S&W 940-3 9mm Revolver 2.17″ 5-Round Stainless

If you’ve been hunting for a s&w 940-3 9mm revolver 2.17″ 5-round stainless that disappeared from dealer shelves years ago, I’ve got news: this is the one that got away—and now it’s back in my hands. Smith & Wesson built these compact J-frames in the early 1990s for shooters who wanted 9mm power in a pocket-friendly wheelgun. The 940-3 is a double-action-only, snag-free stainless steel revolver that uses full moon clips for fast reloads and a tritium front night sight for low-light work. It’s a rare piece of S&W history, and at $849, it’s a steal for collectors and daily carriers alike.

Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Model	940-3
Material	Stainless steel frame and cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	9mm Luger ammunition; uses full moon clips
Finish	Satin stainless
Weight	Approx. 20 oz unloaded (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	Used – excellent condition with minimal carry wear

Key Features

• Double-Action-Only Trigger: Smooth, consistent pull every time—no single-action option means no fumbling with a hammer in a high-stress situation. Why it matters: It eliminates the risk of accidental discharge from a cocked hammer and keeps your draw stroke simple.
• Snag-Free Concealed Hammer: The hammer is fully enclosed inside the frame, so it won’t catch on clothing or holsters during a quick draw. Why it matters: This is a carry gun first—every snag you avoid is a split second you save.
• Tritium Front Night Sight: A self-luminous front sight that glows in total darkness for instant target acquisition. Why it matters: Low-light encounters are where most defensive shootings happen; this sight turns the dark into your ally.
• Full Moon Clips (3 Included): Pre-loaded clips let you drop an entire cylinder’s worth of 9mm rounds in one motion—no fumbling with individual cartridges. Why it matters: Reload speed is the difference between a win and a loss; these clips cut your reload time by 70% compared to loose rounds.
• Satin Stainless Finish: Corrosion-resistant and low-glare, this finish holds up to sweat, rain, and holster wear. Why it matters: A carry gun that rusts is a liability; this finish keeps it running in any climate.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector who appreciates S&W’s short-run 9mm J-frames—the 940 series was only produced for a few years, making this a genuine rare find. It’s also for the daily carrier who wants 9mm stopping power in a compact package without the complexity of a semi-auto. And yes, it’s for the gun show regular who wants a conversation piece that still works hard at the range.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Extremely concealable; smooth DAO trigger; tritium night sight included; moon clips make reloads fast; stainless steel is built to last.
• Cons: The short barrel and fixed sights limit precision beyond 15 yards—this is a close-range defensive tool, not a target pistol. Also, 9mm moon clips can be a bit finicky to load without a tool, but you get three clips to practice with.

Comparison

Feature	S&W 940-3	Ruger LCR 9mm	Taurus 905 9mm
Action	DAO, concealed hammer	DAO, polymer frame	DAO, spurless hammer
Barrel Length	2.17″	1.87″	2″
Capacity	5 rounds	5 rounds	5 rounds
Sights	Tritium front, fixed rear	Fixed front and rear	Fixed front and rear
Weight (unloaded)	~20 oz	~13.5 oz	~22 oz
Moon Clips	3 included	Not included	2 included
Market Rarity	Rare (discontinued 1990s)	Common	Uncommon

FAQ

What is the s&w 940-3 9mm revolver 2.17″ 5-round stainless?

It’s a discontinued Smith & Wesson J-frame revolver chambered in 9mm, with a 2.17-inch barrel, a 5-round cylinder, and a satin stainless finish. It was designed for concealed carry and uses full moon clips for reliable extraction and quick reloads.

Is the S&W 940-3 compatible with +P ammunition?

Yes, the 940-3 is rated for +P 9mm loads per S&W specs, though extended use of +P+ is not recommended. The stainless steel frame handles the pressure, but keep in mind the short barrel reduces velocity slightly.

Can I use standard 9mm moon clips with this revolver?

Yes, the 940-3 uses standard 9mm full moon clips, which are widely available. The revolver ships with three clips, and you can buy spares from brands like TK Custom or Revolver Supply.

Does the S&W 940-3 have a hammer block safety?

Yes, it includes S&W’s internal hammer block safety, which prevents the hammer from contacting the primer unless the trigger is pulled. This makes it safe to carry with a round under the hammer.

How does the 940-3 compare to the S&W 640 in 9mm?

The 940-3 is a dedicated 9mm model with a shorter barrel and lighter weight than the 640 Pro Series. The 940-3 also uses moon clips exclusively, while the 640 can fire without them (though extraction is less reliable). The 940-3 is rarer and more collectible.

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Browse more wheelguns in our Revolvers category, check out Concealed Carry options, or see our Smith & Wesson collection.

Last updated: April 2026