From the reliable handguns used by civilians to service weapons carried by police, the Taurus brand has cemented its reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of EDC pistols and revolvers. Taurus handguns have been a popular choice for gun enthusiasts for decades. The company offers a wide range of pistols and revolvers in various calibers, sizes, and features, making it easy for gun owners to find the perfect fit for their needs.
Taurus firearms occupy a unique position in the American gun market, delivering functional capability at price points that make firearm ownership accessible to budget-conscious shooters. This pricing enables firearm ownership for budget-conscious buyers but comes with trade-offs in fit, finish, and occasionally quality control consistency.
The history of Taurus handguns dates back to 1941, when the company was founded in Brazil. Since then, Taurus has become a leading manufacturer of firearms, with a reputation for producing reliable and affordable handguns. Over the years, Taurus has become one of the major handgun brands in the world, with products serving professional defense forces, law enforcement, personal defense practitioners, competitive shooters, target shooters, and hunters alike.
Founded in 1939, Forjas Taurus is a manufacturing conglomerate based in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul Brazil. Taurus started as a tool manufacturing company and gradually expanded into firearms, becoming one of the largest small arms manufacturers in the world. In the 1970s, Taurus purchased Beretta's manufacturing facility in Brazil, allowing them to produce high-quality firearms with modern technology.
In addition to its operations in Brazil, Taurus has a significant presence in the United States through Taurus USA, its American subsidiary. A U.S. facility also enhances Taurus’s ability to provide rapid customer support, warranty services, and parts availability.
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Whether you're a seasoned gun owner or a first-time buyer, Taurus handguns offer a range of features and technologies to suit your needs. From striker-fired models to double-action/single-action options, Taurus handguns are designed to provide a comfortable and reliable shooting experience. Also, the majority of models come equipped with loaded chamber indicators and slide-mounted safeties.
Taurus handguns are available in a wide range of calibers, including .22 LR, .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .357 Magnum.
Taurus Pistol Series
Taurus is known for producing reliable, affordable, and innovative firearms that cater to a wide range of users, from concealed carry permit holders to handgun hunters. The Taurus G2 and G3 series are favored for personal defense.
Here's a closer look at some of the most popular Taurus pistol series:
Taurus G2 Series
The Taurus G2 series is a popular line of compact handguns that are known for their reliability and affordability. The Taurus G2 pistols were designed for everyday carry, with a streamlined ergonomic design and rugged compact polymer frame being their key advantages. The G2 series includes the G2C and G2S models, all of which are chambered for 9mm.
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The PT111 Millennium G2 was the first pistol in the G2 line, released in 2013. The current flagship model of the Taurus G2 series is the Taurus G2C. This 9mm handgun features a 3.2-inch barrel and a 12-round capacity magazine. It also comes with a steel ramp front sight and adjustable rear sight for improved accuracy when shooting. The lightweight polymer frame makes it easy to conceal and comfortable to carry all day long. The model is equipped with a number of safety features implemented in the majority of other G-series pistols.
The Taurus G2C shines in personal defense situations, providing just the right amount of firepower in a discreet package. With its affordability-typically priced around $250-$300-this series appeals to first-time buyers or those on a budget.
The Taurus G2C is often compared to its nearest relative, the Taurus G2S. Both pistols feature similar ergonomics and design, but there are some key differences between them. The Taurus G2C is slightly bigger and heavier than the G2S, which allows for better recoil management. Additionally, the grip on the G2C is slightly wider than that of the G2S, making it more comfortable to hold during extended shooting sessions.
Overall, the Taurus G2 series of pistols offer reliable performance and great value for those looking for an everyday carry gun that won't break their budget.
It only comes in compact models while the G3 series has full-size and hybrid models available.
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Taurus G3 Series
The Taurus G3 is the most popular series of EDC handguns from Taurus. The G3 series is another popular line of handguns from Taurus. These handguns are similar to the G2 series but feature a larger frame and magazine capacity. It is the most varied line of pistols that includes compact, full-size and hybrid firearms, introduced in 2019.
The first model in the series is the Taurus G3. This full-size pistol has a Picatinny rail (Mil-STD 1913) to accommodate aftermarket extras and a Gen 3 trigger system for improved accuracy and control. It also has an ergonomic design with textured grips for better handling, as well as an ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release. Like other pistols in the series, Taurus G3 features a double-strike trigger.
The second model in the series is the Taurus G3C. This compact 15-round pistol has all the features of its bigger brother, but with a shorter barrel and grip for easier concealment and portability.
The third model in the series is the Taurus G3X. This hybrid pistol combines features from both full-size and compact models, making it ideal for those who want the best from both worlds. It has a longer barrel than its smaller counterpart but still retains its slim profile for easy carrying. It also features a refined 6-lb trigger with a smooth take-up and crisp break.
Finally, there’s the Taurus G3XL, another hybrid that also took after the original G3 model, but inherited features different from G3X. It has a standard barrel of 4 inches, but is slightly lighter than the original and thus is classified as a compact pistol.
Expanding on the success of the G2, the G3 series introduces a full-size alternative with greater firepower while maintaining affordability. The G3 and G3C models come with advanced trigger systems and refined ergonomics. The Taurus G3C is perfect for those who prefer compact firearms but want slightly more capacity than the G2C, while the full-size Taurus G3 works well for open carry or as a bedside defense pistol. These models typically range from $300 to $350, offering one of the best values for a high-capacity, versatile handgun.
When comparing Taurus G3 Series with their predecessor -Taurus G2 Series-, we can see that both lines offer similar features such as adjustable rear sights, ergonomic designs with textured grips and ambidextrous slide stops/magazine releases, but what sets them is size.
