Taurus 738 TCP .380 Auto
Model: 1-738031FS
Taurus 738 TCP .380 Auto
Model: 1-738031FS
Full Specifications
About This Firearm
The Taurus 738 TCP was one of the lightest .380 pistols ever mass-produced at just 10.2 oz unloaded. Taurus manufactured the 738 TCP in Brazil, with Taurus USA handling distribution and warranty service through their Miami, Florida facility. Production ran from roughly 2009 to 2018, competing directly with the original Ruger LCP in the ultra-light pocket gun market. The TCP uses a double-action-only hammer-fired mechanism with a smooth 5 lb trigger pull, a loaded chamber indicator, and the Taurus Security System lock.
At 5.25" overall and 0.87" wide, the TCP fits in a front jeans pocket. The 2.84" barrel and 6+1 capacity put it in the same class as the Ruger LCP II, but the TCP undercuts the LCP II by 0.4 oz. Owners report the DAO trigger is long but consistent, without the staging or wall that striker-fired guns provide. The low-profile fixed sights are vestigial at best.
This is a discontinued gun, so buyers are looking at used inventory or remaining dealer stock. The TCP earned a mixed reputation: some owners ran thousands of rounds without issues, while others reported feed problems with hollow-point ammunition. A thorough function check with carry ammo is mandatory before trusting any TCP for self-defense.
Best For
Strengths & Limitations
- At 10.2 oz, the TCP is slightly heavier than the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 (9.8 oz) and the original Ruger LCP (9.6 oz), but lighter than the Ruger LCP II (10.6 oz). The trade-off for the modest extra weight over the lightest pocket .380s is the TCP's price-point and broader holster aftermarket from Taurus's volume manufacturing.
- The 5 lb DAO trigger is lighter than most hammer-fired pocket guns in this size. The pull is long but smooth, with no stacking at the end according to owner reports.
- Discontinued since approximately 2018. Replacement magazines, parts, and factory service are increasingly difficult to source. The Ruger LCP II and LCP MAX are both current production and fill the same role.
- Multiple owner reports describe feeding failures with certain hollow-point loads. Ball ammunition runs reliably, but a pocket gun that chokes on defensive ammo is a serious liability.
- The Taurus Security System lock, which uses a key to disable the firing mechanism, has been criticized by owners as a potential failure point. Some report the lock engaging under recoil, though Taurus disputes this.
Category Rankings
How the Taurus 738 TCP .380 Auto ranks among subcompact .380 Auto handguns.
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Alternatives to Consider
Similar subcompact .380 Auto handguns ranked by similarity.
| NAME | BEST PRICE |
|---|---|
|
Ruger LCP II .380 Auto
Ruger
|
— |
|
Glock G42 .380 Auto
Glock
|
— |
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Kimber Micro .380 Auto
Kimber
|
— |
|
Ruger LCP MAX .380 Auto
Ruger
|
— |
|
Sig Sauer P365-380 .380 Auto
Sig Sauer
|
— |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Taurus 738 TCP still worth buying used?
It depends on condition and round count. A TCP that has been well-maintained and proven reliable with your chosen carry ammo is still a functional pocket gun. The risk is parts availability: magazines, recoil springs, and other wear items are getting harder to find since Taurus discontinued the model around 2018. The Ruger LCP MAX is the closest current-production equivalent with better capacity (10+1 vs 6+1) in a similar footprint.
What ammunition works best in the Taurus 738 TCP?
Owners report the TCP runs most reliably with ball ammunition (FMJ). Several owner forums document feeding issues with certain hollow-point profiles, particularly wide-mouth designs. If carrying for self-defense, test your chosen hollow-point load through at least 100 rounds without a malfunction before trusting it. Hornady Critical Defense and Federal Hydra-Shok are among the loads owners report the fewest issues with.
