.40 S&W Handguns

The SIG Sauer P226 is a full‑size, double‑action/single‑action (DA/SA) semi‑automatic pistol designed for military, law‑enforcement, and civilian markets. Conceived in the early 1980s as a robust, service‑grade replacement for the SIG P220, the P226 emphasizes reliability under adverse conditions, modularity, and ergonomic ergonomics. Its hallmark features include a stainless‑steel slide, a polymer‑wrapped aluminum alloy frame, a decocking lever, and interchangeable grips. The pistol’s short recoil, locked‑breech system with a rotating barrel offers smooth operation and reduced recoil, contributing to its reputation for accuracy and durability. Widely praised for its consistent trigger pull, excellent balance, and ability to function after extensive fouling, the P226 has become a benchmark for full‑size service pistols worldwide.

The Glock 17 is a polymer‑frame, striker‑fired semi‑automatic pistol designed around a simple, robust "Safe Action" system that integrates three passive safeties. Conceived for law‑enforcement and military use, its 9×19mm Parabellum chambering, high capacity (17‑round) double‑stack magazine, and low bore axis provide a blend of reliability, lightweight handling, and rapid reloading. Its hallmark innovations include the use of high‑impact polymer for the grip and frame, a modular interchangeable backstrap, and a corrosion‑resistant Tenifer® coating on metal parts. The Glock 17 quickly earned a reputation for extreme durability, minimal maintenance, and consistent trigger pull, making it a benchmark for modern service pistols and a favorite among civilian shooters worldwide.

The Glock 19 is a compact, polymer‑frame, striker‑fired semi‑automatic pistol developed by Glock Ges.m.b.H. as a scaled‑down version of the full‑size Glock 17. Conceived for law‑enforcement and civilian self‑defence markets, its design philosophy emphasizes reliability, simplicity, and low weight through the use of a high‑strength polymer grip frame and a steel slide with a cold‑hammer‑forged barrel. Key innovations include Glock’s patented Safe Action trigger system—three independent safeties that disengage sequentially during trigger pull—and a modular backstrap system allowing ergonomic customization. The 19’s 15‑round standard magazine, combined with a short 4‑inch barrel, offers a balance between concealability and firepower, earning it a reputation as the “golden middle” of the Glock family. Its ease of maintenance, resistance to fouling, and consistent trigger pull have made it a benchmark for modern service pistols, widely praised in both tactical and civilian circles for its durability and straightforward operation.

The Springfield Armory 1911 series includes a wide range of M1911-style pistols for defense, competition, and custom use.

The Steyr M9-A1 is a semi-automatic pistol developed by Steyr Mannlicher as an evolution of the original Steyr M9 series. Designed primarily for law enforcement, military, and civilian self-defense, it incorporates several distinctive innovations that set it apart from conventional striker-fired pistols. The weapon features a low bore axis for reduced muzzle flip, a unique trapezoidal sight system (with a triangular front post and V-notch rear) for rapid target acquisition, and an integrated accessory rail (Picatinny-style) on the dust cover for mounting lights or lasers. The frame utilizes a modular polymer construction with interchangeable grip backstraps to accommodate different hand sizes. A key engineering highlight is the patented Safe Action trigger system, which is striker-fired with a single-action-like pull but includes internal safeties that prevent discharge unless the trigger is intentionally depressed. The M9-A1 retains the signature slide profile of the Steyr pistols, with minimal external controls and a reversible magazine release. Its reputation in the firearms community is that of a high-quality, ergonomic, and accurate pistol often praised for its innovative sights and low recoil impulse, though it has not achieved the market penetration of rivals like Glock or SIG Sauer. The M9-A1 is recognized for its reliability and precision, making it a respected choice among discerning shooters.

The STI Edge is a popular 2011-style competition pistol favored by USPSA and IPSC shooters for its accuracy and speed.

The SIG Sauer P320 is a modular, striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol designed for flexibility and adaptability. Its fire control unit (FCU) is the serialized core and can be inserted into different grip modules and slides, making it easy to change size, caliber, and configuration. It was adopted as the U.S. Army's standard sidearm in 2017 as the M17 and M18.

