Taurus 82

Taurus International · Pistol · In Production · 1978

Also known as: Model 82, Taurus Model 82, Taurus 82 Security

Overview

The Taurus 82 is a medium-frame, six-shot, double-action/single-action revolver chambered exclusively in .38 Special and rated for .38 Special +P ammunition. Known as the 'Security' model, it has been a mainstay of the Taurus revolver lineup since the late 1970s, serving as a reliable and affordable service-size revolver for law enforcement and civilian defense. The standard configuration features a 4-inch barrel with a weighing 36.5 ounces (1035g) and an overall length of 9.25 inches (235mm). The all-steel construction provides a solid, recoil-absorbing platform well-suited for the .38 Special cartridge. Fixed front and rear sights are milled into the frame for fast target acquisition and extreme durability. The soft rubber grip with finger grooves provides a secure hold during rapid double-action shooting. Safety features include the transfer bar mechanism and the Taurus Security System (TSS) integral key-lock. With 130-grain .38 Special loads from the 4-inch barrel, muzzle velocity is approximately 850 fps (259 m/s), producing around 272 joules of muzzle energy. The five-groove rifling with a 1:16-inch twist rate is optimized for standard .38 Special bullet weights from 110 to 158 grains. Available in matte blued and stainless steel finishes.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	1035 g (36.5 oz)
Weight (loaded)	1107 g (39.0 oz)
Overall Length	235 mm (9.25")
Barrel Length	102 mm (4.02")
Height	139 mm (5.47")
Width	38 mm (1.50")
Action Type	Double Action
Firing Mechanism	Double Action Single Action
Trigger Type	Double Action
Trigger Pull	20 N (4.5 lbf)
Magazine Capacity	6 rounds
Muzzle Velocity	259 m/s (850 fps)
Muzzle Energy	272 J (201 ft·lbf)
Effective Range	45 m (49 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Right Hand
Rifling Twist	406 mm (15.98")
Number of Grooves	5
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Finish	Matte Blued

Calibers

.38 Special · primary — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR, .38 Special +P

Features

Firing modes: Semi Automatic
Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Taurus Security System
Features: Medium Frame, Six Shot Cylinder, Fixed Sights, Rubber Grips, Spurred Hammer, 38 Special Plus P Rated

Variants

Taurus 82 Blued — Finish Variant
Taurus 82 Stainless — Finish Variant

Service history

Operators

Civilian Home Defense
Brazilian Military Police (Various States) · as Duty Weapon
Latin American Law Enforcement

Production

Production years: 1978-present

Long-running production model widely used by Brazilian and Latin American law enforcement; available in blued and stainless steel finishes

Origin

Country of origin: Brazil

Notes

The Taurus 82 is the .38 Special-only counterpart to the Taurus 65, which is chambered in .357 Magnum. By limiting the chambering to .38 Special, the Model 82 avoids the need for the heavier construction required to handle .357 Magnum pressures, though in practice both revolvers share essentially the same medium frame. The 82 competes with the Smith & Wesson Model 10 and the Ruger Service Six, offering comparable reliability at a lower price point. It has seen widespread service with Brazilian state military police forces and other Latin American law enforcement agencies as a standard-issue duty sidearm. The fixed sights are milled directly into the frame, making them virtually indestructible under normal duty conditions. The 82's simplicity and durability have made it a popular choice for security guards and private security companies throughout South America. The 3-dot sight system on newer production models improves sight acquisition in low-light conditions compared to the original fixed-notch rear sight.

Background

Taurus's revolver manufacturing expertise traces back to their acquisition of the Smith & Wesson factory in Brazil, giving them access to decades of refined revolver-building knowledge that continues to influence their designs today.