Taurus Gun Models

Taurus, officially branded as Taurus Armas S.A., has its roots in Brazil, where it was founded in 1924 as Forjas Taurus S.A. Initially, the company focused on crafting professional-grade tools with precision and sophistication.

Over the years, Taurus broadened its scope beyond tools. While it maintains operations in plastics and civil construction, its firearms division, Taurus Armas, has become a standout feature. The company also contributes to defense manufacturing, producing body armor and helmets.

Taurus entered the firearms market with its first revolver in 1941. By the mid-1950s, the brand began exporting its products to the United States, where it gained significant traction. In 2021 alone, nearly 80% of Taurus firearms were exported to the U.S., and the brand accounted for over 60% of revolver sales in the country—a testament to its popularity.

With growing demand in the U.S., Taurus now produces many of its firearm models in Bainbridge, Georgia, making it a global player with a strong foothold in the American market.

Small Frame Revolvers

Taurus offers an impressive lineup of small frame revolvers, each tailored for specific needs and preferences. These compact models are ideal for concealed carry, personal protection, or recreational shooting. Here’s a closer look at the key models:

Model 327: Chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum, this revolver is versatile enough to use .32 S&W and .32 H&R calibers. It operates in both single and double-action modes.
Model 431: Built with a sturdy steel frame, this revolver accommodates .44 Special rounds with a five-shot capacity and fixed sights for simplicity and durability.
Model 405: Designed with a stainless steel frame, this lightweight yet durable revolver handles .40 caliber rounds and is available in multiple variants.
Model 445: A double-action revolver praised for its compact and concealable design. It features fixed sights and comes in several variants.
Model 605: Chambered for .357 Magnum, this classic model has been in production since 1995. Some versions include an exposed hammer for added functionality.
Model 606: Popular among .357 Magnum enthusiasts, this revolver offers a DA/SA trigger action and a six-round capacity, making it a favorite in the U.S.
CIA Series (Models 650 and 850): The "Carry It Anywhere" series is compact and discreet, taking inspiration from the Smith & Wesson Centennial design.
Protector Series (Models 651 and 851): Similar to the CIA series, this line is modeled after the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard, offering reliability and concealability.
Model 85: One of Taurus's best-selling personal protection revolvers, it boasts a compact design and numerous variants, with the Model 856 being a standout.
Model 731: Chambered for .32 H&R Magnum, this revolver features fixed sights and has been a reliable choice since its introduction in 1995.
Model 73: A DA/SA revolver using .32 S&W Long caliber. Its six-round capacity makes it a dependable choice for various applications.
Model 905: The sole 9mm revolver in the small frame lineup, it features proprietary stellar clips for quick and efficient reloading.
Model 94: A .22 LR revolver with a DA/SA mechanism and a four-inch barrel. It holds nine rounds, making it ideal for target practice and training.
Model 941: With a J-frame design akin to the Smith & Wesson Model 63, this revolver is chambered for .22 WMR and comes in multiple variants.
Model 942: An 8-shot revolver available in both .22 LR and .22 WMR calibers, it offers lightweight construction and reliability for concealed carry.

Compact Frame Revolvers

Taurus has developed only two models in the compact frame category, both designed for concealed carry and versatility.

Model 617: Popular for its compatibility with both .38 Special and .357 Magnum calibers, this revolver is primarily constructed from stainless steel. Taurus also produced a lightweight titanium version, although it has since been discontinued.
Model 817: Chambered for .38 Special, this revolver features a DA/SA mechanism and is prized for its compact size and reliability, making it an excellent choice for discreet carry.

Medium Frame Revolvers

Taurus has a limited but noteworthy selection of medium frame revolvers, offering durability and versatility across four distinct models.

Model 82: A six-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special, this model is celebrated for its straightforward design and dependable performance, available in various configurations.
Model 80: Sharing the same .38 Special caliber, this revolver was in production from 1968 to 2001. It is often compared to the Smith & Wesson Model 10 due to its similar design and functionality.
Model 65 This versatile revolver handles both .357 Magnum and .38 Special calibers, making it ideal for self-defense. Its sibling, Model 66, is marketed separately but shares many of the same features.
Model 689: A six-shot revolver chambered for .357 Magnum, it was manufactured between 1988 and 1998. Although technically a medium frame model, its larger size often places it in the large frame category. With its double-action mechanism, the Model 689 offers precision and power.

