Taurus G3 with Tru Glo red dot sight side shot 2

Taurus G3 [Review]: Worthy Budget 9mm?

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The Taurus G3 is a budget 9mm pistol with some features that may appeal to gun enthusiasts and collectors. Though it’s not perfect, the G3 is worth considering for an affordable 9mm.

So, is this budget 9mm worth your attention? We’ll delve into this Taurus G3 review to find out. The G3 is a striker-fired, polymer-framed firearm that has been available for several years. With many favorable reviews, I decided to evaluate it myself.

Immediately, I was struck by its lightweight and ergonomic design. But does its performance match its comfortable feel? Let’s examine this handgun more closely to uncover what sets it apart.

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A Bit of Taurus History

A little history of the company is to understand more fully just how far Taurus has come in its quest to provide top-notch firearms at a reasonable price. I covered it in detail in my review of the Taurus Spectrum .380.

Taurus g2c
Taurus G2C.

The company had, if the term can be used, gained a reputation for producing lower-quality firearms with less-than-ideal customer service. Unfortunately, this was the reality for some time, but the company began to reinvent itself and improve its standards.

Taurus Improvements

The G2C was part of Taurus’s strategy to refresh its image in the firearms market, which began a few years ago with a leadership change. Having used several Taurus products, I’ve had direct experience with their customer service—or the lack thereof at the time. Guns sent in for minor repairs or restricted parts often took 8 to 12 weeks to return.

Reaching customer service by phone was nearly impossible. Thankfully, improvements are gradually being made. For quicker assistance, use the chat feature on their website. I previously spent an hour on hold, but after finding the chat option, I was connected with a representative in under 5 minutes. It’s a much faster option, at least in my experience.

With the new leadership, both phone wait times and the duration for product returns have seen significant reductions.

The Taurus Spectrum

Taurus Spectrum
Taurus Spectrum.

The .380 Spectrum, featuring a rubberized grip and slide panels along with a truly pocket-sized design, emerged as one of the first Taurus guns manufactured in the U.S. (Miami). This compact firearm comes in a variety of color options and, based on my experience, performs reliably with different types of ammunition.

This model stands out as one of the first Taurus firearms that received widespread acclaim from the shooting press. More crucially, it gained favor among everyday shooters.

Another key to its popularity is its affordability. The Spectrum is typically available for under $200 at many retailers. However, if it didn’t function reliably, its price wouldn’t matter.

Mine has been very reliable once I broke it in. (Make doubly sure the firing pin channel is clean — they fill it with shipping oil from the factory). So Spectrum has helped Taurus with its internal re-boot efforts. Now comes the G3.

The Taurus G3 Review

Taurus G3 left side

After producing the G2C, a 12-round pistol, Taurus logically progressed to creating a slightly larger model. Typically, manufacturers introduce a larger pistol first before offering a compact variant, but Taurus took the reverse approach.

The G3 features a four-inch barrel and is available in 10-, 15-, or 17-round capacities in 9mm. The sample I received for testing came with one 15-round and one 17-round magazine, both equipped with finger extensions. Additionally, they offer 10-round magazines for restricted states and list three versions on their website: 10-round, 15-round, and 17-round models.

Let’s delve into the gun’s specifications before we proceed further.

Taurus G3 Review: Specs

Caliber9mm Luger
Capacity10, 15, or 17 (with extended magazine)
FinishMatte Black
Grip/ FramePolymer
Firing SystemSingle Action with Restrike Capability
Action TypeStriker
SafetyManual and Trigger Safety, Striker Block
Sights FrontFixed (White Dot)
Sights RearDrift Adjustable (White Dots)
Slide MaterialCarbon Steel
Slide FinishMatte Black with a oxi-nitrocarburized finish
Overall Length7.30"
Overall Width1.25"
Overall Height5.20"
Barrel Length4.0"
Recoil Spring Guide RodSteel
Weight25 oz. (unloaded)
Magazines Includedeither 2x10, 2x15, or 1x15 and 1x17
Additional FeaturePicatinny Rail (MIL-STD 1913)

Taurus G3 Pros and Cons

Let’s dive into what I found out about the G3 during my test firing. Keep in mind, this is purely my perspective—your observations might differ.

