Had mine since 2005. No issue whatsoever with the ,40 recoil or control.
For whatever reason, the .40 is handled better by some pistols. The P239, P226 and P229 all handle the rounds' supposedly snappy/ugly characteristis very well. I own all three in .40 and like the cartridge very much in those pistols.
A few years ago I was shooting some steel at 15 yards with my relatively new P320FS .40. Very good hits and transitions. When I was through, I decided to shoot the P239 .40 I was carrying. Used the same reloads I was using in the P320. Was surprised to see that there was no difference in performance between the two very different guns. Serendipity.
I'd grab it. However, be aware that it's discontinued. Finding parts and mags will be a chore.
______________________ An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less until he knows absolutely everything about nothing. --Nicholas Murray Butler
Posts: 4670 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: June 29, 2006
The 239 in 40 is one of my "keeper" guns. Mine is a 2005 GOTM in Rainbow Ti. The slide internals are polished and plated as well, making it exquisite to shoot. It is also the pistol I shoot most accurately. I didn't enjoy the plain jane 9mm's as much, so I sold them.
Posts: 17297 | Location: Lexington, KY | Registered: October 15, 2006
What is often cited as a negative for the 239, it's weight compared with polymer guns, makes it easier to handle with the .40 cartridge. I have a 239 in .40 that had Grayguns' "action perfection" work, and I love shooting it. My only complaint-- and this has nothing at all to do with the cartridge-- is that it is DAK, and though the trigger is butter smooth with a crisp break, I can't shoot it nearly as fast as DA/SA.
Overall, though, the 239 pairs very well with the .40.
Originally posted by justjoe: What is often cited as a negative for the 239, it's weight compared with polymer guns, makes it easier to handle with the .40 cartridge......
Besides that, it depends on how you carry. With IWB, I've carried P229, P226 and GM 1911's for extended periods. With a good IWB (Sparks VM-2) you don't notice the weight. Regarding weight, I can't tell the difference when I carry a P239 versus my G19.
For those gaga over the lightest possible guns, try a S&W scandium J-frame with full-house .357 Mag. I shot one of those once. After two rounds from the 12 ounce little wonder, I said thank you. A gun writer friend had one out to the range on T&E. I could have fired all the free ammo I wanted to. I let the younger Macho Men do the testing instead.
______________________ An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less until he knows absolutely everything about nothing. --Nicholas Murray Butler
Posts: 4670 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: June 29, 2006
In .40s&w, it's not unpleasant. Step it up with a .357sig barrel and you become a rock star at the range. Flames, flash, smoke and awe. It makes the platform very versatile.
And everyone wants to know what you're shooting.
Posts: 11205 | Location: Somewhere north of a hot humid hell in the summer | Registered: January 09, 2009
My P239 in .40 was the second Sig that I owned. (My first was a brand new P228 bought in 2002)
I bought it along with a dining room table set for about $300 or so. I worked with the guy at the Sheriffs Office, and he then decided to head overseas into the world of Private Contracting.
I have both the 9mm and the .40 and I grab the .40 every time. In my opinion it is the best shooting pistol I own, and that is saying alot since my favorite go to pistols are my P229s.
It is amazing how well it handles and shoots.
Posts: 1849 | Location: In NC trying to get back to VA | Registered: March 03, 2015
I don't know if you want a long list of supporters, but I'll add mine to the list. I've shot tens of thousands of .40 rounds out of a 239 and its a complete non event. The gun is accurate and easily managed. That I would not say is true for example as a comparison with a Glock 27 which is an annoyance to shoot.
“So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.”
It is built up in the slide for the 40SW. It weighs 29oz with empty magazine. Before 2000, I purchased an all USA made 239 in 40 and was immediately impressed by the quality that seemed to be equal to my German Sigs. It shoots very well and subsequent cleaning confirms that's the Exeter factory was crafting a quality firearm for professional use.I always thought this model in 40 would serve the same role as a lightweight Colt Commander. Yes, it is easy to shoot well.
Posts: 2047 | Location: East Central Toadsuck, Florida | Registered: September 04, 2010
It's my EDC but for one reason. I got Hogue rubber grips for it. The factory grips would subtly move in my grip w/ each shot. New grips totally changed this and revealed just how accurate a short .40 can be. I can shoot it all day. I did get a 9mm Bar-sto barrel fitted and w/ just a barrel change, the 9mm worked w/ the .40 mags and recoil spring. I didn't find recoil to be markedly different. Not to my expectations anyway.
Posts: 7523 | Location: MI | Registered: May 22, 2007
Originally posted by Mountain Walker: Just google and they are on eBay. Seem to be reasonably priced but agree with you supply will not be there forever.
I don't do much ebay but I have to agree, some of those are not too bad.
Posts: 7523 | Location: MI | Registered: May 22, 2007