Fourteen plus one rounds of 10mm, 5″ barrel, and a single-action trigger to make 1911 fanatics rethink their devotion. That’s what the Grand Power P40L offers, but this pistol isn’t for everyone, as we’ll get into shortly.
Before diving too deep, I must declare that I’m a bit of a Grand Power fan. The photo below is most of my personal collection, minus the one that was holstered and on my hip. I’ve run Grand Power guns for years including trips to Front Sight and Thunder Ranch and I carry the K100 model during cooler months.
Grand Power pistols (aside from .380ACP and .22LR) use a unique action type that rotates the barrel to lock and unlock (see video below). The result is what I would judge as about a half-caliber reduction in felt recoil.
How does that work? For starters a rotating barrel doesn’t need to shift back and downward like the classic Browning action you’re accustomed to with most modern handguns.
Less weight shifting reduces perceived recoil and produces a smoother experience while the gun cycles. Additionally, because the barrel rotates, it can’t have a feed ramp and has to sit lower in the action to be fed directly from the magazine. That makes for a lower bore axis.
This isn’t one of those visual tricks (in fact it visually appears to be the same height as a Browning action) the internet likes to ramble on about with the old CZ guns simply because the slide looks different. The barrel IS at a different height in Grand Power pistols.
Another characteristic of Grand Power pistols is the use of a stainless steel chassis machined from billet. This isn’t like the SIG P-series. Grand Power started this about a decade before SIG, and uses it to give all the pins, springs, and other mechanics a sturdy frame. That means pins don’t have the chance to wear out polymer like in other guns and it provides for an incredibly consistent trigger feel, shot after shot.
The gunsmith who assembles the chassis stamps his initials on it, for ultimate responsibility should a warranty claim ever be made. Nighthawk Custom is famous for this. Grand Power has been doing it longer than Nighthawk has existed.
The “L” designation on the Grand Power P40L 10mm means long slide. The regular P40 model (not currently imported) features a 4.25″ barrel, The L pistols have a 5″ barrel.
While testing the CMMG Banshee 10mm for a magazine article, I chronographed thirteen 10mm loads through 4.25″, 6″, and 8″ barrels and found that only one load showed any significant gain in velocity with a barrel over 6″. Conclusion: 5″ for 10mm is the sweet spot for serious firepower without an overly-long or heavy handgun.
On the topic of power, Grand Power designs, calibrates, and proofs their firearms around European ammunition and bears the CIP proofing stamp. You can shoot a Grand Power knowing it will handle the “real” 10mm. With so many ammunition companies seeming to load 10mm closer to “.40 S&W long” there are no worries about the P40L running the hot stuff if you stumble across it.
For a closer look at the P40L see the tabletop video below.
http://https://youtu.be/j1d1gxd22Kc
The Grand Power P40L is a big pistol, there’s no getting around that. As a result the P40L lacks the usual four interchangeable grip panels their other models include. Building a grip around a double-stack 10mm magazine simply requires girth.
In an attempt to counter this, the grip features contours at the heel allowing space for a fleshy palm. Although this model can function in double-action, there’s no de-cocker. The single-action trigger reach shouldn’t be a problem for those with smaller hands.
Field stripping and reassembly is different than your run-of-the-mill Browning action. The slide must be pulled rearward and lifted off the gun. It may seem strange and complicated at first, but gets easier with practice. It’s a small price to pay for the recoil-reducing properties of the Grand Power action.
When it came to range time, I was curious what the experience would be like. I’ve fired tens of thousands of rounds through Grand Power pistols over the years, but most of it was 9mm, and the 9mm guns have a different grip to them.
One thing I kept in my mind as I drove to the range was that the trigger on this P40L measured just over 3lbs. That’s not normally an issue, but with such a short take-up and short reset (see tabletop video), combined with potentially higher recoil, it could lead to an interesting afternoon.
Teya and I packed up to run the gun through our standard battery of tests and, as always, film without a script or retakes. Our first-shot impressions, full magazine +1, trademark What’s For Dinner test, sights and trigger control test, accuracy, and concluding thoughts can be seen in the video below.
