The history of Smith & Wesson's 940 9mm revolver is somewhat troubled: first introduced in 1991, it was discontinued in 1998 and only re-introduced almost 30 years later, in August 2025. Now Smith & Wesson announces the addition to its catalog of the Model 940-3 Carry, a purpose-built variant made for discreet everyday carry that combines the reliability of a small-frame revolver with the ballistic efficiency of the 9mm Luger cartridge.
Smith & Wesson 940-3 Carry, a DAO compact revolver for concealed carry
Designed around the classic and compact J-Frame platform, the 940-3 Carry features a 5-shot fluted cylinder and a 2.17”/55 mm barrel – an ideal balance between concealability and practical defensive performance, also thanks to the snag-free fully concealed hammer and low-profile sights. Obviously, trigger is double-action-only, which enhances operational simplicity while reducing the risk of external components catching on clothing during the draw. Furthermore, this is a no-lock model: the absence of the much-despised internal lock will please purists and further reflects a design focused on mechanical straightforwardness and user confidence.
Construction is entirely stainless steel, including frame, barrel, and cylinder. With a weight of 652 g, this choice of material delivers excellent durability and corrosion resistance while helping to mitigate recoil in a lightweight carry format. The fluted cylinder is cut for full moon clips, ensuring reliable extraction and enabling fast reloads.
Sight configuration is optimized for rapid target acquisition in varied lighting conditions. Up front, the enlarged, high-visibility XS tritium night sight promotes quick alignment and intuitive target acquisition under stress. The rear sight consists of a dovetailed U-notch, offering a clean and functional sight picture while maintaining a low profile suitable for concealed carry.
Ergonomics are addressed through the VZ Grips checkered finger groove grip, designed to provide a secure purchase without compromising concealment.
Chambered in 9mm and built with modern materials and sighting technology, the Model 940-3 Carry merges traditional revolver lines with contemporary defensive features. The result is a durable, technically refined platform tailored to meet the demands of everyday carry users seeking reliability, simplicity, and practical performance in a concealable package. Price in the US is $899 – the revolver ships with three full moon clips.
