Handguns

In the February 1995 issue, we tested a quartet of 45-caliber semi-autos, two of which had significant drawbacks, our shooters said. In this installment of Gun Tests Classics, we revisit the winner of that test, a Taurus PT-945, and see if its current used pricing makes it a still-valid recommendation for today’s shooters. Here’s a quick recap of the losers in that test:

Offering custom treatments on revolvers is a tradition among wheelgun manufacturers. In fact, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Taurus all produce custom-shop variants of popular models. These gun receive extra fitting handwork, along with premium finishes and tuned actions. Many are also tweaked for a specific task, such as everyday carry (EDC), competition, or a viable choice as a fancy BBQ gun. We acquired three revolvers given such glam and performance makeovers at the factory:

Offering custom treatments on revolvers is a tradition among wheelgun manufacturers. In fact, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Taurus all produce custom-shop variants of popular models. These gun receive extra fitting handwork, along with premium finishes and tuned actions. Many are also tweaked for a specific task, such as everyday carry (EDC), competition, or a viable choice as a fancy BBQ gun. We acquired three revolvers given such glam and performance makeovers at the factory:

Offering custom treatments on revolvers is a tradition among wheelgun manufacturers. In fact, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Taurus all produce custom-shop variants of popular models. These gun receive extra fitting handwork, along with premium finishes and tuned actions. Many are also tweaked for a specific task, such as everyday carry (EDC), competition, or a viable choice as a fancy BBQ gun. We acquired three revolvers given such glam and performance makeovers at the factory:

Pocket pistols and pocket carry are controversial for some shooters who think smaller handguns just aren’t enough in terms of capacity and presentation. One of our raters is trained in public safety and feels that even well into retirement age, he should carry a handgun capable of taking on personal threats, gangs, and even active shooters with enough rounds of a suitable chambering like 9mm Luger or above. Another rater feels that the pocket 380 Auto is a great carry piece that goes anywhere, anytime without a lot of fuss. He states that situational awareness and avoidance have served him well, and he simply isn’t going to get into a situation that demands a larger gun.

Pocket pistols and pocket carry are controversial for some shooters who think smaller handguns just aren’t enough in terms of capacity and presentation. One of our raters is trained in public safety and feels that even well into retirement age, he should carry a handgun capable of taking on personal threats, gangs, and even active shooters with enough rounds of a suitable chambering like 9mm Luger or above. Another rater feels that the pocket 380 Auto is a great carry piece that goes anywhere, anytime without a lot of fuss. He states that situational awareness and avoidance have served him well, and he simply isn’t going to get into a situation that demands a larger gun.

The typical 380 Auto pistol has evolved from compact guns like the Walther PPK/S and Beretta 84 to subcompact pistols like the Glock G42 and Ruger LCP. A few manufacturers, such as Kimber, SIG, and Springfield Armory, shrunk their 1911 designs, too, and retrofitted these guns in 380 Auto. With most of these guns there is a compromise. If you wanted a more compact concealed-carry gun, the trade-off is a harder-to-operate and tougher-to-shoot pistol with limited-capacity single-stack magazines.