These are odd times we live in. Walk into any gun store in America, and you'll find a drastic reduction in stock, particularly for popular cartridges and guns. Take, for instance, the 9mm. Every store and online outlet has run dry on many of America's most popular handgun rounds. Forget trying to buy bulk ammunition, at least for 9mm and 556 ammo. So, what are we to do? How about jumping back into the .40 S&W pool? I hear it's lovely this time of year.
Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after the publish date, and we may make money from these links.
Look, I understand your hesitation when it comes to selecting a cartridge like the 40 Smith & Wesson. I have my reservations as well. However, when I look to the landscape of today’s hoarding society and began to realize and understand the importance of the less popular round. Hell, I don’t own a 40-caliber handgun, and I regret not owning one because I can’t find 9mm ammo to round out my stash.
The 40 S&W is the sweet spot between the 9mm and .45 ACP. Developed in 1990, the .40 S&W was designed by Robert M. Klunk Jr., a Winchester guy, but the cartridge was built out of need when folks wanted more than just 9mm and less than the “hard-to-handle” .45 ACP. Thus, we now have the often-scoffed .40 S&W. We didn’t come here to listen to a history lesson, we came to understand the need – and we’re not discussing the .40 vs..45 vs. 9 ballistics debate.
Here's one example. I walked into a local gun shop yesterday, and there were ample amounts of .40 S&W pistols and countless boxes of ammo, all left untouched because they aren't as popular these days. I found myself wondering, “what if I was desperate?” What is the gun or caliber that is right for me? It didn't take me long to realize the gun I needed is the one readily available. What's the saying about a bird in the hand and bushes?
Reports are flooding in from across the nation that there is no 9mm and no 5.56x45mm available. I'd bet nearly anything that you know someone who has walked into a gun store and has walked out disappointed over the past couple of days. Why the need for a .40 S&W in your repertoire? It's quite simple. The availability when stock is low, and demand is high.
If you find yourself in this same scenario, I suggest the following. These are deals I found on the web to give the 40 S&W a proper rebirth.
Here's a great find. The Smith & Wesson M&P40 m2.0. If you know anything about the M&P firearms, you know their reputation for stellar performance. If you want a more concealable gun, check out the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 S&W. These deals come from Palmetto State Armory and only costs $419.
The Springfield Armory XD-40 is another jewel when it comes to the 40 S&W. This isn't like your compact Springfield Armory Hellcat. This is a full-size pistol that isn't as snappy as the small, concealed carry pistols that are so popular these days. I own an XD pistol and love the control and fit of the gun.
If you fancy yourself as a GLOCK guy or GLOCK fanboy, the Glock 27 is a great option. Heck, the small, concealable G27 is a great fit, no matter what. I really like the Gen 3 GLOCK because they are a no-frills, great fitting gun that works in any environment. And again, there is plenty of ammo out there for these guns.
If you want to stock up properly on ammo buy in bulk. There are very few deals that I’ve found to buy bulk 9mm ammo. However, there are plenty of bulk .40 S&W ammo options out there.
I found 200 rounds of Winchester USA Value Pack on sale for $55. That’s not terrible if you consider that you’re getting ammo shipped to your door, and it’s readily available.
Bulk ammo can also be located over at Natchez Shooters Supplies. Their .40 S&W ammo deals are always spot on. CLICK HERE TO SHOP
I have to warn you guys out there looking to buy more ammo. These sites are flooded right now and are currently running slow. Be patient, and you will be shooting all the .40 S&W you want.
It may not be the most popular view right now, but don’t forget about those forgotten calibers like the .357 Sig and .40 S&W. The need is great with much of the country right now, so don't hesitate to at least purchase one .40 S&W to round out your collection. ~ KJ
Kevin Jarnagin
Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter and often finds himself in a bass boat. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, Jarnagin always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind.
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