The little .40 Caliber Pistol that could...

If it doesn't fit in any of the other forums, post it here!
Post Reply
Miami_JBT
Posts: 845
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2018 4:17 pm
Location: Big Bend
Contact:

The little .40 Caliber Pistol that could...

Post by Miami_JBT »

THE S&W MODEL 4040PD - THE LITTLE .40 CALIBER PISTOL THAT COULD.

Image

Smith & Wesson is no slouch and as you can tell, I'm kinda a fan of theirs. They developed the .40 S&W and it happens to be one of my favorite cartridges and they chambered in in their 3rd Generation Automatics. One of those is the Model 4040PD. My favorite little off duty carry gun.

Image

The Model 4040PD was introduced at the 2003 SHOT Show by Big Blue. The goal was to use scandium/titanium to provide the lightest possible metal framed pistol.

Remember folks, this was still when the Clinton AWB was in place and Concealed Carry was still new in a number of jurisdictions.

Image

The idea of a micro subcompact 9mm with a capacity that rivaled a full size duty pistol didn't exist yet. So guns like the 4040PD were developed in a completely different mindset and environment. If you were limited to ten rounds or less, then guns like the 4040PD were what you'd want.

The gun is a bit different than the usual 3rd Generation guns, being entirely matte black with white lettering. It weighs in at 24oz, has a 3.5" barrel, a Hogue rubber grip, and topped off with a set of Novak combat sights.

The Model 4040PD is a of course your traditional Double/Single Action automatic with a righty only friendly slide mounted safety/decocker.

Image

You can swap the safety for an ambidextrous one, but I as a righty. I like how it is set up.

Image

The gun also has a loaded chambered window that lets you peek into the gun without having to draw the slide back. Also, the hammer is bobbed so while it is a DA/SA, you can't cock it.

Image

Taking the gun apart for cleaning is about what you'd expect for a S&W 3rd Generation pistol. Unload and remove the magazine, pull the slide back until the slide stop lever can be pushed out, take the slide off, remove the recoil spring and guide rod, and take the barrel out.

Image

The gun is a 7+1 capacity and the magazines right now are a bit hard to find since S&W has made the gun in over ten years. But I have a good little stash of 'em.

Image

Image

The Novak sights are mighty fine for a small barreled carry piece and I have no problem with them.

Image

The DA trigger pull is about 12lbs and the SA pull is right around 7lbs. You'd think that'd be heavy, but for a conceal carry piece. It actually is quite fine and I have no problem being proficient with it.

Image

Muzzle flip was almost nonexistent. For being a 24oz .40 S&W chambered handgun, it is a hoot to shoot and a dream of a little carry piece. It really is a "pocket magnum". Seriously, this gun has little to no recoil and is controllable. When I hand this gun to younger Millennials and Generation Z kids that grew up on the mantra that .40 S&W will shatter your wrists. They're pleasantly surprised at how soft shooting the gun is. The double springs being used for the recoil spring assembly really help mitigate the recoil as does the Hogue grips.

Image

It really is a damn good gun and I sure enjoy it. It rivals the quality you'd fined in a frame made in Germany Sig.

Image

The Model 4040PD was made from 2003 to 2007 and the MSRP was $812.00 back when it was new. Used, they usually go for around $600 but you can find a good deal if you really want one. I did when I got mine. Got it for far less than that.
Communism - 20th Century Mass Murder Champions
R.I.P. Edward Avila - AR15.COM Founder
Check out my gun blog - https://www.newwavefirearms.com
Florida State Director for Gun Owners of America - Join GOA
User avatar
REDinFL
Posts: 1389
Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2018 2:56 pm
Location: Largo

Post by REDinFL »

I have a CS9, which is a similar design, and I can understand your liking of yours.
Hurrah for the Bonnie Blue Flag that bears a Single Star.
rug357
Posts: 348
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2018 3:03 pm
Location: P. Pines, FL

Post by rug357 »

Unlike 1st and some 2nd generations Smith auto pistols, 3rd generation were great pistols...as good or even better than many European Wonder 9's pistols the period. I had a 3913 compact and 3903 service size pistols from that era and they were both worked perfectly. The 3913 I had was one of the most accurate 9mm pistol and was even used to shoot clay pigeons at 100 yard.
You may not be of my flesh and blood, but you are of my heart and soul.

Do not mistaken my kindness for weakness.
N4KVE
Posts: 943
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2018 1:59 pm
Location: PALM BEACH

Post by N4KVE »

I have a 9mm 3913, non LS, & it’s a great Gun. Quite the cult following on the S&W forums. But my carry is a 9mm S&W Shield. GARY
User avatar
photohause
Posts: 1187
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2018 5:11 pm

Post by photohause »

Always a great write-up from you, thanks!.

Double springs as in the old Walther P38s?
Novak Rear site reminds me of the ASP.
Cheers.
“You didn’t finish school, did you?
User avatar
BIG JOE
Posts: 115
Joined: Thu Jul 19, 2018 8:08 pm
Location: PALM BEACH COUNTY

Post by BIG JOE »

Everyone has their favorites. If this works for you keep it. I purchased a new Glock 22 and some ammo and off to the range. The weapon functioned fine no hiccups at all hits on target. I just did not like it. Sold it a month later. EDC is now a S&W 9MM Shield with Federal 124 gr HST. It takes some time to find the right combination of weapon and ammo. I met a sheriff at the airport who still carries a wheel gun.
I would gladly like to try a 40 again. Unfortunately this is not the time to add a new caliber to my stable. Looks like a nice pistol. Glad you found yours.
BIG JOE
Post Reply