Last updated September 2026 · By Nick Hall, Taurus pistol shooter who has run the G3C, GX4, 856, and other models across 500+ round tests
Affiliate disclaimer: We earn a small part of the sale when you buy through our links. You don’t pay anything extra and your purchase helps support the site.
Quick Answer: The Taurus TX22 is the best Taurus handgun you can buy in 2026, a 16+1 .22 LR full-size pistol that runs like a sewing machine on bulk and premium ammo and is widely regarded by instructors as the best .22 LR pistol on the market.
Best Taurus carry: the G3C, the budget 9mm CCW that turned the brand around. Best Taurus subcompact: the GX4, a true micro 9mm at around $300. Best Taurus revolver: the 856 Ultra Lite snub-nose .38 Special. Best Taurus hunting handgun: the Raging Hunter in .44 Magnum or .454 Casull with integral Picatinny rail.
The biggest mistake new Taurus buyers make is judging the brand by its 1990s reputation. Modern Taurus pistols (G3, GX4, TX22, 856) and the Raging Hunter line are genuinely competitive with offerings from much larger manufacturers and routinely outperform pricier alternatives. Every Taurus on this list was tested across at least 500 rounds before ranking.
Table of Contents
Find the Best Price in Seconds
Search once, compare 200+ trusted retailers instantly.
Ten years ago, saying “Taurus” in a gun shop got you the same look as ordering well whiskey at a craft cocktail bar. The Brazilian manufacturer had earned a reputation for inconsistent quality control, questionable reliability, and the kind of customer service that made you appreciate the DMV. But something changed around 2019, and it changed fast.
Taurus rebuilt its entire polymer pistol lineup from the ground up. The GX4 micro compact landed like a grenade in the budget CCW market, delivering Sig P365-level capacity in a package that cost half as much. The TX22 became the most recommended 22LR pistol at any price point. The Raging Hunter started winning industry awards and showing up in handgun hunting camps alongside revolvers costing three times more. Taurus didn’t just improve, they forced every other budget manufacturer to raise their game.
See our full Taurus TX22 review for the full hands-on test.
This guide ranks the 10 best Taurus handguns you can buy in 2026, covering everything from pocket revolvers to full-size range guns. Every pick includes a detailed scorecard, real pros and cons, and live pricing so you can find the best deal without opening twenty browser tabs. Whether you’re buying your first carry gun on a tight budget or adding a big-bore revolver to the collection, Taurus has something worth your money.
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
At a Glance
| Pick | Best For | Street Price | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Taurus GX4 | Best Overall | $211-$620 | Price ↓ |
| Best Carry Upgrade Taurus GX4 Carry | Best Carry Upgrade | $252-$620 | Price ↓ |
| Best Revolver Taurus Raging Hunter | Best Revolver | $750-$950 | Price ↓ |
| Best Budget Full-Size Taurus G3 | Best Budget Full-Size | $216-$300 | Price ↓ |
| Best Ultra-Budget Taurus G2C | Best Ultra-Budget | $199-$401 | Price ↓ |
| Best Pocket Revolver Taurus 605 Protector Polymer | Best Pocket Revolver | $306-$330 | Price ↓ |
| Best 22LR Taurus TX22 | Best 22LR | $265-$633 | Price ↓ |
| Best Novelty/Versatility Taurus Judge | Best Novelty/Versatility | $380-$574 | Price ↓ |
| Best Hybrid Carry Taurus G3x | Best Hybrid Carry | $244-$300 | Price ↓ |
| Best Budget 1911 Taurus 1911 | Best Budget 1911 | $397-$600 | Price ↓ |
1. Taurus GX4: Best Overall
Specs: 9mm | 3″ barrel | 5.86″ OAL | 18.5 oz | 11+1 capacity
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
Pros
- True micro compact at budget price, under $300 street
- 11+1 capacity matches the Sig P365
- Improved trigger over the older G2C with a flat-faced design
- TORO version available with factory optics cut
- Flat-faced trigger with short, clean reset
Cons
- No manual safety option on standard model
- Small controls can be hard to manipulate under stress
- Basic white-dot sights need upgrading
- Limited aftermarket compared to Glock or Sig
- Grip texture can be slick with sweaty hands
The Taurus GX4 is the gun that made the industry stop laughing at Taurus. When it launched, the idea of an 11+1 micro compact for under $300 seemed too good to be true, and with Taurus’s history, plenty of reviewers expected it to be. But the GX4 delivered. It runs reliably out of the box, the trigger is genuinely good for the price point, and it conceals as easily as pistols costing twice as much. The flat-faced trigger breaks cleanly at around 5 pounds with a tactile reset that’s short enough for fast follow-up shots.
