The .40 S&W (Smith & Wesson) is a popular handgun cartridge developed in the early 1990s. It was designed to provide a balance between the stopping power of the .45 ACP and the higher capacity of the 9mm. The cartridge is widely used by law enforcement agencies and civilians for self-defense due to its effective performance and manageable recoil. The .40 S&W typically fires a bullet weighing between 155 to 180 grains at velocities around 1,000 to 1,200 feet per second. Its design allows for a larger diameter bullet compared to the 9mm, contributing to its effectiveness in stopping power. Many firearms manufacturers produce guns chambered for the .40 S&W, making it a versatile choice for shooters.