Fortunately Grand Power includes three 14-round magazines with the P40L which makes range days a lot easier than they could be.
As you saw in the range video, the combination of a short trigger pull and light weight with higher recoiling rounds caused Teya to experience what was effectively a bumpfire. This is a risk with guns like this, but thanks to her experience in the Army and pistol training with Front Sight, CENTER-T, VerTac, and Thunder Ranch, that second shot still hit the torso target at seven yards. Be advised, though, that such a power and trigger combination can be a lot to hold on to, especially at first.
Did Grand Power’s famous action type work to reduce recoil? Yes, somewhat. Both Teya and I noted that the gun felt more like firing a spicy 9mm +P than a standard 10mm. I doubt I’ll ever have enough ammunition to do so, but my wrist wouldn’t fear spending full range days in a training course with this pistol.
Is there an application for such a gun? If you ever want full power (5″ barrel) from full-power 10mm rounds that you can release with a crisp trigger, the P40L is your gun. Although the P40L doesn’t feature a de-cocker, the double-action chance for a second strike on a hard primer is a nice added benefit considering the cost of 10mm ammunition these days.
Specifications: Grand Power P40L Pistol
Caliber: 10mm
Trigger mechanism: SA / DA
Standard magazine capacity: 14
Length: 8.98″
Height without magazine: 5.35″
Width: 1.42″
Barrel length: 5″
Weight w empty magazine: 34.7oz
Weight w/o magazine: 34.2oz
Price: $824.99
Ratings (out of five stars):
Reliability * * * * *
With 11 loads tested of various various projectile shapes and weights, not one of them malfunctioned. The CIP proof stamping is extra reassurance for a cartridge like 10mm that seems to vary wildly in loadings.
Ergonomics * * * *ย
A double stack 10mm is naturally going to be a big gun, there’s no way around that. Grand Power did a good job of keeping the trigger within reach of shorter fingers, but little could be done about the inherent girth this caliber/capacity combination demands.
Accuracy * * * * *
The single-action trigger is spectacular for accuracy. The only thing limiting tight groups will be the shooter’s expectation of recoil.
Concealability * * *ย
Like any battle tank, it can be hidden, but concealment isn’t what this gun was meant for. I would assume anyone looking for this level of power is headed into bear country and would want to carry it openly anyway.
Overall: * * * * ยฝ
It wouldn’t be fair to judge this gun for things it wasn’t intended for. As a pistol meant to be a powerhouse, it’s outstanding, but that also requires it be large and beefy. The single action trigger might be too light for some, especially in this caliber, but that’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself. If you’ve ever shot a 1911 and wished it had a better trigger, 10mm power, and double-stack capacity, the Grand Power P40L should make you very happy.
Well this may be another option to look for. Thank you I don’t think I have seen this company’s products in real life yet let alone had a reason to check them out.
I’ve never seen one in a shop either. My addiction started with taking a chance with an online order. Smaller companies like Grand Power can’t offer the same muscle with or through distributors that the big guys do. If you ever wonder why you see a lot of Brand X in gun shops, chances are it’s because Brand X offers “buy 4 get 1” to dealers through distributors. The margins for gun shops are small on firearms, so a freebie to them is very motivating.
So my guess that finding one in the rental line being unlikely shouldn’t be far off. Figures I am mostly settled on a Glock 40 when a (to me) unknown competitor surfaces. Great explanation of the functions paired with pictures on your part as well.
My LGS has recently put a Stribog on the wall. Based on the asking price it’s a new one.
Great review! I too have never seen a Grand Power in the wild. 3lb trigger is incredible. Funny but I HAVE seen a good supply of 10mm at Cabelas. Is that like 40 was around back in the Sandy Hook daze?(I got a 40 then).
How in the world has Mr. Baates been able to acquire 17 of them in so many flavors??
Dedicated lots of time and money to the project!
