Taurus 840 Compact .40 S&W: Your Essential Guide to Personal Protection and Versatility

In today's complex world, individuals are increasingly seeking reliable and effective tools for personal protection and home defense. For those prioritizing a balance of stopping power, manageable size, and dependable performance, the Taurus 840 Compact chambered in .40 S&W stands out as a compelling choice. This firearm is specifically designed to meet the demands of concealed carry, home defense, and recreational shooting, offering a robust solution for a wide array of users, from first-time handgun owners to seasoned enthusiasts.

Are you searching for a dependable compact pistol that delivers formidable performance? Do you need a firearm that can be easily concealed yet provides ample stopping power for self-defense scenarios? Is recoil management a concern when considering a more powerful caliber? The Taurus 840 Compact is engineered to address these very questions, providing a confident answer for those who value security and practical design in their personal defense equipment.

What Makes a Compact .40 S&W Pistol an Ideal Choice?

The .40 S&W caliber occupies a unique position in the handgun world, bridging the gap between the popular 9mm and the potent .45 ACP. It offers a significant increase in energy and momentum over the 9mm, providing enhanced terminal performance without the larger physical dimensions or often heavier recoil impulse of the .45 ACP. When combined with a compact frame, as seen in the Taurus 840 Compact, the .40 S&W becomes an excellent option for a variety of critical roles:

• Concealed Carry: Its compact dimensions allow for discreet carry under everyday clothing, ensuring you're prepared without drawing unwanted attention. This pistol’s design lends itself well to various carry methods, including inside-the-waistband (IWB) or outside-the-waistband (OWB), depending on your preference and attire.
• Home Defense: The power of the .40 S&W, coupled with an adequate magazine capacity, makes it a formidable deterrent and effective tool for protecting your home and family. The ability to quickly and accurately engage threats within a home environment is paramount, and the 840 Compact delivers on this.
• Backup Duty Weapon: For law enforcement or security professionals, a compact and reliable .40 S&W handgun can serve as an excellent backup sidearm.
• Recreational Shooting & Training: While primarily a self-defense weapon, the 840 Compact is also suitable for range practice, helping shooters maintain proficiency and familiarity with their chosen defensive firearm.

Key Features and Design Philosophy of the Taurus 840 Compact

The Taurus 840 Compact (specifically the 510840C11 model) is a meticulously engineered firearm that embodies reliability, user-friendliness, and effective performance. Its design integrates several features that contribute to its overall utility and appeal:

• Caliber: .40 S&W, known for its potent stopping power.
• Capacity: 11-round detachable magazine, providing a significant number of rounds for defensive situations while maintaining a compact grip profile.
• Finish: Durable black finish, offering corrosion resistance and a discreet appearance.
• Action Type: Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) hammer-fired system, providing a consistent trigger pull and the option for a second strike capability. This system is favored by many for its safety characteristics and versatility.
• Frame Material: Robust polymer frame, contributing to the pistol’s lighter weight for easier carry and excellent recoil absorption.
• Slide Material: High-strength steel slide, ensuring durability and smooth operation.
• Sights: Fixed front and rear sights for quick and intuitive target acquisition. Many users find these sights effective for defensive distances.
• Accessory Rail: Integrated Picatinny rail on the dust cover, allowing for easy attachment of lights or lasers, enhancing its utility in low-light conditions.

Ergonomics and Handling: A Natural Fit

One of the standout attributes of the Taurus 840 Compact is its ergonomic design. The grip is thoughtfully contoured to fit a wide range of hand sizes comfortably, promoting a secure and natural hold. This superior ergonomics translates directly into:

• Improved Control: A comfortable grip allows for better management of the .40 S&W's recoil, leading to quicker follow-up shots and enhanced accuracy.
• Reduced Fatigue: During extended training sessions, the ergonomic design minimizes hand fatigue, allowing for more productive practice.
• Intuitive Operation: Controls like the magazine release and slide stop are positioned for easy access, even under stress.

Safety Features: Prioritizing Responsible Ownership

Taurus prioritizes safety, and the 840 Compact integrates multiple mechanisms to ensure secure handling and storage:

• Manual External Safety/Decocker: This lever allows the user to safely decock the hammer, placing the pistol in double-action mode with a longer, heavier trigger pull, making accidental discharge less likely. It also acts as a manual safety, preventing the pistol from firing when engaged.
• Taurus Security System (TSS): A unique integrated lock system that allows the user to render the firearm inoperable with a special key. This is an invaluable feature for secure storage, especially in homes with children, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized use.
• Loaded Chamber Indicator: A visual and tactile indicator that signals when a round is present in the chamber, providing an immediate safety check without needing to manipulate the slide.
• Firing Pin Block: Prevents the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is fully pulled, adding another layer of protection against accidental discharge if the pistol is dropped.

These combined safety features instill confidence in responsible gun owners, knowing their firearm is secure when not in use and safe during handling.

Reliability and Durability: Built to Perform

The Taurus 840 Compact is constructed with robust materials and engineered for consistent performance. The combination of a durable polymer frame and a high-strength steel slide ensures longevity and resilience under various conditions. When you need a firearm to perform, whether for daily concealed carry or in a critical self-defense situation, its reliability is non-negotiable. The 840 Compact is designed to cycle smoothly and consistently, shot after shot, providing the confidence you need in a life-saving tool.

