Optics-Ready 9mm Pistols: Taurus G3 T.O.R.O and G3c T.O.R.O.

Over the last several years, Taurus has pushed an aggressive rollout of feature-rich, factory performance pistols based on the polymer-frame, striker-fired platform. Beginning with the PT111 Millennium G2 introduction of 2013 and moving to the upgraded G2c in 2018, the Taurus G-series handguns have proven widely popular for their industry-leading performance-to-price ratio.

Building on that impressive foundation, Taurus engineers set about to answer consumer requests for a polymer frame pistol that delivered the same top-end ergonomics, performance, and value as the G2 series but in a full-size frame 9mm. Rather than merely up-sizing the G2c, the Taurus team started with a clean slate with the intent of making the new handgun not only bigger than its predecessor but also taking design and innovation to the next level.

Enter the Taurus G3 Series

In September 2019, Taurus unveiled the next generation of its G-series polymer frame striker-fired pistols. Billed as the Taurus G3, this new full-size semi-auto held close to the design cues and reliable performance of the venerable G2c but represented an all-new platform from breech to muzzle, grip to slide rail.

Engineers paid close attention to the G3's ergonomics to ensure a handgun that, while full-frame, would prove accommodating to a broad range of hand sizes. For example, the grip features a prominent palm swell and a deep tang to provide optimal hand alignment and control. Contouring of the trigger guard and the magazine floor plate extension further promotes a positive, stable grip. Add in the aggressive stippling patches across the back, sides, and front of the grip with ambidextrous memory pads for finger indexing, and the G3 delivers one of the most comfortable and functional polymer frames ever designed.

Up top, the G3 slide strikes a sleeker pose than its predecessor, with a more tapered profile and smoother, frame-matching bevels to minimize snagging when drawing and holstering. Front and rear slide serrations present a no-slip grip for any slide actuation technique.

Since the trigger is the critical shooter-to-firearm interface, Taurus refined its single-action system for a smoother pull, crisper break, shorter reset, and a consistent pull weight of around 6 lbs. to give shooters the predictability so essential for accuracy. The G3 trigger also provides restrike capability, allowing the shooter to follow up on a failure-to-fire condition by pulling the trigger a second time.

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Taurus G3c: G3 Goes Compact

With the tremendous consumer and media response to the full-size G3, it was only natural that the all-new G-series platform would pave the way for the next generation of Taurus' compact carry guns.

Borrowing extensively from the G3's successful engineering, the G3c entered the marketplace in mid-2020, shorter and lighter than its full-size sibling but with its own credentials as a serious EDC pistol. A durable Tenifer finish was added to the alloy steel slide to withstand daily use better. A Teflon-like coating was added to all operational controls—like the slide stop, magazine release, and manual safety—to resist corrosion and rust while enhancing lubricity for smoother operation.

Another significant upgrade for the G3c was the addition of durable steel front and rear sights with serrations along the rear sight for reduced glare and faster sight alignment. And in a nod toward the growing consumer market for night sights, the G3c received a new dovetail cut, making it compatible with the most common aftermarket tritium- and fiber optic-based sights.

Introducing the G3 T.O.R.O. and G3c T.O.R.O.

Given the growing penchant for shooters to include micro red dots on their semi-autos—be it for personal defense, recreational shooting, or competition work—Taurus brings the G3 series pistols into the optic arena for 2021 with the release of the full-size G3 T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optic Ready Option) and the compact G3c T.O.R.O.

Both the G3 T.O.R.O. and the G3c T.O.R.O. are similar to the G3 and G3c, respectively, except for their slide configuration. The slides for the T.O.R.O. series feature a factory optic cut so that consumers can immediately add their choice of micro red dot without the expense of custom gunsmith work or "downtime" of their handgun. What's more, the T.O.R.O. system's design accommodates a broad range of popular optics on the market today, thanks to an ingenious interchangeable plate mounting system.

