well as shoulder rigs.
- Magazines – Extra magazines help to keep your SMITH & WESSON M&P 40 loaded and ready for action.
- Sights – Various styles of sights are available for the SMITH & WESSON M&P 40, from iron sights and red dot scopes to night sights.
- Lights – Tactical lights and lasers are popular accessories for the SMITH & WESSON M&P 40.
- Grips – Different types of grips are available for the SMITH & WESSON M&P 40, including factory and aftermarket grips for comfort and improved control.
Accuracy
The accuracy of the Smith & Wesson M&P 40 is considered to be quite good for its class of handgun. The 5-inch barrel gives it superior ballistic performance compared to shorter barreled pistols. The metal interchangeable sights provide excellent target acquisition, and adjustable rear sights provide greater accuracy potential. Thanks to its built-in recoil reducing system, this handgun is easy to fire accurately and consistently. In terms of its accuracy over the long run, many M&P 40 owners have reported that they are able to keep all of their shots in a 5" – 7" circle at 15 – 20 yards, with some even getting sub-2" groups at even longer distances.
