I’ve taken it upon myself to dive deep into Taurus handguns, mainly focusing on the Taurus G3C Vs Taurus G3.
My goal is to figure out which of these two stands out as the champion in the field.
Through rigorous testing and a bit of everyday carry, I aimed to see how these guns perform under pressure and in the hands of someone who appreciates a good firearm.
| Feature | Taurus G3 | Taurus G3c |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger | 9mm Luger |
| Action | Striker Double-Action (DA/SA) | Striker Double-Action (DA/SA) |
| Barrel Length | 4 inch | 3.2 inch |
| Overall Length | 7.28 inch | 6.3 inch |
| Weight | 24.83 oz (empty mag) | 22 oz (empty mag) |
| Width | 1.2 inch | 1.2 inch |
| Mag Capacity | 17+1 rounds (standard mag) | 12+1 rounds (standard mag) |
| Safety | Trigger safety + Manual frame safety | Trigger safety + Manual frame safety |
Overview of Taurus G3C
The Taurus G3C is the compact contender in this comparison. It’s designed with everyday carry in mind, combining portability with power in a sleek package.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Striker Double-Action (DA/SA)
- Weight (empty mag): 22 oz
- Overall Width: 1.2 inch
- Overall Length: 6.3 inch
- Barrel Length: 3.2 inch
- Magazine: Double stack
- Mag Capacity: 12+1 rounds (standard mag)
- Safety: Trigger safety + Manual frame safety
- MSRP: $340.00
Overview of Taurus G3
The Taurus G3 presents itself as the full-size brother, offering a bit more heft and a longer barrel for those who prefer a larger grip and potentially better accuracy at range.
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Action: Striker Double-Action (DA/SA)
- Weight (empty mag): 24.83 oz
- Overall Width: 1.2 inch
- Overall Length: 7.28 inch
- Barrel Length: 4 inch
- Magazine: Double stack
- Mag Capacity: 17+1 rounds (standard mag)
- Safety: Trigger safety + Manual frame safety
- MSRP: $340.00
Features Comparison of Taurus G3C VS Taurus G3
1. Size and Concealability
Taurus G3C
The G3C excels in its sleek, compact design, boasting a 3.2-inch barrel nestled within a 6.3-inch overall frame, making it the quintessential choice for concealed carry enthusiasts.
Weighing in at a mere 22 ounces, its lightness, coupled with the slim profile, offers unparalleled comfort and discretion.
During practical field tests, its ability to blend seamlessly under casual attire without compromising accessibility was noteworthy.
Taurus G3
The G3, with its robust 4-inch barrel extending to an overall length of 7.28 inches, steps into the arena with a larger stature that naturally demands more consideration when it comes to concealment strategies.
Its presence under lighter clothing is more discernible, which might require a bit more planning for those who prefer a discreet carry.
Nevertheless, during extensive wear, the G3’s balanced dimensions and thoughtful ergonomics still offer a respectable level of comfort and concealability, albeit with a slight compromise compared to its more compact counterpart.
Winner
In the arena of size and concealability, the G3C emerges as the undisputed champion.
Its meticulously engineered compactness affords the carrier an almost invisible carry profile, making it the superior choice for those who value discretion and comfort above all else.
The G3C’s design effectively bridges the gap between necessity and functionality, ensuring that it remains a steadfast ally in the concealed carry domain.
2. Range Performance and Accuracy
Taurus G3C
The compact nature of the G3C, while a boon for concealability, introduces
limitations in its range performance and accuracy over extended distances.
During testing, the firearm demonstrated respectable precision within close to mid-range scenarios, perfectly aligning with the anticipated use-case scenarios of a personal defense weapon.
However, as distances stretched, the reduced sight radius and barrel length began to impact its accuracy, a common trait among compact firearms.
Taurus G3
The G3’s extended 4-inch barrel and proportionally increased sight radius pave the way for superior accuracy and more gratifying range performance, especially noticeable at longer distances.
This full-sized platform allows for a more stable shooting posture, significantly reducing muzzle flip and enhancing shot-to-shot consistency.
My hands-on experience at the range showcased the G3’s adeptness in precision shooting, with its inherent stability and ergonomics contributing to tight groupings and an overall enhanced shooting experience.
The G3 distinguishes itself as a versatile performer, adept at handling a wider range of shooting activities with commendable precision.
