This 9mm Revolver Makes No Sense… Why I’m Buying One Anyways

Smith & Wesson brought back the Model 940-3, a weird 9mm J-frame revolver from the 1990s that probably should not make sense in 2026, but somehow does. It is heavy, expensive, only holds five rounds, uses moon clips, and has less capacity than basically every modern micro 9mm. And yet, James kind of loves it. In this review, we look at the new Smith & Wesson 940-3, why 9mm in a revolver is both stupid and useful, how 9mm compares to .38 Special, why revolver barrel length is not measured like a semi-auto barrel, how the moon clips work, how the 940-3 shoots, and whether this bizarre little throwback actually makes sense as a concealed carry revolver. CONTENTS 0:00 Backstreet’s back, so is the 940-3 0:55 Why this gun is impractical 1:54 Why 9mm is actually a huge plus 3:17 Short barrel revolver ballistics and accuracy 4:24 Moon clips, speed loaders, and the 940 history 6:01 Shooting impressions 7:28 Is this a good beginner handgun? 8:41 Final verdict: should the 940-3 be back?