Top definition
A handgun cartridge that is very popular for self-defense and is increasingly being used in police service pistols. Smith and Wesson developed the .40 S&W round off of the 10mm round in order to fill a large gap in stopping power between the 9mm and a .45 ACP. Unlike other rounds, .40 S&W bullets feature a flat tip as opposed to a smooth conical tip as seen in a 9mm. The bullets were designed this way so more surface contact will be made with the bullet's target. The .40 travels at very high velocities, giving the shooter quite a bit of recoil when the gun is fired. However, this additional velocity makes the bullet ideal for shooting through light cover such as car doors or windshields.
Data compiled from police shooting incidents put the .40 S&W at a 96% chance of stopping an attacker with one shot, proving it's value as a formidable defense cartridge. Cheaper than .45 ACP rounds, yet just as effective in getting the job done, the .40 S&W has seen great commercial success.
Data compiled from police shooting incidents put the .40 S&W at a 96% chance of stopping an attacker with one shot, proving it's value as a formidable defense cartridge. Cheaper than .45 ACP rounds, yet just as effective in getting the job done, the .40 S&W has seen great commercial success.
by Ghost Dog July 12, 2007
Apr 27 Word of the Day
A horoscope so bad that it strikes fear into the heart of the reader, rendering them unable take action or make a decision on anything or to even leave the house. This is caused by a paralyzing fear that those actions or decisions may cause the predictions to come true.
After reading "There is a lot of uncertainty around financial transactions and investments right now, and the wrong decision could result in dire consequences" in his daily Horrorscope, Edward climbed back into bed, pulled the sheets over his head and remained there for the rest of the day.
Edward only had enough gas in his car to get to the gas station but was not sure if he had enough money in his account to pay for gas. His cell phone service had been cut off because his payments were in arrears, and since the only way he could be sure he had enough money (to pay for gas) would be to call the bank, he felt it best to hide in bed and hope his horoscope for tomorrow was more positive.
Edward only had enough gas in his car to get to the gas station but was not sure if he had enough money in his account to pay for gas. His cell phone service had been cut off because his payments were in arrears, and since the only way he could be sure he had enough money (to pay for gas) would be to call the bank, he felt it best to hide in bed and hope his horoscope for tomorrow was more positive.
by Edward Albee Deavers April 28, 2011
2
The round was developed by Smith & Wesson in 1990 by shortening the casing of the very powerful 10mm Auto. Even though it's only been around for nearly two decades, it has already achieved as much popularity in the US as the 9mm and .45 Auto, which have both been around for over a century.
Basically the round was created to solve a problem that never existed. It was developed to bridge a supposed "gap" between the 9mm and .45 Auto even though both rounds have substantial power as it is. The round appeals to a certain number of semi-auto enthusiasts who are dumb enough to believe that the 9mm is a pee-shooter, yet are too intimidated by the .45 Auto, which only has slightly more recoil. Still, it is a great round for self-defense.
Basically the round was created to solve a problem that never existed. It was developed to bridge a supposed "gap" between the 9mm and .45 Auto even though both rounds have substantial power as it is. The round appeals to a certain number of semi-auto enthusiasts who are dumb enough to believe that the 9mm is a pee-shooter, yet are too intimidated by the .45 Auto, which only has slightly more recoil. Still, it is a great round for self-defense.
Know-it-all: Don't buy a 9mm for self-defense, I've heard stories of 9mm bouncing off windshields and not being able to take down raging 6' 6" hoodlums on crack. Get a .40.
Me: And can you give me an example of a .40 S&W getting the job done?
Know-it-all: Ummm...no. But 9mm is still wimpy because I said so.
Me: And can you give me an example of a .40 S&W getting the job done?
Know-it-all: Ummm...no. But 9mm is still wimpy because I said so.
by WALTHERMAN March 24, 2010