PROS
  • Ergonomically very pleasing. The grip is comfortable and fits my hand well, with stippled areas that enhance control when firing. The frame has noticeable indentations for your thumb and forefinger, along with similar “divots” to facilitate easier trigger access.
  • Takedown. If you’ve owned a Glock, you can take this pistol apart easily.
  • Thumb Safety. For those of you who like thumb safeties, this one works well.
  • Rail. You have three slots to work with here, not just one.
  • Extended Magazine. With the standard 15- and 17-round magazines plus the one in the chamber, you could have 33 rounds of ammo with you. Buy a couple of extra 17-rounders for more security (check out CCW insurances to round it off).
  • Sights. The G3 comes with three-dot, semi-fixed Novak-style sights, which are an improvement over the plastic, adjustable rear sight on the G2C. Night sights are available aftermarket if preferred.
  • Forward slide serrations. OK, I’m reaching a bit here, but a lot of shooters like them for quick press-checks. If you don’t like them, you don’t have to use them.
CONS
  • Trigger. The trigger on my sample had a long take-up, and then once the free movement stopped, you had about a 6-7 pound pull to drop the striker. It was a bit gritty, with discernable creep. It made me wonder if my groups would be tighter if it had been better. On a positive note, I appreciate Taurus’s new trigger safety blade. It’s wider, reducing the chance of pinching your finger, and the trigger itself is somewhat straighter than previous models.

This was the only drawback I encountered with the gun, and it could be easily remedied by installing an aftermarket trigger.

Taurus G3 Review: Up Close & Personal

Taurus G3 gun right side

This gun is built to compete with Glock 19-sized compact models, and I think it will perform well in the market. Before diving into more detailed aspects of the gun, I want to highlight one of my favorite features: the restrike capability.

This feature is relatively common among Taurus pistols, including most of their models. My G2C has two distinct sears, one of which is for the restrike feature. The G3 has one sear but is still capable of firing a recalcitrant cartridge with a second or third pull of the trigger, much like a double-action revolver.

Taurus G3 top of frame
Frame.
Taurus G3 slide underside
Slide.

Taurus G3 Safeties

There is the usual firing pin drop safety, as well as the bladed trigger.

Taurus G3 trigger mag release

This trigger blade differs from previous Taurus models, including the one on my G2C. It appears to be slightly straighter and a bit wider, yet it occupies less space in the trigger guard compared to the G2C’s blade.

The pull weight of the trigger is about 6 pounds and seems smoother than previous Taurus triggers. This gun also has a traditional thumb safety, which you can use or choose not to. I think that, on a striker-fired gun, a thumb safety is sort of redundant, but many like the option. You can use it or not. So, you should be good to go in terms of having a safe firearm.

Taurus G3 Other Features

Here are some photos I took of the gun that I was sent to review.

Taurus G3 taken down
Pistol taken down.

If you’ve ever disassembled a Glock, this will be familiar, including the necessary trigger pull.

Taurus G3 left slide engraving
Note the heavily-beveled muzzle.
Taurus G3 thumb safety slide release
Slide release/ thumb safety.
Taurus G3 right slide engraving

Also fairly new to Taurus pistols is a three-slot rail. Most of the older guns had one or two at best.

Taurus G3 Grip

Taurus G3 right grip

The grip features molded-in stippling, which helps secure the gun in your hand. As someone who prefers polymer grips to feel like 100-grit sandpaper, I find this grip quite refreshing compared to the stair-step traction tape I use on some of my other guns.

Taurus G3 front strap
Front strap
Taurus G3 back strap
Back strap

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Taurus G3 Sights

The G3 features the standard Taurus pistol sight setup: a white dot fixed front sight and a steel, drift-adjustable two-dot rear. The sight picture is clear, though I would add bright red or orange nail polish to the front dot if it were my gun. The sights are practical and effective.