Where the GX4 really shines is the value proposition. You’re getting a gun that directly competes with the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat in capacity, size, and shootability, for roughly $150 to $200 less. The TORO (Taurus Optics Ready Option) variant adds a factory-milled optics cut for micro red dots, turning it into a surprisingly capable micro carry gun. The steel chassis inside the polymer frame gives it a solid feel that belies the price tag.
The downsides are real but livable. The white-dot sights are adequate, not great, plan on upgrading or going TORO with a dot. The grip texture works fine in dry conditions but gets slippery when wet, so consider a Talon grip or stippling. And the aftermarket is growing but still can’t touch what’s available for Glock or Sig. But for the money? Nothing else comes close.
Best For: Budget-conscious CCW holders who want a Sig P365 competitor for half the price.
2. Taurus GX4 Carry: Best Carry Upgrade
Specs: 9mm | 3.7″ barrel | 6.49″ OAL | 22.4 oz | 15+1 capacity
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Capacity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
Pros
- 15+1 capacity in a compact package is outstanding
- Longer 3.7″ barrel improves accuracy and velocity
- Still compact enough for comfortable IWB carry
- Optics-ready with factory slide cut
- Integrated accessory rail for lights
Cons
- Larger and heavier than the standard GX4
- 22.4 oz loaded adds noticeable weight over time
- No manual safety option available
- Competes awkwardly with other models in the Taurus lineup
- Grip length prints more than the standard GX4
The GX4 Carry answers the most common complaint about micro compacts: they’re too small to shoot well. Taurus took the GX4 platform and stretched it in all the right directions, a 3.7-inch barrel for better accuracy and velocity, a longer grip that accepts flush-fit 15-round magazines, and an accessory rail for a weapon light. The result is a gun that bridges the gap between a pocket rocket and a duty-size pistol, and it does it for around $350.
In hand, the GX4 Carry feels like a completely different gun than the standard GX4. The longer grip fills all three fingers comfortably, even for shooters with large hands, and the extra barrel length noticeably tightens groups at 15 and 25 yards. The trigger is identical to the standard GX4, flat-faced with a clean break and short reset, which is one of the best triggers you’ll find under $400. Factory optics cuts mean you can mount a Holosun 407K or another K-footprint dot without visiting a machinist.
The trade-off is concealment. At 6.56 inches overall and 21.51 ounces, the GX4 Carry isn’t disappearing in gym shorts. It’s an IWB gun that works best with a proper gun belt and a quality holster. If your wardrobe leans toward fitted clothing, the grip length will print. But if you can conceal a Glock 19, you can conceal this, and you’ll have 15+1 rounds of 9mm at a fraction of the Glock’s price.
Best For: Shooters who want more capacity and barrel length without jumping to a full-size gun.
3. Taurus Raging Hunter: Best Revolver
Specs: .357 Magnum (also .44 Mag, .454 Casull) | 6.75″ barrel | 4.1 lbs | 7 rounds
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Fun Factor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
Pros
- Award-winning hunting revolver with serious credentials
- Ported barrel shroud tames recoil dramatically
- Full-length Picatinny rail for optics mounting
- Available in .44 Mag and .454 Casull for big game
- Excellent single-action trigger with smooth double-action
Cons
- Heavy at 4+ lbs, this is not a carry gun
- Ported barrel is noticeably loud, especially indoors
- Limited holster options for the 6.75″ barrel
- Too big and heavy for anything except hunting and range use
- Two-tone finish isn’t for everyone aesthetically
The Raging Hunter might be the single most impressive gun Taurus makes, and it’s the one that earned the most industry respect. This isn’t a budget consolation prize, it’s a genuinely excellent hunting revolver that happens to cost hundreds less than comparable Smith & Wesson or Ruger options. The ported barrel shroud is the star feature, using gas vents machined into an aluminum sleeve to redirect muzzle gases upward and dramatically reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip.