The CZ 75 is a seminal semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) of the Czech Republic. Conceived during the early 1970s, the CZ 75 blends a traditional Browning-style tilting-barrel locked-breech action with an innovative high-capacity magazine (15 rounds in 9mm) and an ergonomic frame that integrates the slide rails internally for a lower bore axis and improved recoil control. Its all-steel construction contributes to durability and shootability, while the double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger with an ambidextrous safety lever set a new standard for service pistols. Often hailed as one of the most ergonomic and reliable combat handguns ever produced, the CZ 75 gained a legendary reputation among military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters for its accuracy, balance, and longevity. The design has been widely copied or influenced numerous clones, including the Tanfoglio, the IWI Jericho, and the Sphinx, cementing its status as a benchmark in pistol engineering. Distinctive features include its frame-mounted slide rails, which allow the slide to ride inside the frame rather than outside, and the ability to chamber a round by retracting the slide without locking the safety—common on early models. The CZ 75 remains in production today and continues to be a favorite in competition, self-defense, and service roles.

The SIG Sauer P229 is a compact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W and 9mm Parabellum, designed and manufactured by SIG Sauer. Introduced in 1992 as an evolution of the P228, the P229 features a stainless steel slide for durability. It is widely adopted by law enforcement including the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Coast Guard.

The Browning Hi-Power is a seminal single-action, semi-automatic pistol designed by John Moses Browning and perfected by Dieudonné Saive at FN Herstal. Originally conceived as the culmination of Browning's final pistol design, it was intended to address the French military's need for a high-capacity service pistol, hence the name 'Hi-Power' or 'Grand Puissance.' Its primary purpose has been military and law enforcement service, where it saw widespread adoption across over 50 nations. Key innovations include its 13-round staggered-column magazine, which was revolutionary for its time, and its cam-operated, tilting-barrel locking system derived from Browning's earlier M1911 design but refined for a double-stack magazine. The Hi-Power is distinguished by its slim profile relative to its magazine capacity, a spurred hammer, a fixed barrel bushing, and a distinctive lanyard ring. Its reputation in the firearms community is legendary, often praised for its ergonomic grip, reliable feeding, and smooth trigger pull. Notable design characteristics include the internal extractor, the magazine disconnect safety (a controversial feature), and the ability to be carried cocked-and-locked. It has influenced countless subsequent designs and remains a benchmark for service pistols.

The CZ 75 SP-01 is a modern evolution of the classic CZ 75 series, designed by Česká Zbrojovka as a competition‑grade, high‑precision semi‑automatic pistol for sport shooters, law‑enforcement marksmen, and civilian enthusiasts. Building on the original 1975 design, the SP-01 incorporates a fully ambidextrous slide stop, a low‑profile, match‑grade barrel with polygonal rifling, and an improved trigger system featuring a short, crisp pull and a crisp reset. Its double‑action/single‑action (DA/SA) operation, steel frame, and slide‑in‑frame construction give it a low bore axis and reduced muzzle flip, enhancing controllability. The pistol is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, smooth slide action, and ergonomic grip panels, making it a favorite in IPSC and USPSA competition. Unique features include a modular trigger group, interchangeable backstraps, and a proprietary slide stop lever that can be fitted on either side, distinguishing it from other 9 mm pistols in the market.

The CZ Shadow 2 is a full-size, semi-automatic pistol designed for competitive shooting, particularly in IPSC and USPSA divisions. Its design philosophy centers on maximizing accuracy, recoil control, and ergonomics for rapid target engagement. Primarily a civilian competition firearm, it has also gained popularity among law enforcement and military special forces for its superior handling. Key innovations include a low-profile, extended beavertail for a high grip, a redesigned slide with reduced mass and serrations for easier manipulation, and an undercut trigger guard. The Shadow 2 features a cold-hammer-forged barrel, a frame with a longer dust cover for added weight, and a tuned trigger with a short reset. Its reputation for exceptional out-of-the-box performance and reliability has made it a dominant choice in practical shooting sports, often considered the gold standard for production-class pistols. Notable design characteristics include its all-steel construction, a 1911-style grip angle, and a non-ambidextrous safety, though a safety model is available.

The Walther PPQ (Police Pistol Quick Defense Trigger) is a polymer-framed semi-automatic pistol designed for law enforcement, military, and civilian use.

The USP Expert is a precision tactical/competition pistol based on the USP platform with a longer barrel and adjustable sights.

The Beretta APX is a modular, striker-fired pistol with aggressive slide serrations and interchangeable backstraps. It was Beretta's entry in the U.S. Army's Modular Handgun System competition.

