I'm considering the purchase of a 40 S&W pistol. I want something in the "mid size" range as I have small hands. I'm not looking at the weapon as a defensive piece but do want something with reliable feeding. Will shoot mostly cast bullets. The Ruger P95 9mm or P97 45acp both fit my hand like a glove but so far as I know Ruger still has not announced plans for a polymer frame 40. Appreciate any thoughts you might have...

Take a look at the Springfield Armory XD-40. I have the XD-9 and love it. Great ergonomics.

Reliable feeding out of the box with any ammo you care to feed it. Choice of shooting SA or DA and OK to carry cocked and locked, fits small hands like mine, and will be more accurate than 99% of the shooters that shoot them. Easy, H&K USP Compact. And if you want, throw in a Jarvis or HK USPC .357 SIG barrel and you have two calibers. No need to change recoil springs or mags. HK (http://www.heckler-kochjs.de/html/english/civil/01_pistols/01_11_index.html) . Check out the P2000 also while you are there.

You might also take a look at the Walther P99 and Smith & Wesson SW99 in .40 caliber. I have the standard 4" SW99 as my daily carry weapon; I actually found it more comfortable and ergonomic than the XD series. In the 14 months I've owned it, my SW99 has burned through thousands of rounds without a misfeed or jam. I'm a pretty small guy (5'5", 165lb), but the it fits my hand very well with the medium backstrap.

Another option to look at is the Beretta 9000. I've owned one for a over a year and have only put about a thousand rounds thru it, but it has been reliable. About six months ago I started using D J cast 175 gr bullets, use them in the 9000 and also in Beretta 96s.

I have the CZ40, have put close to 5000 rds thru it in last 1 1/2 yrs. This is my everyday carry weapon. One of the things I like about it, is it being double action. also a little cheaper than some of the top guns, but of good european quality. Also have the CZ75 that my wife carries.

Gun Runner

I'm considering the purchase of a 40 S&W pistol. I want something in the "mid size" range as I have small hands. I'm not looking at the weapon as a defensive piece but do want something with reliable feeding. Will shoot mostly cast bullets. The Ruger P95 9mm or P97 45acp both fit my hand like a glove but so far as I know Ruger still has not announced plans for a polymer frame 40. Appreciate any thoughts you might have...

I am with gunrunner. I also have the cz40. Proably 2000 rounds. Not the first hang or jam. It has fed everything I have tried to put through it flawlessly. They are cheap enough to buy two if you want. Some of the online auctions have them below $300.00. The only down side of the pistol is there aren't many aftermarket items available :(
Crookedshot

I too would recommend the Walther P99. i've had mine about 2 years now and it fits my hand BETTER than any semi I've fired in 40.

Another less expensive alternative is the EAA Witness series, several frame sizes and great ergonomics. I've had mine for 12 years, and it feeds everything flawlessly. I think it would feed rocks if I could get them in there! Accuracy is as good as I am, and the price is right. Once I wrapped my hand around that grip, the deal was done!
PJ

springfield xd is very good. it is very reliable and can take some abuse.

the springfield i like is the 1911A1 Mili-Tec. it is only 499 in my store and can be had cheaper other places. it is smaller than the full size 1911 springfield, which is about 1000 and more.

S&W is pretty good. However, I like to buy things that are made here or at least have a lot of committment here, so that some american are making money from my purchases too instead of the ceo importers and greedy gunshop owners.

i agree that most guns are much more accurate than most shooter are. it is the sighting that makes a big different. this is why a scope on any gun will make sure we have less than 1 inch accuracy, even with an ak47.

Rickster,

I have used HK USP and Glock 23 and liked both. The HK was a big brute and I thought it too large for a gun with only 10 rounds...traded for the Glock 23. Much more compact. One thing, if you intend to shoot lead bullets, I beleive guns with polygonal rifled barrels (Glock /HK) warn against using lead bullets, they say it's unsafe. Check the owner's manuals.

Good Luck

There is only one true choice for the criteria you have set. Glock 23 Period. Sean

Do yourself a favor and handle or preferably shoot a Kahr K40 (SS) or P40 (Polymer) before you commit to buying. I have Sigs and Glocks in .40 S&W and love them both. But the Kahr is a real gem. Small frame (for your small hands)and exremely accurate, reliable, and powerful. The Kahr has become my everyday carry gun and is quickly becoming my favorite gun. I'm so impressed, I'm thinking about getting the KM40 as a pocket gun.

http://kahr.com/front.html

1st pick, Glock 23, 2nd XD-40

I am suprised no one has mentioned it yet.
The BHP in .40 meets ALL of your stated desires.
I have one and LOVE it!
Use it just as you describe

If you want a two for one deal............
The Sig Pro > 2340
With Sig >> .40 and .357 Sig >> Barrels

Do you plan to reload? I have had the Glock 22 for about 5 years and love every thing about the gun itself. I'm a bit disapointed at all the warnings I've heard about using reloads in Glock .40 S&W. If you don't use jacketed bullets and new casings you run the risk of splitting casings or blowing the gun up in your hand. Apparently you can get around this by using an after market barrel that fully supports the casing.

Sig Sauer P229. As already said, can switch barrels between 40 and 357 sig - two guns in one.

I will second the nomination of the estimable Browning Hi-Power. The Hi-Power Practical, in .40S&W.

Or, if you prefer a DA, then I recommend the Taurus PT101.