In .357 Magnum, the Raging Hunter is almost pleasant to shoot despite the full-house loads. Step up to .44 Magnum and you’ll appreciate those ports even more, the gun stays on target instead of climbing toward the ceiling. The .454 Casull variant is a genuine hand cannon that puts big-game-capable power in a manageable package. A full-length Picatinny rail across the top of the barrel shroud makes mounting a red dot or scope straightforward, and the single-action trigger breaks cleanly at around 3.5 pounds.
At 4.1 pounds unloaded, the Raging Hunter is a dedicated range and field gun. Nobody’s carrying this concealed, and you’ll want a quality chest rig or hip holster for hunting. The two-tone matte stainless and black finish is distinctive but polarizing. But if you want a big-bore revolver for handgun hunting whitetail, hogs, or even bear, the Raging Hunter delivers performance that used to require a $900+ revolver for under $600.
Best For: Handgun hunters and revolver enthusiasts who want big-bore power at a budget-friendly price.
4. Taurus G3: Best Budget Full-Size
Specs: 9mm | 4″ barrel | 7.28″ OAL | 24.8 oz | 17+1 capacity
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ergonomics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- 17+1 capacity for under $250 is absurd value
- Improved trigger over the G2C with a cleaner break
- Full accessory rail for lights and lasers
- Front and rear slide serrations for easy manipulation
- You can literally buy two for the price of one Glock 19
Cons
- Basic three-dot sights need replacing
- Grip texture could be more aggressive for positive purchase
- Base model is not optics-ready
- Trigger, while improved, still has a heavy initial take-up
- Feels like a budget gun in hand compared to the G3x
The Taurus G3 is the gun that makes the “just buy a Glock” crowd uncomfortable. Not because it’s better than a Glock 17, it isn’t, and nobody’s claiming it is, but because it’s roughly 80% of the Glock at 40% of the price. For home defense, where the gun lives in a nightstand and doesn’t need to survive 50,000 rounds of abuse, the G3 does everything you need. Seventeen rounds of 9mm, a rail for your Streamlight, and a trigger that breaks at a consistent 5.5 pounds.
The G3 represents the middle of Taurus’s polymer pistol evolution. It fixed most of the G2C’s shortcomings, the trigger is smoother, the ergonomics are better, the slide serrations are more functional, without jumping to the premium price tier. The grip is comfortable for extended range sessions, and the magazine well is beveled enough for reasonably fast reloads. Two 17-round magazines ship in the box, and additional magazines run about $25 each.
Where the G3 falls short is in the details that separate a $230 gun from a $500 gun. The sights are functional but uninspiring plastic three-dots that wash out in bright light. The grip texture is present but not aggressive enough for sweaty or gloved hands. And the base model doesn’t have an optics cut, so if you want a red dot, you’re looking at the T.O.R.O. variant or aftermarket milling. But as a straightforward, no-frills 9mm for home defense or range duty? The G3 is very hard to beat on value.
Best For: Home defense on a tight budget, or a range gun that won’t break the bank.
5. Taurus G2C: Best Ultra-Budget
Specs: 9mm | 3.2″ barrel | 6.2″ OAL | 22 oz | 12+1 capacity
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ergonomics | ⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Under $220 street price, cheapest reliable 9mm on the market
- 12+1 capacity is solid for the size
- Manual thumb safety for those who want it
- Restrike capability if you get a light primer strike
- Taurus lifetime warranty covers the original purchaser
Cons
- Trigger is gritty with a long, mushy reset
- Basic sights wash out in low light
- Grip texture is too smooth for confident handling
- Superseded by the GX4 in almost every measurable way
- Slide finish wears quickly, especially on the contact points
The G2C is where the modern Taurus story started. This was the gun that made people reconsider the brand, a sub-$250 9mm that actually worked. It wasn’t great. It wasn’t refined. But it went bang every time you pulled the trigger, and for a lot of first-time gun buyers on a tight budget, that was enough. The G2C has sold millions of units and remains one of the most popular handguns in America by volume, even as newer Taurus models have eclipsed it. The single-stack version gets its own Taurus G2S review.
Holsters for a Taurus
Best-scored accessories across 200+ retailers · Updated every 4 hours
9mm Ammo on Sale
On-sale 9mm from 200+ retailers · Updated every 4 hours
In 2026, the G2C is showing its age. The trigger feels like it belongs to a previous generation, because it does, with a long take-up, gritty wall, and mushy reset that requires you to let the trigger almost fully forward before it resets. The sights are the cheapest white-dot plastic units Taurus could source. The grip texture is barely there. Everything about the G2C screams “we built this to a price point,” and that price point was very, very low.
