A J-frame revolver chambered in 9mm, with fully enclosed hammer and 5-shot cylinder: this where the specs of the Smith & Wesson 940 Model, part of the S&W Centennial family, that was manufactured from 1991 to 1998. But there's no reason to cry about it: Smith & Wesson has just announced that the Model 940 is back in an all-stainless steel construction with silver finish.
Smith & Wesson Model 940 in video
The “new” Smith & Wesson Model 940: modernity in a classic design
From a partnership with Davidson's – one of one of US's largest firearm distributors – the “new” Model 940 is still a J-frame 5-shot carry revolver chambered in 9mm (9x19mm) featuring the snag-free concealed hammer and a 2.17"/55 mm barrel. To the classic design modernity has added a nicely fluted barrel, low-profile sights including a larger tritium XS front night sight to improve the speed and ease of target acquisition, and black cherry color VZ grips – not just for aesthetics: the checkered finger groove grip allow for a more secure hold.
Being an hammerless revolver, the Model 940 is a double-action only handgun and combines traditional looks with modern performance. To the delight of purists and sensible people, it also lacks the internal safety lock which, albeit “internal”, includes a hideous looking hole located above the cylinder release latch on the frame.
Weight of the 9mm Model 940 revolver is 667 g: together with the short barrel and overall compact size, this makes the 940 a pretty comfortable everyday carry gun, providing you are a wheelgun fan and not a semiauto guy. At $999, the price of the Smith & Wesson 940 Model is a bit heftier that its weight and other snubnosed revolvers, though (the price includes three full moon clips, necessary when using rimless cartridges like the 9mm), and the fact it's marketed through Davidson's makes it an “american thing”, so to say. However, it's always nice to see a classic back.
Smith & Wesson Model 940 technical specs and price
| Caliber: | 9mm |
| Barrel Length: | 2.17"/55 mm |
| Overall Length: | 168 mm |
| Height: | mm |
| Width: | 33 mm |
| Action: | DAO |
| Capacity: | 5 rounds |
| Frame, Cylinder and Barrel Material: | Stainless steel |
| Grips: | VZ Diamond, Black cherry color |
| Sights: | Tritium front night sight |
| Width: | 1.31 in |
|
Height: | 111 mm |
| Weight: | 667 g |
| Price (MSRP in the US): | $999 |
