Taurus PT-38S
Taurus · Pistol · Discontinued · 2005
Also known as: PT38S, PT 38S
Overview
The Taurus PT-38S is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP, manufactured by Taurus since 2005. The 3.0-inch barrel keeps the overall package compact for concealed carry, though the shorter sight radius requires more disciplined shooting fundamentals to maintain accuracy at defensive distances.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 539 g (19.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Barrel Length | 76 mm (2.99") |
| Height | 114 mm (4.49") |
| Width | 25 mm (0.98") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Dao |
| Trigger Pull | 27 N (6.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 280 m/s (919 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 228 J (168 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 20 m (22 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blue |
Calibers
- .380 ACP · primary — also known as .380 Auto, 9mm Browning Short, 9x17mm, 9mm Kurz
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Trigger Safety, Loaded Chamber Indicator
- Features: Slim Profile, Single Stack Magazine, Compact 380, Accessory Rail, Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Textured Grip, Loaded Chamber Indicator, Reversible Magazine Release
Production
Production years: 2005-2015
Slim compact .380 variant
Origin
Country of origin: Brazil
Discontinued: 2015
Notes
The PT-38S was part of Taurus's compact .380 lineup, positioned between the micro PT-738 TCP and the full-size PT-58. It offered a balance of concealability and shootability.
Background
Taurus's semi-automatic pistol development accelerated dramatically after acquiring Beretta's Brazilian manufacturing facility in 1980, and the company has since developed an increasingly independent lineup of original designs alongside their proven Beretta-derived models.