Winner
When evaluating range performance and accuracy, the G3 stands out as the clear victor. Its thoughtful integration of a longer barrel and optimized sight radius directly translates to improved accuracy and a more satisfying shooting experience at extended ranges.
The G3’s design considerations cater to those who prioritize precision and versatility in their shooting pursuits, marking it as the preferred choice for range enthusiasts and competitive shooters alike.
3. Ergonomics and Handling
Taurus G3C
The G3C’s ergonomic design is tailored for intuitive handling and rapid deployment, making it exceptionally user-friendly in high-stress situations.
Its compact frame ensures swift maneuverability, while the stippled grip provides a secure hold, minimizing slippage even in adverse conditions.
This agility is further complemented by a balanced weight distribution, which facilitates quick, accurate shots and seamless transitions between targets.
Taurus G3
The G3, with its full-size stature, offers an ergonomic advantage that caters to a broad spectrum of shooters. The larger grip area accommodates a full-handed grasp, enhancing control and reducing fatigue during prolonged shooting sessions.
This added stability is a boon for accuracy and recoil management, allowing shooters to maintain focus and precision over extended periods.
Winner
There is a tie between the G3C and G3 in terms of ergonomics and handling, culminating in a tie, with each model showcasing distinct advantages tailored to their intended use cases.
The G3C’s design excels in providing a compact, agile platform for quick engagements and concealed carry, while the G3’s full-size frame offers enhanced stability
4. Trigger Feel and Response
Taurus G3C
The G3C’s trigger system offers a smooth pull with a clean break, which I found to be quite responsive during testing.
Its shorter travel and reset are ideal for rapid fire situations, enhancing quick follow-up shots. The 4.5 lb trigger pull is consistent, contributing to the gun’s overall reliability and precision in close-quarters scenarios.
Taurus G3
The G3 features a slightly heavier trigger pull compared to the G3C, but it’s equally smooth and predictable. This characteristic provides a sense of control and precision, especially important in a full-size handgun.
During my range sessions, the trigger’s performance was impressive, allowing for accurate and controlled shots.
Winner
Both the Taurus G3C and G3 exhibit excellent trigger feel and response, each tailored to the gun’s specific design and purpose.
The G3C’s trigger excels in quick, responsive action suitable for its compact size, whereas the G3’s trigger offers controlled, precise feedback fitting for its full-size frame. Your preference might vary depending on usage, making this a tie, with each model excelling in its own right.
Pros & Cons of Taurus G3C
Pros
- Highly concealable and compact
- Smooth trigger with quick reset
- Excellent ergonomics for a small frame
Cons
- Limited range performance compared to larger models
- Smaller capacity without extended magazines
Pros & Cons of Taurus G3
Pros
- Superior range performance and accuracy
- Full-size grip enhances control and comfort
- Higher capacity standard magazine
Cons
- More challenging to conceal than compact models
- Slightly heavier, impacting long-duration carry comfort
Similarities between Taurus G3C & Taurus G
- Both are striker-fired semi-auto centerfires.
- Caliber: 9mm Luger for both models.
- Features both manual and trigger safety mechanisms.
- Double-action operation.
- Stippled polymer frame for improved grip.
- Steel sights with serrated rear and white-dot front.
Differences between Taurus G3C & Taurus G3
- G3C is more compact and lighter than the G3.
- G3 has a longer barrel (4 inches) compared to G3C (3.2 inches).
- G3 offers a higher capacity (17+1) standard magazine versus G3C (12+1).
- Overall length: G3C is shorter at 6.3 inches, G3 is 7.28 inches.
- G3C is designed for ease of concealment; G3 is a full-size model better suited for range use and home defense.
- Weight: G3 is heavier at 24.83 oz unloaded, compared to G3C’s 22 oz.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and consideration of both the Taurus G3C and Taurus G3, it’s time to draw a conclusion.
Each model showcased its strengths in specific areas, making the decision a matter of personal preference and intended use.
However, one model slightly edged out the other in terms of versatility and overall performance. My choice as the winner in this comparison is the Taurus G3.
FAQs
What is the difference between Taurus G3 and Taurus G3c?
The main difference is size and capacity; the G3c is a more compact version of the G3, designed for easier concealment.
What does the C stand for in Taurus G3c?
The “C” in G3c stands for compact, indicating it’s the more compact variant of the Taurus G3.
What’s the difference between Taurus G3 and G3X?
The G3X combines the full-size frame and capacity of the G3 with the shorter barrel of the G3c, offering a mix of both models’ features.