I’d like to see a head to head with a Tanfoglio 6″ match for a little more money, and a S&W m&p for a little less money… both have optics options of one sort or another, one is poly/striker fired and the other is all metal /hammer fired sa/da, but I think they all occupy the same large carry/ woods gun niche. Still waiting on primer supply to open up before reinvesting in the caliber though – factory ammo is doublewhammy, spendy AND whimpy.
I’d rank those guns exactly as they are priced. I’d pick the Grand Power over the Smith and Wesson any day.
I guess if you have to have a gun with a hammer this is nice although I see no reason to pick this over the new M&P (which I have).
What do you have against hammer-fired, V?
To me, it seems far safer to carry, as the long, heavy double-action first shot acts as a rudimentary safety on it’s own…
Geoff PR,
I have multiple semi-auto pistols and almost all of them have strikers and single-action only triggers–much to my disappointment. I much prefer semi-auto handguns that have both single-action and double-action capability–and have hammers.
Historically, money has been extremely tight in my household and I could not afford/justify the added expense (typically an extra $200 minimum) for a nicer semi-auto pistol with single-action and double-action capability plus a hammer.
Seeing this model with a somewhat reasonable price of $825 is incredibly tempting. If I did not already have two nice revolvers with 6-inch barrels for woods carry (one chambered in .357 Magnum and the other .44 Magnum), I would probably be lining up a local FFL in order to acquire the semi-auto pistol featured in this review for woods carry.
I feel in year of our lord 2022 we have achieved safety without needing to absolutely destroy the trigger pull of the gun. If striker fired guns scare you that much, S&W makes a thumb safety an option on their M&P.
not sure which was first, 1910 fn had striker.
has to do what with 2022?
Big fan of the rotating barrel design. My PX4 uses a version of it, and the recoil impulse is incredibly soft. .40 feels like 9mm in most other guns. Have long wished and hoped Beretta would make a 10mm version, but that doesn’t seem to be in the cards.
Good review, btw.
that’s what i enjoyed about the storm. had forgotten.
I think my PX4 compact in .40 is my fav gun to shoot.
Most underrated pistol on the market. If I could easily suppress it (the downside of a rotating barrel design) it’s what I’d be carrying.
Looks interesting, and the price isn’t bad.
If wasn’t already invested in the CZ ecosystem, I might have considered trying one. Manufactured in the Slovak republic is another plus, as I understand they are shall-issue for citizen concealed-carry laws.
If the author has 12 Grand Power pistols and 2 carbines, I’d hate to see the size of the rest of his firearm collection…
#Goals
cz/ wesson has the bruin… less capacity.
delta same, glook… enh. don’t blame anyone.
weird tanfoglio has a cz inspired 10mm but cz doesn’t.
who else makes one?
this looks like the one.
Too often the cheap skate looks a price first and parts availability last. Too many times I have seen fly by night companies come and go faster than most people change their underwear. Or if they do hang around they still do not provide parts or even spare magazines.
Grand Power has been around for 20 years and in the US for most for most of that. Their importers have changed, but they’ve been here quite a while.
Unlike 357 mag, 10mm is loaded with faster burning powder to completely burn in 4-5 inches of barrel. If 10mm is loaded with slower burning powder it can exceed 2,000 fps from a 16″ barrel just like 357 mag. Out of a pistol such load would have a lot of muzzle blast just like 357 mag does.
Those problems often defeatable, but people have to do a lot of work to beat ’em instead of just grabbing any old ammo, or even the best-rated ones. Necessary to really delve quite deeply into lots and lots of tests or reloading articles and forums. So it’s doable but yeah, it is a pain.
I have a couple of Grand Power pistols, and I agree that they are very nice guns. I thought about getting a P40L but I ended up going with a Ruger 1911 in 10mm.
there’s another i’d forgotten.
“With so many ammunition companies seeming to load 10mm closer to ‘.40 S&W long’ there are no worries about the P40L running the hot stuff if you stumble across it.”
There’s some irony in that statement. “This ain’t your weak-sauce 40 long, although we named it as such.”
