Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double-action-only revolver built on a concealed-hammer steel JC frame for a penny-start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson Model 40, also known as The Centennial.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 40
Serial: L9091
Date of Manufacture: 1971-1974
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 2" Pinned
Optics/Sights: 1/10" Serrated Ramp Front with Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth High Horn Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double-Action Only Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 40 is a compact, double–action–only revolver that traces its lineage to the innovative Centennial design first introduced in the early 1950s. Built on Smith & Wesson’s small J-frame, the Model 40 features an internal hammer, giving it a fully enclosed, snag-free profile ideally suited for concealed carry. Typically chambered in .38 Special, the revolver was designed with simplicity and safety in mind, relying on a long, deliberate double-action trigger pull rather than an external hammer or manual safety. Its minimalist form, short barrel, and robust steel construction made it appealing to plainclothes law enforcement officers and civilians seeking a reliable defensive revolver that could be drawn quickly from a pocket or holster without risk of snagging.
Model: 40
Serial: L9091
Date of Manufacture: 1971-1974
Caliber: .38 S&W Special
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 2" Pinned
Optics/Sights: 1/10" Serrated Ramp Front with Square Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth High Horn Walnut Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double-Action Only Revolver
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 40 is a compact, double–action–only revolver that traces its lineage to the innovative Centennial design first introduced in the early 1950s. Built on Smith & Wesson’s small J-frame, the Model 40 features an internal hammer, giving it a fully enclosed, snag-free profile ideally suited for concealed carry. Typically chambered in .38 Special, the revolver was designed with simplicity and safety in mind, relying on a long, deliberate double-action trigger pull rather than an external hammer or manual safety. Its minimalist form, short barrel, and robust steel construction made it appealing to plainclothes law enforcement officers and civilians seeking a reliable defensive revolver that could be drawn quickly from a pocket or holster without risk of snagging.
From a historical and collector perspective, the Smith & Wesson Model 40 represents an important step in the evolution of modern concealed-carry handguns. It demonstrated an early recognition of the demand for compact, hammerless revolvers that prioritized discretion and ease of use over target-oriented features. While later lightweight aluminum-frame variants would expand the Centennial concept, the all-steel Model 40 retained a reputation for durability and controllability. Today, it is appreciated as both a practical classic and a historically significant design that helped shape the direction of defensive revolvers, bridging traditional revolver craftsmanship with forward-looking concealed-carry innovation.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the factory-labeled box and all other contents as pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1151862481 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-02-08 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1000 |




