I'm looking at purchasing a .40 caliber pistol new or used. I don't need the best of the best but I also don't want a lemon. I had a new Ruger SR-40 that was stolen a few months ago so I need to fill that void. I really liked that pistol but figured I'd get some input from you guys on different manufacturers/styles. I bought the Ruger without doing much research. I just really liked the look of the black stock and silver slide. My next purchase doesn't necessarily have to be the same look. My price range is $400-$600. Do you guys suggest I buy new again? Never bought a used pistol just because of the unknowns. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Just get a used Glock. May I recommend a 23?

If you're really hung on the 2 tone look, buy the cheaper S&W SVE40. You'll read a lot of crap on that gun but they really do run pretty good for what it is, a more affordable version of the Glock.

But in your price range, just get a clean Glock and know it won't ever fail you.

Bullfrog - I just looked at some reviews on the Glock 23 and I see nothing but high praise. Honestly I was not even aware of this model. It's definitely the front runner at this point. Thanks a lot for the suggestion...would you still suggest used over new? I haven't checked prices yet to see if new is out of my range or not.

I think you can find a gen3 new in your price range. I may be wrong but I think I'm right. You just won't have any night sights. Those can be done later anyway.

I know the trigger on the S&W suuuucks from the factory but I've cleaned one up before with decent results. As cheap as those guns are, I've never said a bad word about them. They are what they are
That was my first plastic gun. Having had both and with both' reputations, I'll always choose the Glock first tho.

It's just one of those things, you pay a little bit more to get a whole lot more in the long run. To me, Glock is a lot more because of their aftermarket stuff. They have everything you could ever want or need. With the S&W, it's a little harder to find.

Thanks again for your help. I'll be out this weekend looking for a new Gen3.

Para 16-40 or Rock Island hi-cap .40

I wouldn't do a 23 unless you found a 23c in gen 3 somewhere. Imo they are way to snappy. Yes ive had one and yes Ive shot one and still occasionally shoot some at work. If Glock go full size 22. I am a fan of the compensated models if you can find one.

The weight of an xd or xdm would also help knock down some of the snap due to more weight

My SW MP40 was 499 brand new. The trigger does suck. It got a lot better after I polished some of the trigger components, but I still am now a fan of the articulated trigger. I plan to install the apex solid trigger. I picked the SW MP over glock because I didn't like the grip angle or sights on the glock. I really like the grips, sights and slide serrations on the MP. Plus I have a 357 sig and 9mm barrel for it so I can shoot 3 different calibers from one pistol. I still like my Colt 1911 better.

Maybe more compact than you are looking for and not a .40 but I'm toying with selling my VERY gently used Springfield XDs .45 ACP, post recall. If your interested I can send pictures and will include a custom holster made by Tucker Gunleather. I'm right in your budget too.

A little limp-wristed there BIL?

drilla4rilla, I have a few of the Springfield XD and like them a lot. As mentioned above, the grip angle of the Glock is a bit much for my taste.

"Recoil Sensitive" I like to call it

You can find Glock .40 police trade ins at a good price.

I'm going to suggest the Smith and Wesson M&P. At least take a look and see how it fits you. For me, the M&P feels better in my hand than any Glock or Springfield. And you can definitely find a used or LNIB in your price range. As with any pistol, make sure it feels good in your hands, or you won't be happy with it.

Just a heads up even though I'm a Glock guy, but budsgunshop.com has M&P 40 with night sights police trade ins with 3 mags for $349 shipped to your FFL. They're used and it is a toss up on condition some look like they've never been used, but some have been used a lot just the luck of the draw.

I also have a Glock 22 40 with night sights and a lot of accessories in the classifieds here but it would be on the higher end of your budget. If interested shoot me a PM.

I have 2 used Glock 22C with Night sights, compensated and 3 high cap mags in the classified section. These look like new with all the factory stuff in the box.

That M&P sounds like the best deal so far. Any of your plastic guns are going to be about the same: mostly reliable, terrible trigger, and hard recoil. Find the one you like and shoot the pi$$ out of it.

Definitely try a Glock before you buy one. I like the Ruger pistols like yours that was stolen, and I hate the Glocks.

I'd look at a Springfield XD-40 if I was you. Cheaper than the glock and just as reliable.

Also, I have a Taurus 24/7 in 40 that's been fantastic. They're more expensive now ($450-ish) than when I bought mine in 2009 ($350-ish). But they're a very good gun for the money.

Soooooooooo, pretty much you're gonna have to hold em all and figure out what you like. I've never been able to find anything wrong with Glock but the M&P for that price is a heck of a deal!

Don't buy a Taurus. Buy something that a Law a enforcement company uses somewhere. Taurus is not it

Agreed!!! Will never buy a Taurus again.

I've got two Taurus pistols. Neither have a single failure more than any Glock, Springfield, Sig, etc. ever made. Both were significantly cheaper. Not sure why they get such a bad rap, except that folks are under the mistaken idea that paying more always gets you better quality. Just not true.

What does LE usage have to do with pistol brands? Plenty of offices use Glocks, and I'll never touch one of those.

I've had 2 Taurus one was a milinneum pro 45 and was terribly unaccurate and a PT92 that was a freaking jamomatic. Will never own another, their revolvers are good to go but their autos are terrible.

Better pistol than the Glock, IMO.

LE usage goes to show the reliability of any given firearm. They're definitely not gonna use something known to fail. Their lives depend on it, or YOURS!