The Taurus PT840 is a full-size, polymer-framed, hammer-fired .40 S&W pistol featuring a 4-inch barrel, 15+1 capacity, traditional DA/SA trigger with frame-mounted safety/decocker, and fully ambidextrous controls.
This Brazilian-made duty pistol measures approximately 8.3 inches in overall length and weighs approximately 29.6 ounces unloaded, intended as a service or home-defense sidearm.
The PT840 is discontinued and was dropped alongside the PT809 as Taurus moved to the updated TH-series amid concerns that the 800-series was not adequately drop-safe.
What Made the Taurus PT840 Attractive to Budget .40 S&W Buyers?
The Taurus PT840 delivered substantial .40 S&W capability, 15+1 capacity, DA/SA trigger with decocker, ambidextrous controls, and accessory rail, at prices that significantly undercut competitors. For budget-conscious shooters wanting full-power .40 S&W in a feature-rich package, the PT840 represented compelling value during its production years.
Taurus Armas manufactured the PT840 in Brazil, with Taurus USA handling distribution. The platform appeared around 2009-2010 as part of Taurus's "Triple Threat" 800-series family alongside the PT809 (9mm) and PT845 (.45 ACP). American Rifleman's 2010 coverage highlighted the shared architecture delivering user-friendliness and practical precision.
The PT840 offered features typically found on more expensive duty pistols: ambidextrous safety/decocker, ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release, interchangeable backstraps, accessory rail, and Novak-style 3-dot sights. Street prices in the mid-$300s made it accessible for budget-minded shooters seeking .40 S&W power.
Discontinuation occurred as Taurus transitioned to the TH-series (TH40) amid reported concerns that the 800-series was "not drop safe." A 2017 Firing Line thread claims "there is no fix for the 800 series to make them drop safe." While no separate PT840-only recall exists like the Millennium settlement, this perception significantly influences buyer caution today.
What Are the Complete Specifications of the Taurus PT840?
The Taurus PT840 chambers .40 S&W with 15+1 capacity from double-stack magazines. It measures approximately 8.3 inches (210mm) in overall length with a 4.0-inch (102mm) barrel and weighs approximately 29.6 ounces (839g) unloaded.
Caliber
The PT840 chambers .40 S&W exclusively, delivering full-power performance in a duty-size platform. The locked-breech, tilting-barrel design handles the .40 S&W cartridge's pressure reliably.
Genitron notes durability is "generally solid" and "built to handle the .40 S&W cartridge."
Dimensions
Overall length reaches approximately 8.3 inches (210mm)—full duty-size for comfortable shooting and adequate sight radius.
The 4.0-inch barrel provides velocity advantages over shorter barrels. Height follows full-size duty profile. These dimensions suit duty, home defense, and range use rather than concealed carry.
Weight Specifications
Unloaded weight reaches approximately 29.6 ounces (839g). This substantial weight helps manage .40 S&W recoil effectively. The polymer frame with steel inserts provides durability while keeping weight reasonable compared to all-metal alternatives.
Magazine Capacity
Standard double-stack magazines provide 15+1 capacity—competitive with other duty .40 S&W pistols. Finding factory magazines grows increasingly difficult as the platform ages, though TH-series components sometimes fill gaps.
Action Type
Traditional DA/SA trigger with external hammer provides the operational flexibility many duty-pistol users prefer. The frame-mounted safety lever functions as both manual safety (allowing cocked-and-locked carry) and decocker when pushed past the "fire" detent to safely drop the hammer.
How Does the Taurus PT840 Design Support Duty and Defense Use?
The PT840 features a polymer frame with steel inserts and interchangeable backstraps paired with a steel slide in Tenifer-type black or stainless finish.
Fully ambidextrous controls duplicate safety/decocker, slide stop, and magazine release on both sides. Fixed or Novak-style 3-dot sights provide proven sight acquisition.
Frame and Slide Construction
The polymer frame incorporates steel inserts for durability with interchangeable backstraps for grip customization—the full 800-series frame design. Steel slides came with Tenifer-type black finish or stainless finish, featuring front and rear serrations for confident manipulation.
Ergonomics and Grip Design
The full-size grip with interchangeable backstraps "accommodates various hand sizes" per WhichGun. Forum posters describe the PT840 as comfortable even during extended sessions.
A High Road user reported the pistol as "very reliable and accurate" with "no complaints," highlighting comfortable handling.
Sight Configuration
Fixed or Novak-style 3-dot sights dovetailed front and rear provide proven sight acquisition. The quality sights represent a significant feature advantage over some budget competitors. The full-size sight radius aids practical accuracy.