The Beretta 8000 Cougar is a semi-automatic pistol designed with a compact, robust frame and a unique rotating barrel locking system, a departure from the traditional tilting-barrel design common in many modern pistols. Its primary purpose was to serve law enforcement, military, and civilian markets, offering a reliable and accurate sidearm with a reduced recoil impulse. The key innovation of the Cougar is its rotating barrel mechanism, which locks the barrel into the slide via a cam pin that rotates the barrel as the slide cycles, providing a more consistent lockup and potentially improving accuracy. This system also allows for a shorter, more compact slide and frame compared to conventional pistols of similar barrel length. The Cougar is known for its excellent ergonomics, with a comfortable grip angle and ambidextrous safety/decocker on early models, though later variants simplified controls. Its reputation in the firearms community is that of a well-engineered, underappreciated pistol that offers a smooth shooting experience, though it was eventually overshadowed by the more popular Beretta 92 series and the polymer-framed Px4 Storm, which itself evolved from the Cougar's rotating barrel design. Notable design characteristics include an aluminum alloy frame, a double-action/single-action trigger system, and a slide-mounted safety/decocker. The Cougar was also produced under license by Stoeger in Turkey for a time, offering a more affordable option.

The Heckler and Koch USP Compact is a compact version of the full-size HK USP pistol. It was introduced in 1994 alongside the standard USP and was designed for concealed carry and law enforcement use. The USP Compact retains the same operating system as the full-size USP but with a shorter barrel and grip frame. It is available in 9x19mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .357 SIG. The pistol features HK's unique recoil reduction system and a polymer frame with steel inserts.

The SIG Sauer P224 is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol introduced as the smallest member of the P220 series. It was chambered in 9x19mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W. The P224 essentially used a P229 slide cut down for a shorter barrel and grip. It featured SIG's traditional all-metal construction with an aluminum alloy frame and stainless steel slide. The pistol was designed for concealed carry and plainclothes law enforcement use. It offered an 11-round magazine capacity in 9mm.

The SIG Sauer P250 is a modular semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. It features a unique serialized fire control module that can be swapped between different frame sizes. The P250 uses a consistent double-action-only trigger for every shot. This trigger pull is the same as the first shot on a traditional DA/SA pistol. The pistol comes in full-size, compact, subcompact, and carry configurations. It was designed for law enforcement agencies that wanted a single trigger system.

The H&K P30 is a polymer-framed pistol designed for police and civilian use. It features customizable grip panels, ambidextrous controls, and various trigger variants.

The PPS M2 is a slim, single-stack pistol offering Walther’s renowned ergonomics and accuracy in a concealed carry package.

The Witness Elite Match is a competition-ready pistol offering excellent accuracy and smooth trigger pull out of the box.

The Taurus PT92 is a Brazilian-made double-action/single-action semi-automatic pistol based on the original Beretta 92 design, manufactured under license from Beretta using factory machinery purchased directly from the Italian company in the 1970s. Unlike the Beretta 92, the PT92 features an ambidextrous frame-mounted safety that functions as both a decocker and a true safety, rather than the slide-mounted safety/decocker of the Italian original. This frame-mounted safety placement is preferred by many shooters for its ergonomics. The PT92 is available in multiple finishes including blued steel, stainless, and two-tone, with the PT99 variant adding adjustable sights. It maintains full compatibility with Beretta 92 magazines and accessories.

The Arex Rex Zero 1 is a full-sized service pistol manufactured by Arex in Slovenia. Based on the legendary SIG Sauer P226 design, the Rex Zero 1 offers modern manufacturing techniques and features at an affordable price point.

The Pardini GT9 is a precision competition pistol with exceptional trigger and build quality, favored in ISSF and open-class shooting.

The SIG Sauer P239 is a compact single-stack pistol designed for concealed carry. It is chambered in 9x19mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W. The P239 uses a locked breech design with SIG's classic DA/SA trigger system. Its slim grip makes it one of the most concealable SIG Sauer pistols ever made. The pistol served as a trusted backup and off-duty sidearm for law enforcement officers.

The Beretta PX4 Storm is an Italian semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Beretta, featuring a unique rotating barrel locking system that significantly reduces felt recoil. Available in 9×19mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, it offers one of the softest-shooting experiences among polymer-framed service pistols.

The SIG Sauer SP2022 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by SIG Sauer. It was introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the SIG Sauer P228 and P229 in certain roles. The SP2022 features a modular design with interchangeable grip panels and a Picatinny accessory rail. It is chambered primarily in 9x19mm Parabellum, with variants available in .40 S&W and .357 SIG. The pistol has been adopted by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, including the French Armed Forces.

The Ruger P94 is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Sturm, Ruger and Company from 1994 to 2004. It was part of Ruger's P-series of duty pistols and was designed as an improved version of the earlier Ruger P89. The P94 featured a shorter trigger reach, a redesigned safety lever, and an improved grip angle. It was available in 9x19mm and .40 S&W. The pistol used Ruger's proven locked-breech action with a polymer frame and stainless steel slide.

