Help me pick a pistol

[alpacaheat]

Yes, still shopping for my full-size 40 and I handled two that I love, but am having a tough time choosing between.

I am certain that I prefer a metal frame over polymer and there are two available locally, both used and around the same price that I really like.

First is a Smith & Wesson 4006.




Second is a Beretta Cougar 8040.



Both fit what I am looking for:
*Easy to rack
*Lower felt recoil due to weight
*Have manual safety (sorry, it's important to me)
*Comfortable in hand


What do you know about these models? Are parts still available if I'd ever need something or do the manufacturers still cover them? (I'm sure Smith does)

Are they reliable and accurate?


Unfortunately, this shop does not have a range for testing so I am going to try to track them down somewhere that does, but it's probably not going to be easy or possible to find both somewhere to test.

I was previously leaning towards a Smith M&P40 or a Ruger SR40 and they're not crossed off the list yet, but there were small things I did not like when trying those out.

[alpacaheat]

Some advantages to both for me. The Smith was slightly easier to rack and the thumb safety was more comfortable to easily flick on my draw. The Beretta was a slightly smaller grip which will benefit my wife who will be trained on it and is easier to strip down for cleaning.

I'm think I am leaning towards the Smith, but I love both. Wish I could afford both!

I also think I'd be happy with either one.

[normanvin]

I am not a fan of Smiths larger caliber pistols. So out of the two I would go with the Beretta.

[alpacaheat]

Magazines appear to be easier to find for the Smith, and cost less.


Brownell's has parts for both.

I am not a fan of Smiths larger caliber pistols. So out of the two I would go with the Beretta.

Thanks, I appreciate the input.

[ATBackpackin]

Have you considered the Beretta's goofy ass flip up to go bang safety? I have a M9 with the same safety and for that reason I never engage it. If using the safety is important to you then you may want to go with the Smith with a traditional safety. I know sometimes even racking the slide on my Beretta I accidentally engage the safety.

Other than that you cannot go wrong with either.

[eyecanshoot]

Have you considered the Beretta's goofy ass flip up to go bang safety? I have a M9 with the same safety and for that reason I never engage it. If using the safety is important to you then you may want to go with the Smith with a traditional safety. I know sometimes even racking the slide on my Beretta I accidentally engage the safety.

Other than that you cannot go wrong with either.

Doesn't the safety on the 4006 also have to flipped up?

[Armor Snail]

This CZ40B right here.
http://www.jgsales.com/cz-75b-semi-a....-p-70810.html

Add is mislabeled.

No better metal duty gun in .40 IMHO.

Plus it has a proper frame mounted safety and can be carried in either SA or DA

[ATBackpackin]

Doesn't the safety on the 4006 also have to flipped up?

You are correct.

[alpacaheat]

Doesn't the safety on the 4006 also have to flipped up?

They both flip up and both work well for me.

[Armor Snail]

Why use the safety? Both of those must be carried Condition 2 and cannot have the safety engage whilst in SA.