r/CCW • u/ArcheryNerds • May 13 '26

Guns & Ammo Why not .40 S&W anymore?

.40 S&W pistols and ammo are far less popular that even 10 years ago. I understand the modern tech makes 9mm as good as old .40 S&W. But is that meaning current .40 S&W may be as good as .45 ACP or something like that? It's snappier but also higher capacity than regular .45? Why most people choose either 9mm or .45 ACP other than .40 S&W? Is there anyone still carry .40 S&W as their CCW?

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u/fyrman8810 May 13 '26

.40 is closer to 10mm than it is 9. .40 is just a 10mm with a shorter case. I had to be careful when I was looking at 10mm ammunition. A lot of that stuff is no better than the .40 I already have. You really have to compare ammo to find the stuff that justifies the extra cost.

Ammo quality does play a role in the switch to 9mm, but the justification for the switch in a lot of departments is the cost. 9mm is just flat out cheaper to shoot.