So why is it still on this list? Because the G2C still fills a role nothing else does: the absolute cheapest reliable 9mm you can put in someone’s hands. If a single mom needs a nightstand gun and her budget is $200, the G2C exists. If a college student wants something for their apartment and can’t afford a GX4, the G2C exists. It’s not the best Taurus anymore. It’s the most accessible, and that matters.
Best For: Absolute rock-bottom budget buyers who need a working 9mm self-defense gun.
6. Taurus 605 Protector Polymer: Best Pocket Revolver
Specs: .357 Mag/.38 Special | 2″ barrel | 20 oz | 5 rounds
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Power | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Super lightweight polymer frame disappears in a pocket holster
- Shoots both .357 Magnum and .38 Special interchangeably
- Fiber optic front sight is easy to pick up quickly
- True pocket-friendly dimensions with snag-free profile
- Costs roughly a third of a comparable S&W Airweight
Cons
- Only 5 rounds with no speed-reload option
- Heavy double-action trigger requires practice
- .357 Magnum recoil is sharp and snappy at 20 oz
- Very limited aftermarket accessories
- Short sight radius makes precision shooting difficult
The snub-nose revolver refuses to die, and the Taurus 605 Protector Polymer is one of the best reasons why. At 20 ounces with a polymer frame, it’s light enough to drop in a jacket pocket and forget about until you need it. The key advantage over semi-autos in a pocket-carry role is simplicity: no safeties to disengage, no slide to rack, no limp-wristing malfunctions. Pull the trigger, it fires. For people who want a “grab and go” backup or primary carry, revolvers still make sense.
The 605’s party trick is chambering .357 Magnum, which means you can also shoot .38 Special and .38 Special +P through it. Load .38 Special for manageable recoil and practice, then carry .357 Magnum for maximum terminal performance. The fiber optic front sight is a thoughtful touch that makes target acquisition faster than the standard ramp sight on most snubbies. And Taurus’s transfer bar safety means you can safely carry all five chambers loaded.
The honest truth about pocket .357 revolvers: shooting .357 Magnum from a 2-inch barrel in a 20-ounce gun is genuinely unpleasant. The muzzle flash is spectacular (not in a good way), the recoil is sharp enough to sting, and the noise without ear protection would be punishing. Most experienced shooters who carry a 605 load it with .38 Special +P and save the magnums for emergencies. The double-action trigger is heavy at around 10 pounds but smooth enough with practice. Five rounds is limiting, but this is a pocket gun, you’re not storming Fallujah.
Best For: Revolver fans who want pocket carry with stopping power at a budget price.
7. Taurus TX22: Best 22LR
Specs: .22 LR | 4.1″ barrel | 7.06″ OAL | 17.3 oz | 16+1 capacity
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Fun Factor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
Pros
- 16+1 capacity is outstanding for a .22 LR pistol
- Eats all .22 LR ammo reliably, including bulk pack
- Suppressor-ready threaded barrel available on Competition model
- Great trigger with a crisp break and short reset
- Perfect training pistol that mirrors full-size handling
Cons
- .22 LR is not suitable for self-defense
- Slide is polymer, which feels cheap to some shooters
- Magazine loading is stiff and requires a loading tool for the last few rounds
- Occasional failures to fire with cheap rimfire ammo (inherent to .22 LR)
- Limited holster options compared to 9mm pistols
If you asked ten firearms instructors to name the best .22 LR pistol on the market, at least seven of them would say the TX22. It’s not even close anymore. Taurus built a full-size .22 that runs like a sewing machine, feeds everything from bottom-shelf bulk ammo to premium target loads, and does it with a 16+1 capacity that makes range days last forever. At roughly 4 cents per round for .22 LR, you can shoot this gun for an hour and spend less than a fast food lunch.
The TX22 works brilliantly as a training tool because it approximates the size, weight, and manual of arms of a full-size 9mm without the recoil or expense. New shooters can focus on fundamentals, grip, sight alignment, trigger press, without flinching. The trigger itself is one of the best in any .22 pistol, breaking cleanly at around 4.5 pounds with an audible and tactile reset. The Competition variant adds a threaded barrel and optics-ready slide, making it one of the best suppressor hosts under $400.