That aside, this is the first 10mm pistol that has gotten my attention. First time I’ve heard of these, gonna do some reading…
It is entertaining that .40 S&W was created to be a softer, smaller alternative to 10mm, yet these days many 10mm loads are pushing the same 180gr projectile at or near the same slower speeds as .40 S&W.
It’s cool to write an article that’s basically a love letter for a product, but don’t then try to call it a review.
There are some critiques in there. For example, though every shooter likes to believe they can handle every gun, they can’t, and this is one gun that needs a skilled shooter. Additionally I admit that the takedown is challenging for some.
Are factory or aftermarket threaded barrels offered?
There’s a fair bit of complex machining required to manufacture the barrels, it seems…
None in the US that I’m aware of. Suppressing a Grand Power is a tricky as you need the effect of a Nielson device, but can’t use those designed for the Browning action.
THANKS FOR INFO ALWAYS
Very thorough and enjoyable review! If I hadn’t recently bought and worked on a Witness Hunter 10mm, I’d probably be trying to buy one of these right now. I disagree with this, though:
The bore axis measurement that matters (the recoil moment arm) is its distance above the vertical center of support (basically, the thumb), which is dictated by how much (FCG, mostly) is in between. This hammer FCG places the thumb lower relative to the bore than a Laugo, Steyr M9, or even a Glock.
I own three Grand Powers, X-Cal, K100, and the Stribog. This really needs to be my next one.
Wow, I didnt think we would see a 10mm GP. A rotating barrel 10mm would be a neat gun to shoot. I have the Q-100. It’s the striker fired 9mm version. It’s a great pistol and lots fun to shoot.
The trigger isn’t quite as nice as my P-10c, but it is still pretty darn good. Unfortunately magazines are usually 15 rounds in a frame that could hold 17-19 easily. There are some happy sticks for it but they are expensive.
I found this gun at my LGS a few years ago in Kentucky. The usually keep one in stock. I had been following Grand Power for a few years and knew I needed to pick it up. The mid $400 price tag was also a great selling point.
The only negative I see with GP pistols is aftermarket support. There isn’t much out there.
What aftermarket would you want? Holsters used to be a challenge, but there are some good ones out there for some models. The only struggle I have is that although the front sights are a CZ75 cut, you have to modify aftermarket night sights for the cross pin.
If you snip a little off the bottom of the magazine follower, they hold 16 rounds easy.
So, it’s a P40L and not a PAUL model…. Should really wear my eyeglasses when viewing these things.
As someone else mentioned the rotating barrel reminds me of the pleasure of shooting my px4 compact in .40. This is like a full size full power px4 in steelโฆputting on my watch/wish list. Iโve been wanting to move into 10mm and this may be it.
I will admit I am now interested in a Grand Power.
To me, a 10mm in outdoor defensive device against thugs in and around cars.
And 10mm is only interesting loaded to near full potential.
For large, dangerous animals I would still go with a 44 mag or heavy 45 Long Colt.
But this would an interesting truck gun.
TO THE AUTHOR: PLEASE CLARIFY ONE GOOD POINT YOU MADE
Exactly how would you characterize you comment on feeling like you’re firing a gun that’s about a half-caliber smaller? I actually really like that characterization, but I’m not sure, for example, whether firing the .45 version would be halfway like firing a .40-cal or a 9 mm, or whether firing the 9 mm version is halfway like firing a .32, etc.
Your article is one of the best I’ve read in TTAG in a long time, not only because you wrote it well, but because you picked an under-the-radar gun that might be a better choice for its readers. Well done!
Oops, my mistake, you did just what I asked, I missed it. Apologies; excellent article!
…but nothing (!) has a better trigger than a 1911. ThisGHP gun’s trigger is indeed superb, but a reader who wants a better 1911 trigger shouldn’t buy another gun. That reader should either replace the 1911’s old springs, which have worn out so slowly the reader doesn’t realize they need replacement, do a trigger job, or buy a better 1911 trigger.
Accuracy test results? Slide to bbl fit looks a bit “generous” from the looks of the picture.
