taurus g3c t.o.r.o. Msrp: $409

Taurus keeps firmly abreast of the trends by releasing it's optic-ready sub-compact 9MM. We didn't include the Taurus G3c T.O.R.O. in the Ruger/SA cheat sheet because it's not in the same compactness and low-weight camp as either of those sub-compact pistols. It's primary advantage over the all-American brands is it's price point - it's simply more affordable for those of us who need to save up our lunch money every time we want to make a firearm purchase. Despite being a little heavier, larger and thicker than the MAX-9/Hellcat, it's loaded up with most of the same features: optic ready, manual safety, 10 or 12 rounds (depending on your State laws), accessory rail (Ruger doesn't have this), loaded chamber indicator (the others have an inspection port), re-strike capability and steel alloy slide over a polymer frame. They ice the cake by giving you three mags in the box versus the two mags provided by Ruger and SA. Both Ruger and Taurus might benefit by offering a threaded barrel version, or an adapter that provides threading as used by Ruger's SR22. But all that aside, Taurus' extra heft and dimensions will provide a more secure grip for larger-handed folks looking for an optic-ready micro-9 pistol and the G3 line has garnered favorable reviews from most who've test driven it. This from the Taurus WEBSITE:

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). 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.. The new Taurus G3c builds on the proven foundation that has made the compact G-series among the most popular personal defense/EDC handguns ever while advancing function, reliability, and durability to the next level. Furthermore, the G3c enters the market at a price point that continues the Taurus G-series handguns' industry leading cost-to-performance ratio. All the features of the original striker-fired full-size. Now available in an EDC-friendly compact frame. The all-new Taurus® G3c delivers the ultimate balance of power and performance for any self-defense situation.

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