The IWI Jericho 941 is a semi-automatic pistol designed by Israel Military Industries. It is chambered in 9x19mm and .40 S&W with a unique dual-caliber system. The Jericho features a full-steel frame and a Browning-style locked breech action. It gained worldwide fame from its appearance in the Cowboy Bebop anime series. The pistol is known for its heavy weight which reduces recoil significantly.

The XD-S is a single-stack, striker-fired pistol available in several calibers, designed for concealed carry with minimal bulk.

The Glock 22 is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W, designed and manufactured by Glock. Introduced in 1990, it was one of the first pistols designed for the then-new .40 S&W cartridge. The Glock 22 became one of the most widely adopted law enforcement pistols in the United States, issued by the FBI, DEA, and countless local police departments.

The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is an American slim-profile, striker-fired 9mm pistol designed for concealed carry. Introduced in 2012, it became one of the best-selling concealed carry pistols in the United States, known for its reliability, slim profile, and excellent ergonomics.

The Zastava CZ 99 is a semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by Zastava Arms of Serbia. It was introduced in the early 1990s as a modern service pistol chambered in both 9x19mm Parabellum and .40 S&W. The CZ 99 features a unique frame-mounted decocking lever and a slide-mounted hammer drop safety. Its design draws heavily from the SIG Sauer P226, with a forged aluminum frame and a steel slide. The pistol was adopted by the Serbian military and police forces as their standard sidearm. It is known for its reliability, accuracy, and ergonomic grip design.

The Glock 27 is a compact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W. It was introduced as the subcompact model of the Glock pistol family. The pistol shares the same Safe Action system and polymer frame design as the full-size Glock 22. It is designed primarily for concealed carry and law enforcement backup use. The Glock 27 offers a balance of magazine capacity and compact size that has made it a popular choice.

The Zastava M88 is a semi-automatic pistol produced by Zastava Arms in Serbia. It is a compact single-action pistol chambered primarily in 9x19mm Parabellum, though variants were made in .40 S&W. The design draws heavily from the Soviet TT-33 Tokarev but incorporates a three-safety system and a redesigned trigger. The M88 was intended for military and police use as a compact sidearm. It has also been exported commercially under the M88A designation.

The Glock 24 is a competition-oriented semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Glock Ges.m.b.H. in Austria. It features a longer 153 mm barrel and slide compared to standard Glock models. The pistol is chambered for the .40 S&W cartridge and feeds from a standard double-stack magazine. Glock produced the 24 primarily for the IPSC and USPSA competition market. A compensated variant, the Glock 24C, includes integral porting slots in the barrel and slide.

The HS 2000 is a semi-automatic pistol designed by Marko Vukovic and manufactured by HS Produkt of Croatia. It was introduced in 1999 and originally marketed under the name HS 2000. The pistol features a polymer frame, a locked-breech Browning-style action, and a unique grip safety. The trigger system incorporates a pre-cocked striker with a consistent trigger pull for each shot. The HS 2000 was adopted by the Croatian military and police. After its introduction to the US market, it was rebranded as the Springfield Armory XD and became one of the most popular polymer-framed pistols in America. The HS 2000 is known for its reliability, accuracy, and robust design.

The Beretta 90-TWO is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Beretta as an evolution of the Beretta 92 series. It was introduced in 2006 and featured a more modern aesthetic with clean lines and an internal rail system. The 90-TWO retained the proven locked-breech action of the 92 series but with a redesigned frame and slide. It was available in 9x19mm and .40 S&W calibers. The pistol was designed to appeal to both law enforcement and civilian markets with its streamlined appearance.

The Bersa Thunder 9 is a semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Bersa in Argentina. It is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and is part of Bersa's Thunder series, which also includes the popular Thunder 380. The Thunder 9 uses a traditional locked-breech Browning-style action with a polymer frame and a steel slide. It features a double-action/single-action trigger with a decocking lever and an ambidextrous safety. The pistol was designed for the law enforcement and military market. It offers a high magazine capacity and modern ergonomics at a competitive price point.

The Glock 23 is a compact, polymer-framed semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W, introduced in 1991 as the .40-caliber counterpart to the Glock 22. It is dimensionally identical to the 9mm Glock 19 but chambered for the more powerful .40 S&W cartridge. The G23 features a 13-round magazine capacity and has been one of the most popular law enforcement pistols in the United States. Its compact size, reliability, and stopping power made it a standard issue for numerous federal, state, and local agencies. The G23 Gen4 and Gen5 iterations introduced modular backstraps, improved recoil spring assemblies, and the nDLC finish.