Interestingly, Taurus replaced the fully adjustable rear sight of the G2C with a drift-adjustable one on the G3. As someone who appreciates adjustable rear sights from my revolver background, I understand the benefits of a drift-adjustable rear sight for a self-defense weapon. Adjustable sights allow for fine-tuning to match different loads, though factory loads typically align well with fixed sights.

It’s worth noting that while adjustable sights can accommodate various loads, fixed sights generally work well with common factory ammunition. Some factory loads might still be off, but most 115-grain, 124-grain, and 147-grain ammo will be close to the sight’s point of aim. This is relevant for those who ask about sight regulation—screw adjustments make this easy, while fixed or difficult-to-drift sights may require experimenting with different factory loads. Overall, the G3’s sights are functional and durable, offering an upgrade over the plastic sight on my G2C.

Taurus G3 front sight
Taurus G3 rear sight
Taurus G3 rear sight dovetail
Dovetailed rear sight — that makes it replaceable.
Taurus G3 sight picture
Taurus G3 sight picture.

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Taurus G3 Optics Angle

Taurus’s latest innovation for the G3 pistol is the optics-ready model, which supports various brands of red dot sights. This new model was introduced in March 2021.

Taurus G3 plates screws for optics

The gun is the same, except for a cutout on the top rear of the slide and its cover plate. Here are some photos.

Four adapter plates with the original cover plate, included Allen wrench and screws.

Taurus G3 with Tru Glo red dot sight
Taurus G3 with Tru Glo red dot sight profile
Taurus G3 with Tru Glo red dot sight side shot 2
Taurus G3 with Tru Glo red dot sight side shot
Taurus G3 with Tru Glo red dot sight top back
Taurus G3 Tru Glo red dot sight point of view

I mounted a Tru Glo red dot sight on the G3 without any issues. The installation went smoothly, and the adapter plate (labeled 02) fit perfectly. While the existing three-dot sights aren’t designed to co-witness with the red dot, this isn’t a problem. I’m looking forward to testing this setup at my backyard range.

I’ve noticed that adding a red dot to my S&W Victor pistol improved my shooting accuracy, so I expect similar results with the G3. The 3 MOA dot should facilitate quick target acquisition. However, a friend of mine, a former deputy, mentioned that trainers often discouraged using red dots on duty guns.

They argued that it takes an extra second to acquire the dot compared to traditional three-dot night sights. The choice between these options is personal; I find a red dot useful for activities like woods walking and squirrel hunting.

The G3 Optics Ready (TORO) is a nice 9mm and shows the commitment to the G3 platform Taurus made by investing in a model specifically designed to take a red dot sight. Most of the major red dot sights are covered in terms of plates included.

I don’t have a listing of those compatible sights available, but by the time this review comes out, the information should be there for you. If you are looking for a compact-sized 9mm that can mount a red dot sight, give the G3 a look.

Taurus G3 Magazines

Taurus G3 with mags

The gun ships with one each 15-round and 17-round magazine.

Taurus G3 mags

I think the mags are made by Mec-Gar in Italy but would have to do some further checking to make sure. At any rate, they’re good mags. The yellow follower makes it easy to see when you’re empty, and the witness holes are ALL marked. This is a feature that some other makers might want to emulate. No guessing here.

The finger extension with the 17-round magazine is unobtrusive and fills the void very well. Some extenders do not meet up with the frame and stick out, while others don’t match the frame’s width. These magazines are very well made, and both were reliable.

It’s interesting to remember that Taurus was among the first pistol manufacturers to use a brightly colored follower. Now, it’s fairly common. It only makes sense — you can see how soon you’re going to run dry with just a glance at that bright yellow hunk of plastic.

Uplula Not Needed

In terms of loading the magazines, I had little trouble inserting the cartridges by hand, without having to use my trusty Uplula magazine loader.

If you’ve ever had trouble putting rounds in a magazine that was using a car suspension spring inside (or what seemed to be), then you will appreciate the relative ease with which cartridges can be inserted in the magazines.

If you do encounter a difficult magazine in the future, I highly recommend investing in an Uplula loader. It’s well worth the approximately $29. Fortunately, I didn’t need to use mine for this particular magazine.

