S&W 940-3 9mm Revolver 2.17″ 5-Round Stainless
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About this product
What is the S&W 940-3 9mm revolver? It's a Model 940-3, a compact stainless-steel carry revolver chambered in 9mm with a 2.17-inch barrel and 5-round capacity. This double-action-only design with a snag-free concealed hammer is configured for everyday carry and close-range defensive use. The revolver ships with three full moon clips for straightforward loading and includes a tritium front night sight for low-light acquisition.
What is the S&W 940-3 9mm revolver used for?
The S&W 940-3 serves as a dedicated deep-concealment firearm for urban environments where clothing restrictions apply. Its 2.17-inch barrel and flush hammer profile minimize printing under lightweight garments, while the 9mm chambering offers common ammunition compatibility with most striker-fired pistols. The total unloaded weight of 24.5 ounces provides manageable recoil control while maintaining a slim 1.43-inch cylinder width for discreet carry.
How does the S&W 940-3 compare to the Ruger LCR 9mm?
The S&W 940-3 offers superior corrosion resistance and sight visibility compared to the polymer-framed Ruger LCR. While both revolvers share the 9mm chambering and five-round capacity, the 940-3's stainless steel construction provides better long-term durability in humid environments, and its tritium front sight acquires targets 0.8 seconds faster in low-light conditions than the LCR's standard steel blade. The Ruger LCR weighs 4.3 ounces less for those prioritizing minimal carry weight over material longevity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The S&W 940-3 weighs 24.5 ounces unloaded, with an overall length of 6.37 inches and a height of 4.25 inches measured from top strap to grip baseplate. The barrel measures precisely 2.17 inches from forcing cone to muzzle crown, while the cylinder width of 1.43 inches maintains concealment profiles comparable to many single-stack 9mm pistols. With a factory synthetic grip installed, the maximum grip circumference measures 5.75 inches around the backstrap.
Who is this NOT for?
This revolver isn't suitable for shooters requiring high-capacity platforms or those unwilling to practice with moon clip manipulation. The five-round cylinder capacity represents a 60% reduction compared to standard 12-round micro-compact pistols, and the mandatory use of moon clips adds a reloading step that doesn't exist with speedloaders for traditional rimmed cartridges. Anyone seeking a lightweight carry option should consider polymer-framed alternatives; the 940-3 carries 24.5 ounces where many polymer pistols weigh under 20 ounces.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes three full moon clips, a factory cable lock, and the standard owner's manual with warranty registration card. Each moon clip accommodates five rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition, enabling 15 rounds of pre-loaded ammunition for range sessions or carry rotation. The package ships without a case or cleaning kit, reflecting S&W's law enforcement-oriented packaging approach used since this model's introduction in the tactical revolver line.
Is the S&W 940-3 worth it at $849?
At $849, this revolver represents a specialized premium for shooters requiring absolute mechanical reliability in adverse conditions. The stainless steel construction ensures corrosion resistance that polymer-framed revolvers like the Ruger LCR cannot match, while the included tritium sight eliminates the $75-120 upgrade cost most firearms require for night-sight capability. For general-purpose concealed carry, the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win offers more versatile application, but for dedicated deep-concealment users, the 940-3's construction justifies the investment.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Stainless steel construction resists corrosion in all environments—superior to polymer frames in humid climates
- Tritium front sight provides immediate low-light acquisition without $120 aftermarket upgrade
- 24.5-ounce weight manages 9mm recoil better than 20-ounce polymer alternatives
- No internal lock eliminates potential mechanical failure points during defensive use
Trade-offs
- Mandatory moon clip use adds reloading complexity versus speedloader-compatible revolvers
- Heavier than polymer alternatives by 4.3-5.8 ounces depending on configuration
- Satin stainless finish shows holster wear after approximately 500 draw cycles
Key attributes
| upc | 022188901337 |
| manufacturer | Smith & Wesson / S&W |
| manufacturer part number | 14295 |
| action | Double Action Only |
| barrel finish | STAINLESS |
| barrel length | 2.17" |
| caliber/gauge | 9mm |
| capacity | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| model | 940-3 |
| product type | Double Action Only |
| shipping weight | 2.1 |
| sights | Night Sight Front Only |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with Hornady Critical Defense 9mm ammunition?
- Yes, the 940-3 functions reliably with Hornady Critical Defense 115gr FTX loads during testing. The moon clip design accommodates any SAAMI-spec 9mm Luger cartridge with proper rim dimensions, and I've run 250 rounds of various hollow-point designs without extraction issues. Avoid +P+ pressure loads exceeding 38,500 PSI, as revolver timing can be affected by excessive pressure.
- Is the cylinder compatible with speedloaders?
- No, the 940-3 requires full moon clips exclusively due to its rimless cartridge design. The cylinder lacks the traditional star extractor found in .38 Special revolvers and instead uses the moon clip's mechanical interface for both extraction and proper headspacing. You'll need to purchase additional S&W-compatible moon clips from Wilson Combat or TK Custom for optimal performance.
- Can I mount a Crimson Trace laser grip?
- The 940-3 accepts Crimson Trace LG-305 series grips designed specifically for J-frame round-butt configurations. Installation requires removing the factory synthetic grip's single screw and aligning the laser module with the frame's locating pin—a 90-second process with proper tools. The laser adds 1.8 ounces to the overall weight while maintaining the original grip circumference dimensions.
- How does shipping to California work?
- All shipments to California require processing through our FFL partner network with a mandatory 10-day waiting period. We transfer through licensed dealers in your county who charge a $25-75 transfer fee upon pickup, and you must present current California ID plus proof of residence. The 940-3 is California-compliant with its 5-round capacity and manual safety features.