Firearm: Taurus G3 TORO (MSRP: $449.65)
If you’ve been thinking about getting a red-dot ready pistol, but aren’t really sure if it’s a good fit, there are many options available that offer multiple optic compatibility. One of the more recent versions is the TORO lineup from Taurus, with both full size and compact models available. The full-size G3 we have today has a 4-inch barrel, offers up to 17+1 round capacity and weighs 24.8 ounces.
Let’s dive into the TORO part right off. There’s a standard cover plate that removes to reveal a milled slide with two sets of screw holes to accommodate a variety of optics. Four plates match up with Docter, RMR, C-More and DeltaPoint optics and those that share footprints. Three sets of screws are provided to attach your optic to the slide. Be aware on the screws, though, because they use tiny allen-head that are super easy to strip if you’re not careful. The plates are metal and contain a cutout that matches a raised section on the slide for positive engagement. It’s well done, and had Torx T10 screws been used I’d say this is perfect.
Striker-fired, the G3 has Taurus’ “second strike” capability, where the trigger can be pulled a second time on a round that fails to ignite. While it’s not a traditional double-action system like the Beretta 92, the second-strike feature is analogous – should the G3’s striker fail to ignite the round, the trigger can be pulled again, obviously with a heavier pull. Naturally, the standard tap-rack-assess failure drill can also be employed, and should be second-nature if you practice with a standard striker-fired pistol.
While the G3 is considered full size compared to the G3C, it’s really more of a mid-size or even compact – the flush fit magazine holds 15 rounds, which allows all three fingers of the firing hand to contact the grip, but just barely for those with larger hands. The 17-round magazine extends slightly and has a sleeve that allows full support for the strong-hand pinkie finger regardless of hand size. It’s more in line, size-wise, with the M&P Compact or G19, so it’s definitely suitable for concealed-carry.
Holster: Kinetic Concealment Combo Kit (MSRP: $86.95)
We were pleasantly surprised to find offerings from Kinetic Concealment for the Taurus G3. It can often be challenging to find a fit for a pistol that’s not a Glock, M&P or P320, and often entails a bit of internet sleuthing (and begging) to find options. The Combo Kit from Kinetic Concealment offers the same leather/kydex hybrid for both inside- and outside the waistband and is available for the Taurus G3, G3C and their optics-ready counterparts.
Converting the Combo from inside- to outside-the-waistband or the reverse simply requires removing four screws and attaching the kydex shell to the intended leather backer. The outside-the-waistband backer is minimalist and keeps the unit tight to the body, while the inside-the-waistband backer contains a sweatguard and clips that allow the unit to be tucked in. It’s a lot of utility for the money.
Optic: Bushnell RXS-100 (MSRP: $99.99)
I’ve got to say, the Bushnell RXS-100 red-dot sight was a big surprise. When you see an MSRP less than $100, let’s just say you don’t have the highest of expectations. That, however, was not the case with the RXS-100 – it has a crisp 4-MOA dot, aluminum housing and top-mounted battery access, all features you’d expect on a dot two to three times that price. There’s even a Picatinny rail mount for the RXS-100 should you want to put it on a carbine or shotgun.
The RXS-100 uses the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint to mount to slides, so getting it installed should be relatively straightforward. It has 8 brightness settings controlled by easy-to-access controls, runs on a single CR2032 battery and has a claimed battery life of 5,000 hours on setting 5. Since the battery sits in a slot on the side of the RXS-100, there’s no need to remove the unit to change the battery. All for less than $100!