Taurus G3 Review: Shooting Performance

This gun was fun to shoot. (I wanted to say “hoot to shoot,” but I thought that might be a bit over-the-top). From its decent trigger (some take-up, some creep but not a lot of either) to the ergonomic palm-swell-enhanced grip, the gun was a natural shooter.

It points easily and holds on target when you do the “eyes closed-point pistol” test. The sights line up as if they had a homing device, and the gun is controllable in recoil.

Shooting Results

I’ll include a couple of targets along with some ballistic data. Shooting the G3 was enjoyable—it felt like shooting a larger G2C, but with a slightly wider trigger safety blade and a longer grip. My goal wasn’t to set a bullseye record but to assess the accuracy of the sights.

targets
Targets: (L) My handload: 124-grain Lee cast RN over 4.8 gr. Long Shot, 1049 fps; (R) WWB 115 grain, 1078 fps.

Wrap Up: Is the Taurus G3 a Good Gun?

The Taurus G3 is poised to be a hit. It offers a light, ergonomic pistol with good sights and a solid trigger, all for a price likely under $300. This is an exceptional deal, especially considering the strides Taurus has made in improving its customer service and reputation.

This is a phenomenal bargain, especially so if you consider the lengths Taurus has gone to in order to upgrade its customer service and reputation.

The new Taurus guns that are coming out are earning very well-deserved high marks from reviewers and everyday shooters alike. There will always be a cadre of naysayers that will continue to make less-than-kind remarks about Taurus products.

But, with guns like the Spectrum, G2C, G3 and the just-announced Raging Hunter .357 revolver (American Hunter’s 2019 Hunting Handgun of the Year), Taurus seems to be working hard to rebuild its less-than-stellar previous reputation.

The G3 is one gun that will certainly help them in that quest. This gun is solid, decently accurate, and well-built. I can see it giving other similar guns a run for their money. Add in the warranty, extra 17-round magazine, and improved customer service, and you have a winner.

Check it out at your local shop and share your thoughts below. Stay safe and keep shooting!

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43 comments
  1. Thanks Mike for another unbiased and honest review. If the gun sucked, YOU, would say so, yet we see another example of how Taurus has turned things around. I’ve owned multiple Taurus’s since the mid ’80’s and have always been impressed with affordability, reliability, and accuracy. I can’t speak to CS as I’ve never needed it. My first was 9mm 92AF, followed with a .357 stainless revolver, followed by a .40 S&W PT 101 in stainless which I loved more than my Glock 26. The next is the G2C and may be added with this model based on your review. When I want an unbiased and honest review, I come here and I thank you. You prove inexpensive guns don’t have to be called “cheap”.

    1. Dave, thanks for the vote of confidence. I only write what I would like to read in a review and, if a gun is a dog, I may call it that but use nicer terms. I don’t have extra hundred-dollar bills lying around, so when I get a gun, it had better be a good buy and reliable. You have some of the more solid Taurus offerings – no surprise you haven’t needed their customer service. You might want to look at a G3 – it will give the 15-round-compacts a run for their money. Thanks for writing!

  2. Another detailed review, Mike. My compliments. I just acquired the G3 a month ago via the Internet ($230 at the time from Kentucky Gun Company). To your point, I think the grip ergonomics are fine. The molded stippling is aggressive enough without be overly rough. Field stripping is easy. Weight at 25 ounces is the same as the Walther Creed ($250 from CDNN). The G3 can easily be made a concealed carry weapon, despite the fact that it is larger than the G2C. I think the Walther Creed’s trigger is better than that on the G3, but I really cannot overly criticize the trigger action on the Taurus. I’m more of a fan of that aspect of the pistol than are you. On the other hand, I’m not satisfied with the sights. They are very small, and difficult for me to easily acquire my target. The sights on the Wather Creed (as well as those on the Sarsilmaz CM9 at $270) are much better in my estimation. I’m impressed that the Taurus G3 guide rod is metal rather than the plastic version on the G2C. The lifetime warranty (to the original purchaser) is also comforting to those (including myself) that have experienced Taurus QC issues in the past. However, based on this weapon, and the 7 round 692 revolver in stainless (has two cylinders and shoots 9mm, .38 Special, or .357 magnum) with the 3″ barrel I just bought several months ago, it seems Taurus has now upped its game in the quality department. This is fortunate because the customer service department is usually a nightmare to contact (the Taurus website “chat” feature you outlined certainly would be the way to go). Upon examining the interior of the pistol after field stripping it, I think the feed ramp on the 4″ barrel could benefit from a bit more polishing, though I have not had any FTF problems thus far (I’m shooting Fiocchi 115 grain FMJ cartridges). All things considered, I believe the G3 to be an excellent value proposition for someone seeking a home defense or even a concealed carry option in 9mm. It seems well thought out and executed, and the price is certainly right.

