Smith & Wesson has released the Model 940-3, a five-shot J-Frame revolver chambered in 9 mm Luger. Built entirely from stainless steel and designed around a no-lock frame, the 940-3 brings a modern carry feature set to one of the most recognizable revolver platforms in the industry.
The revolver measures 6.63 inches in overall length, 4.38 inches in height and 1.31 inches in width. It weighs 23 ounces and carries a 2.17-inch stainless steel barrel paired with a five-round fluted cylinder cut for full moon clips. Three full moon clips ship with the gun, addressing one of the practical realities of running 9 mm through a revolver. The rimless cartridge needs the clips for reliable extraction, and having three in the box means a new owner can load and carry spare rounds without hunting down accessories on day one.
The 940-3 revolver sports a double-action-only trigger with a 10-pound pull and a snag-free concealed hammer. That combination keeps the profile clean for draw from concealment and eliminates the possibility of snagging on clothing or holster material. The frame carries no internal lock for those who prefer fewer mechanical components in a firearm.
Up front, a XS night sight with a larger-than-standard dot is designed to speed up target acquisition in low-light conditions. The rear sight is a U-notch dovetail that pairs naturally with the bright front post.
The grip is a Hogue Over-Molded Rubber Bantam with finger grooves that position the hand naturally on the frame. Hogue’s Cobblestone texture pattern runs across the surface to improve purchase during recoil. On a 23-ounce revolver firing 9 mm Luger cartridges, that grip texture matters. The round generates manageable recoil in a steel frame at this weight, but a secure hold still makes the difference between fast follow-up shots and fighting the gun back on target.
Chambering a J-Frame in 9 mm Luger, rather than .38 Special or .357 Magnum, gives shooters access to a wider and often less expensive ammunition supply. The 9 mm also tends to produce less felt recoil than .357 Magnum in a small-frame revolver, which can make range sessions more productive for shooters who want to train regularly with their carry gun. The full moon clips add a practical advantage beyond extraction: they allow all five rounds to be loaded simultaneously, making reloads faster than feeding individual cartridges.
Stainless steel construction throughout the frame, barrel and cylinder gives the 940-3 corrosion resistance suited to close-body carry, where sweat and humidity are constant companions.
The Smith & Wesson Model 940-3 has a suggested retail price of $899. For complete specifications and dealer availability, visit smith-wesson.com.
