Taurus 380 Mini
Taurus International · Pistol · In Production · 2010
Also known as: Taurus M380, Taurus 380 Ultra-Lite, Model 380 Mini, M380 IB
Overview
The Taurus 380 Mini is an ultracompact, five-shot, double-action-only revolver chambered in .380 ACP -- one of the most unusual caliber-and-platform combinations on the market, as .380 ACP is a semi-rimmed pistol cartridge typically found in semi-automatic handguns. Introduced around 2010, the 380 Mini was designed as a pocket-sized deep-concealment revolver for personal defense. The lightweight aluminum alloy frame and stainless steel cylinder keep the weight to approximately 15.5 ounces (439g), making it one of the lightest revolvers available. The 1.75-inch (44mm) barrel produces a very compact overall length of just 5.95 inches (151mm) with a height of 4.80 inches (122mm) and a width of 1.35 inches (34mm). Because .380 ACP is a rimless cartridge, the revolver uses Taurus Star Clips (moon clips) to hold the cartridges in the cylinder and facilitate extraction of spent cases. The spurless, fully enclosed hammer provides a completely snag-free profile ideal for pocket or ankle holster carry. The double-action-only trigger has a long, smooth pull of approximately 12 pounds (53N). The front sight is a serrated ramp integral to the barrel, while the rear sight is a windage-adjustable blade. The color case-hardened trigger and soft rubber grips with pebble-grained side panels and finger grooves add both aesthetic appeal and functional grip security.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 439 g (15.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 476 g (16.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 151 mm (5.94") |
| Barrel Length | 44 mm (1.73") |
| Height | 122 mm (4.80") |
| Width | 34 mm (1.34") |
| Action Type | Double Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Only |
| Trigger Pull | 53 N (11.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 244 m/s (801 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 174 J (128 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 7 m (8 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as .380 Auto, 9mm Browning Short, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz, 9mm Corto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolver Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Taurus Security System
- Features: Mini Frame, Spurless Hammer, Double Action Only, Five Shot Cylinder, Moon Clips, Fixed Front Sight, Windage Adjustable Rear Sight, Soft Rubber Grips, Ultra Lite Alloy Frame, Snag Free Profile, Color Case Hardened Trigger
Variants
- Taurus 380 Mini Stainless — Finish
- Taurus 380 Ultra-Lite Blued — Standard
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Concealed Carry
- Civilian Backup Carry
Production
Production years: 2010-present
Limited production niche product; one of very few revolvers ever chambered in .380 ACP
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Notes
The Taurus 380 Mini occupies a unique niche in the firearms market. While .380 ACP revolvers are extremely rare, the concept offers several advantages for a pocket revolver: lower recoil than .38 Special snubnose revolvers, wider ammunition availability than the .32 H&R Magnum, and the simplicity of a revolver action in an ultracompact package. The mandatory use of moon clips is both an advantage and a limitation -- they speed reloading since all five rounds are loaded and extracted simultaneously, but loose rounds cannot be loaded into the cylinder without the clips. The short 1.75-inch barrel reduces the .380 ACP's velocity to approximately 800 fps (244 m/s) with standard 90-grain FMJ loads, down from the 955 fps typically achieved from a 3.75-inch barrel. The ejector rod is notably short at approximately 0.45 inches, which can make reliable ejection of spent cases more challenging. MSRP is approximately $430 for the blued model and $461 for the stainless variant. The Taurus Security System key lock is integrated into the frame above the cylinder release. Available in both blued and matte stainless finishes.
Background
The Taurus 380 Mini stands as one of the most unconventional modern revolvers. Chambering a semi-rimmed pistol cartridge in a revolver cylinder -- requiring moon clips for headspacing and extraction -- was an unorthodox design choice that carved out a genuine niche. The concept proved that .380 ACP's mild recoil and wide commercial availability could make it viable in a pocket revolver, offering a softer-shooting alternative to the snappy .38 Special snubnose revolvers that dominate the concealed-carry revolver market.