I am looking to purchase a CCW and I am currently looking at either a 4013 or a CS40. I figure that, at this point, one of these would be a better buy than a M&P Shield. What are your thoughts on this?
3rd gen smiths are good guns. i've had several. On here there's been a CS40 thats changed hands a couple times. I've never had a 4013 but i've had two 4043's.
I have heard really good things about both of these guns, which is why I am considering both. The problem is that these are not pistols that one can just walk into a local gun range and rent to try out. At some point I will probably end up owning one of each however with this being my first CCW I want to do my best to make a good decision my first time out. Then CCW option # 2,3,4...ect can be experimental.
The grip on the CS40 is very thin. This is nice for concealment, but for large handed shooters such as myself, this is problematic. I felt that my hand just enveloped the gun, and it was not comfortable. On the other hand, I felt that the grip on the 6946 (DAO 9MM equivalent of the 4013) was good. I really enjoyed shooting it, and I did not feel that I gave up much in terms of concealed care ability. That said, either gun would be a fine choice for carry. Third generation S&W semiautomatics are really under appreciated firearms.