By Ron Dan
H&K P7 variants, the Daewoo K2, the S&W 296, and a long list of other guns, are what I consider immediate purchases for me when I walk into a gun shop. The used gun section of a gun shop is one of the first places I will look when I walk in. As I peruse the shelves, I go through a checklist of guns that are bucket list buys for me. If I’m blessed enough to see one and it’s at or below market price, I’m walking out with it.
For many years, the S&W Model 940 was at the top of this list. I shot this gun while working at the gun range in college and always wanted to find one in the wild. With releases of 9mm revolvers from great companies like Ruger and Taurus, I always wondered why S&W never brought this model back. Once I was in a position to influence the re-release of this gun at Davidson’s, I jumped on it and worked with the team at S&W to bring back this iconic revolver.
EDC Blast From the Past—S&W Model 940
The S&W Model 940 was a five-shot, moon clip-fed, J-Frame built on an all-steel frame offered in a few short barrel lengths. It was traditionally shipped with black, rubber grips and traditional channel sights. At one point, old school distributor Lew Horton ordered a run of these guns with wood grips chambered in .356 TSW. Smith & Wesson produced these from 1991-1998. All models had the centennial frame with a concealed hammer and double-action-only trigger. In my opinion, it was one of the best carry revolvers S&W made due to its practicality in 9mm and overall shootability with the steel frame.
When we were developing the revitalization of the 940, I wanted to bring the gun into the modern age. Lipsey’s changed the landscape of carry revolvers with its Ultimate Carry series, and I was hoping we could incorporate some of those features into the 940. The biggest improvement you’ll immediately notice is the XS Sights, which include a green, outlined Big Dot front sight and a serrated, blacked out, rear U-notch sight. This combination makes for a fast sight acquisition and allows for more accurate shooting, in my opinion.
We also incorporated Black Cherry G10 grips from VZ Grips with a tactical, diamond pattern to give the gun modern accoutrements with a nod to tradition. Smith & Wesson built this gun on a desirable no-lock frame and added some tasteful fluting to the barrel for aesthetics and weight reduction. With the Centennial configuration, you don’t have to worry about any snags when you are drawing this gun from under a garment.
EDC Revolver Reborn
Shooting the 940 is very pleasant with the full, steel frame. After a harder range session, you will notice the cylinder and frame heat up, which is completely normal for this configuration. The gun is built to handle it. I highly recommend buying and using 9mm moon clip tools for range sessions. Loading the moon clips is easily done, but unloading them is a bear without the assistance of tools. I always turn to TK Custom for these types of tools.
I carry the 940 in the FE x Veil Solutions Ghost Holster, and it makes for a great package that can disappear in almost any attire. For defensive loads, I turn to Speer Gold Dot G2, as it’s a trusted and tested projectile.
The S&W 940 is a Davidson’s exclusive and is available through Gallery Of Guns. Without giving away secrets, look to see more great exclusives like this from the team at Davidson’s in the near future. I’d like to give a shout out to Larry, Eric, Jason, and the incredible team at Davidson’s that worked so hard to see this gun come to fruition.
Cost: $999, available at GalleryOfGuns.com.
Pros: This is a perfect fighting revolver in a practical caliber that is inexpensive and easy to buy. This eliminates every excuse to not practice and become proficient with this gun.
Cons: S&W will never be able to make up for the 27 years they starved the market of this gun, but this is a good start.
