Taurus PT-940
Taurus · Pistol · In Production · 1992
Also known as: PT940
Overview
The Taurus PT-940 is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W, manufactured by Taurus since 1992. With a 3.8-inch barrel, this pistol strikes the ideal balance between concealability and ballistic performance, extracting near-optimal velocity from the .40 S&W cartridge while remaining easily holstered for everyday carry.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 820 g (28.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Barrel Length | 97 mm (3.82") |
| Height | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Width | 33 mm (1.30") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Da Sa |
| Magazine Capacity | 10 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 308 m/s (1010 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 546 J (403 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1600 m (1750 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blue |
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 Safety, Firing Pin Block, Frame Mounted Decocker
- Features: Enclosed Slide, Tilting Barrel Lockup, Frame Mounted Controls, Straight Backstrap, Accessory Rail, Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Textured Grip, Loaded Chamber Indicator
Service history
Operators
- Brazilian Law Enforcement
Production
Production years: 1992-present
First model in the PT-900 compact series
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Notes
The PT-940 was the inaugural model of the PT-900 compact series and established the design template for subsequent models. The .40 S&W chambering provided a balance between the 9mm PT-911's capacity and the .45 ACP PT-945's stopping power.
Background
Taurus's semi-automatic pistol development accelerated dramatically after acquiring Beretta's Brazilian manufacturing facility in 1980, and the company has since developed an increasingly independent lineup of original designs alongside their proven Beretta-derived models.