That’s all in the videos. Why videos instead of just a picture? So you can see the distance, pace, and conditions.
Are there threaded barrels for any if these rotating barreled Grand Powers? Can they be suppressed? Do any of their pistols come with an optics cut?
You’d need a special Nielson device for a suppressor to work on a rotating barrel.
Maybe they would make a Stribog SP10A3. More power in an PCC with roller-delayed blowback to ease the recoil.
…maybe they already have, it’s just not imported to the US yet.
๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ค๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ง $๐๐,๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก ๐จ๐ง๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐. ๐๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐ฃ๐จ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ง๐๐จ๐ฆ๐, ๐๐ฌ๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ง๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค ๐๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ค ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ก๐จ๐ฆ๐. ๐ ๐ฐ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ณ๐๐ ๐ก๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฒ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฐ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ซ ๐ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐ข๐ญโฆ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐โฆ.
=====))> ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฐ.๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ค.๐๐จ๐ฆ
I love Grand Power pistols. I have the X-Caliber and P40L, but my first was K100 X-Trim. Traded that at LGS for a used P229 (German frame, legacy slide) ONLY because the K100 was so awesome I ordered the X-Caliber within days and didn’t see the need for both. My LGS sat on the K100 for a while until some guy saw they had one on FB and his wife bought it for him on his birthday. Lucky man! Bought all of them from DoubleMDefense in Texas, they usually have a few in stock.
That’s why I say we have no hope for change except by force. This country has been taken over by corrupt politicians for over 45 years. Everyone one that in government from the past 45 years has baggage. They all need to be put on trial and investigated.i do home work ….. ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ค.๐๐จ๐ฆ
For the Author:
Great review, but I have a question …
Why do the fixed sights on the GP 10mm 40L you reviewed look different than in the pictures of other 10mm GP 40s & 40Ls you see online? The rear sight on those appears to be a weird-looking adjustable type, whereas on your model itโs a more conventional fixed type.
Is Grand Power using a new sight system on their 10mm models?
For the Author:
Just watched the โShooting Impressionsโ vid. … Nice range time, but I assume you know the Armscor 180grn ammo you shot is diluted, Fake โ10mmโ ammo. No wonder the big GP 40L felt so good to shoot. Itโs 180grns @ 1008fps (official m.v.). Thatโs a .40-level junk load, masquerading as โ10mmโ ammo only on the box-flap. Any alleged โ10mmโ pistol can be made to look good shooting that junk.
You should be putting the gun through its paces with REAL 10mm ammo that, at a minimum, is loaded in the cartridgeโs upper mid-range for the 180grn bullet-weight – i.e., 180grns @ 1250fps. Thatโs Sig, Fiocchi, and MagTech for starters. A max load in 10mm for 180grns is at or near 1300fps-1350fps. So a well-built 5โ 10mm pistol should be able to run all day on the upper mid-range ammo.
Please update us when youโve put 500-rds through it with Underwood, Buffalo Bore, or Double Tap-level ammo.
Thanks!
The lack of a de-cocker is upsetting for me. I wonder why they changed it if it was available on the P40, youโd think it would be on the P40L. That makes me wonder if older P40L had de-cockers. It also makes me wonder about a half-cock position where you hold the hammer, release the sear with the trigger, then release the trigger, and lower the hammer into a safe position with the trigger fully released. The hammer then falls either to a half-cock or down completely position, but an automatic safety prevents the firing pin from moving.
My purpose is a 10mm for bear defense. I trust a DA trigger in a cross country hike. I have no problem trusting automatic safeties if I know how to clean and check operation. I carry a Walther P99, and thatโs what makes me curious about the function of the GP trigger system. I owned the P99 for over a year before I realized that if I only had to pull the slide back 1/4โ to enter SA from DA. This function is not mentioned in any manual. Could there be a safe way to de-cock a P40L? A safe de-cocking function can be tested with a laser cartridge.
The P40L seems the best for what I need it for except for that one thing.
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