The Taurus G3 has been making waves in the firearms community, particularly among those seeking a reliable and feature-rich full-size pistol. As a successor to the Taurus G2, the G3 boasts several enhancements and improvements, making it an attractive option for both novice and seasoned shooters. In this article, we will delve into the details of the Taurus G3, exploring its dimensions, features, and overall performance to determine if it indeed lives up to its full-size reputation.
Introduction to the Taurus G3
The Taurus G3 is a semi-automatic pistol designed and manufactured by Taurus International, a renowned Brazilian firearms company. The G3 is part of Taurus’ striker-fired pistol lineup, which has gained popularity for its affordability, durability, and versatility. With the G3, Taurus aims to provide a full-size pistol that meets the needs of law enforcement, competitive shooters, and civilians alike.
Design and Dimensions
To assess whether the Taurus G3 is indeed a full-size pistol, we must examine its dimensions. The G3 measures 7.28 inches in length, 5.5 inches in height, and 1.2 inches in width. Its overall length and height are comparable to other full-size pistols on the market, such as the Glock 17 and the Smith & Wesson M&P. The G3’s slide is 6.85 inches long, which is slightly shorter than some of its competitors, but still sufficient to provide a stable and accurate shooting platform.
Weight and Ergonomics
The Taurus G3 has a unloaded weight of 25.6 ounces, which is relatively lightweight compared to other full-size pistols. This is due in part to its polymer frame, which provides a durable and corrosion-resistant foundation for the pistol. The G3’s ergonomics are also noteworthy, featuring a textured grip and an aggressive slide serration pattern that facilitates smooth and consistent handling. The pistol’s grip is designed to fit a wide range of hand sizes, making it an excellent choice for shooters with smaller or larger hands.
Features and Upgrades
The Taurus G3 boasts several features and upgrades that set it apart from its predecessors and competitors. Some of the notable features include:
The Taurus G3 comes with a striker-fired trigger system, which provides a smooth and consistent trigger pull. The trigger has a reset distance of 0.5 inches and a trigger pull weight of 6 pounds, making it suitable for both novice and experienced shooters. The pistol also features a manual safety lever located on the left side of the frame, which allows shooters to engage or disengage the safety with ease.
Magazine Capacity and Reliability
The Taurus G3 has a magazine capacity of 15 rounds in 9mm Luger, which is comparable to other full-size pistols on the market. The pistol’s magazine is designed with a rounded follower and a reinforced floorplate, ensuring smooth and reliable feeding. The G3’s reliability has been extensively tested, with many reviewers and shooters reporting zero malfunctions after hundreds of rounds.
Accessories and Customization
The Taurus G3 is designed to be highly customizable, with a picatinny rail located on the frame for attaching accessories such as lights, lasers, and optics. The pistol’s slide is also optic-ready, allowing shooters to install their preferred red dot sight or reflex sight. Additionally, the G3’s grip can be customized with interchangeable backstraps, providing a tailored fit for shooters with different hand sizes.
Performance and Accuracy
The Taurus G3 has been praised for its outstanding accuracy and reliable performance. The pistol’s barrel length of 4 inches provides a stable and consistent shooting platform, while its striker-fired trigger system ensures a smooth and predictable trigger pull. Many reviewers have reported sub-2 inch groups at 25 yards, making the G3 an excellent choice for competitive shooters and law enforcement personnel.
Comparison to Other Full-Size Pistols
The Taurus G3 is often compared to other full-size pistols on the market, such as the Glock 17 and the Smith & Wesson M&P. While each pistol has its unique features and advantages, the G3 stands out for its affordability and customization options. The G3’s price point is significantly lower than many of its competitors, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Taurus G3 is indeed a full-size pistol that offers a unique combination of features, reliability, and affordability. Its striker-fired trigger system, manual safety lever, and optic-ready slide make it an excellent choice for shooters seeking a versatile and customizable pistol. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of its competitors, the G3’s outstanding accuracy and reliable performance make it a compelling option for law enforcement, competitive shooters, and civilians alike. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, the Taurus G3 is definitely worth considering for your next full-size pistol purchase.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | 7.28 inches |
| Height | 5.5 inches |
| Width | 1.2 inches |
| Weight | 25.6 ounces |
| Trigger Pull Weight | 6 pounds |
| Reset Distance | 0.5 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
- The Taurus G3 is a full-size pistol with a length of 7.28 inches and a height of 5.5 inches.
- The pistol features a striker-fired trigger system with a reset distance of 0.5 inches and a trigger pull weight of 6 pounds.
What are the key features of the Taurus G3?
The Taurus G3 is a full-size pistol that boasts an impressive array of features, making it an attractive option for shooters of all levels. One of its standout features is its ergonomic design, which provides a comfortable grip and intuitive handling. The pistol also features a striker-fired operating system, which offers a smooth and consistent trigger pull. Additionally, the G3 has a reversible magazine release and an ambidextrous slide stop, making it accessible to both left- and right-handed shooters.
The Taurus G3 also features a durable and corrosion-resistant finish, which ensures that the pistol can withstand the rigors of frequent use and harsh environments. The pistol’s full-size frame is constructed from high-quality materials, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the gun. The G3 also comes with a set of adjustable sights, allowing shooters to customize their aim and improve their accuracy. With its impressive combination of features, the Taurus G3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile full-size pistol.
How does the Taurus G3 compare to other full-size pistols on the market?
