Taurus 738 TCP Review

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Taurus 738 TCP

When you think of reliable firearms, Taurus isn't usually a name that might come to mind. Big players such as Colt, Sig Sauer and Beretta are the prime choice for most people looking to carry a reliable weapon with them, and we can't blame them. After all, the Taurus is well known for its low price, costing almost half as much as the above mentioned.

But did you know that a Taurus can outlast all of these manufacturers in terms of longevity. Yes, there are gun rentals and experienced gun enthusiasts who claim their Taurus to run smoothly for as much as ten thousand rounds! That's a feat not even Colt can achieve, requiring some sort of minor repair after a couple thousand rounds.

Don't go on the price; the Taurus can prove to be just as reliable as the big names. Let's have a look at the American manufacturer's latest offering, the concealed carry 738 TCP.

The Taurus 738 TCP is being marketed as a small concealed carry weapon intended for self defense. Given the price of about $200, it is one of the cheapest pistols currently available on the market. Naturally, that would give off a feel of inferiority as compared to its higher priced competition, especially against big names such as Colt, so let's see if the 738 TCP can change all that.

Weighing in at around 10 pounds, the 738 TCP is one of the lightest guns on the market. If you are used to carrying a full sized pistol such as the Beretta, it may take a while to adjust to the gun's weight. Fit and Finish are also very decent, along with the included slide lock which makes reloading an empty magazine much easier.

One thing to take note of is the full length metal guide rails instead of the usual sight inserts found on most guns. The pistol also has a loaded chamber indicator in the form of a blade that sticks out when the gun is loaded.

We tested the Taurus 738 TCP from a distance of 15 yards. Shots were fired accurately with a deviation of about 1 inch. There were no jams in the 90 rounds we fired, and Taurus has proved to live up to the reliability claims.

There was only one issue we think is worth noting of, which is the recoil. Even though the recoil is quite smooth, it is not nearly as good as some of the other guns we have tested. Instead of a sudden jolt, the recoil force tends to rotate the gun at a slight angle. A firmer grip can solve the problem, but it still is a valid concern, especially when dealing with high stress situations (which the gun is aimed for).

Honestly speaking, the Taurus TCP 380 mini-pistol has managed to impress us in all regards; price, usage and aesthetics. Though the recoil force isn't the smoothest, the other factors such as trigger pull, finish and ease of carry make it an ideal choice for a concealed carry. And at $200, it is perhaps the best value for money firearm in today's market.

Model: 738BSS
Action: DAO
Caliber: 380 ACP
Overall Length: 5.20"
Overall Height: 3.75"
Overall Width: 0.87"
Barrel Length: 2.84"
Sights: 3-Dot
Capacity: 6 + 1
Weight: 10.20 oz.