Magazine Capacity and Practical Considerations

With an 11-round magazine capacity, the Taurus 840 Compact offers a substantial number of rounds for a compact pistol. This capacity is generally considered more than adequate for most self-defense scenarios, where encounters are typically brief and involve few shots. For extended training or competitive shooting, additional magazines are readily available. The detachable magazine design facilitates quick reloads, a crucial skill for any firearm user.

Sights and Accuracy: Achieving Your Target

The 840 Compact comes equipped with fixed sights that are practical for its intended defensive role. These sights are designed for rapid target acquisition, allowing users to quickly align them and achieve effective hits at typical self-defense distances. While not designed for precision long-range shooting, they are more than capable of delivering accuracy where it counts. For many users, the ability to quickly present the firearm and get on target is more important than minute-of-angle accuracy at 25 yards in a defensive context.

Versatility with an Accessory Rail

The integrated Picatinny rail on the front of the frame is a significant advantage, allowing owners to customize their firearm with essential accessories. This rail is perfect for:

• Tactical Lights: Illuminating targets in low-light environments, crucial for positive identification.
• Laser Sights: Offering an alternative aiming solution, especially useful for quick, instinctive shooting or for individuals who struggle with traditional sight alignment.

This versatility ensures the Taurus 840 Compact can be adapted to specific user preferences and situational needs, making it an even more effective tool for personal protection.

Maintenance and Care: Simple and Straightforward

Like all firearms, the Taurus 840 Compact requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Its design allows for relatively straightforward field stripping, making routine cleaning accessible even for those new to handgun ownership. Proper care involves:

• Cleaning the barrel and chamber
• Wiping down and lubricating moving parts
• Inspecting for wear and tear

Following the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance will keep your 840 Compact in peak operating condition for years to come.

Who Is the Taurus 840 Compact for?

This handgun is an excellent choice for a diverse group of individuals:

• First-Time Gun Owners: Its array of safety features, combined with manageable recoil for a .40 S&W, makes it a responsible entry point into firearm ownership.
• Individuals Seeking Personal and Home Defense: Provides the confidence of significant stopping power in a package that's easy to handle and conceal.
• Concealed Carry Permit Holders: Meets the critical balance of concealability and effective self-defense capability.
• Those Prioritizing Reliability: Built to a standard that ensures consistent performance when it matters most.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Taurus is known for offering excellent value without compromising on essential features or quality.

Choosing Your Ideal Self-Defense Firearm: Beyond the Caliber

When considering any firearm for personal defense, it's crucial to look beyond just the caliber or capacity. Factors to evaluate include:

• Fit and Feel: Does the handgun feel comfortable and secure in your hand? Can you reach all controls easily?
• Recoil Management: Can you comfortably manage the recoil to allow for quick and accurate follow-up shots?
• Reliability: Is the firearm known for consistent performance and minimal malfunctions?
• Safety Features: Does it have the safety mechanisms that align with your comfort level and training?
• Purpose: Does the firearm align with its primary intended use (e.g., concealed carry, home defense, range fun)?
• Training: Regardless of the firearm chosen, consistent training is paramount. Understanding your weapon, practicing fundamentals, and developing muscle memory are critical for effective self-defense.

The Taurus 840 Compact offers a comprehensive package that addresses many of these considerations directly, providing a solution that is both potent and practical.

The Taurus Legacy: A Commitment to Innovation and Value

Taurus has established itself as a reputable manufacturer in the firearms industry, known for producing a wide range of handguns and revolvers that combine innovation, reliability, and accessibility. With decades of experience, Taurus continually strives to deliver firearms that meet the evolving needs of shooters, from law enforcement to civilians seeking personal protection. The Taurus 840 series is a testament to this commitment, offering modern features and robust construction at a competitive price point, making quality self-defense tools more accessible to a broader audience.

All Taurus firearms, including the versatile 840 Compact .40 S&W (model 510840C11), are available through authorized retailers like DEGuns. When you're ready to acquire a firearm that offers a compelling blend of power, compactness, and dependability for personal protection, DEGuns provides a trusted source for your purchase.

The Taurus 840 Compact chambered in .40 S&W with an 11-round capacity (UPC 725327610014) is more than just a handgun; it's a tool designed to empower individuals with confidence and capability. Whether you are seeking a primary concealed carry weapon, a reliable home defense solution, or a versatile pistol for various shooting disciplines, its blend of robust features, ergonomic design, and comprehensive safety systems makes it an outstanding choice. It truly answers the call for a powerful yet manageable compact firearm, ready to serve when it matters most.

Feature	Description	Detail
Model	Taurus 840 Compact	510840C11
Caliber	.40 S&W	Potent Self-Defense
Capacity	11 Rounds	Detachable Magazine
Frame Material	Polymer	Lightweight, Durable
Slide Material	Steel	Robust Construction
Finish	Black	Non-Reflective, Discreet
Action	DA/SA (Double Action/Single Action)	Hammer-Fired
Safety Features	Manual Safety, Decocker, Firing Pin Block, Taurus Security System (TSS), Loaded Chamber Indicator	Comprehensive Protection
Sights	Fixed Front and Rear	Rapid Acquisition
Accessory Rail	Picatinny Rail	Lights/Lasers Compatible
UPC		725327610014