Large Frame Revolvers

Taurus's large frame revolvers have been a hit in the U.S., known for their durability, versatility, and power. Many remain popular among enthusiasts today.

Model 607: A DA/SA revolver chambered for .357 Magnum. Despite its size, it’s often considered compact due to its concealable design.
Model 608: Introduced in 1996, this model offers a robust alternative to the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus. Available in variants like 608SS4, 608SS6, and 608SS8, it’s chambered for .357 Magnum and provides excellent reliability.
Model 692: Highly versatile with a five-round capacity, this revolver is celebrated for its smooth trigger action and adaptability.
Model 44: A six-shot revolver chambered for .44 Magnum. Rugged in appearance yet smooth in operation, it’s a reliable choice for heavy-duty tasks.

Revolver Series

Taurus has also produced revolvers as part of series or families, with the Taurus Judge and Raging Bull standing out as iconic collections.

Judge Series (Model 4510): Designed to work with .45 Colt cartridges and .410 bore shot shells, the Judge has been in production since 2006. Variants like the 4410 and 513 offer flexibility for personal defense or recreational shooting.
Raging Bull Series: Living up to its name, this series includes revolvers chambered for powerful cartridges like .454 Casull, making them suitable for hunting large game. With over a dozen variants across calibers, some models remain highly sought after despite discontinuation.
Tracker Series: Known for its versatility, this family of revolvers is available in multiple calibers and configurations. Key variants include the 17, 425, 41, 44, 627, 962, 970, 990, 991, and 992. Many models are marketed independently due to their unique features.

Rossi Firearms

Amadeo Rossi S.A., another prominent Brazilian firearm manufacturer, has shifted its focus to rifles and shotguns after Taurus acquired its revolver and handgun lines. Under the Rossi name, Taurus has developed a range of revolvers with ergonomic designs and reliable performance.

Model 971: A six-shot revolver available in .38 Special and .357 Magnum calibers. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for shooters.
R46102: This lightweight double-action revolver, chambered in .357 Magnum and .38 Special, weighs just 26 ounces, offering excellent portability.
R35102: A .38 Special model that, despite its solid build, didn’t achieve the same level of popularity as other Rossi revolvers.
R85104: Chambered in .38 Special with a six-round capacity, this revolver is known for its comfortable rubber grips, ensuring a reliable and ergonomic shooting experience.
R46202: Designed for .357 Magnum, this revolver shares Rossi’s signature ergonomic design and reliable performance.
R35202: A dependable choice for .38 Special, this revolver features a five-round capacity and compact design for everyday carry.
R97206: A robust stainless-steel revolver with a double-action mechanism and six-shot capacity, combining durability with aesthetics.
Circuit Judge: This unique 18.5-inch carbine bridges the gap between rifles and revolvers. It’s part of the Judge family, chambered for both .45 Colt and .410 bore calibers, making it versatile for defense and hunting.

Semi-Automatic Pistols

Taurus’s extensive range of semi-automatic pistols offers models that cater to a variety of needs, from personal defense to recreational shooting. Many of these pistols have achieved significant popularity, especially in the U.S. market.

Millennium Series

This series encompasses several models—111, 140, 145, and 745—chambered in calibers such as .32 ACP, .380 ACP 9mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. These pistols are compact, versatile, and widely favored for concealed carry.

Compact Models

PT22: A .22 LR pistol with an 8+1 capacity. While it draws comparisons to the Beretta 21 Bobcat, its design includes notable differences.
PT25: Similar to the PT22 but chambered for .25 ACP, offering another lightweight and easy-to-use option.
TCP 732: A double-action model chambered in .32 ACP, praised for its smooth trigger and excellent control.
TCP 738: One of Taurus’s most popular .380 ACP models, compact and exclusively double-action for simplicity.