Four different mounting plates, along with four different sets of screws and L-Key are included with the G3 T.O.R.O. and G3c T.O.R.O.—each with a different mounting pattern that is specific to common aftermarket optics.

Optic systems compatible with the G3 T.O.R.O. and G3c T.O.R.O.  (but not limited to):

• Trijicon RMR
• Noblex-Docter
• Vortex Venom
• Burris FastFire
• Sightmark Mini
• Holosun HS407C
• Leupold Delta Point
• C-More STS2
• Bushnell RXS-250
• TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro

The G3 T.O.R.O. and G3c T.O.R.O. come from the factory with a steel slide cover plate to provide a "clean" slide surface when employing the installed open sights. To add an optic, remove the cover plate and install the appropriate mounting plate for the desired optic brand. The Owner's Manual includes easy, step-by-step instructions for installing an optic system on the G3 T.O.R.O. and the G3c T.O.R.O., which the consumer can do themselves with basic tools and supplies.

Since many shooters who install optics on their pistols also prefer to run elevated open sights for backup, the G3 T.O.R.O. and G3c T.O.R.O. rear dovetail cuts are machined to accept common elevated- or suppressor-height aftermarket sights, depending on the manufacturer's specifications.

A Full Stable of Premium Performance Handguns

With the introduction of the G3 T.O.R.O. and the G3c T.O.R.O., Taurus rounds out the G3 series of 9mm semi-auto striker-fired pistols with a model for every need and with performance and a price point to meet every budget. Whether intended for personal protection, recreational shooting, or competition, the G3 T.O.R.O. and G3c T.O.R.O. deliver factory-tuned performance while providing customizing options for individual shooter's tastes.

Taurus G3 T.O.R.O. Specs

Caliber: 9mm Luger
Capacity: 10, 15, or 17 (with extended magazine)
Finish: Matte Black / Matte Stainless
Grip/Frame: Polymer
Firing System: Single Action with Restrike Capability
Action Type: Striker
Safety: Manual and Trigger Safety, Striker Block, Visual Loaded Chamber Indicator
Sights Front: Fixed (White Dot)
Sights Rear: Drift Adjustable Serrated Matte Black
Slide Material: Carbon Steel
Slide Finish: Matte Black
Optic-Compatible Steel Cover Plate:  Cover plate, four mounting plates, and hardware
Overall Length: 7.30"
Overall Width: 1.20"
Overall Height: 5.20"
Barrel Length: 4.00"
Weight: 25 oz. (unloaded)
Magazines Included: 2x10, 2x15, or 1x15 and 1x17
Packaging Size: 12.5" x 6" x 1.75"
Packaging Weight: 2.75 lbs.
Additional Feature: Picatinny Rail (Mil-STD 1913)
MSRP: $408.77

Taurus G3c T.O.R.O. Specs

Caliber: 9mm Luger
Capacity: 10 or 12 rounds
Finish: Matte Black / Matte Stainless
Grip/Frame: Polymer
Firing System: Single Action with Restrike Capability
Action Type: Striker
Safety: Manual and Trigger Safety, Striker Block, Visual Loaded Chamber Indicator
Sights Front: Fixed (White Dot)
Sights Rear: Drift Adjustable Serrated Matte Black
Slide Material: Carbon Steel
Slide Finish: Tenifer Matte Black
Optic-Compatible Steel Cover Plate:  Cover plate, four mounting plates, and hardware
Overall Length: 6.30"
Overall Width: 1.20"
Overall Height: 5.10"
Barrel Length: 3.2"
Weight: 22 oz. (unloaded)
Magazines Included: 3x12 or 3x10
Packaging Size: 9.8" x 6" x 1.8"
Packaging Weight: 33.20 oz.
Additional Feature: Picatinny Rail (Mil-STD 1913)
MSRP: $408.77

For more information on the Taurus G3/G3c T.O.R.O. and the complete line of Taurus products, visit: TaurusUSA.com