Taurus G3
Taurus Holdings, Inc. · Pistol · In Production · 2019
Also known as: G3 T.O.R.O., G3c, G3 Tactical, G3XL
Overview
The Taurus G3 is a full-size, striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, introduced in 2019 as the successor to the Taurus G2 series. Designed and manufactured by Forjas Taurus in Porto Alegre, Brazil, the G3 represents a significant step forward in Taurus's polymer pistol lineup, featuring a redesigned trigger system with single-action operation and restrike capability, a steel guide rod replacing the earlier nylon unit, improved ergonomics with aggressive wrap-around grip texturing, and a 4-inch stainless steel barrel with broach-cut rifling. The pistol ships with both 15-round and 17-round magazines in most configurations and includes a MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail, loaded chamber indicator, drift-adjustable rear sight, and a manual thumb safety. Widely regarded as one of the best values in the full-size 9mm market, the G3 competes directly with pistols costing two to three times its price point, drawing frequent comparisons to the Glock 19 as a budget-friendly Brazilian alternative.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 703 g (24.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 185 mm (7.28") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Height | 132 mm (5.20") |
| Width | 32 mm (1.26") |
| Sight Radius | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action With Restrike |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 17 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 360 m/s (1181 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Carbon Steel |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Finish | Matte Black Tenifer |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Thumb Safety, Trigger Safety, Firing Pin Block, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Accessory Rail, Reversible Mag Release, Restrike Capability, Steel Guide Rod, Aggressive Grip Texture, Drift Adjustable Rear Sight, Three Dot Sights, Memory Pads
Variants
- Taurus G3 T.O.R.O. — Optics Ready
- Taurus G3c — Compact
- Taurus G3 Tactical — Tactical
- Taurus G3XL — Long Slide
- Taurus G3X — Crossover
Service history
Operators
- Brazilian State Police Forces
- Brazilian Municipal Guard Units
Production
Production years: 2019-present
High-volume production at Taurus facilities in Porto Alegre, Brazil and Miami, Florida
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Notes
The G3 trigger system operates as conventional single-action when the slide is cycled, pre-cocking the striker. In the event of a misfire, the system automatically transitions to a double-action mode, allowing a heavier second strike on the same round without manually cycling the slide. Trigger pull averages approximately 6.0 lbs as measured across multiple reviews, though some tested examples have shown lighter pulls around 4 lbs 11 oz. The G3 requires trigger pull for disassembly. Available in multiple frame colors including black, tan, and gray. The standard G3 retails at approximately $300 USD, making it one of the most affordable full-size 9mm pistols on the market. The G3 Tactical variant adds a threaded barrel (4.5 inches, 1/2x28 TPI), Cerakote finish, and T.O.R.O. optics mounting system at a higher price point. Taurus pistols are widely used by Brazilian law enforcement agencies due to domestic manufacturing requirements and cost-effectiveness. The company was originally founded as Forjas Taurus, a small tool manufacturer in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and acquired Beretta's Brazilian manufacturing facility in 1980, inheriting the tooling for the 92-series pistol.
Background
Taurus acquired Beretta's Brazilian manufacturing facility in 1980, inheriting the tooling for the Beretta 92 series. The G3 represents decades of evolution beyond that starting point, offering a modern striker-fired platform at roughly one-third the price of comparable pistols, earning it the nickname 'Brazil's answer to the Glock 19.'