10 Reasons That 40 Caliber Pistol Is Dying: A Comprehensive Analysis of Market Decline and Industry Trends

The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge once held a dominant position in law enforcement and civilian markets, but its popularity has declined significantly in recent years. The .40 caliber is experiencing a steady decline due to multiple factors including law enforcement agencies returning to 9mm, improved 9mm ammunition performance, and shooter preferences for lower recoil options.

This shift represents more than just changing trends in the firearms community. The decline involves technical considerations about recoil management, maintenance requirements, and firearm design optimization that affect both professional users and civilian shooters.

10) .40 S&W pistols often require more maintenance due to stress on components

The .40 S&W cartridge creates more stress on pistol components than smaller calibers. This higher pressure and snappy recoil can cause parts to wear out faster.

Recoil springs need replacement much more frequently in .40 caliber pistols compared to similar 9mm guns. The extra force puts more strain on this critical component.

The higher pressure and snappier recoil can accelerate wear on internal components, especially in polymer-framed pistols. Metal parts experience more stress with each shot fired.

Gun owners must perform maintenance more often to keep their .40 caliber pistols running properly. This means more time and money spent on upkeep compared to other calibers.

The increased wear affects reliability over time. Parts may need replacement sooner than expected, adding to the total cost of ownership.

Even properly built .40 S&W pistols may require more frequent maintenance and careful attention to detail to stay reliable. This extra work can discourage some shooters from choosing this caliber.

9) Increased focus on recoil management favors 9mm options

Modern shooters prioritize controllability and fast follow-up shots. The .40 S&W creates more recoil than 9mm due to its higher pressure and power.

Most .40 S&W pistols use frames originally designed for 9mm. This creates snappier recoil that many shooters find uncomfortable.

The .40 caliber operates at higher chamber pressure than the 9mm. This different recoil impulse affects accuracy for many users.

Training instructors notice students struggle more with .40 caliber pistols. New shooters especially find the increased kick challenging to manage effectively.

Competitive shooters often choose 9mm for faster split times between shots. The reduced recoil allows them to stay on target better during rapid fire.

Law enforcement agencies have moved away from .40 S&W partly due to recoil concerns. Officers can fire more accurate follow-up shots with 9mm pistols.

The handling advantage of 9mm over .40 S&W has become a major factor in caliber selection decisions.

8) Perception that 10mm offers better performance than .40 S&W

Many gun owners believe the 10mm provides superior performance compared to the .40 S&W. This perception has grown stronger among shooting enthusiasts over recent years.

The 10mm delivers significantly more power than the .40 caliber. A 180-grain 10mm bullet produces 624 foot-pounds of energy at 1,250 fps, while the .40 S&W generates only 400 foot-pounds at 1,000 fps.

The 10mm maintains higher energy at longer distances than the .40 caliber. At 50 yards, the 10mm keeps 429 foot-pounds of energy compared to 413 foot-pounds for the .40 S&W.

Shooters also recognize that the 10mm has a longer case and higher velocities than the .40 caliber round. The .40 S&W was originally developed as a reduced power version of the 10mm.

This perception of superior ballistic performance makes some shooters choose 10mm over .40 caliber pistols. They see the 10mm as offering more versatility for hunting and self-defense applications.

7) The .40 caliber's fanbase is loyal but comparatively small

The .40 S&W maintains a dedicated following despite its declining popularity. .40 S&W will never die, because it has its dedicated fanbase. However, this group represents a much smaller portion of the shooting community than it once did.

Gun stores report steady but limited demand for .40 caliber firearms. The customers who choose this caliber tend to stick with it over time. They appreciate its specific characteristics and performance benefits.

Many .40 caliber enthusiasts are experienced shooters who understand the cartridge's capabilities. They often own multiple .40 caliber pistols and continue purchasing ammunition regularly. This loyalty helps keep the caliber alive in the marketplace.

The fanbase includes some law enforcement officers who prefer .40 caliber for personal use. Former police officers who carried .40 caliber duty weapons often continue using this cartridge after retirement.

However, new shooters typically choose 9mm over .40 caliber for their first handgun purchase. The younger generation of gun owners shows little interest in adopting .40 caliber. This trend limits the cartridge's ability to grow its user base and attract fresh supporters.

6) Law enforcement agencies shifting back to 9mm for training and duty use

Police departments across the country are making a major change. Many agencies are switching back to 9mm from their .40 caliber duty weapons.

The FBI led this shift when they returned to 9mm as their standard issue. Other agencies followed their example and research.

Training benefits drive much of this change. The 9mm has lighter recoil than .40 caliber rounds. This makes it easier for officers to learn and practice with.

