Rifleman Review: Taurus G3 Tactical

In recent years, Taurus USA has fully fleshed out its polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols, culminating in the third-generation G3 series available in several configurations. One of the more-recent introductions in the line is the G3 Tactical, which incorporates a number of desirable features. Watch our "American Rifleman Television" Rifleman Review segment above to see all the details.

"Now, this is a first for Taurus," American Rifleman Managing Editor Christopher Olsen said. "As you can see, it comes with a threaded barrel and an optic-ready plate, which is first of the kind in the G3 series. Additionally, this gun comes in a shoot-ready package. You get a zippered ballistic nylon case, two 17-round magazines, and it comes with four optic plates to serve many of today's red-dot optics, should you put a red dot on here."

For those who choose to stick with the factory open sights, Taurus supplies an easily visible pair of suppressor-height, Glock-pattern irons. A black cover plate is included to cover the milled slide. Additionally, a Glock-style trigger is also include with a blade-in-shoe safety.

"Folks that have been used to the G3, you'll find that this gun is easy to get behind, just the same as all the others," Olsen said. "You get your stippled panels, your scallops for finger placement, a left-side magazine release that is slightly enlarged and serrated."

Fieldstripping and takedown are accomplished with the same disassembly procedures as other Glock-pattern firearms. After confirming the gun is clear, depress the trigger, pull the slide slightly to the rear, pull down the takedown tabs on either side of the frame, and then allow the slide to run off the front portion of the frame.

"Now since this gun is intended to be shot with a suppressor or a muzzle device, it's not advised to run with a standard recoil spring assembly," Olsen said. "So Taurus ships a secondary unit that can be used suppressed or with a muzzle device."

Taurus also builds in a three-slot Picatinny rail on the front of the frame to provide room for lights, lasers or other accessories.

"Taurus has come a long way with this G3 series of semi-automatic, striker-fired pistols," Olsen concluded. "We've seen the compact, we've seen standard and full-size versions. Now with the G3 Tactical, it's fully featured, and there really isn't much that the G3 series can't accomplish."

Taurus G3 Tactical Specifications
Importer: Taurus USA
Action Type: recoil-operated, semi-automatic, centerfire pistol
Chambering: 9 mm Luger
Barrel: 4.5" stainless steel; 1/2-28 TPI muzzle
Slide: alloy steel, Patriot Brown Cerakote finish
Frame: polymer, Flat Dark Earth finish
Trigger: restrike-capable, single-action
Sights: drift-adjustable rear, fixed front
Magazine: 17-round detachable box
Overall Length: 7.76"
Height: 5.38"
Width: 1.20"
Weight: 25.8 ozs.
MSRP: $584

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.