    1. John, I agree with every point you made. The grip stippling, the sights and trigger…those are all right on. I can see why you think the sights are small…I just didn’t mention that. And, thanks for pointing out that the guide rod is steel…I omitted that, too. I’m glad you like your 692 – that looks like a great carry gun. Lastly, you mentioned the Sar CM9 – I own its predecessor, the K2P and really like it. The “old-fashioned” DA/SA guns aren’t going away anytime soon. Great comments – thanks for writing!

      1. Thanks, Mike. I’d like to see you review the Taurus 692 revolver with the 3″ ported barrel. It was designed as a concealed carry weapon. I bought the matte stainless version and hand polished it to a satin finish. It is a formidable weapon with 7 rounds of .357 magnum in a relatively concealable package.

        1. John, I’ll have to see if I can get one to review. I’ve always liked small, powerful revolvers. Thanks for writing!

  3. Mike, thanks for a great review. You are direct, concise with no fluff. I too am an owner of a G2C and I enjoy the heck out of it. So far 1200 or so rounds through it and not a single major flub. Now, in comes the G3 which I am anticipating owning one and for sure will love shooting it given its DNA and shooting characteristics. My favorite feature is the second strike capability which surprisingly not a lot of polymer wonder nines have. Anyway, I am saving up for this new beauty. Beauty indeed for us guys and gals on a budget.

    1. Francis, first thanks for the compliments. Secondly, I think you enjoy shooting the G3, if you like the G2C. It also has the second-strike capability. They ARE great guns for those of us on a budget. Thanks for writing!

  4. FWIW, I’ve heard of Taurus quality control problems in the past but my two examples of 10+ years ago or so have been completely reliable (PT1911 45 ACP and 431 Revolver in 44 Special. Glad to hear that Taurus is cleaning up their act though, because when they produce their best examples, they are quite nice guns.

    1. Calin, the two Taurus guns you owned are gems – I had their 1911 for a good while. Glad you haven’t had any issues with them. Thanks again for writing!

  5. Hey Mike. I am one that likes to buy American made Products even though the price is very tempting…An they might be assembled here, The money goes the Corp Country…
    I have resisted for several years to buy only USA made, Had no problems so far…
    But it is hard to buy American made when there are more that I like that are not…I guess I can stick to my revolvers S&W, and Ruger, AR on my shoulder…

    1. Tom, I get where you’re coming from. Anymore, it’s sometimes hard to find an all-American product. At least Taurus and other makers are opening plants here and putting people to work. Here’s another example of a gun being assembled in the “home” country but with parts made elsewhere…Rock Island Armory sells a very nice CZ-75 clone called the MAPP. Those parts are made by Tanfoglio, in Italy and shipped to the Philippines for assembly. I guess it happens all over. Thanks for writing!

    1. Neil, thanks. I do try to be impartial. I write reviews that I hope help others make a buying decision, or not to buy for whatever reason. As the old baseball umpire said, I calls ’em as I sees ’em. As I said above, the G3 will sell like hotcakes and rightfully so-it’s a heck of a good buy. Thanks for writing!

  6. Excellent review! Taurus is making massive strides to the firearms industry. I bet they’ll surpass the competition with their fearless ambitious and innovation. Especially with their reputation growing every day. They’re listening to their customers. Just like ruger, sig and smith do. You can tell because all of the contention points of the G2C are remedied on the G3. Specifically the steel guide rod, the trigger and safety system is upgraded, they added in the relief cuts to aide in removing a stuck magazine, the 1913 rail is extended, front slide serrations instead if the grooves. My only complaint as a lefty is make it ambidextrous! I think the only reason they haven’t is because while internal design would need some re-engineering.

