Steyr M40-A1
Steyr Mannlicher · Pistol · In Production · 2004
Also known as: Steyr M40A1, M40-A1
Overview
The Steyr M40-A1 is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W, manufactured by Steyr Mannlicher of Austria. It is the .40-caliber member of the A1-generation Steyr M series, sharing the striker-fired Browning-type short-recoil action of the 9mm M9-A1 but chambered for the harder-hitting .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge. The pistol is best known for its exceptionally low bore axis, which places the barrel close to the shooter's hand to reduce muzzle flip, and for its distinctive trapezoidal sight system that pairs a triangular front post with a notched trapezoidal rear for rapid target acquisition. A reinforced-polymer frame carries a Mannox-coated milled-steel slide, a 4-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel, and a 12-round magazine, while an accessory rail, loaded-chamber indicator, and internal limited-access locking system round out the feature set. With its flat-shooting geometry and consistent Reset Action System trigger, the M40-A1 is aimed at duty carry, home defense, and recreational shooting as an affordable, accurate Austrian alternative to more common polymer service pistols.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 771 g (27.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 183 mm (7.20") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 142 mm (5.59") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 24.9 N (5.6 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 12 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 308 m/s (1010 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 546 J (403 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- .40 S&W · primary — also known as .40 Smith & Wesson, 10x22mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Safety, Drop Safety
- Features: Low Bore Axis, Trapezoidal Sights, Reset Action Trigger, Picatinny Rail, Limited Access Lock, Loaded Chamber Indicator, Lanyard Loop, Textured Grip
Variants
- Steyr C40-A1 - Compact
- Steyr S40-A1 - Subcompact
Production
Production years: 2004-present
Niche commercial production; the Steyr M series has had limited market penetration in the United States compared to competitors such as Glock and SIG Sauer
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Wilhelm Bubits
Notes
The M40-A1 designation marks the .40 S&W chambering of the mid-size A1-generation frame; the 9mm variant is the M9-A1 and compact/subcompact versions are the C40-A1 and S40-A1. The trapezoidal sights are unconventional but praised for fast acquisition. Weight (~771 g / 27.2 oz) and dimensions are for the full-size M-frame; magazine capacity is 12+1 in .40 S&W.
Background
The Steyr M series was designed by Wilhelm Bubits, an Austrian police officer turned firearms engineer who later designed the Caracal pistol for the UAE. The series' extremely low bore axis and trapezoidal sights were ahead of their time when the guns debuted in 1999, and the A1 refresh added a Picatinny rail and updated ergonomics, but distribution setbacks in the U.S. kept the .40-caliber M40-A1 a favorite of a devoted enthusiast following rather than a mainstream best-seller.