Smith & Wesson Model 940

About the Smith & Wesson Model 940

The Smith & Wesson Model 940 is a five-shot, double-action-only revolver chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, built on Smith & Wesson's small J-frame Centennial platform. Originally produced from 1991 to 1998, the Model 940 was one of the few revolvers designed from the factory to fire the rimless 9mm Parabellum cartridge, requiring full moon clips for both loading and extraction. The revolver features an all-stainless-steel construction with a 2.1-inch fluted barrel, an overall length of 6.6 inches, height of 4.4 inches, and an unloaded weight of approximately 23.5 ounces (668g). The fully enclosed hammer (Centennial-style) creates a completely snag-free profile ideal for pocket carry and draws from concealment. As a double-action-only design, the trigger pull is approximately 8.5 pounds (38 N) with a long, smooth stroke. The 2025 Davidson's exclusive reissue features updated XS tritium night sights dovetailed into the front with a blacked-out adjustable U-notch rear, VZ Black Cherry checkered grips in a boot-style configuration with finger grooves, and ships with three TK Custom moon clips and a hard case at an MSRP of $999. The cylinder is built on the .357 Magnum J-frame for added strength, and the barrel features a 1:10-inch twist rate with 5 grooves for optimal 9mm bullet stabilization.

The Model 940 was ahead of its time when it debuted in 1991, offering a J-frame revolver in 9mm when most shooters still considered rimmed cartridges the only proper revolver caliber. Its 2025 return through Davidson's reflects growing modern appreciation for 9mm revolvers, driven by ammunition commonality with semi-automatics and the availability of excellent 9mm defensive loads.

Smith & Wesson Model 940 specifications

The original Smith & Wesson 940 was produced from 1991 to 1998 as part of the Centennial Airweight series. It was discontinued due to limited market demand, as most revolver shooters preferred traditional rimmed cartridges like .38 Special and .357 Magnum. In 2025, Davidson's Gallery of Guns arranged an exclusive limited reissue through Smith & Wesson, updating the classic design with modern sights, premium grips, and TK Custom moon clips. The 9mm chambering offers several advantages over .38 Special: lower ammunition cost, wider availability of premium defensive loads, slightly higher velocity from the same barrel length, and compatibility with the same cartridge used in the owner's semi-automatic pistol (logistics simplification). However, moon clips are mandatory for both loading and extraction since the rimless 9mm cartridge cannot headspace on a rim. The 940 uses the same Centennial frame as the popular Models 442, 642, and 340PD, meaning most J-frame holsters and speedloaders designed for those revolvers are compatible. The loaded weight estimate includes five 9mm Parabellum cartridges at approximately 11.7g each.