January 6th, 2022
7:14 runtime
Irecently acquired a Springfield Armory XD in .40.
I specifically chose this pistol because I understood the build quality and craftsmanship of the XD family of pistols.
If any pistol could handle the additional power the .40 delivers, theSpringfield XD .40was up to the task.
Additionally, Ive had an abundance of positive range experiences with the XD and XD-M handguns.
They are some of the smoothest shooting pistols in the industry.
There is just something about the trigger action and precise accuracy that makes range time so exciting.
For me, the ballistically proven .40 coupled with the Springfield XD fits like peanut butter and jelly.
Is Everybody Else Wrong?
Why is this so?
Admittedly, the vast amount of current handgun purchases made are chambered in 9mm.
Newer shooters enjoy the ease of shooting the low-recoiling 9mm round.
I have watched many law enforcement agencies move away from .40 in favor of 9mm.
They claim the additional rounds packed into the 9mm magazine is advantageous.
Is switching from .40 to 9mm a good move?
Only time will tell.
The size of the bullet is in-between as well.
A standard .40 bullet (target or self-defense) is 180 grains.
How about magazine capacity?
Lets take a look to see if .40 is balanced between 9mm and .45 ACP.
It is true that 9mm offers approximately two to four more rounds in a standard duty-size magazine.
Does higher magazine capacity equate to potentially greater stopping power?
However, shot placement and size of the bullet is often considered the greatest measure of stopping power.
In terms of kinetic energy (foot-pounds), the .40 outperforms both the 9mm and .45 ACP.
The 9mm round measures at about 422 ft.-lbs.
and the .45 ACP is at 438 ft.-lbs.
The kinetic energy for the .40 measures an impressive 467 ft.-lbs.
The .40 out-punches both the 9mm and .45 ACP with its kinetic energy.
9mm travels at 1,285 fps.
.40 moves at 1,081 fps and the .45 ACP is a bit slower at 927 fps.
Under Control
Several shooters consider the .40 a snappy round.
They claim the additional recoil of the .40 is more than they are willing to bear.
This is where I draw the line in favor of .40.
Every round that is heavier with increased power will add some recoil.
Its a fact of life that most of us learned when we began shooting firearms.
We also learned that practice was required for shooting proficiency.
I believe that seasoned shooters have the experience to manage .40 quite easily.
The .40 was never developed with sub-compact pistols in mind.
I will agree that the recoil is much greater in a small 20-oz.
However, the Springfield XD Service Model in .40 with a 4 barrel manages the recoil incredibly well.
Its loaded weight is 36 oz.
Considering the size and weight of the pistol, this .40 is a breeze to shoot.
Additionally, the XD in .40 uses a tight, dual recoil spring that reduces the recoil substantially.
It gives the 9mm feeling with the advantage of the heavier .40 round.
It is also worth mentioning that .40 ammunition is typically more available to purchase than 9mm and .45 ACP.
This is most noticeable during ammo shortages.
The fact is the demand for 9mm and .45 ACP is greater than .40.
Even in our current ammunition shortage, I see .40 available.
Some may see this point as no big deal but I see it as a huge deal.
I feel the same way about the .40 round.
Lets face it, the .40 is a phenomenal round.
As some shooters are moving away from the .40, I say its time to jump back in.
It just may deliver everything you are looking for.
