The lore behind Taurus' TH40C defensive pistol begins with the creation of the .40 S&W chambering in the early 1990s. These days, the .40 S&W plays an interesting role in today’s market. At the time of its introduction, it served as law enforcement’s answer to the perceived lack of stopping power generated by the 9mm chambering; it touted a heavier bullet weight and a satisfactory magazine capacity when compared to various handguns chambered in 9mm and .45 ACP.
The majority of law enforcement agencies have long since drifted back to duty guns chambered in 9mm with ammunition optimized for defensive measures, leaving .40 S&W as the forgotten sibling. While 9mm and .45 ACP remain amongst the most popular options for defensive carry guns today, .40 S&W still has a measurable following of shooters who view it as the perfect blend of traits.
For this review and a closer look at the round for which it was chambered, we chose the Taurus TH40C. This compact, hammer-fired pistol features a polymer frame with a stainless-steel slide and barrel. The frame is complete with deep finger grooves and well-paced stippling, all of which provide the shooter with a natural, secure, and ergonomic grip.
The rearward portion of the steel slide features serrations that aid in manipulation, making it easy to rack even when wearing gloves, or if your skin is damp. As far as safety is concerned, Taurus equipped this handgun with a manual thumb safety and a loaded chamber indicator. Alongside the bottom of the polymer frame is a short section of Picatinny rail for mounting additional accessories you may prefer, such as a laser or light.
Internally, the hammer-fired DA/SA mechanism presents a heavy, initial trigger press. Trigger pull weight is cut in half with subsequent shots in single action, sending lead downrange faster and requiring less effort from the trigger finger. The sighting system is kept simple, with the TH40C equipped with a set of drift-adjustable Novak white-dot sights.
Since the .40 S&W chambering initially catered to those seeking an alternative defensive round, we conducted our testing at 15 yards, as most defensive encounters occur between 3 and 15 yards. For our testing, we were shooting from a Caldwell Rock Deluxe Rest and utilizing an Athlon Optics Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph. The lead we were sending downrange came courtesy of Winchester USA Ready, Browning X-Point, and Winchester Target & Practice.
The Winchester Target & Practice 165-grain FMJ delivered consistent performance with a muzzle velocity of 1,028 feet per second (fps), and an average group size of 2.5", making it a well-performing and economical choice for general range use. The Browning X-Point Defense 180gr JHP stood out with its X-Point hollow-point design, average group size of 1.75", and a velocity of 1,036 fps, making it an ideal solution for defensive applications. Rounding out the trio, Winchester USA Ready 180gr FMJ yielded consistent 2” groups and an average velocity of 980 fps, perfect for those seeking a little more precision, perhaps for competition or various drills. Each load cycled without a single hiccup through the TH40C, leaving us confident in recommending it to others, as it performed reliably with both defensive rounds as well as those geared towards more casual range use.
As with all firearms, there will come a time when it becomes necessary to clean it to maintain function and reliability. Fortunately, the takedown and reassembly process of the TH40C is straightforward. After ensuring that the firearm is clear of ammunition, remove the magazine and lock the slide to its rearmost position. Take another look inside the chamber and magazine well area to ensure no ammunition is present. To remove the slide, pull it back even further, ever so slightly, with one hand, while pulling the disassembly latch downwards with your other hand. Next, simply release the slide first, then release the disassembly latch you had just pressed down. Lastly, press and release the trigger, allowing the slide to move forward and clear the frame. To complete disassembly, compress the recoil spring assembly, allowing it to be pulled free of the slide, with the barrel removed in a similar manner.
In a market dominated by polymer-framed striker-fired 9mm handguns, the Taurus TH40C is a refreshing nod to .40 S&W and the history behind its introduction. During testing, it produced consistent results and functioned reliably throughout the entire range session. While .40 S&W may not win the popularity contest when compared to 9mm and .45 ACP, it does serve as a valid option for shooters looking to find the sweet spot between stopping power and handling. Whether you are on the search for a gun that embodies these characteristics or simply find yourself wanting to revisit the caliber out of nostalgia, the Taurus TH40C provides the perfect platform in which to do so. MSRP $396.95; taurususa.com.
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