Smith & Wesson is cranking up the nostalgia machine with the New Model 940-3, a 9mm J-Frame snub-nosed revolver slated for their 2026 catalog—and it’s hitting right in the sweet spot for concealed carry enthusiasts who crave revolver reliability without the bulk. Tennessee-based S&W, fresh off their relocation south, is resurrecting this compact powerhouse, building on the legacy of the original Model 940 from the ’90s. Picture this: a five-shot cylinder chambered in 9mm, perfect moon clips for lightning-fast reloads, and that iconic J-Frame ergonomics that disappears in a pocket holster. At a glance, it’s tailor-made for the everyday carrier dodging magazine bans or just preferring the no-fail simplicity of a wheelgun over striker-fired semis.
But let’s dig deeper—this isn’t just a rehash; it’s a savvy market play amid rising anti-2A pressures. With states like California and New York clamping down on high-capacity semis, the 940-3 sidesteps the drama entirely. No mag limits, no finicky ejectors, just point-and-shoot purity with modern upgrades like a smoother double-action trigger and potentially enhanced sights for those close-quarters drills. For the 2A community, it’s a godsend: bolstering S&W’s revolver lineup when polymer pistols dominate headlines, reminding us that innovation thrives in tradition. Expect deep concealment fans, backup gun aficionados, and even wheelgun purists to line up, especially if priced competitively around $900-$1,100. This could spark a mini-revival in snubnose 9mms, proving revolvers aren’t relics—they’re resilient.
The implications ripple wide: as ammo costs stabilize and 9mm becomes the de facto defensive round, S&W’s move pressures competitors like Ruger (think LCR) to up their game, fostering choice in a fragmented market. For concealed carriers in restrictive regimes, it’s a quiet rebellion—compact, legal, and lethal. Keep an eye on SHOT Show 2026 for hands-on intel; in the meantime, dust off your moon clips. S&W just made backup exciting again.