If you are in the market for a self-defense or concealed carry pistol, the Taurus G3 series is always a safe choice, being the brand’s most appraised line of pistols. The Taurus G3 series is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable full-size EDC self-defense pistol. These handguns feature adjustable sights, interchangeable grips and a 17+1 capacity which is usually enough to stop any self-defense situation.
Taurus G3C
Taurus GX4 Series
The Taurus GX4 series of pistols is the latest innovation in concealed carry firearms engineering. The GX4 series is Taurus' latest addition to their handgun lineup. These handguns are micro-compact and are designed for concealed carry. It's the brand's first micro-compact 9mm pistol, setting a new standard for concealed carry.
The GX4 comes in two models: the standard GX4 and the GX4XL. The standard model has a 3.06” barrel and holds 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition while the XL model features a 3.71” barrel and can hold 13 rounds. The Taurus G4XL also features a longer slide.
Compared to previous generations of Taurus handguns, the GX4 series is a pinnacle of EDC engineering. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry all day without added bulk or discomfort, while its gas piston technology ensures smooth operation with every shot fired.
With its slim profile and 11+1 capacity, the Taurus GX4 is ideal for deep concealment. Priced around $300-$350, it provides incredible value in the increasingly competitive micro-compact market.
Taurus 1911 Series
Taurus’s take on the classic 1911 brings a modern touch to a time-honored design. The Taurus 1911 series is a line of handguns that are modeled after the classic 1911 design. Known for its smooth trigger and customizable options, the Taurus 1911 is popular with competitive shooters and enthusiasts who appreciate the .45 ACP or 9mm chamberings.
These handguns are known for their accuracy and reliability. The 1911 series includes the 1911, 1911 Officer, and 1911 Commander models.
The Taurus 1911 shines in competitive shooting and as a collector's item for those who love the iconic 1911 platform. The combination of reliability, customization options, and affordability-averaging around $500 to $600-makes this series one of the best values in the 1911 category.
Taurus TX22 Series
The TX22 series revolutionizes the rimfire market with its sleek, full-size design and high capacity for a .22 LR pistol. The Taurus TX22 disrupted the rimfire market by delivering 16+1 capacity, suppressor-ready threaded barrel, and competition-ready features at $300-$500 pricing-earning Guns & Ammo's Handgun of the Year in 2019.
Lightweight, yet durable, this series is perfect for target practice or teaching new shooters due to its low recoil. The Taurus TX22, often priced around $300, is great for those looking for a budget-friendly, high-capacity rimfire handgun. With its 16-round magazine, it outshines many competitors in the same category. It's also popular for casual shooting and training, offering a great platform for both experienced shooters and beginners alike.
Taurus Revolver Series
Taurus manufactures and sells more revolvers than anyone else in the world. Some seasoned revolver users very much like to hunt with a wheel gun.
Here's a look at some of the top Taurus revolver models:
Taurus Judge Series
The Taurus Judge series is a unique line of handguns that are chambered for both .410 shotgun shells and .45 Colt cartridges. The Taurus Judge is one of the brand’s most iconic revolvers, capable of chambering both .45 Colt and .410 shotshells. These handguns are popular among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a versatile tool, excelling in both self-defense and varmint control.
The Judge was officially introduced in 2006, but Poole’s history with it dates back to beta testing a sample in 2005. It was an instant success for Taurus, even landing a role in the hands of Mark Wahlberg for the movie “Max Payne” (2008). Though the performance of the .410 shells in it were exaggerated on the silver screen, the Judge was met with high demand and resulted in the development of modern .410 loads for defense from every major ammunition manufacturer.
In 2010, the Raging Judge was introduced that expanded this line to hunting uses, and that same year the Poly Judge and Public Defender Poly models proved that Taurus engineers could make the design lighter and more practical for concealed carry users.
The Taurus Judge is designed for those looking for a revolver that can handle multiple roles, whether in home defense, as a car gun, or for rural carry. The versatility of firing both shotshells and .45 Colt rounds makes it suitable for personal defense, pest control, and even light hunting.
The Taurus Judge is a .410 revolver.
Taurus Raging Hunter Series
Built for serious handgun hunters, the Raging Hunter series boasts large calibers like .44 Magnum and .454 Casull. The Taurus Raging Hunter delivers big-bore hunting capability at prices typically under $1,000-dramatically less than comparable Smith & Wesson or Ruger options.
This revolver combines power with precision, thanks to its cushioned grip and integrated rail system. With its hefty frame and precision design, the Raging Hunter is made for those who need stopping power in the field. Hunters looking for a reliable sidearm for big game will appreciate its recoil mitigation and accuracy, even with larger calibers.
The Raging Hunter series improved on the original Raging Bull lineup, which was introduced in 1997. Having dual cylinder latches, the “Raging” revolvers earned a reputation for safely delivering hand-cannon performance. Now a full-featured hunting revolver, Taurus expanded the Raging Hunter’s chamberings in 2021 to include the .460 S&W Magnum - the most powerful production revolver cartridge in the world.
The factory-ported barrel effectively manages recoil from cartridges like .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and .460 S&W Magnum.
Dressed in a matte, two-tone finish, these revolvers can be bought with barrel lengths ranging 5 1/8 inches to 8 3/8 inches. The porting of the barrel, combined with the heft and rubber grip do a lot to manage felt recoil.
Unlike the discontinued Raging Bull, the Raging Hunter features a barrel shrouded in an aluminum sleeve. As a result, the sleeve offers an integral full-length of Picatinny rail.
Active production continues with caliber expansions (.350 Legend, .500 S&W recently added), demonstrating Taurus's commitment.
Taurus Raging Hunter Review
Taurus Raging Hunter
Taurus Tracker Series
The Tracker series is designed for versatility, whether for defense or field use. The Taurus Tracker is ideal for those who need a multi-purpose revolver that can handle everything from defense to light hunting.