Controls and Safety Systems
Fully ambidextrous layout duplicates safety/decocker, slide stop, and magazine release on both sides—genuine ambidextrous operation without needing reversible parts. Left-handed shooters particularly appreciate this thoughtful design.
The safety lever serves double duty: up for manual safety (Condition 1 carry), down past fire to decock.
Additional features include internal firing-pin block, Taurus Security System (key-lock) on many models, and an integral accessory rail on the dust cover for mounting lights or lasers.
Trigger System
Traditional DA/SA operation provides long double-action first pull (around 5-6 pounds per Genitron's summary, though owners often perceive DA as heavier) with lighter single-action subsequent shots. Second-strike capability appeals to those wanting the option on a duty pistol. The trigger is generally called "crisp" with usable DA and lighter SA operation.
What Variants of the Taurus PT840 Were Produced?
Taurus produced the PT840 in full-size and compact (PT840C) configurations with various frame colors and slide finishes. No factory optics-ready or threaded-barrel versions exist. The TH40 represents the platform's evolutionary successor.
PT840 (Full Size)
The standard PT840 features a 4-inch barrel with 15+1 capacity, DA/SA trigger with safety/decocker, and full-size frame. This configuration represents the most common variant on the used market.
PT840 Compact (PT840C)
The PT840C compact variant features a shorter barrel and grip for improved concealment while maintaining .40 S&W chambering. Genitron lists this compact model with reduced dimensions for concealed carry applications.
Finish and Frame Variants
Frame and slide color variants (gray frame, black frame, stainless slide) existed without mechanical differences. All variants share the same action type, capacity, and control layout.
Successor: Taurus TH40
The TH40 is widely regarded as the PT840's successor, built on the same fundamental DA/SA hammer-fired concept with updated ergonomics, styling, and reportedly improved safety design.
Reviewers frequently mention the TH series when discussing the 800-series discontinuation. The TH40 offers current factory support absent for the PT840.
What Similar Pistols Compete with the Taurus PT840?
The SIG P229 in .40 S&W offers premium DA/SA operation at significantly higher cost. The Glock 22 delivers proven striker-fired .40 S&W with extensive aftermarket.
The Smith & Wesson M&P40 provides similar capacity with mainstream support. The CZ P-07 offers DA/SA in modern polymer. The PT840 served as a "working man's .40" rather than premium service pistol—similar capability at much lower initial cost.
How Does the Taurus PT840 Perform at the Range?
The PT840 delivers good to very good accuracy with manageable .40 S&W recoil for its size and weight. Reliability earns positive marks from most owners, though the platform's drop-safety concerns overshadow pure function discussions. T
he DA/SA trigger provides functional performance typical of the category.
Accuracy Testing
Accuracy earns consistently positive reviews. WhichGun and Genitron describe accuracy as "commendable" with consistent performance at moderate ranges suitable for defensive use.
American Rifleman's 800-series feature notes "good accuracy potential." A High Road user reported the PT840 was "very reliable and accurate." One range video demonstrates hits at 100 yards, underscoring mechanical capability beyond typical defensive distances when the shooter does their part.
Recoil Characteristics
Recoil proves manageable for a full-size .40 S&W—more energetic than 9mm but tamed by the gun's size and weight.
Some shooters describe recoil as "sharp during rapid fire," expected for a relatively light .40 S&W platform. Shooters accustomed to .40 S&W find it controllable; new or recoil-sensitive shooters may prefer 9mm for prolonged training.
Reliability Assessment
Within PT840-specific reports, most owners describe the pistol as "very reliable and accurate" with no serious complaints. WhichGun notes the PT840 offers "commendable reliability, running smoothly with a variety of .40 S&W loads."
Multiple YouTube range reviews show examples running without malfunctions, calling them "budget-friendly" pistols that "just run" when properly maintained.
However, the broader reputation of the 800-series as potentially not drop-safe in some conditions means reliability is only part of the conversation. Buyers must weigh perceived safety margins and lack of an official fix alongside function testing.
Trigger Performance
The DA/SA trigger earns generally positive reviews. Double-action proves usable if long; single-action provides lighter, crisper operation. Second-strike capability adds practical value for duty applications. The trigger is considered functional rather than refined—appropriate for the price point.
What Ammunition Works Best in the Taurus PT840?
The PT840 functions reliably with various .40 S&W ammunition in properly maintained examples. Standard defensive loads and practice ammunition both run well based on owner reports. Quality ammunition contributes to reliable function.
Defensive Load Selection
Premium defensive hollow-points from Federal, Speer, Hornady, and similar manufacturers function in properly maintained PT840 examples. The 15+1 capacity provides substantial defensive capability. Test your specific gun with chosen defensive ammunition before carrying.
