Taurus PT-738 FS

Taurus · Pistol · Discontinued · 2012

Also known as: PT738 FS, 738 Full Size

Overview

The Taurus PT-738 FS is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP, manufactured by Taurus since 2012. The 2.8-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)311 g (11.0 oz)
Overall Length140 mm (5.51")
Barrel Length71 mm (2.80")
Height105 mm (4.13")
Width24 mm (0.94")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismStriker Fired
Trigger TypeDao
Trigger Pull27 N (6.1 lbf)
Magazine Capacity7 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity280 m/s (919 fps)
Muzzle Energy228 J (168 ft·lbf)
Effective Range15 m (16 yd)
Maximum Range1000 m (1094 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist254 mm (10.00")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialPolymer
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishBlue

Calibers

Features

Base model

Taurus-Pt-738-Tcp

Production

Production years: 2012-2018

Full-size grip variant of PT-738

Origin

Country of origin: Brazil

Discontinued: 2018

Notes

The PT-738 FS bridged the gap between the ultra-compact TCP and larger .380 pistols, offering better shootability while remaining highly concealable. It featured improved sights and a more comfortable grip than the TCP.

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.