Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Steyr Mannlicher GmbH & Co. KG More Info

About the Gun

The S9 and S40 models represent the initial subcompact offerings in the Steyr M family, following closely behind the medium-frame M9 and M40 introductions. These models emerged shortly after the platform's debut, with evidence pointing to availability and production ramping up around 2000, though prototypes and early development aligned with the late 1990s timeline of the core M series (which began serial production in 1999). They featured smoother frame contours without accessory rails, rounder trigger guards, and the foundational low-bore-axis design that became a hallmark of the line, prioritizing concealability with reduced overall dimensions, shorter grips

Production

This model was produced from 2000 to 2004.

Market value

The MSRP for this gun when new is approximately $550-$600 based on recent data. For a used one in 95% condition, the market value is around $350-$400, reflecting 2024-2025 pricing trends.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.40 Smith & Wesson
Alias:	N/A
More Info

Analysis

In the handgun market of the early 2000s, the original S9 and S40 occupied a limited niche among polymer striker-fired compacts, competing against models like the Glock 19/23, early XD variants, and Smith & Wesson Sigma offerings. Their geometry allowed for notably flat shooting and rapid follow-ups relative to size, with the low bore axis and grip angle contributing to consistent control that users often noted as effective for the era's concealed carry options. Distribution remained inconsistent in the U.S., with Steyr's import presence fluctuating, which restricted broader exposure and adoption compared to more aggressively marketed competitors. The short production window before the 2004 A1 revisions—along with minimal aftermarket development—has positioned surviving examples as collectible items among those familiar with the platform, where values are influenced more by scarcity and condition than widespread demand, though the design's handling characteristics continue to draw interest from enthusiasts evaluating early iterations of Austrian polymer striker systems.