Most cops aren't gun enthusiasts when they start their careers. The softer shooting 9mm helps them develop better shooting skills faster.

Officers can fire more accurate follow-up shots with 9mm pistols. The reduced recoil allows quicker target reacquisition between shots.

Ammunition capacity also matters to law enforcement. 9mm magazines typically hold more rounds than .40 caliber magazines in the same size pistol.

Gun selection plays a role too. More pistol models are available in 9mm than any other caliber. This gives agencies and officers more options to find weapons that fit properly.

The trend continues as departments evaluate their current .40 caliber inventory against 9mm alternatives.

5) Factory ammo availability remains but has decreased in variety

The .40 S&W caliber still has factory ammunition available at most retailers. Major manufacturers continue to produce this cartridge for the existing market demand.

However, the variety of .40 caliber options has shrunk compared to previous years. Fewer specialty loads and premium ammunition types are being produced regularly.

Many gun stores now stock only basic full metal jacket and hollow point options. The diverse selection of weights, bullet types, and performance loads has become more limited.

While production hasn't ceased and .40 S&W ammo remains widely available, manufacturers are focusing their resources on more popular calibers. This shift reflects changing market priorities.

The current ammunition market challenges have also affected .40 caliber production. Companies prioritize high-demand calibers like 9mm and .45 ACP during supply constraints.

Hunters and competitive shooters often find fewer match-grade .40 caliber options on shelves. Premium hunting loads and precision target ammunition appear less frequently in stores.

This reduced variety makes it harder for .40 caliber users to find specialized ammunition for specific purposes. The caliber remains functional but with fewer choices than before.

4) Concerns about higher chamber pressure leading to potential firearm wear

The .40 S&W cartridge operates at higher chamber pressures than many popular handgun rounds. This increased pressure creates greater bolt thrust than 9x19mm and .45 ACP.

Many gun owners worry about accelerated wear on their firearms. The .40 already operates at its maximum pressure according to SAAMI specifications.

Higher pressure rounds can cause problems with case head support. The relatively high chamber pressure coupled with the large unsupported area of the case head has been linked to some firearm failures.

The increased pressure affects slide operation too. .40 S&Ws and 10mms are hard on the guns that shoot them because the faster slide speed creates more wear and tear.

Some shooters believe recoil and slide velocity cause guns to batter themselves to death. Both factors relate directly to the cartridge's bolt thrust characteristics.

3) Many firearms originally designed for 9mm frame, not optimized for .40 caliber

Most pistol frames were originally built around the 9mm cartridge. The .40 caliber cartridge came later and was often fitted into existing 9mm designs.

The .40 caliber round produces more stress on gun frames and internal parts. Many .40 S&W firearms experience more wear and tear because the round creates greater pressure on components.

Police departments faced practical problems with their .40 caliber guns. Many departments with Generation 2 and 3 Glock firearms in 40 caliber had to upgrade to Generation 4-5 frames sooner than agencies using 9mm pistols.

The frame stress causes faster replacement cycles. Departments spend more money replacing worn-out .40 caliber pistols compared to their 9mm counterparts.

Gun makers designed most pistol platforms for the milder 9mm cartridge. When they adapted these same frames for .40 caliber, the increased power created durability issues that continue to plague the cartridge today.

2) Snappier recoil of .40 S&W compared to 9mm deters many shooters

The .40 S&W cartridge produces snappy recoil that many shooters find unpleasant. This sharp kick comes from the cartridge's higher pressure and heavier bullet weight.

Many shooters describe the .40 S&W recoil as "snappier" than .45 ACP because it delivers its energy over a shorter time period. This creates a sharp upward snap that feels harsh.

The .40 S&W typically fires a 180-grain bullet compared to the 9mm's lighter 124-grain round. This extra weight creates more felt recoil energy.

The sharp recoil makes follow-up shots more challenging for most shooters. The muzzle jumps higher and takes longer to settle back on target.

New shooters often struggle with .40 S&W recoil and develop bad habits like flinching. Many experienced shooters also prefer the softer push of 9mm over the sharp snap of .40 caliber.

This recoil difference has pushed many departments and individual shooters back to 9mm for better control and faster follow-up shots.

1) Resurgence of 9mm offering lower recoil and higher capacity

The 9mm cartridge has made a strong comeback in recent years. Law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters are choosing it over the .40 caliber.

Lower recoil is a key advantage of the 9mm round. Shooters can fire follow-up shots faster and more accurately. This makes the 9mm easier to control during rapid fire situations.

Magazine capacity gives the 9mm another edge. Most 9mm pistols hold more rounds than comparable .40 caliber guns. This means more shots available before reloading.

