Oh, for the lack of a smiley. I’ll give you Short and Weak is apt if the comparison is to a 10mm. Many people though don’t understand the comparison and think it applies to 9 mm and .45 ACP also. The .40 is probably the best self defense cartridge out there right now. Most police departments seem to agree. It offers pretty much everything the .45 does plus greater magazine capacity. Not that I would mind carrying a nice .45 if I had to. I do feel better with 14 or 16 rounds of .40 (have G22 and G23) knowing I might have to face multiple assailants.
Thank you ... that was the context, and the term was used by folks who were fans of the full power 10mm. Myself, for example. I'm still a tad bitter ... the .40 S&W is undeniably popular, and it pretty much killed the 10mm. Bummer ...
The .40 is probably the best self defense cartridge out there right now.
I've retired from the "caliber wars". The .40 S&W (short and wimpy or not) has proven itself a reliable fight stopper, most of the time, if the shooter does his job. 9mm Para, .45ACP, .357 Mag, etc are also reliable fight stoppers, most of the time, if the shooter does his job. Shoot what you're comfortable with, use good modern ammo, and don't EVER count on "1 shot stops" from a pistol. Any pistol. When the bad guys have decided not to fight any more they'll let you know ...
My current CCW piece is a 9mm. ;'}
I love my SIG P229 in .40 S&W...plus, SIG offers a drop-in barrel in .357SIG which is a fun round to shoot.