First Look: Davidson’s Exclusive Smith & Wesson Model 940 Revolver

A compact 9mm revolver packed with features.

by
posted on August 27, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Smith & Wesson Model 940

Davidson’s and Smith & Wesson recently teamed up to bring back the Smith & Wesson Model 940, a five-shot, snub nose, J-frame revolver chambered for the 9mm cartridge. Originally, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 940 snub revolver in 1991 and had it available as a regular catalog item through 1998. These revolvers were similar in appearance and function to the classic J-frame Model 40/640/Centennial series. Because the 9mm cartridge is rimless, the 940 relies on moon clips to hold the rounds correctly in place over the cylinder’s charge holes.

The new Davidson’s Exclusive Model 940 brings back the versatility of a 9mm revolver in a compact J-frame package while also introducing some functional, practical and visual upgrades over the original Smith & Wesson Model 940. For example, the new Davidson’s Exclusive Model 940 includes a fluted barrel, snag-free carry sights from XS Sights which function better than the standard rear sight carved into a J-frame topstrap and a set of VZ Grips G10 stocks. When you put all together, the new Davidson’s exclusive Model 940 feels like a blend between the Smith & Wesson Model 640-1 Performance Center .357 Mag. revolver and the newer J-frame Ultimate Carry series, only chambered for 9mm.

Davidson’s Exclusive Model 940 9mm Revolver Features and Specifications:

  • Frame Finish: Stainless steel
  • Front Sight: Tritium night sight
  • Rear Sight: Fixed U-notch
  • Grips: VZ diamond, black cherry
  • Weight: 23.52 ounces
  • Width  1.31 inches
  • Height  4.38 inches
  • Capacity: 5 rounds
  • Trigger: Target
  • Barrel: Fluted
  • Barrel Twist: 1 in 10 RH twist
  • Ships with three moon clips

MSRP for the new Davidson’s Exclusive Model 940 begins at $999. To learn more about this new special edition firearm or other Smith & Wesson revolvers, visit smith-wesson.com

Latest

bb gun and firearms
bb gun and firearms

IMNHO: The Wheels Keep Rollin’

I lost my BB gun after I shot the windows out of our old barn when I was 6 years old. Seems that Dad did not agree that they were great reactive targets.

First Look: XS Sights Smith & Wesson M&P Sights

XS Sights just released a number of new sight options for Smith & Wesson M&P pistols.

Classics: Semmerling LM-4 Pistol

This manually operated oddity sure seemed like a good idea at the time.

First Look: Chiappa 60 DS .44 Magnum Revolver

Chiappa's large-frame revolver is chambered in a Dirty Harry-approved .44 Magnum.

Straight Talk: Know Your Gun

When you trust your life to a tool, you must know it inside and out.

First Look: Safariland Holster Fits for Glock Gen6 Pistols

Glock's latest generation of striker-fired handguns has dedicated holster fits from Safariland.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.