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

by
posted on March 9, 2021
** 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. **
taurus-g3-toro-new-guns-2021-f.jpg

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.

Latest

Gotw Bmr X Steel Web
Gotw Bmr X Steel Web

Gun Of The Week: Bergara BMR-X Steel

In this episode, the American Rifleman staff is on the range with a rimfire rifle that’s designed to excel in competition. This is the Bergara BMR-X Steel, a bolt-action that offers some match-grade features at a price that won’t break the bank.

Robert "Bob" Nosler Passes Away

Robert "Bob" Nosler, chairman of Nosler, Inc., passed away on Sept. 2, 2025, at the age of 79.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 5, 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.

MRDS: Zenith’s American-Made Roller-Delayed Rifle For The 21st Century

While the roller-delayed blowback mechanism has proven reliable in platforms like the Heckler & Koch G3, Zenith Firearms has taken this innovative operating system and paired it with a modern, AR-style feature set in its MRDS.

Remington Announces 4th Annual Shoot To Cure Fundraiser

Now in its fourth year, the Shoot to Cure fundraiser is scheduled to take place on September 19 at the historic Remington Gun Club in Lonoke, Ark.

Rifleman Review: Walther Arms PD380

For its latest compact carry pistol, the PD380, Walther Arms combined elements of its Performance Duty Pistol series with its legacy PK380 platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.