Ruger SR40c
 

After considering many small guns for CC and shooting several rented guns on a range, I found a good deal on a Ruger SR40c and bought it even though I had some concerns about the recoil. But I enjoyed shooting the SR9c which is identical except for the caliber. I have an MP40FS and the only .40 I tried was the MP40c which I did not like because of the recoil. I first field stripped the SR40c and cleaned it up - a very easy job. Then I took both the new gun and my old MP40FS to the range. I had some year-old Federal defensive ammo (both 180 and 155 JHP) to shoot up. I used several 8"x11" targets I printed up, placing two at a time on a cardboard backing at 25 ft on the indoor range. I fired 7 rounds each at one target pair and 8 rounds at several other pairs of targets using up the old ammo and then firing 32 rounds of fresh Georgia Arms 165 JHP. Muzzle energy was 400 ft lb for the 180 JHP and 440 ft lb for the lighter rounds. On each pair of targets I fired the MP40 first and the SR40c second.

At first I did notice a bit more recoil which delayed the return to the target and made me grip the gun more firmly though I wasn't limp-wristing the gun. It tended to twist and push hard against the web between thumb and forefinger. After re-gripping the gun more firmly it quickly became natural. Target accuracy of the SR40c never became quite as good as the MP40 but the difference in handling became very slight. Sights and trigger motions were similar and compatible. I missed the target paper slightly once in the first and third set with the SR40C. In all cases the accuracy was acceptable for defense shooting. The patterns all covered the central chest area of a BG. I used to take care to squeeze the trigger for accurate shooting. Now I move the trigger with deliberate speed as needed in combat. I tend to raise the gun slightly before the first shot and get a good focus locked on the front sight and then move the sights over the target center, pressing the trigger as soon as the sights line up. I don't jerk the trigger but it is more of a hurried, deliberate squeeze. By the end of the session I was firing rapid second and third shots accurately in sequence.

I was a little surprised that the trigger seemed compatible with the trigger on the MP40. By that I mean I could use the same mental/physical shoot command as the sights came on target. Although the Ruger trigger has more motion, it is not wasted motion. With the MP a little pressure fires the trigger with very little motion. But I had the same experience with the SR9c.

I was actually waiting for a sale to get the SR9c. But when this 2-day sale came up and I was only able to get in on the second day, I saw the 9 mm and .40 cal versions were the same low price and decided I'd get the .40. It was a little gamble but it paid off. Now my CC gun has adequate stopping power just like my Home Defense gun.

Great review. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for this. I'm seriously looking at this Ruger as a concealed carry now. Any word on how it's been over the time you've had it?

Thanks,

Jeff

Tom covered it. Great gun,great concealable weapon.Ive shot perhaps,oh,600 rds through mine.I was really starting to question accuracy with this gun,that is until I feed it Remington hollow point 165gr. The trigger was wierd at first,what I would call grainy,or gritty.This has disappeared.
You should be very happy with this gun!!

Yes, I've had it for 8 months and it continues to shoot flawlessly. I don't shoot for high accuracy - only for combat accuracy. I can fill the kill zone at 25 ft with a 3-inch group. I shoot a variety of Federal, Speer and Georgia Arms ammo. For several months I kept comparing the SR40C to my M&P40 FS. The SR40C finally gave me better accuracy. I have now converted the M&P to 357 Sig. I shoot both about the same. The SR40C is best for CC.

Just picked mine up, headed to the range tomorrow night, Looking forward to the new gun, thanks for the report.

Jeff

I am a new shooter. I am 62 retired and last early November a friend took me to a range, gave me some basic safety knowledge and let me try out an assortment of his handguns. (Charter 38 revolver, Ruger LCR, Ruger SR9 and Ruger Sr40C). At the end of a two hour session he asked. which caliber and gun suited me best. I picked the SR40C. I really didn't mind the extra power or recoil/flip (in fact it was a mental and physical rush). A few weeks later Purchased one at a gun show. I am at that point now that, I want to sometime in the next year acquire a 9mm. I am not married to Ruger but the SR9C is on my short list (M&P 9 Compact, Glock G26 and I understand they might be hard to find, a Steyr Arms C-A1)

The SR9c is a very nice 9mm. I will get one if I feel a need for 9mm such as available cheaper ammo. (Presently the reverse is true. It is easier to find .40 cal than 9 mm.) The triggers are very similar between the SR9C and the SR40C.

You might also consider a Glock 30 or Glock 36 in .45 ACP. Those guns are about the same size as the SR40c but give you the .45 capability - big but slow bullets that do a lot of damage to a target but are not as dangerous to folks beyond the target in the line of fire. I was surprised to find the Glock 30 recoil was very similar to that of the SR40c.

Thank you for this ,I am seriously looking at this Ruger as a concealed carry now......................................

Ruger makes a very fine conceal carry in the SR series. I liked the grip especially, and the trigger.(I still need a lot of practice in both). I shot a Glock once. It has a great reputation, but for me the (Here's my big word of the day)..E R G O N O M I C S were better feeling with the SR40C & SR9C.