    1. Dominic, as a fellow lefty I feel your pain…ha! There are darn few left-friendly pistols out there – the G3 is still a great buy. Thanks for writing!

  7. I just bought one after it was profiled in American Rifleman magazine and I love it. It is really comfortable and fun to shoot. Not a single misfire or misfeed yet. It does carry easy with an in the waist band holster.

  8. Hi.. I just bought a G3 in South Africa.. 3 mags came with the gun.. Waiting on lic to be approved.. Could take upto 1 year… How to you find G3 compared to Glock 19…what makes one better than other. Thanks

    1. Ray, I think that, unless you are specifically looking to buy a Glock, the G3 will do just about everything that a Glock 19 will do. Plus, you have the advantage of a 17-round magazine right out of the box. If you are not “Glock-locked”, and just have to have one, there are alternatives out there and the G3 is one to look at. Too bad about your laws…I hope it all works out well for you. We sometimes take for granted our ability to buy guns more easily than those in other countries can. Thanks for writing!

  9. I have a question. I don’t like lots of recoil and love my Taurus PT908. Is the recoil the same in the G3 as the pt908?

    1. Jennifer, the 908 is an alloy-framed, hammer-fired gun. I think the G3 might have a little bit more felt recoil due to its lighter weight (25 oz. versus 30 for the 908) and poly frame, but the G3’s frame, being polymer, tends to flex a miniscule amount on firing and that helps tame recoil a bit. I don’t think you’d notice much more recoil. but only you can decide that. Is there a way for you to rent or borrow a G3 to try? It is a very popular gun – you might like it. Another point – it would be a bit easier to carry than the 908. Let us know this works out, OK? Thanks for writing.

  10. After reading this, which helped me with the final decision, I got my G3. Just for drill I held some others including several Glock models and didn’t like them as much at all. I have big hands. I found the Glocks binding. The flared lower handle edges and the cut out to get to the magazine edge were uncomfortable. Knocked 150 rounds of three types including some very old silvertip hollow points and it was flawless. Why pay for a glock? Really—why?

    1. Marvin, I agree about the mag well cut on that Glock – it bites my hand, too. The Glock is a fine gun, no doubt, but they do tend to cost a bit more. I think the G3 is a decent alternative. It is a very popular model now for Taurus. Either gun should serve you well. Thanks for writing.

      1. Hi Mike thanks for the reply. Ive owned a TON of guns in my life including XP 100 in 7mm bench rest , which I regret selling now, Everything from 22. to .45 and most rifles calibers—even had some matchlocks! Used to cast my own miniballs. Ive played with the G3 more since my writing and am a huge fan. No, you are not going to win shooting matches with 1 inch patterns but WOW what a gun for the money! Honestly–its the best gun deal out there. I may pick up a couple more. I think the same way about my 1998 chevy cavalier, lol Ive owned everything from 440 hemi cudas to caddys to you name it—my 98 cavalier was the best car I ever bought ‘for the money’. No bells and whistles. Never anything gone wrong with it at 200K. Gets me everywhere I want to go, Aint a stop light racer but who cares. 36mpg! Would I like a new corvette? Heck yeah but the cav gets me to the same place and I only paid 1200 bucks for it. For a nice concealed carry or just a house gun for intruder safety etc you cant beat this G3 gun for the moola. Taurus would sell a billion of them with the right advertising. (No, I don’t work for Taurus, lol)

        1. Marvin, glad you like the G3. As for 1 inch groups, I’d sure take those! Sights are a bit blurry, the older I get. Great car analogy…I have a Chevy truck that’s been great. I’m with you… a new, expensive model would be great but the Silverado gets me there. I think Taurus ads are a bit more aggressive now than before…that can only help sell more guns Thanks for writing again.

