Preview: Taurus G3 & G3c T.O.R.O. Optic-Ready Handguns

Taurus has continued to upgrade its G-series striker-fired polymer-framed handguns since the introduction of the Millennium G2 2013. Since then, Taurus has followed user input to further develop its polymer-frame handguns. The latest generation of the G-series, the Taurus G3 and G3c, were unveiled in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Now for 2021, Taurus is adapting the G-series for the growing market trend of micro red-dot optic ready handguns with the G3 and G3c Taurus Optic Ready Option, or T.O.R.O.

The Taurus G3 and G3c T.O.R.O. are mostly similar to the standard versions of the G3 and G3c. The full-size G3 has a 4” barrel with an overall length of 7.30” and is compatible with magazines of 10-, 15- and 17-round capacities available. The more compact G3c has a barrel length of 3.2” with an overall length of 5.10” and can accept either 10- or 12-round magazines.

Features found on the standard versions of the G3 and G3c polymer frames remain the same on the G3 and G3c T.O.R.O. The grips have a prominent palm swell and deep tang, along with sections of aggressive grip texturing. The trigger on both is also the refined version developed by Taurus for the G3-series, with a single-stage 6-lb. pull, along with a re-strike capability.

The G3 and G3c T.O.R.O have similar slide layouts compared to the standard versions, which have serrations and the front and rear of the slide for improved manipulation. Unlike the standard versions, the G3 and G3c T.O.R.O. have a factory optic cut included into the slide for the use of micro red-dot optics. The design accommodates a range of different optics from different manufacturers.

The T.O.R.O. handguns come with four different mounting plates and screw sets, along with a L-Key, for attaching the specific optic. The G3 and G3c T.O.R.O. are compatible with several popular small optics on the market, including the Trijicon RMR, Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire. Both handguns come with a steel cover plate to provide a smooth surface on the slide with the optic cut is not in use.

Since many users of optic-ready handguns prefer to use elevated iron sights with their optics, the front and rear sight dovetail cuts on the T.O.R.O. handguns are machined to accept many aftermarket elevated- or suppressor-height iron sight options. Both the G3 and G3c T.O.R.O. are available with a slide color of matte black or stainless. The G3 and G3c T.O.R.O. have a suggested retail price of $409. For more information on the Taurus G3 and G3c T.O.R.O. visit taurususa.com.