The Taurus G3 is a highly competitive full-size pistol that holds its own against other popular models on the market. In terms of size and weight, the G3 is comparable to other full-size pistols, such as the Glock 17 and the Smith & Wesson M&P. However, the G3 has a slightly more aggressive grip texture and a more pronounced beavertail, which provides a more secure grip and better control. The G3 also has a slightly longer barrel than some of its competitors, which can result in improved accuracy and velocity.
In terms of features and functionality, the Taurus G3 is highly comparable to other full-size pistols on the market. The pistol’s striker-fired operating system and reversible magazine release are similar to those found on other popular models. However, the G3’s ambidextrous slide stop and adjustable sights set it apart from some of its competitors. Additionally, the G3’s affordable price point makes it an attractive option for shooters who are looking for a high-quality full-size pistol without breaking the bank. Overall, the Taurus G3 is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a reliable and feature-rich full-size pistol.
What kind of safety features does the Taurus G3 have?
The Taurus G3 features a number of safety features that are designed to prevent accidental discharges and ensure safe handling. One of the pistol’s primary safety features is its striker-fired operating system, which requires a deliberate trigger pull to fire the gun. The G3 also features a manual safety lever, which can be engaged to prevent the pistol from firing. Additionally, the pistol has a firing pin block, which prevents the firing pin from striking the primer unless the trigger is fully pressed.
The Taurus G3 also features a number of passive safety features, including a loaded chamber indicator and a trigger safety. The loaded chamber indicator provides a visual and tactile indication of whether a round is chambered, while the trigger safety prevents the pistol from firing unless the trigger is fully pressed. The G3’s safety features are designed to work in conjunction with one another to provide a high level of protection against accidental discharges. Overall, the Taurus G3 has a robust set of safety features that make it an excellent choice for shooters who prioritize safety and security.
Is the Taurus G3 suitable for concealed carry?
While the Taurus G3 is a full-size pistol, it can still be suitable for concealed carry depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. The pistol’s slim profile and rounded edges make it relatively easy to conceal, especially when paired with a high-quality holster. However, the G3’s full-size frame may make it more difficult to conceal than smaller pistols, such as compact or subcompact models. Shooters who plan to carry the G3 concealed will need to choose a holster and carry method that is designed to accommodate the pistol’s larger size.
Despite its full-size frame, the Taurus G3 can still be a viable option for concealed carry due to its relatively lightweight design and ergonomic shape. The pistol’s weight and balance make it easy to carry for extended periods, and its smooth edges and rounded contours help to reduce printing and discomfort. Additionally, the G3’s adjustable sights and reversible magazine release make it easy to use and manipulate, even in tight spaces. With the right holster and carry method, the Taurus G3 can be a reliable and effective choice for concealed carry.
How accurate is the Taurus G3?
The Taurus G3 is a highly accurate pistol that is capable of producing tight groups and precise shot placement. The pistol’s full-size frame and long barrel provide a stable platform for shooting, and its adjustable sights allow shooters to fine-tune their aim and improve their accuracy. In testing, the G3 has consistently demonstrated excellent accuracy, with many shooters able to achieve sub-2-inch groups at 25 yards. The pistol’s smooth trigger pull and minimal recoil also make it easy to shoot accurately, even for inexperienced shooters.
The Taurus G3’s accuracy can be attributed to its high-quality barrel and precise machining. The pistol’s barrel is constructed from high-strength materials and features a precise rifling pattern, which helps to stabilize the bullet and improve accuracy. The G3’s slide and frame are also carefully machined to ensure a smooth and consistent fit, which helps to reduce recoil and improve shot-to-shot consistency. Overall, the Taurus G3 is an extremely accurate pistol that is well-suited for a variety of shooting applications, from target shooting to self-defense.
What kind of maintenance and upkeep does the Taurus G3 require?
The Taurus G3 is a relatively low-maintenance pistol that requires minimal upkeep to keep it running smoothly. The pistol’s striker-fired operating system and stainless steel components make it resistant to corrosion and wear, and its durable finish helps to protect it from scratches and abrasions. To keep the G3 in good working order, shooters should regularly clean and lubricate the pistol, paying particular attention to the slide and barrel. The pistol’s magazine and magazine well should also be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure smooth feeding and function.
In addition to regular cleaning and lubrication, the Taurus G3 may require occasional maintenance and repair to keep it running at peak performance. The pistol’s sights and trigger may need to be adjusted or replaced over time, and the slide and frame may require periodic tightening or replacement. However, these tasks are relatively simple and can be performed by most shooters with basic tools and knowledge. Overall, the Taurus G3 is a reliable and low-maintenance pistol that requires minimal upkeep to keep it running smoothly and accurately.
What is the warranty and customer support like for the Taurus G3?
The Taurus G3 is backed by a comprehensive warranty and customer support program that provides shooters with peace of mind and protection against defects and malfunctions. Taurus offers a lifetime warranty on the G3, which covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the pistol. The company also provides a dedicated customer support team that is available to answer questions, provide maintenance and repair guidance, and address any issues or concerns that shooters may have.
In addition to its warranty and customer support program, Taurus also offers a range of resources and services to help shooters get the most out of their G3. The company’s website features a wealth of information on the pistol, including user manuals, maintenance guides, and troubleshooting tips. Taurus also offers a range of accessories and upgrades for the G3, including holsters, sights, and magazines. Overall, the Taurus G3 is backed by a comprehensive warranty and customer support program that provides shooters with the protection and support they need to enjoy their pistol with confidence.