The polymer slide is the most common complaint, and it’s valid, the TX22 doesn’t have the satisfying heft of a metal slide. Taurus made this choice to ensure the slide was light enough to cycle reliably with .22 LR’s limited energy, and it works. The trade-off is a gun that feels like a toy to people accustomed to steel slides. Ignore the feel and focus on the function: the TX22 is the most reliable, highest-capacity, best-triggering .22 LR pistol you can buy for under $350, and it’s not particularly close.
Best For: New shooters learning fundamentals, range plinking, or suppressor hosts on a budget.
8. Taurus Judge: Best Novelty/Versatility
Specs: .45 LC/.410 gauge | 3″ barrel | 29 oz | 5 rounds. Compact version: the Taurus Public Defender.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Versatility | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐✦ |
Pros
- Shoots both .45 Long Colt and .410 bore shotshells
- Incredibly versatile for pest control and rural use
- Great for snakes, rats, and other close-range pests
- Public Defender variant is shorter for easier carry
- Unique conversation piece that’s genuinely fun to shoot
Cons
- .410 patterns poorly from a 3″ barrel beyond 7 yards
- Heavy at 29 oz and bulky in the cylinder
- Limited effective self-defense range compared to 9mm
- Niche use case, not a great primary defensive firearm
- Only 5-round capacity with slow reloads
The Taurus Judge is the most polarizing handgun in America, and it has been since it launched. Gun forum debates about the Judge generate more heat than the .45 Long Colt rounds it chambers. Is it a gimmick? Kind of. Is it useful? Absolutely, if you understand what it actually is and isn’t. The Judge fires both .45 Long Colt cartridges and .410 bore shotshells from its elongated cylinder, giving you the ability to switch between a solid projectile and a spread of birdshot or buckshot pellets.
Where the Judge genuinely excels is rural pest control. If you live on a property with copperheads, water moccasins, or rat infestations, a Judge loaded with .410 birdshot is one of the most practical tools you can own. The spread pattern at 5-7 yards gives you a much better chance of hitting a fast-moving snake than a single projectile would, and .410 birdshot won’t blow through your barn wall. Load .45 Long Colt for larger threats like coyotes or feral hogs, and you’ve got a versatile all-purpose ranch gun.
For self-defense, the Judge is a contentious choice. The .410 buckshot loads (typically three 000 pellets) pattern unpredictably from the short barrel, and terminal performance studies show that the pellets often fail to penetrate to the FBI’s recommended 12 inches of ballistic gelatin. Federal’s dedicated .410 Handgun loads improved things significantly, but you’re still better served by a 9mm for dedicated defensive use. Buy the Judge for what it’s good at, versatility, fun, and pest control, and you won’t be disappointed.
Best For: Rural property owners, snake country residents, or anyone who wants a conversation-piece revolver.
9. Taurus G3x: Best Hybrid Carry
Specs: 9mm | 3.2″ barrel | 6.87″ OAL | 24 oz | 15+1 capacity
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Concealability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Capacity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Reliability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Pros
- Full-size G3 grip married to a compact slide
- 15+1 capacity gives you serious firepower
- Improved trigger over the G2C and original G3
- No manual safety for faster draw-to-fire
- Comfortable enough for all-day concealed carry
Cons
- Full-size grip prints more than micro compact alternatives
- Competes directly with the G3C in Taurus’s own lineup
- Basic three-dot sights are nothing special
- Limited aftermarket support for holsters and accessories
- Compact slide means shorter sight radius than the G3
The G3x represents Taurus’s entry into the “Goldilocks” category that Glock popularized with the G19: not too big, not too small, just right for the most shooters. What makes the G3x interesting is its hybrid approach, it pairs the compact 3.2-inch slide from the G3C with the full-size grip frame from the G3. This gives you a short barrel for concealment with a full-length grip for better control and 15-round magazine capacity.
In practice, the G3x shoots more like a full-size gun than a compact. The longer grip provides a complete firing grip without any pinky dangling, and the added weight in the grip helps balance the snappy recoil of the compact slide. The trigger is the latest generation of Taurus’s polymer pistol trigger, cleaner and more consistent than the G2C, with a definite wall and a break that doesn’t require guessing. The lack of a manual safety is deliberate, aimed at the market that prefers a simpler manual of arms.
