Why .40 S&W Is Falling Out of Favor (And What That Means for You)

Bunker Hill Ballistics
https://bunkerhillguns.com/

There was a time not too long ago when .40 S&W was the caliber. Police departments across the country carried it, civilians loved it for self-defense, and manufacturers couldn’t crank out pistols chambered in .40 fast enough. Fast forward to today, though, and you’ll notice something: .40 S&W is slowly fading into the background.

So what happened? Why is the once-dominant .40 S&W falling out of favor? Let’s break it down in plain English—and yeah, we’ll throw in some personal insight along the way.

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A Brief History: Born from Tragedy

The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge was introduced in 1990, a direct result of the 1986 FBI Miami shootout. After that infamous event, the FBI wanted something more powerful than 9mm, but without the bulk and recoil of 10mm Auto.

.40 S&W offered a good compromise: more stopping power than a 9mm, but more manageable than a 10mm. It quickly became the go-to for law enforcement agencies nationwide. For a while, it seemed like the .40 was the future.

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The 9mm Comeback

But then, technology caught up.

Modern 9mm loads got better…a lot better. With advancements in bullet design and powder, 9mm ammo started performing just as well (and sometimes better) than .40 S&W in ballistic gel tests. Think about it: less recoil, more capacity, quicker follow-up shots, and nearly the same terminal performance. It’s a no-brainer for many shooters.

Let’s be honest: most people shoot 9mm better than they do .40. The snappier recoil of .40 S&W might not be a big deal for experienced shooters, but for average folks or those with smaller hands, it can slow you down.

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Law Enforcement Leads the Way (Again)

As 9mm ammo improved, law enforcement began switching back. Big agencies like the FBI and countless local departments traded in their .40s for Glocks and SIGs chambered in 9mm.

And when police switch calibers, civilians tend to follow. It’s not just about trust,  it’s about availability. More police using 9mm means more ammo made, which usually means lower prices and better selection. And nobody’s complaining about that.

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Recoil, Capacity, and Wear

Let’s talk physics. .40 S&W delivers more energy than 9mm, which means it hits harder, but that also translates to more recoil. For new shooters or those training for self-defense, that extra snap can make a real difference in speed and accuracy.

Plus, .40 wears out guns faster. It’s not like your Glock is going to fall apart overnight, but it does beat up internals a bit more than a 9mm would over the long haul. This matters to departments and serious shooters who run thousands of rounds a year.

Then there’s magazine capacity. Most .40 S&W handguns carry 2–3 fewer rounds than their 9mm counterparts. That might not sound like much, but in a defensive situation, more rounds without reloading is always better than fewer.

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Ammunition Cost and Availability

One of the biggest nails in the .40 S&W coffin? Ammo cost.

9mm is cheap, everywhere, and comes in a hundred different flavors. .40 is still around, but it’s more expensive, and options are drying up. Some stores (not naming names… but not us 😎) don’t even bother stocking much .40 anymore.

Here at Bunker Hill Ballistics, we’ve still got some great .40 S&W in stock [👉 click here to shop our current .40 S&W deals], but it’s no secret the caliber isn’t moving like it used to.

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Who Still Loves .40?

Despite the shift, some folks are still loyal to .40 and for good reason. It is a powerful round. It performs well in barrier penetration, and for personal defense, it absolutely gets the job done.

If you’ve already got a .40 and you shoot it well, there’s no need to panic or ditch your gear. It’s still a solid caliber. Plus, in times of ammo shortages (remember 2020?), .40 S&W is sometimes easier to find because less people are grabbing it up.

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So, Should You Ditch Your .40?

Not necessarily.

If you already have a .40 and it’s what you’re comfortable with, keep using it. Ammo’s still available (especially here at Bunker Hill Ballistics), and the caliber hasn’t suddenly become ineffective. But if you’re new to shooting, or just considering a new carry gun, there’s a strong argument for going with 9mm. More capacity, softer recoil, better prices, and wider selection make it the more practical choice for most.

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Final Thoughts

The .40 S&W had a heck of a run. It answered a real need in its time and earned its spot in firearms history. But as ammo technology evolved and shooter preferences shifted, the 9mm simply made more sense for more people.

At the end of the day, though, it’s not just about trends. It’s about what works for you. Whether you’re a 9mm guy, a .40 fan, or a die-hard .45 lover, the best caliber is the one you shoot accurately and confidently.

And no matter what you carry, Bunker Hill Ballistics has the ammo you need to stay sharp and stay ready.

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Need .40 S&W or 9mm ammo? We’ve got you covered.
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