Versatile and Rugged Pistols

PT 24/7: Available in .40 S&W, 9mm, and .45 ACP, this model is known for its reliability and adaptability.
PT92: A long-standing model since 1983, often chambered in 9mm. Produced in a former Beretta factory, it is a durable and trusted design, along with its sibling, Model 100.
PT1911: A replica of the iconic military pistol, available in 9mm and .45 ACP, offering a classic feel with modern touches.

Specialized Models

Slim Series (Models 709 and 740): Compact options for concealed carry, with Model 709 chambered in 9mm and Model 740 in .40 S&W.
Curve: Unique for its curved design, this pocket pistol weighs under 14 ounces and features .380 ACP caliber with fast reloading capabilities.
Spectrum: A subcompact pistol also chambered in .380 ACP, ideal for personal defense.
GX4: Taurus’s first micro-compact 9mm pistol, delivering excellent performance despite its small size.

High-Performance Models

TS9: Lightweight and durable, this model features an adjustable three-point sight system and is built for reliability.
TX22: Chambered in .22 LR, it’s considered one of the most advanced rimfire pistols in its class, known for its remarkable accuracy.
G Series (G2C, G3, G3C, and Variants): Rugged and reliable pistols designed for everyday use, offering models with varying sizes and features to suit different needs.

Specialty Pistols

PT 2045: A lightweight, compact option for personal defense.
PT 838: A .380 ACP compact pistol with a 15+1 capacity. Its variant, PT 838c, includes slight modifications.

Models Inspired by Beretta

PT 915, PT 917, PT 940: Chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W, these models reflect Taurus’s influence from Beretta designs while incorporating unique features for versatility and reliability.

Legacy Models

PT 908: A sleek pistol with an eight-round capacity, chambered in 9mm.
PT 51: Chambered in 6.35mm, this model is simple and functional, with no unnecessary embellishments.

Taurus Submachine Guns

Taurus’s focus has largely been on pistols and revolvers, with only one submachine gun introduced to the market.

SMT Series: Launched in 2011, this family of submachine guns is chambered for 9x19mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers. The SMT series includes variants tailored for military and law enforcement, making them common in countries like Brazil, Bangladesh, Chile, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Taurus Shotguns

Taurus has limited its shotgun offerings to a single model, which has earned a reputation for dependability.

ST12: A pump-action shotgun designed for both law enforcement and civilian self-defense. Built with carbon steel, aluminum alloy, and polymer components, the ST12 is chambered for 12GA shells with a 7+1 capacity. Known for its fast firing capabilities and robust firepower, it’s a trusted tool in demanding situations.

Taurus Grenade Launcher

Taurus has developed one grenade launcher, designed primarily for law enforcement use in Brazil and select other countries.

LT38SA: Chambered for the 37x38mm caliber, this launcher is used by police forces for crowd control and tactical scenarios. While primarily utilized in Brazil, its reliability has led to adoption in other regions as well.

Taurus Rifles

Taurus has ventured into the rifle market with a small but notable selection of models, emphasizing functionality and durability.

ART556: A modern assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Drawing inspiration from the Bushmaster ACR and FN SCAR, it features a robust design suitable for tactical operations.
CT G2: This semi-automatic pistol caliber carbine is considered a variant of the SMT submachine gun, designed for versatility and ease of use.
T4: A clone of the M4 rifle, this model also uses the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. It is employed by military forces in Brazil, Senegal, the USA, and the Philippines.
T4SA: An AR-15 style rifle that accommodates both 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington ammunition. Its parts undergo Melonite treatment, ensuring exceptional durability and resistance to wear.

Recalled Firearms

In 2015, Taurus issued a voluntary recall affecting approximately one million pistols produced between 1997 and 2013. The recall addressed a defect that could pose a safety risk. Models included in the recall are:

Millennium Series pistols: PT-111, PT-132, PT-138, PT-140, PT-145, and PT-745
PT-609
PT-640
PT-24/7

Taurus has solidified its reputation as a versatile and innovative firearm manufacturer. From pistols and revolvers to rifles and carbines, the brand caters to a wide range of needs, including personal defense, recreational shooting, and military applications.