The term “personal defense weapon” (PDW) means the same thing in both civilian and military circles. It is a firearm that is compact and easy to carry, yet has more capability than a standard handgun. In civilian circles, the PDW moniker is often applied to “large-format pistols,” as many are legally classified as handguns while offering owners the opportunity to upgrade the platform to an NFA-regulated short-barreled rifle with the appropriate paperwork and the addition of a stock. Taurus now is joining the growing PDW/large-format pistol market with the RPC.
Like many PDWs, the RPC is a stockless and semi-auto-only pistol based on a submachine gun that Taurus designed for law enforcement and tested to NATO standards. Chambered in 9 mm, the RPC uses a roller-delayed blowback action and is fired by a flat-faced single-stage trigger. The 4.5-inch barrel mounts with a quick-change system, and its muzzle is threaded 1/2x28 TPI for attaching suppressors and other accessories.
The pistol’s receiver is made of aluminum alloy that is given a Cerakote finish. Supplied without sights, it has an M1913 Picatinny rail machined into the receiver’s upper surface for mounting optics or iron sights. Its pistol grip is AR-compatible for customization, and the supplied grip is made of over-molded rubber. The pistol’s handguard has a built-in handstop, along with M-Lok slots for attaching accessories.
The RPC’s trigger housing is made of polymer. Its rear surface has a vertical Picatinny rail section for attaching accessories. Three QD swivel cups are molded into the lower. Controls are fully ambidextrous, with a safety lever, bolt release and magazine release mirrored on each side, and there's a forward-mounted non-reciprocating charging handle that is reversible for right or left-handed use.
The proprietary magazine is made of polymer. Its standard capacity is 32 rounds, although a compact 20-round version, and a restricted 10-round version are also available. Two magazines are supplied with each pistol.
The RPC is available with a folding Strike Industries stabilizing arm brace. The pistol has an MSRP of $1,050 with the brace or $940 for the non-braced version.
For more information, see the company’s website here.
