Ruger SR40c
Sturm, Ruger & Co. · Pistol · Discontinued · 2011
Also known as: SR40c, SR-40c, SR40 Compact
Overview
The Ruger SR40c is a compact, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W, introduced by Sturm, Ruger & Co. in June 2011 as the compact variant of the full-size SR40. Built on a glass-filled nylon polymer frame with a brushed stainless steel slide, the SR40c features a 3.5-inch barrel with 1:16 right-hand twist rifling and six-groove conventional rifling. The pistol ships with both a flush-fit 9-round magazine and a full-size 15-round SR40 magazine with a removable grip sleeve adapter, giving shooters versatility between maximum concealment and full-size capacity. Weighing 24.2 ounces unloaded (686 grams) and measuring 6.75 inches in overall length with a slim 1.27-inch width across the safety levers, the SR40c offers a compact platform for the hard-hitting .40 S&W cartridge. The pistol features Ruger's comprehensive safety suite including an ambidextrous manual thumb safety, trigger safety, loaded chamber indicator atop the slide, and magazine disconnect. Fully adjustable three-dot sights, ambidextrous controls, an integral Picatinny accessory rail, and front and rear slide serrations round out the feature set.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 686 g (24.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 926 g (32.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 171.5 mm (6.75") |
| Barrel Length | 88.9 mm (3.50") |
| Height | 114.6 mm (4.51") |
| Width | 32.3 mm (1.27") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 29 N (6.5 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 9 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 290 m/s (951 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 491 J (362 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Brushed Stainless |
Calibers
- .40 S&W · primary — also known as .40 Smith & Wesson, 10x22mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety, Trigger Safety, Loaded Chamber Indicator, Magazine Disconnect
- Features: Ambidextrous Safety, Ambidextrous Magazine Release, Adjustable Three Dot Sights, Front Rear Slide Serrations, Picatinny Rail, Visual Loaded Chamber Indicator, Reversible Backstrap, Dual Magazine Included, Finger Grip Extension
Base model
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Law Enforcement (Backup / Off-Duty)
- U.S. Civilian Concealed Carry Market · adopted 2011
Production
Production years: 2011-2019
Produced alongside the full-size SR40 as part of the SR-series line. Available in black nitride and brushed stainless finishes.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 2019
Notes
The SR40c was announced at the June 2011 NRA Annual Meetings as a compact option for shooters who wanted the SR40's .40 S&W capability in a concealable package. It shares the same operating system, safety features, and trigger feel as the full-size SR40 but with a shorter 3.5-inch barrel and reduced grip height for easier concealment. The trigger pull averages approximately 6.5 pounds with a short, tactile reset. The ability to accept both 9-round compact and 15-round full-size magazines made it versatile for both concealed carry and home defense. The loaded chamber indicator on top of the slide provides both visual and tactile confirmation of a loaded chamber. The SR40c was discontinued alongside the rest of the SR-series around 2019 as Ruger shifted its semi-automatic pistol lineup to the Security-9 and MAX-9 platforms.
Background
The Ruger SR40c brought the SR-series' comprehensive safety feature set and proven .40 S&W platform to the concealed carry market. Its dual-magazine system -- shipping with both a flush-fit 9-round magazine for concealment and a full-size 15-round magazine with grip sleeve for home defense -- was a practical touch that set it apart from competitors. The SR40c earned a reputation for solid reliability and manageable recoil despite the snappy .40 S&W cartridge, thanks to its ergonomic grip angle and balanced weight distribution. Like the rest of the SR-series, it was eventually eclipsed by Ruger's newer, more streamlined pistol designs.