SHOT Show 2017: Taurus Spectrum .380 Pistol

by
posted on January 17, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

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.

Latest

Trend Summer Ending
Trend Summer Ending

Numerous Companies Offering Firearm, Ammo Rebates This Fall

Now that summer 2025 is drawing to a close, we'd like to welcome in the rebate season, and this year's specials are hard to ignore!

Preview: North American Arms Sentinel

The Sentinel from North American Arms combines the aesthetic and .22 WMR chambering of the Pug with the Sidewinder’s frame-mounted swing-out cylinder (to the right side, mind you) and far simpler reloading process.

New For 2025: Chiappa Big Badger

Chiappa's Little Badger has long been a popular, affordable, break-action survival rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Now, the design has been upsized into the Big Badger, available in several centerfire chamberings.

Preview: Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit

The U.S.G.I. canteen and cup are classic pieces of kit due to their efficient design and durable construction, and they are practically updated in the Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit.

Gun Of The Week: Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR

On this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the latest version of one of the most popular bolt-action rifle platforms out there. This is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 29, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.