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Taurus G3C 9mm
9mm Luger • Taurus

Taurus G3C 9mm

Model: 1-G3C931

12
CAPACITY
3.2"
BARREL
1.4
LBS
Semi-Auto
ACTION
9mm Luger
CALIBER
$305
MSRP

Full Specifications

Action Type Semi-Auto
Trigger Striker-Fired
Trigger Pull 6.0 lbs
Safety Manual Safety, Trigger Safety, Striker Block, Loaded Chamber Indicator
Optic Ready No
Magazines Included 3
Overall Length 6.3"
Barrel Length 3.2"
Height 5.1"
Width 1.2"
Weight 22.0 oz (1.38 lbs)
Frame Material Polymer
Slide Material Alloy Steel
Slide Finish Tenifer Matte Black
Twist Rate 1:10"
Grip Type Polymer
Country of Origin Brazil

About This Firearm

The Taurus G3C ships with three magazines, a manual safety, a loaded chamber indicator, and a Picatinny rail in a 22 oz frame holding 12 rounds. The 3.2" barrel is the shortest in the compact 9mm class, and the 6 lb striker trigger has noticeable creep before a soft break. Taurus fixed the quality control problems that plagued their older models, and the G3C runs reliably with modern defensive ammunition. The Tenifer slide finish holds up better than basic black oxide.

The 12-round capacity is 3 rounds less than the 15-round standard set by the Glock G19 Gen5 and Springfield Hellcat Pro. The sights are basic drift-adjustable white dots without tritium or fiber optics. No optics-ready version exists. The G3C is the compact 9mm for shooters whose primary constraint is what they can spend right now. Three magazines in the box means no immediate need to buy spares, and the money left over goes toward ammunition and a decent holster, which matters more than slide serrations or a match-grade barrel.

Best For

GOOD
First Handgun
Three magazines ship in the box, so new shooters can practice reloads immediately. The manual safety adds a training-wheel control layer. The 22 oz weight is light enough for all-day carry while the 12+1 capacity covers realistic defensive scenarios. Simple striker operation is easy to learn.
GOOD
Defensive Carry
At 6.3" overall and 22 oz, it conceals in an IWB holster under a t-shirt. The loaded chamber indicator confirms status by touch without press-checking. The manual safety is optional to use. Holster availability has grown significantly as the G3C's popularity increased.
FAIR
Range Training
The 6 lb trigger with creep will not build the same precision habits as the Canik METE SFT's lighter, crisper pull. Basic white-dot sights are adequate for fundamentals. Three magazines reduce time spent reloading during practice sessions. The gun works for learning, but better triggers exist.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths
  • Three magazines included in the box when the Glock G19 Gen5 and Sig P320 Compact ship with two, saving an immediate accessory purchase
  • Loaded chamber indicator, manual safety, trigger safety, and striker block provide four distinct safety mechanisms in one gun
  • The Tenifer slide finish resists corrosion and holster wear better than the basic black oxide found on some competitors
Limitations
  • The 6 lb trigger has noticeable creep and a soft break compared to the Ruger Security-9's crisper pull at similar weight
  • 12-round capacity is 3 rounds less than the 15-round standard from the Glock G19 Gen5, Springfield Hellcat Pro, and most modern compacts

Category Rankings

How the Taurus G3C 9mm ranks among compact 9mm Luger handguns.

Capacity
#15 of 18
Top 83%
12 rds
Weight
#5 of 18
Top 28%
1.4 lbs
Barrel
#17 of 18
Top 94%
3.2"
Trigger Pull
#16 of 18
Top 89%
6.0 lbs
MSRP
#1 of 18
Top 6%
$305
Overall Length
#1 of 18
Top 6%
6.3"

Compatible Ammunition

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Where to Buy

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Alternatives to Consider

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Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro OSP 9mm
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Glock G19 Gen5 9mm
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Frequently Asked Questions

Has Taurus fixed the quality control issues from their older guns?

The G3C is widely regarded as a turning point for Taurus quality. Owner reports and published reviews consistently describe it as reliable with factory ammunition. The older PT111 and PT709 had documented feeding and firing pin issues that the G3 platform addressed. Running quality defensive ammunition and keeping the gun clean eliminates most reported malfunctions.

What is the break-in period for the Taurus G3C?

Taurus does not specify a formal break-in period. Most owners report the gun runs reliably from the first box of ammunition. Some early G3C units had stiff magazine springs that made loading the last 2 rounds difficult. This loosens after loading and unloading the magazines a few dozen times. Running 200 rounds of varied ammunition through the gun before relying on it for carry is a reasonable practice for any new firearm.