The 9mm offers manageable recoil and higher capacity compared to the .40 caliber round. These factors make it appealing for both trained professionals and new shooters.

Police departments have noticed these benefits. Many law enforcement officers are going back to the 9mm for these practical reasons.

The smaller 9mm cartridge allows gun makers to build slimmer pistols. These guns are easier to carry and conceal. The combination of performance and practicality has helped the 9mm gain popularity over the .40 caliber.

Understanding the Decline of the .40 Caliber Pistol

The .40 caliber pistol has experienced a significant drop in popularity since its peak in the 1990s. Key factors driving this decline include major law enforcement agencies switching back to 9mm and reduced market demand affecting ammunition availability.

Historical Popularity of .40 Caliber Pistols

The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge debuted in 1990 as a joint effort between Smith & Wesson and Winchester. The .40 S&W gained popularity among police faster than any new caliber before it.

Key Timeline:

• 1990: Introduction at SHOT Show with Smith & Wesson Model 4006

• Mid-1990s: Rapid adoption by law enforcement agencies

• Late 1990s: Became the dominant police service cartridge nationwide

The cartridge was designed as a compromise between 9mm and .45 ACP. It offered more stopping power than 9mm while providing higher capacity than .45 ACP pistols.

By the late 1990s, it had become the nation's dominant police service pistol cartridge. Many departments viewed it as the perfect balance of power and capacity.

The .40 caliber's success came during a major shift from revolvers to semi-automatic pistols. Police departments wanted something more powerful than 9mm but with better capacity than .45 ACP.

Shifts in Law Enforcement Preferences

A substantial contribution to the .40 S&W's decline in popularity was the announcement by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that they were returning to the 9 mm. This decision created a domino effect across law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Reasons for the Shift:

• Improved 9mm performance: Modern ammunition technology made 9mm more effective

• Higher capacity: Officers could carry more rounds in the same size magazine

• Better accuracy: Less recoil led to faster follow-up shots and higher hit rates

• Cost savings: 9mm ammunition costs less than .40 caliber rounds

The FBI's research showed that 9mm performed as well or better than other popular handgun cartridges, including specifically .40 S&W and .45 ACP. This study influenced many other agencies to reconsider their ammunition choices.

Training costs also played a role. Officers could practice more with cheaper 9mm ammunition. The reduced recoil helped new shooters learn fundamentals more easily.

Ammunition Trends and Market Availability

The civilian market followed law enforcement trends, creating a cycle of declining demand. As fewer agencies ordered .40 caliber ammunition, manufacturers reduced production and variety.

Current Market Conditions:

• Fewer new pistol models chambered in .40 caliber

• Limited ammunition selection compared to 9mm

• Higher per-round costs due to lower production volumes

• Reduced shelf space at retailers

The .40 caliber's market share has undoubtedly diminished, driven primarily by the advancements and rising popularity of 9mm pistols. Manufacturers now focus their research and development budgets on 9mm improvements.

Gun stores report slower sales of .40 caliber firearms and ammunition. Many new shooters choose 9mm for their first pistol due to lower costs and wider availability.

The used gun market shows the impact too. .40 caliber pistols often sell for less than comparable 9mm models. This price difference reflects the reduced demand from both law enforcement and civilian buyers.

Comparisons With Other Calibers

The .40 S&W faces tough competition from 9mm and .45 ACP rounds that offer better performance metrics, easier shooting experiences, and lower costs. Modern ammunition improvements have made these alternatives more attractive to both law enforcement and civilian shooters.

Performance Differences Between 9mm, .40, and .45

Modern 9mm ammunition delivers similar stopping power to .40 S&W while offering significant capacity advantages. The FBI found that 9mm performed as well or better than .40 S&W and .45 ACP in their comprehensive testing.

Capacity Comparison:

• 9mm: 15-17 rounds (standard magazine)

• .40 S&W: 12-15 rounds (standard magazine)

• .45 ACP: 7-10 rounds (standard magazine)

The .40 S&W was designed as a compromise between 9mm and .45 ACP power levels. It produces around 400-500 foot-pounds of energy compared to 9mm's 300-400 foot-pounds.

However, modern 9mm hollow point ammunition has closed this performance gap significantly. Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot rounds in 9mm now expand reliably and penetrate to FBI standards.

The .45 ACP maintains advantages in bullet diameter at .451 inches versus .40 caliber's .400 inches. This creates larger wound channels without the sharp recoil characteristics of .40 S&W.

Recoil Management and User Experience

The .40 S&W produces notably sharper recoil than 9mm, making follow-up shots slower and less accurate for most shooters. This recoil characteristic stems from the cartridge's higher pressure levels and bullet weight.

