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Our History

From humble beginnings and a commitment to achieving a vision often comes great success. Such was the case with Taurus Armas, S.A.—the parent company of Taurus firearms in the U.S. What started as a small pre-WWII machining operation founded as Forjas Taurus Ltda. (Taurus Forge) in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has now become one of the top five handgun manufacturers in the U.S. and one of the three largest small arms manufacturers in the world.

Since 1941, when Forjas Taurus created the company’s first revolver, the Model 38101SO, the company has steadily capitalized on newly available material and machining technologies as well as invested in the most valued resource of all—the recruitment and development of skilled local labor forces in both South America and in the United States. This forward-thinking, infrastructure-first approach to the design, engineering, manufacturing, and distribution of firearms has resulted in the company’s diverse portfolio of premium handguns, ISO 9001 certification, and has made Taurus a valued partner to the local communities in which the company enjoys operational and manufacturing bases.

Now, almost 80 years after manufacturing that first landmark revolver, Taurus stands as one of the major handgun brands in the world, with products serving professional defense forces, law enforcement, personal defense practitioners, competitive shooters, target shooters, and hunters alike. Furthermore, Taurus has earned coveted industry recognition with numerous accolades accepted for “Manufacturer of the Year”, “Handgun of the Year”, and “Golden Bullseye” awards from key industry associations and respected firearm media entities. In the last several years, especially, Taurus has further cemented its reputation for technology and design innovations with groundbreaking firearms such as the Judge, Taurus Curve, Taurus Spectrum, Taurus Raging Hunter, and the new Taurus TX22.

With a continual focus on the future and new ways to bring better products to consumers at competitive prices, Taurus announced in 2018 that it would relocate its U.S. manufacturing and business operations from Miami, Florida, where it had been located since 1982, to a new 200,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Bainbridge, Georgia. This move, completed in 2019, has provided the company with much-needed engineering and production expansion and further strengthened Taurus’ core manufacturing capabilities to meet ever-refining consumer expectations.

Bootstrap companies that successfully survive their early years tend to be the exceptions even in the best of circumstances. Those whose leaders and valued employees commit to a thoughtful, long view based on quality work and a consumer-first perspective are the ones with longevity counted not in years, but in generations. As Taurus moves toward its ninth decade of manufacturing excellence and innovation, the road ahead looks brighter than ever.

Taurus GX4™

2021
A level of distinction all its own.
With the introduction of our first-ever micro-compact 9mm, the all-new Taurus GX4™ boldly outclasses anything else in its class—reaching unprecedented new heights in concealed carry firearm engineering, ergonomics and innovation. On the outside, there can be no doubt that every streamlined inch of this rugged striker-fired semi-auto was meticulously crafted for EDC readiness and reliability. While a game-altering combination of full-sized capacity, accuracy and power resides within its ultra-concealable one-inch-wide reinforced frame. The exceptionally affordable Taurus GX4™ is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty and industry leading customer service for added peace of mind when it matters the most.

Bainbridge, Georgia

2019
After nearly four decades of operation in Miami, Florida, Taurus announces the relocation of its U.S. facility to Bainbridge, Georgia. The new 200,000-square-foot manufacturing center and corporate headquarters is designed to allow for greater expansion of the company’s engineering and production capabilities to meet the growing demand for Taurus firearms and elevated customer expectations.

Bainbridge, Grand Opening

2019
After months of anticipation, Taurus USA in Bainbridge is officially open, the multi-million dollar facility manufactures premium handguns. It’s bringing more than 300 new jobs to Decatur County. “We cannot rest on our laurels we got to continue to work and my administration is certainly committed to continuing to build on Georgia economical success,” said Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

TaurusTX™ 22

2019
From the short, smooth pull of its precision-designed Taurus Performance Trigger System (PTS) to the built-in comfort of its ergonomic grip, the TX22 is one performance-driven full size that’s ready to race. Right out of the box.
The most advanced 22LR rimfire pistol on the market is also the most versatile.

