Taurus PT-938

Taurus · Pistol · Discontinued · 2000

Also known as: PT938

Overview

The Taurus PT-938 is a full-size semi-automatic pistol chambered in .380 ACP, manufactured by Taurus since 2000. With a 3.5-inch barrel, this pistol strikes the ideal balance between concealability and ballistic performance, extracting near-optimal velocity from the .380 ACP cartridge while remaining easily holstered for everyday carry.

Specifications

Weight (empty)780 g (27.5 oz)
Overall Length168 mm (6.61")
Barrel Length89 mm (3.50")
Height120 mm (4.72")
Width31 mm (1.22")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeDa Sa
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity285 m/s (935 fps)
Muzzle Energy236 J (174 ft·lbf)
Effective Range25 m (27 yd)
Maximum Range1100 m (1203 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist254 mm (10.00")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialAluminum Alloy
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishBlue

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 2000-2012

.380 ACP variant of PT-900 compact series

Origin

Country of origin: Brazil

Discontinued: 2012

Notes

The PT-938 was designed as a smaller, lighter alternative to 9mm compact pistols for those who preferred the milder recoil of .380 ACP. It uses the same action and controls as other PT-900 series pistols.

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.