Recoil Energy Comparison:

• 9mm: 4-6 foot-pounds

• .40 S&W: 8-11 foot-pounds

• .45 ACP: 7-10 foot-pounds

The .40's recoil feels snappier than .45 ACP despite similar energy levels. This happens because .40 S&W operates at higher pressures with faster powder burn rates.

Many shooters find 9mm easier to control during rapid fire sequences. The reduced recoil allows faster target reacquisition and more accurate follow-up shots.

Law enforcement agencies report better qualification scores when officers switch from .40 S&W to 9mm. The FBI noted improved hit rates as a key factor in their caliber change decision.

Cost Considerations for Shooters

Ammunition costs significantly favor 9mm over .40 S&W in both practice and premium defensive rounds. This price difference affects training frequency and overall shooting expenses.

Average Ammunition Costs (per round):

• 9mm FMJ: $0.25-0.35

• .40 S&W FMJ: $0.35-0.50

• .45 ACP FMJ: $0.40-0.55

The price gap widens further with premium defensive ammunition. Quality 9mm hollow points cost $0.75-1.25 per round while comparable .40 S&W loads run $1.00-1.50 per round.

Manufacturing volume drives these cost differences. 9mm represents the most produced handgun cartridge globally, creating economies of scale that .40 S&W cannot match.

Used .40 caliber pistols often sell at significant discounts compared to 9mm models. Police trade-ins flood the market as agencies switch calibers, depressing resale values.

Training costs compound over time. Shooters who practice regularly spend 30-40% more on .40 S&W ammunition compared to 9mm for equivalent round counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The .40 S&W faces challenges from improved 9mm ammunition technology and widespread law enforcement adoption changes. Training costs, recoil management issues, and maintenance requirements drive many shooters toward alternative calibers.

Why has the .40 S&W caliber lost popularity among shooters?

The .40 S&W has declined in popularity due to several key factors. Modern 9mm ammunition delivers comparable stopping power with less recoil and higher magazine capacity.

Training with .40 caliber pistols costs more due to higher ammunition prices. Many shooters find the snappy recoil less comfortable than 9mm alternatives.

The caliber also requires more frequent maintenance due to increased stress on pistol components. This creates additional ownership costs that many shooters prefer to avoid.

What are the primary reasons law enforcement agencies are moving away from .40 caliber pistols?

Law enforcement agencies cite improved officer performance with 9mm pistols as a primary factor. The FBI's 2015 study showed that 9mm performed as well or better than .40 S&W in defensive scenarios.

Officers achieve higher accuracy scores with 9mm due to reduced recoil. The lower recoil allows for faster follow-up shots during training and real situations.

Budget considerations also play a role. Agencies save money on ammunition costs and can standardize training programs more easily with 9mm.

How does the stopping power of .40 S&W compare to 9mm for self-defense purposes?

Modern 9mm hollow point ammunition performs nearly identically to .40 S&W in ballistic testing. Both calibers penetrate 12-18 inches in ballistic gelatin when using quality defensive rounds.

The .40 S&W delivers slightly more energy on target. However, this advantage becomes minimal when comparing premium defensive ammunition from both calibers.

Shot placement matters more than caliber choice for defensive effectiveness. The 9mm's reduced recoil often leads to better accuracy under stress.

Which manufacturers are discontinuing their .40 caliber handgun models?

Many manufacturers have reduced their .40 caliber offerings rather than completely discontinuing them. Some companies focus primarily on their most popular models in this caliber.

The secondary market remains full of police trade-in .40 caliber pistols from agencies that switched to 9mm. These include Glock 22/23, SIG P226/P229, and Smith & Wesson M&P40 models.

New .40 caliber pistol releases have become less common. Most manufacturers prioritize 9mm development for their latest designs.

How does the recoil of the .40 S&W affect shooter proficiency and comfort?

The .40 S&W produces sharper recoil than 9mm due to its higher pressure cartridge design. This recoil characteristic can slow down accurate follow-up shots for many shooters.

New shooters often struggle more with .40 caliber pistols during training. The increased muzzle flip and felt recoil can develop bad shooting habits.

Experienced shooters can manage .40 S&W recoil effectively. However, most find they shoot 9mm pistols more accurately during rapid fire sequences.

What advancements in 9mm ammunition have influenced the decline in .40 S&W usage?

Modern 9mm hollow point designs achieve reliable expansion and penetration standards. Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, and Hornady Critical Duty represent significant improvements over older 9mm loads.

Bullet technology improvements include better jacket designs and optimized powder charges. These advances help 9mm ammunition perform consistently through various barriers.

The 9mm +P loads offer increased velocity while maintaining manageable recoil. This gives shooters .40 S&W-level performance with 9mm handling characteristics.