Taurus G3

About the Taurus G3

The Taurus G3 is a full-size, striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, introduced in 2019 as the successor to the Taurus G2 series. Designed and manufactured by Forjas Taurus in Porto Alegre, Brazil, the G3 represents a significant step forward in Taurus's polymer pistol lineup, featuring a redesigned trigger system with single-action operation and restrike capability, a steel guide rod replacing the earlier nylon unit, improved ergonomics with aggressive wrap-around grip texturing, and a 4-inch stainless steel barrel with broach-cut rifling. The pistol ships with both 15-round and 17-round magazines in most configurations and includes a MIL-STD-1913 accessory rail, loaded chamber indicator, drift-adjustable rear sight, and a manual thumb safety. Widely regarded as one of the best values in the full-size 9mm market, the G3 competes directly with pistols costing two to three times its price point, drawing frequent comparisons to the Glock 19 as a budget-friendly Brazilian alternative.

Taurus acquired Beretta's Brazilian manufacturing facility in 1980, inheriting the tooling for the Beretta 92 series. The G3 represents decades of evolution beyond that starting point, offering a modern striker-fired platform at roughly one-third the price of comparable pistols, earning it the nickname 'Brazil's answer to the Glock 19.'

Taurus G3 specifications

The G3 trigger system operates as conventional single-action when the slide is cycled, pre-cocking the striker. In the event of a misfire, the system automatically transitions to a double-action mode, allowing a heavier second strike on the same round without manually cycling the slide. Trigger pull averages approximately 6.0 lbs as measured across multiple reviews, though some tested examples have shown lighter pulls around 4 lbs 11 oz. The G3 requires trigger pull for disassembly. Available in multiple frame colors including black, tan, and gray. The standard G3 retails at approximately $300 USD, making it one of the most affordable full-size 9mm pistols on the market. The G3 Tactical variant adds a threaded barrel (4.5 inches, 1/2x28 TPI), Cerakote finish, and T.O.R.O. optics mounting system at a higher price point. Taurus pistols are widely used by Brazilian law enforcement agencies due to domestic manufacturing requirements and cost-effectiveness. The company was originally founded as Forjas Taurus, a small tool manufacturer in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and acquired Beretta's Brazilian manufacturing facility in 1980, inheriting the tooling for the 92-series pistol.