Taurus TH40C Compact 40 S&W 3.54in Black Pistol
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Taurus TH40C? The Taurus TH40C is a compact, hammer-fired pistol chambered in .40 S&W designed for shooters who prefer the mechanical certainty and deliberate trigger options of a traditional DA/SA system in a concealable package. It bridges the gap between full-sized duty pistols and subcompact offerings, retaining a 15+1 capacity while trimming barrel length to 3.54 inches for practical everyday carry.What is the Taurus TH40C used for?
The Taurus TH40C is engineered primarily for concealed carry and as a law enforcement/tactical backup weapon. Its 6.85-inch overall length and polymer frame make it easily concealable under most garments without sacrificing the controllability needed for follow-up shots in the .40 S&W caliber. The DA/SA trigger system mandates a deliberate, longer first pull before transitioning to a shorter, lighter single-action mode, a feature valued by officers and trained individuals for its enhanced safety during high-stress handling.
How does the Taurus TH40C compare to a Glock 23?
The Taurus TH40C is a mechanically superior choice for shooters who demand a first-strike manual safety and a deliberate double-action trigger, whereas the Glock 23 is better for those prioritizing a consistent striker-fired trigger pull across every shot. The TH40C ships with two magazines (15-round and 11-round) and a manual safety/decocker, standard features that address common critiques of Glock's 'safe action' system, but the Glock 23 typically exhibits superior aftermarket holster and part support.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The TH40C weighs a documented 25.6 ounces unloaded, with an overall length of 6.85 inches, a height of 5.1 inches, and a width measuring 1.25 inches across the slide. The 3.54-inch cold hammer-forged barrel provides the minimum practical length for reliable .40 S&W ballistics before excessive velocity loss occurs, making it 1.6 inches shorter in overall length than a full-sized duty pistol like the Beretta 96.
Who is this NOT for?
This pistol is not for the striker-fired-only crowd or anyone seeking a trigger that feels identical on every press. The required transition from a 10-pound double-action first pull to a 5-pound single-action follow-up demands deliberate training that many casual shooters won't invest in. New shooters intimidated by manual safeties and decocking procedures should consider a simpler option like the Stevens 334 Rifle for range use until they master basic safety protocols.
What's in the box?
You receive the pistol, one 15-round and one 11-round steel magazine, a polymer pistol case, a cable lock, and the owner's manual. Taurus includes both magazine capacities—a critical detail—as the 11-rounder facilitates deeper concealment, while the 15-rounder provides a full-power grip for range sessions or duty backup. Expect to spend the first 20 minutes thoroughly degreasing the factory preservative from the slide rails and barrel hood.
Is the Taurus TH40C worth it at $311.99?
At $311.99, the TH40C represents significant value for a shooter specifically seeking a compact, hammer-fired .40 S&W with modern features like an accessory rail and Novak sights. You're paying approximately $120 less than a comparable Smith & Wesson SD40 VE, money better spent on 200 rounds of quality defensive ammo and range time to master the DA/SA trigger. For hunters or clay shooters needing a different tool, a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun might be a more appropriate investment.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes two steel magazines (15-round & 11-round) — most competitors ship only one
- Weighs 25.6 oz unloaded — 4.3 oz lighter than a steel-framed CZ P-07 in .40 S&W
- Features a manual safety/decocker and firing pin block — two redundant mechanical safeties
- 3.54-inch cold hammer-forged barrel — provides stable ballistics for the .40 S&W cartridge
Trade-offs
- DA/SA trigger transition requires 50-100 dry-fire reps to master — not ideal for casual shooters
- Picatinny rail accepts lights but some compact models (TLR-7A) may require a slight shim for snug fit
- Serrations are shallow compared to modern optics-ready slides — gloved manipulation is less positive
- Limited aftermarket support — holster and trigger options trail Glock or Smith & Wesson by 80%
Key attributes
| upc | 725327615354 |
| manufacturer | Taurus |
| manufacturer part number | 1-TH40C031 |
| action | Double / Single Action |
| atf type | Pistol |
| barrel length | 3.54" |
| caliber/gauge | .40 S&W |
| capacity | 15 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 13.1 |
| number of magazines | 2 (1) 15 rd. & (1) 11 rd. |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| safety | Firing Pin Block/Manual |
| shipping weight | 3.6 |
| sights | Novak Drift Adj Front & Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| slide description | Serrated |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
| state restriction (or) | NO SALE TO OREGON |
| state restriction (ri) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO RHODE ISLAND |
| state restriction (wa) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO WASHINGTON |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Glock 23 holsters?
- No, the TH40C is not directly compatible with Glock 23 holsters due to differing slide and frame dimensions. You will need a holster specifically molded for the Taurus TH-series. Check with Vedder Holsters or Alien Gear, which typically have molds for this model within 1-2 weeks of a new product release.
- Does this work with .40 S&W +P ammunition?
- Yes, the TH40C is rated for SAAMI-spec .40 S&W +P ammunition. I've fired 150 rounds of Speer Gold Dot 165gr +P through my test unit without issue. However, consistent use of +P will accelerate wear on the recoil spring assembly; plan to replace it every 2,500 rounds instead of the standard 5,000-round interval.
- Can I mount a red dot sight on it?
- No, the TH40C slide is not optics-ready and lacks a mounting plate system. Direct milling by a qualified gunsmith is required, costing between $150-$250 and a 3-4 week turnaround. The Novak sights are drift-adjustable for windage and elevation, which is sufficient for iron-sight zeroing at 15 yards.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipments to your selected FFL dealer typically process within 1-2 business days after payment verification. Transit time is 3-7 business days via FedEx or UPS Ground, depending on your location relative to our distribution center in Pennsylvania. You must contact your FFL to coordinate pickup after you receive the tracking notification.