  11. Worse gun I ever had,have
    Don’t even think on using Hollow-point bullets For self defense, bullets won’t feed to the gun, first time I was trying to used I couldn’t ?

  12. April, 2020…

    Matte stainless is available…
    Item#: 1-G3949-15

    [Link removed – doesn’t exist anymore]

    I’ve been happy with both my G2C and G3….

    1. Robert, thanks for the update. My G2C is the matte stainless and I like it. A satin finish works well for a concealed carry gun. Shiny is fine for the range. Glad you like your Taurus guns – thanks for writing!

  13. I’m in law enforcement and I’ve carried a glock for years and years and years. 19 to be exact.
    about a year ago I bought a g2c and I put about 3,000 rounds through it and love the little gun so much, I bought one for my girlfriend and for my mom! So of course I had to get a G3 for $250!
    Using my perspective as a glock man here’s the good and the bad.
    The bad first, with Winchester white box it almost immediately started jamming every second or third round!!! I even had trouble racking the slide by hand!
    When I broke it down I noticed a yellow paste smeared on the underside of the slide. It seemed to be the same color as the yellow part in the striker spring slot.
    I over oiled the gun and worked the slide about 300 times stopping periodically to wipe the yellow smears away.
    the next day I put 300 rounds through it without a problem and have not had a single malfunction since then after about a thousand rounds, so about 1,500 rounds total.
    I think this was just a little tag of plastic left over from the manufacturing process that wasn’t smoothed off from the stamping process or something. but if I hadn’t taken the time to break the gun in it would have malfunctioned when I needed it!
    Now for the good.
    this gun has an amazingly comfortable ergonomic grip and really good stippling, it just feels good in the hand!!! It points naturally and is a joy to shoot.
    I’ve seen complaints about the long trigger pull, I don’t even notice it once I start banging. It’s just as easy to conceal as a 19 because they’re basically identical size-wise. But the G3 has a narrower more comfortable grip.
    so for $250 you cannot go wrong with this gun! but I would add the caveat of really really really breaking it in before you trusted it to carry!!!
    using a Glock 19 as the standard and we’re going to say that’s an A,I would give this a, B, I would give it a higher score if I hadn’t had the initial malfunctions, if I can get another thousand rounds through it with no problems it’ll be an Aand again….. $250!!!!!!

  14. Timothy, thanks for telling us your personal experience with this gun – I always appreciate hearing from law enforcement folks because you have to have equipment that works, and I want to know about it. Thanks for writing.

  15. Any early word if the TORO slide will be sold as a stand-alone item for the G3C? I haven’t had my G3C for very long (took forever to find one in current pandemic conditions) – I’m not likely to buy another whole pistol just to get the sight plates. Replacing the current slide with the optics capable one ought to be R&R (remove and replace) easy, correct? Thanks!

    1. Mark, not sure if a TORO slide would fit on a G3c – it’s designed for the 4-inch, full-size G3. Would be interesting to find out – maybe ask Taurus? Thanks for writing!

  16. Good review Mike. I’ve not had the opportunity to fire the G3, but I’ve handled several G2’s and must say that I was impressed. I even recommended the Taurus G2 to a very good friend that recently switched to the “Dark Side” (LOL, my name for us firearm afficiandos, hat tip to Lucas). He asked for and received some tutoring, and I’m proud to say improved really well with some coaching.
    Another “9” isn’t on the menu for my next gun, but I’m definitely going to keep a close eye on the G3. An optic ready pistol well under $400 isn’t something one dismisses. I’m glad to see the new leadership at Taurus stepping up to the plate, after the previous lapse. Good Customer Service is paramount in today’s market, and a lot of sins are forgiven just through good CS.

    1. Bemused, yeah, you’re right about good CS overcoming other deficiencies. Hopefully, T has figured that out. The G3 and G3c are excellent guns for the money – check out my G3c upgrade piece for even more options. Glock night sights, laser, 17-round mag — what’s not to like? Thanks again for your comments!

    1. Erwin, good point. The Canik is a good gun, no doubt. I generally like most of the guns I see from Turkey. It all comes down to what feels right in your hand – I don’t think you’d go wrong with either. Thanks for writing!

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