First Look: Steyr L40-A1

Steyr Arms has announced that the .40 S&W version of its popular full-size L-A1 service pistol is now available to U.S. customers. Following on the heels of last year's introduction of the L9-A1, the L40-A1 pistol features a full-length slide, 4.5-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel and 12-round magazine capacity.

The full-size polymer frame was designed to place the barrel axis lower in the hand, intended to mitigate muzzle rise while creating a comfortable grip angle and a natural point of aim.

Like previous L-A1 service pistols, the drift-adjustable sights on the L40-A1 are in Steyr's intuitive trapezoidal configuration. A Picatinny rail on the frame's dust cover serves as a mounting point for any additional illumination and laser-aiming devices.

The L40-A1 features a recently redesigned Reset Action System trigger, which requires positive finger pressure to operate Steyr's double-action only mechanism. The striker-fired pistol also incorporates a keyed safety lock for added security.

The suggested retail price of the Steyr L40-A1 pistol is $560.