Taurus® G3

2019
THE START OF A NEW GENERATION
Available in 9mm Luger, the all-new Taurus® G3 comes in different models, offering consumer options in slide finish and magazine capacities.
The G3 continues the proven polymer-frame profile of the G2c but in a full-frame configuration. Highlights include generous stippling patches across the grip for maximum control and retention in any shooting condition, an ergonomic palm swell and side-frame Memory Pads that provide quick, positive, and repeatable hand positioning. The frame also incorporates an integrated Picatinny rail. A manual safety and slide release lever are optimally positioned above the thumb for easy manipulation.

Taurus Raging Hunter®

2018
Recognizing the demand for a dedicated big-game hunting handgun, Taurus introduces the Raging Hunter® revolver chambered in .44 Magnum.

Taurus Spectrum™

2017
Taurus brings the Taurus Spectrum™ to market. This .380 auto micro pistol breaks new ground in terms of firearm design and material construction with the incorporation of proprietary soft-touch polymers along the slide and grip.

Taurus increase manufacturing efficiency

2015
Believing that premium handgun performance can and should be available to consumers without the premium pricing so common in the industry, Taurus takes the bold move of streamlining its product lines to increase manufacturing efficiencies and to deliver lower price points while further boosting quality control.

Taurus introduces the Curve® .380 ACP

2015
Taurus introduces the Curve® .380 ACP pistol. This is a revolutionary handgun with an industry-first curved frame specifically developed for minimal “printing” while carrying concealed.

PT-111 Millennium G2

2013
Taurus releases the compact 9mm semi-auto called the PT-111 Millennium G2—a full-featured and reliable handgun ideally suited for concealed carry but at an industry-leading price point well below that of comparable-performing models.

Taurus Judge®

2006
The Judge®, a hybrid revolver developed as an extreme close-quarter defensive pistol, is introduced to a curious marketplace. This full-frame revolver comes in a dual .45 Colt/.410-gauge chamber, allowing the shooter to either shoot shotgun shells or revolver cartridges.

PT 1911

2005
Taurus introduces the Model PT 1911 in .45 ACP—the company’s first 1911-based handgun.

Taurus receives the ISO 9001

1999
Taurus receives the coveted and prestigious ISO 9001 manufacturing designation from the International Organization for Standardization in recognition of the company’s superior manufacturing and marketing practices. This makes Forjas Taurus one of two firearm companies in the world to achieve ISO 9001 certification.

PT-22 and PT-25 pistols

1991
Taurus begins manufacture of the PT-22 and PT-25 pistols. These are the first of many handguns to be developed in the United States

50 Years

1989
Taurus celebrates 50 years of quality firearm manufacturing. The 50th Anniversary recognition culminates in the company giving away a new 1990 Ford Taurus to a winning Taurus dealer from New Mexico.

Lifetime Repair Policy

1984
Taurus shows the ultimate commitment to its consumers and to confidence in its products by establishing the firearm industry’s first Lifetime Repair Policy. Taurus’ groundbreaking move has only recently been matched but never exceeded.

Miami, Florida

1982
Seeking to grow prominence in the American firearm market, Taurus creates an affiliate company based in Miami, Florida, to better meet U.S. gun owners’ needs and to establish a formative distributor network to put Taurus pistols in the hands of U.S. consumers.

Taurus purchases Beretta’s Sao Paulo operation

1980
Following Beretta’s completion of a contract to manufacture small arms for the Brazilian Army, Taurus purchases the entirety of Beretta’s Sao Paulo operation, including technical specifications, tooling, and machinery and acquires the company’s experienced work force. This acquisition lead to the development of the renowned PT-92 and PT99 9mm Taurus handguns.

Taurus is re-acquired

1977
Controlling interest of Taurus is re-acquired by the company principals, severing ties with the Smith & Wesson brand and initiating a diversified expansion program in handgun development and manufacturing.

Bangor Punta Corp

1970
American conglomerate company Bangor Punta Corp., then-owners of Smith & Wesson, purchases a controlling interest in Taurus. As sister companies, Taurus and S&W share technology, with both companies benefitting significantly from Taurus engineering and manufacturing advances.

Introduction to U.S. consumers

1968
Taurus pistols are introduced to U.S. consumers through a limited channel of America-based distributors.

Forjas Taurus

1941
Forjas Taurus (Taurus Forge), a small tool manufacturer in Porto Alegre, Brazil, produces the first Model 38101SO revolver, combining technology elements from Colt, Smith & Wesson, and select Spanish-manufactured handguns.