Practice Ammunition
Standard brass-cased .40 S&W FMJ ammunition suits range sessions. Budget-minded shooters can train economically while confirming function with defensive loads. The .40 S&W recoil may limit comfortable round counts during extended sessions.
Pre-Carry Testing
Given the platform's complicated safety narrative, extensive function testing before defensive reliance proves essential. Run several hundred rounds through any PT840 to verify proper function with your chosen ammunition.
What Are the Best Use Cases for the Taurus PT840?
The PT840 serves primarily as a budget home defense option or range gun for .40 S&W enthusiasts. The drop-safety concerns documented in forum discussions warrant caution for primary defensive reliance. The full-size dimensions limit concealed carry utility.
Is the Taurus PT840 Good for Concealed Carry?
Concealed carry represents a challenging PT840 application. At 8.3 inches overall and approximately 29.6 ounces, it's large and heavy compared to modern compacts.
The PT840C compact variant improved concealment potential, but most carriers today choose smaller options. The reported drop-safety concerns create additional hesitation for carry use where the gun might be jostled or dropped.
Does the Taurus PT840 Work for Home Defense?
Home defense represents a possible PT840 application, with the 15+1 .40 S&W capacity providing substantial firepower.
The accessory rail accommodates weapon lights. However, the drop-safety concerns documented in owner discussions warrant careful consideration. Many shooters in this price range now prefer modern 9mm alternatives with cleaner safety narratives.
Can the Taurus PT840 Compete in Shooting Sports?
The PT840 can serve in production-class competitions where DA/SA pistols compete. However, limited aftermarket support for trigger upgrades and holster options compared to mainstream platforms creates challenges.
The .40 S&W recoil may prove fatiguing during extended competition sessions. Casual competition and skill development prove more realistic applications.
Is This a Budget Workhorse or Complicated Bargain?
The PT840 functioned as a budget workhorse offering premium features at low cost, but the drop-safety concerns and discontinued status complicate the value proposition today.
Some owners continue using existing pistols for range use or budget home defense, while others avoid the 800-series entirely given the safety narrative.
What Are the Pros and Cons of the Taurus PT840?
Strengths:
- 15+1 .40 S&W capacity
- DA/SA trigger with decocker
- Fully ambidextrous controls
- Interchangeable backstraps
- Accessory rail for lights/lasers
- Novak-style 3-dot sights
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Good practical accuracy
- Manageable recoil for .40 S&W
- Strong value at budget pricing
- Generally reliable when maintained
- Second-strike trigger capability
Limitations:
- Discontinued—limited factory support
- Drop-safety concerns documented in discussions
- "Not drop safe" claims influenced discontinuation
- Taurus brand-wide QC reputation concerns
- Parts availability increasingly difficult
- Large and heavy for concealed carry
- .40 S&W declining in popularity vs 9mm
- No official fix for safety concerns
- Limited aftermarket compared to mainstream
- Complicated safety narrative for defensive use
- TH40 successor offers better support
Should You Buy a Taurus PT840?
The Taurus PT840 earns a heavily conditional recommendation only for informed buyers who understand the platform's drop-safety concerns and discontinued status. While functional capability impressed many owners, the safety narrative and lack of support complicate any recommendation.
Who Should Consider the Taurus PT840?
The PT840 might suit range-focused shooters finding deeply discounted used examples who want .40 S&W practice on a budget. Collectors interested in Taurus history have reason to preserve examples. Those who already own thoroughly vetted PT840s may continue using them with appropriate caution.
Buyers wanting defensive firearms should consider modern alternatives with cleaner safety narratives.
Those prioritizing .40 S&W should evaluate the TH40 successor with current factory support. Budget-conscious buyers might prefer modern 9mm options offering higher capacity, softer recoil, and broader support.
Value Assessment
Used PT840 pistols at deeply discounted prices represent complicated value. The feature set—15+1 capacity, DA/SA with decocker, ambidextrous controls, accessory rail—costs more on competing platforms.
However, the drop-safety concerns and discontinued status significantly impact practical value for defensive applications. Range-only use presents less concern.
Long-Term Ownership Considerations
The PT840's discontinued status creates significant long-term concerns. Parts availability grows increasingly difficult, though TH-series components sometimes fill gaps. The drop-safety concerns documented in forum discussions lack official remedy.
The TH40 represents the platform's evolutionary successor with current factory support and reportedly improved safety design. Prospective buyers should carefully weigh whether the budget savings justify the complicated safety narrative.
The Taurus PT840 delivered genuine .40 S&W capability at budget prices, earning satisfied owners who appreciated the feature set. However, the drop-safety concerns that reportedly contributed to discontinuation create complications that modern alternatives avoid—making careful evaluation essential for any prospective buyer