"We looked at the .380-carry segment of the market and wanted to address the needs of offering a concealed carry gun that is as comfortable as it is aesthetically pleasing," said Anthony Acitelli, CEO of Taurus. "Because of improved performance and new innovation within the personal and home-defense ammunition categories, the .380 ACP has become a formidable caliber to carry. This small package now packs a powerful punch with the Taurus Spectrum."
Taurus focused on several design elements in order to improve upon current offerings in the pocket-pistol market. First, the company tackled ergonomics. The company designed the Spectrum with a number of unique contours to allow the gun to better fit in users' hands, enabling a more secure grip. The extended magazine that comes with the gun holds seven rounds and features a finger groove to better aid in control.
"The industry has missed the mark on developing a micro pistol that melds ergonomics and usability that is safe and easy to manipulate," said Dusty Sroufe, director of Product Development. "Our desire at Taurus was to create a gun that is pleasant to shoot at the range as well as carry with confidence. The Taurus Spectrum is the complete package consumers are seeking."
The company also focused on recoil management, using soft-touch materials to improve retention. These materials are also removable, allowing consumers to add personal touches to their firearm. According to Taurus, the soft-touch material works in wet or dry conditions to provide a solid gripping surface and is not affected by heat or cold. To clean the material, simply use soap and water.
Taurus also incorporated the same soft-touch material into the slide in order to facilitate racking, doing away with traditional slide serrations. These slide inserts are also interchangeable for customization.
The company focused on the trigger as well. According to Taurus, the Spectrum trigger is a long, smooth pull that falls within the 7-9-pound range. It is a true double-action striker system. The action features a non-energized striker that has no initial load applied in cocking. For added safety, the company also incorporated a firing-pin block into the gun.
Other safety features include a simplified takedown procedure that requires no trigger pull for disassembly. Simply turn the takedown pin and separate the slide assembly from the frame. The gun also features a reversible magazine release.
Magazine capacity of the Taurus Spectrum is six rounds, seven with an extended magazine. Two magazines are included with the pistol. The gun features integrated low-profile sights that are part of the stainless-steel slide. The overall length of the Spectrum is 5.4 inches, while the height and width are 3.82 inches and 0.89 inch, respectively. Total unloaded weight is 10 ounces.
The Taurus Spectrum is available in standard and house color options. Standard color options include black, gray or white frames; black or gray overmolded color options and a black or stainless-steel slide. House colors come in the following options: black frame, flat dark earth overmold and black slide; white frame, cyan blue overmold and a stainless-steel slide and gray frame, mint overmold and black slide. Other special-edition colors will be released throughout 2017.
The suggested retail price for standard color options is $289, while house color options retail at a suggested price of $305.