The trade-off is predictable: that full-size grip is harder to conceal than a GX4 or G3C. If you’re wearing a tucked-in polo, the grip butt will print. The G3x works best for people who dress around the gun, untucked shirts, jackets, or larger-framed individuals who can hide a longer grip. For its intended purpose as a high-capacity carry gun that still shoots well, it delivers at a price that makes competitors look overpriced.
Best For: Shooters who want maximum grip and capacity in a concealable package.
10. Taurus 1911: Best Budget 1911
Specs: .45 ACP/9mm | 5″ barrel | 8.5″ OAL | 38 oz | 8+1 capacity
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐✦ |
| Trigger | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Accuracy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Prestige | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐✦ |
Pros
- Cheapest true 1911 you can buy, often under $400
- Novak-style dovetail sights are easy to replace
- Forged steel frame gives proper 1911 heft and feel
- Ambidextrous safety accommodates left-handed shooters
- 9mm variant available for cheaper range time
Cons
- Fit and finish below Rock Island Armory and Tisas competitors
- Quality control inconsistency reported across production runs
- Front strap checkering is uncomfortably sharp on bare hands
- Typically needs a 200-round break-in period
- Resale value is low compared to other budget 1911 brands
The Taurus 1911 exists in one of the most brutally competitive segments of the gun market. Budget 1911s from Rock Island Armory, Tisas, and Springfield’s Mil-Spec have set a high bar, and the Taurus doesn’t always clear it. But it does one thing no other manufacturer quite manages: it puts a forged steel, full-size 1911 in your hands for under $400 street price. If your budget is inflexible and you want to own the platform that won two World Wars, Taurus gets you there.
On its good days, the Taurus 1911 is a perfectly serviceable range gun. The trigger breaks at a reasonably crisp 4.5 to 5 pounds, not match-grade, but noticeably better than a stock Glock trigger. The Novak-style sights are a welcome upgrade over GI-style fixed sights, and they sit in standard dovetails so you can swap them for night sights without a gunsmith. The forged steel frame gives the gun proper 1911 weight at 38 ounces, and that weight soaks up .45 ACP recoil beautifully. The 9mm variant makes range time even more affordable.
On its bad days, and this is where Taurus’s reputation costs them, the 1911 can arrive with tight-fitting parts that need break-in, checkering sharp enough to sand wood, and occasional finish blemishes. Quality control varies more across production runs than it should. A Rock Island GI-standard 1911 at a similar price typically has better consistency, and the Tisas offerings have pushed into territory that makes the Taurus a harder sell. If you get a good one, you’ll love it. Budget for 200 rounds of break-in ammo and inspect it carefully out of the box.
Best For: 1911 enthusiasts on the tightest budget who want a full-size .45 ACP platform.
The Taurus Lineup Explained
Taurus makes a lot of guns, and their naming scheme doesn’t always make it obvious which model fits where. Here’s how the current lineup breaks down by family, and which gun makes sense for different buyers.
The G-Series Family (Polymer 9mm Pistols)
Think of the G-Series as an evolutionary ladder. The G2C is the original budget workhorse, reliable, affordable, and no-frills. The G3 took that formula and refined it into a full-size 17+1 platform with a better trigger and ergonomics. The G3C (not on this list, but worth knowing about) is the compact version of the G3 for concealed carry. The G3x is the hybrid, compact slide on a full-size grip, for people who want the best of both worlds. And the GX4 is the micro compact that competes directly with the Sig P365 and Springfield Hellcat. The GX4 Carry stretches the GX4 into a larger, higher-capacity package. If you’re starting from scratch, the GX4 or GX4 Carry are the ones to buy. The G2C is for absolute minimum budgets, and the G3 is for home defense duty where size doesn’t matter.
Revolvers (605, Raging Hunter, Judge)
Taurus’s revolver lineup spans from pocket carry to handgun hunting. The 605 Protector Polymer is a lightweight pocket revolver that fires .357 Magnum and .38 Special, it’s the budget alternative to a Smith & Wesson J-frame. The Raging Hunter is the opposite end of the spectrum: a full-size, ported hunting revolver available in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, and .454 Casull. The Judge is in a category by itself, firing both .45 Long Colt and .410 shotshells for maximum versatility. Each revolver serves a genuinely different purpose, and none of them overlap.
