S&W 940 and +P/+P+ loads

[H. E. M. Viggh]

I've read that the S&W 940 9mm revolver has problems handling
+P and +P+ loads, just like the 640 (.38) has problem handling +P+ loads.
I seem to remember the problem has something to do with the bushing
around the firing pin.

Can someone fill me in on what the exact problem is?

S&W has obviously solved this problem with the new 640-1 .357 Magnum
revolver, and I've also read that they plan on upgrading the rest of
their J-frame revolvers to handle .357 Magnum.

Does anyone know whether they plan on making the same improvements to
the 940 so that it can handle Corbon +P 9mm and +P+ 9mm loads?

Thanks

[AGlock45]

In article <432p8s$p...@xring.cs.umd.edu>, "H. E. M. Viggh"
<vi...@ll.mit.edu> writes:

#I've read that the S&W 940 9mm revolver has problems handling
#+P and +P+ loads, just like the 640 (.38) has problem handling +P+ loads.
#I seem to remember the problem has something to do with the bushing
#around the firing pin.
#
#Can someone fill me in on what the exact problem is?
#
#S&W has obviously solved this problem with the new 640-1 .357 Magnum
#revolver, and I've also read that they plan on upgrading the rest of
#their J-frame revolvers to handle .357 Magnum.
#
#

at the local range here, the first guy who tried a 640 in .357 had it lock
up tight after about 30 mid-range 110-gr. .357's. it had to go back to
Smith and Wesson.

another (among many) case that makes me roar with laughter when someone
recommends "get a revolver because it doesn't jam."

[KROH]

In article <432p8s$p...@xring.cs.umd.edu>, "H. E. M. Viggh"
<vi...@ll.mit.edu> writes:

#
#I've read that the S&W 940 9mm revolver has problems handling
#+P and +P+ loads, just like the 640 (.38) has problem handling +P+ loads.
#I seem to remember the problem has something to do with the bushing
#around the firing pin.
#

I have found that the cylinder freezes solid when firing stout loads in
both of my 940's. It's a real bitch to work loose, too! I just load it
up with Black Talons, which it shoots just fine, and don't worry about it
anymore!

[Daniel Morris DeRight]

aglo...@aol.com (AGlock45) writes:
#
# at the local range here, the first guy who tried a 640 in .357 had

# it lock up tight after about 30 mid-range 110-gr. .357's. it had to
# go back to Smith and Wesson.
#
# another (among many) case that makes me roar with laughter when
# someone recommends "get a revolver because it doesn't jam."

I too found the gap on my 640-1 a bit too tight, so I opened
it slightly. It arrived at .003", and is now at .005". A little less
power perhaps, but better reliability.

As for AGlock roaring with laughter, please. If the gun was
set up improperly out of the box, that's no more evidence of poor
design than an auto jamming on its first mag. Guns need to be broken
in, and some times arrive improperly set up. Neither of these points
count for, or against, revolvers or autos. On another note, if a self
defense situation requires 30 rounds (we're talking 5 reloads here,
folks) maybe the gun jamming is just speeding up the inevitable!

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
soda...@cmu.edu sdesigns
NRA Life & proud Humidors & Woodcraft
Never forget those who 4902 Forbes Avenue, Box 235
died, that we might Pittsburgh, PA 15213
live as we do. -TJ 412-441-5036

The law should be stable, but should never stand still. -O.W.H.

[RWBlack]

I carry a SW 940 often in a off duty status. My duty weapon ia an H&K
P7M13. I have fired approximately 60 rounds of COR BON 115 gr +P. I
have had no problems with this gun /ammo combo. This is my second 940.
The first one was one of those Peformance Center .356 TSW "Pocket Rocket".
I sold it because I thought I would never need to fire .356 TSW in a
defense situation.

I think any problems that Smith had with these guns was solved. Afterall,
.357 Mag, .356 TSW are extremely "high pressure loads."

My 2 cents,
Bob

[hfbr...@onramp.net]

# rwb...@aol.com (RWBlack) writes:
# I carry a SW 940 often in a off duty status. My duty weapon ia an H&K
# P7M13. I have fired approximately 60 rounds of COR BON 115 gr +P. I
# have had no problems with this gun /ammo combo. >
#
#>>>
I bought my SW 940 about two years ago. It is stock except for Craig Spegal wooden boot grips. In approximately 50 rounds of
COR BOn 115 +P, I have never experienced the primer flowback that you often read about. Additionally, the COR BON shoots
to point of aim at 7 yards, and they all go into one big hole right where you point it. Very little muzzle flash, I might add.
However, be prepared to tighten all screws after 50 rounds or so. However, I would shoot at least 25 of the same lot you plan
on relying on to save yourself or your family in a defensive situation. BTW, the original Federal Starfire 115 gr. HP shoot to
point of aim as well. These have been discontinued in favor of the 124 gr. which I have not tested. All in all, the little 940 is a
keeper. The action is not too bad from the factory, and it stages enough to allow you to shoot it double action almost like a
single action. For my money, I'd rather shoot the 115 gr. 9MM at a chronographed 1250 fps in the smaller 940 than try to make
the 125 gr. .357 go as fast in the new beefed up 640. I don't know if either gun would stand up to extensive use, but they
weren't made for that purpose.

Hugh