A couple of weeks ago we brought you an exclusive first look at a new entry into the concealed-carry market, the Taurus Spectrum—the gun maker's first gun designed, engineered and manufactured in the U.S. But we didn't get a chance to handle an actual model until today at the 2017 SHOT Show. While we will fully test and evaluate the pistol for American Rifleman later this year, by all appearances it seems that Taurus has covered not only the full “spectrum” of colors in its new .380 ACP pistol, it offers many other important features that go into an ideal concealed-carry gun. 
A “non-energized” trigger system (it can’t be cocked) means the double-action-only pistol requires a very deliberate press on a wide, flat trigger. The Spectrum is recoil-operated, and contains no external safeties. Dimensions are: 2.8” barrel, 5.40” overall length, 3.82” high, and only 0.89” wide. It weighs in at 10 ozs. unloaded. A recessed grip makes offers a very comfortable carry.
Back to the Spectrum's visual appeal, the pistol is available in either a stainless or a Melonite-coated stainless steel slide. The “colorful” parts—the backstrap, grips and an indented slide where there are normally serrations—are made from proprietary polymer inserts that are actually part of the firearm and will not wear out or fade over time. Consumers can choose their own color combinations with a wide choice of standard-color inserts and even more available as distributor exclusives. 
The pistol ships with both a six-round and an extended seven-round magazine at an MSRP under $300.
American Rifleman’s Brian Sheetz caught up with Taurus Pro Shooter Jesse Duff at the 2017 SHOT Show, where she walked him through all of the features of this new lightweight and innovative entry into the fast-growing concealed-carry market.
Watch the video here, or for more, visit TaurusUSA.com.