Specialty (TX22, 1911)
These two don’t fit neatly into the carry or revolver categories. The TX22 is a dedicated .22 LR training and plinking pistol, arguably the best in its class at any price, that makes range days affordable and helps new shooters build fundamentals. The 1911 is Taurus’s entry into America’s most beloved pistol platform, offering a forged steel .45 ACP (or 9mm) for the absolute lowest price on the market. Both are range guns first and foremost.
Which Taurus Should You Buy?
Your decision tree is simpler than you think. If you need a concealed carry gun, buy the GX4 (smallest/lightest) or GX4 Carry (more capacity and barrel length). If you need a home defense gun, buy the G3 for maximum capacity at minimum cost. If you want a revolver for pocket carry, the 605 Protector Polymer is the play. If you want a revolver for hunting, the Raging Hunter is the clear winner. If you want to learn to shoot cheaply, get the TX22 and put 5,000 rounds through it. If you want a 1911 on the tightest possible budget, the Taurus 1911 gets you into the platform. And if you want a fun, versatile ranch gun, the Judge remains the only game in town. Whatever you choose, today’s Taurus is a fundamentally different company than the one your uncle warned you about, and the guns prove it.
Related Handgun Guides
- Handgun Buyer’s Guide
- Best Cheap CCW Under $400
- Best Concealed Carry Handguns
- Best Full Size 9mm Pistols
- Best Websites to Buy Handguns
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Taurus guns reliable?
Modern Taurus pistols like the G3C and G3 are significantly more reliable than older models. Quality control has improved substantially since 2018. They are solid budget options. The TX22 rimfire is one of the best 22 LR pistols at any price.
What is the best Taurus handgun?
The Taurus G3C is the best overall value. The TX22 is the best rimfire pistol. The Taurus 856 is a solid budget revolver. The G3 Tactical is a good full-size option with a threaded barrel.
How much do Taurus handguns cost?
Taurus pistols range from about 200 to 500 dollars. The G3C typically sells for 250 to 300. The TX22 runs about 300. Revolvers like the 856 start around 300. Premium models rarely exceed 500 dollars.
Is the Taurus G3C a good gun?
Yes. The G3C offers 12-round capacity, a decent trigger, and reliable function for about 250 dollars. It is arguably the best value in concealed carry pistols. The only trade-off is finish quality and trigger refinement.
Where are Taurus guns made?
Both in the USA and in Brazil. Taurus moved its U.S. headquarters to Bainbridge, Georgia in 2019 and builds many of its guns there, but it still imports others from its factory in São Leopoldo, Brazil. The frame tells you which: an imported Taurus is stamped Made in Brazil, while a gun built in Georgia reads Bainbridge, GA. with no import mark.
Is Taurus better than Hi-Point?
Yes, significantly. Taurus produces conventional semi-auto and revolver designs with quality materials. Hi-Point uses zinc alloy slides and blowback operation. Taurus costs slightly more but the quality gap is substantial.
Does Taurus have a good warranty?
Taurus offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner covering defects in materials and workmanship. Customer service response times have improved in recent years but can still be inconsistent.
Is the Taurus Judge any good?
The Judge is a novelty revolver that fires both .410 shotshells and .45 Colt. It works for snake defense and very close range. For serious self-defense, a conventional 9mm or .38 Special is far more effective.
The pick of the revolvers is the Taurus 856, a six-shot .38 Special +P snub that ran 500 rounds clean in our testing. The Poly Protector is the lightweight of the family at 20 ounces, and our Taurus 605 review covers how it stacks up against the steel two inch and the three inch Defender.
Taurus is marketing G3c optics cut slides that are compatible with G2c frames. Practically everything on a G3c works on a G2c. I have a G3 and a G2c and I must say they are reliable, dependable, durable, and quite easy to shoot. I have more expensive, name brand handguns but I got the G3 and G2c for a steal and, so far, they are worth every penny and then some. Taurus has really upped their game.
Taurus has not upped their game. Bought a deputy in 357, arrived not working, sent it back was told they had to scrap it and would take six to eight weeks to get a new one.
That sucks to hear honestly. We want to like Taurus and we do think they’re getting better, but QC has been an issue for, well, forever. If you get a lemon, you reeeeeaaally get a lemon. Sorry it happened to you!